Our topic today is somewhat frivolous, it will not have rules and boring tables. Let's talk about that special form of language or profanity, which is called slang. In absolutely any language there are terms that are not in textbooks, decent books and films.

It has been proven that jargon existed and exists at any time, is constantly changing and is closely related to the social or age group where it is used. This is most often a youth language, since it is young people who isolate themselves from the world of adults and create their own world, with their own laws and even language. But very quickly such words break out of the youth group and become ubiquitous.

Our task today is to understand the peculiarities of modern English and whether we need to know youth slang at all, is it not enough just to master grammar and colloquial speech? We do not recommend showing off your knowledge of these words to strangers, you may be misunderstood

Slang is not a fashion, but a product of life

If so many studies on youth slang and dictionaries have been published today, does it mean that someone still needs it? Or maybe, if necessary, only young people?

Judge for yourself: you rotate in the youth environment, for example, you teach English at school. But there is no understanding between you and the students, everything is limited to questions and answers, your irritability and the mockery of the students. Maybe they won’t stick a piece of paper with an offensive inscription on your back and they won’t put buttons on a chair, but still you periodically hear incomprehensible words thrown into the trail, and sometimes chuckles, right? And this brings you out even more, fills you with suspicion and misanthropy.

Well, what if you, instead of insults, suddenly once screwed some slang word into a dialogue with a student, or simply reacted correctly to their “Albanian”, making it clear that you know him? Can you imagine what kind of silence would hang in the classroom and how schoolchildren would respect you? This does not mean that you will allow familiarity, and henceforth you will pour these words, forgetting about the subject (what kind of teacher are you then?) But the students will definitely stop considering you an “old galosh”.

History reference:

As you know, even A. S. Pushkin used slang, and in comparison with him, any "English" slang will seem like baby talk.

N. G. Pomyalovsky in the book “Essays of the Bursa”, spoke about the use of slang ... in the theological seminary of St. Petersburg of the century before last. Here are the words used by future clergymen:

• bursa - seminary
• to fund - to treat
• fiducia - enterprise
• cool - comrade
• shtram kula - a good friend

Of course, today such words are deeply archaic.

Youth slang is constantly changing and is closely related to the history and culture of the country. It often occurs where there is a protest youth movement against something.

The main sources of our youth slang

The main language sources of American slang: american slang

• immigrants
• beatniks, tramps, hippies
• drug addicts, underworld
• army, navy
• business
• students, pupils, teenagers
• jazz and cutting edge music
• sports (American football, baseball, etc.)
• Hollywood movies

As you can see, the origins of modern Russian slang and English are somewhat different. Our slang can be called more cultural, it is mixed with proverbs and verbal puns. I really liked these "alterations":

• God once sent a piece of cheese to Voronezh...
• Posner is better than never!
• We were born to make Kafka come true!

Believe me, if we were brought up on the "great" and "mighty", and the origins of our obscenities originate from Pushkin's poetry itself, then is it really impossible for us to overcome English slang?

Grammatical features of English slang

The differences between English grammar and spoken language, you can immediately feel when you arrive in an English-speaking country. Such abbreviations can be considered elements of slang:

• gonna- going to
• wanna - want to
• Ama - I'm
• Yep, ye-yes
• Dis-this
• U - you
• Dunno - don't know
• cause-because

And many words can have both ordinary and slang meanings. For example, these words:

• cool - cool, fresh - cool, cool
• to bless you - bless you - be healthy (after sneezing)

In this article, you will not see familiar grammar rules on how to correctly form a slang expression. Slang has no grammar, it is a kind of denial of any norms of grammar. And yet, you must write and use the slang dialect correctly if you have already decided on it, otherwise you risk using a word that is completely different in meaning and you will find yourself in a situation that is funny or not very good for you.

When writing and speaking, be careful!

Surprisingly, sometimes just one letter can change the meaning of a word in a language. So, adding the letter -s to an innocent particle - as(how) turns a particle into an insult

For comparison: if to the Russian particle - how add one letter, then something will also turn out :-), not so terrible, true, but similar in meaning.

So when you write, be careful! One letter can ruin everything. Also, if you speak slowly, and even whistle on the letter -s, it is better to avoid revolutions where this particle -as is present.

Another tip: when describing someone's appearance in English, also look first into the modern slang dictionary, remember how to make elementary sentences, as well as a cartoon " Who will praise me the most."

Remember? Girl, you have big eyes (big eyes)- Beautiful, is not it? Further - big ears(big ears) - well, that's all right. But say in English tongue twister (and even without any -have /has) big mouth(big mouth) is fraught, since bigmouth they mean: Chatterbox, yap.

And we will speak better in Russian! - you decide, and again you will not guess. This will not relieve you of the need to know some elements of local youth slang, since some Russian words are similar to English curses. For example, never say "bananas" loudly on the street if you are in America: bananas translated crazy!

In no case do not brag in the English youth campaign that you learned the language from the famous, world-famous Bonk textbook. Cause an avalanche of laughter, because bonk They have one well-known obscene word.

Useful information for travelers

But in English there are also slang words that sound similar to Russian ones:

• bastard - illegitimate, bastard
• gaga - dumbfounded, eccentric
• tits - chest

There are also words that have migrated from English slang to us and do not require translation:

• baby - baby
• cop - cop, policeman
• fake - to tease, to fool
• cash down - money for a barrel
• zero cool - super, cool

Here are some more relatively harmless words and expressions of modern English slang:

British and Americans often do not understand each other

It is necessary to distinguish between English and American slang. Some words and phrases in England mean one thing, but in America they mean something completely different. There are many funny stories about how people get into trouble by not using local terms correctly.
Slang? Chief. The English are generally extremely polite people, and usually, if they use slang, then by the meaning you can guess what they are talking about. Whether business cheerful Americans, at them even the word sorry does not always mean an apology. If an Englishman will apologize to you thousands of times for every little thing, then do not expect this from an American. They are quite simple people in communication and are not used to manners, so if you suddenly hear that they say sorry to you, then do not rush to rejoice: it is quite possible that you violated something, and there is a policeman in front of you

Here are the meanings of some words:

Here are some fun examples.

In order to learn how to speak youth slang, you need to learn the most common words and expressions from the dictionary of slang or jargon, hear their pronunciation live. Do not use dubious "samizdat" with unscrupulous translation when the works of famous linguists have been published on this topic. Yes, yes, it would seem, some kind of jargon, and scientists were involved in order to qualify it.

I think you are convinced that in order to know and use the terms of youth slang, you need to be a literate person. This is not a contradiction. If you decide to learn English slang first, and only then grammar, you will look ridiculous and ridiculous: you know, you don’t know anything, but you swear like a shoemaker. It is unlikely that you will command respect even among the youth. For them, this is their lifestyle, but for you, clowning and attempts to "cling" to the young. Slang, after all, must also be masterfully mastered. Therefore, first grammar, and only then leave youth slang for a snack.

There is nothing worse than when a non-native speaker tries to speak in slang. What for?

It can be funny at best, annoying at worst.

Slang needs to be mastered in exactly the same way as other speech styles, and it is even more important to know when and with whom to use it.

Avoid using harsh vulgar words when you can find similar but milder expressions. Remember that swearing and slang are two different things, and today using blatant swearing is a sign of bad taste.

Today, slang is used in politics and art. You don't have to go far: almost every American film today contains slang expressions, and the famous animated series "South Park" has broken all records in terms of the amount of obscene language. In the stands, in newspapers, on TV, they are also not shy in expressions. Today, Americans themselves are protesting against such an abundance of dirty speech in their lives.

So what have we learned about English slang:

• this is an important part of the language and you need to know it
• it should be used only as needed and give preference to non-rigid forms
• priority should be on the side of grammar (first learn the language itself, and only then slang)
• English and American slang are different
• it must be taught according to modern youth slang dictionaries, and not from dubious sources.

4 Votes: 3,75 out of 5)

Do I need to learn English slang? We think that every language learner would like to know the answer to this question. Today we will tell you what types of slang exist, who should learn it, and who does not need to burden themselves with extra work. And for those who decide to learn fashionable expressions, we will give some tips to help you learn slang.

What types of slang are distinguished?

1. Abbreviations

Is it worth learning English slang to look cool? Find out from the article. Abbreviations of words are often referred to as slang. This category of expressions is worth knowing for every English learner. They are used in almost all films, books, songs. These words are completely harmless, for example: wanna (want to), lotsa (lot of), yep (yes), etc.

2. Bright youth expressions

This category includes all the words used by young (and not so young) people in informal speech. The expressions are quite simple, they can be safely used in a conversation. An exception is a formal setting: business negotiations, conferences, interviews, etc. An example of slang expressions: posh (chic, pretentious), wicked (cool, excellent, cool). However, even these expressions should be handled very carefully: they can simultaneously have the opposite meaning. We recommend that when studying expressions, look at all the meanings in the dictionary and draw a conclusion: is it worth using this word.

3. Swear words

How to get rid of English-speaking friends? Very simple: learn words from this category, and no one will want to communicate with you in English. We will not give examples: the Internet is teeming with all sorts of "reference books for those who like to quarrel." But if you really want to say a bad word, we recommend softening it a little. Watch this video: a native speaker will tell you how to swear... without swearing.

4. Abbreviations

Do I need to learn English slang?

Let's start with the fact that slang is not an easy thing, it is constantly changing, new expressions appear, and the old ones die off as unnecessary. In addition, each city may have its own set of popular expressions. However, there are also the most common words that various online slang dictionaries offer us. We will talk about the need to study them.

Who Should Learn English Slang

• Those who are going to move for permanent residence in an English-speaking country. In this case, it makes sense to improve your knowledge with the help of lessons with a native speaker. He will tell you what vocabulary is customary to use, what to refrain from, and what is hopelessly outdated.
• People who want to communicate with foreigners in an informal setting. It is desirable for you, if not to use, then at least to know the most popular words in order to understand the speech of the interlocutor.
• Students of foreign universities. Slang is the language of youth. You should become familiar with common slang words in order to understand your peers. Be sure, in any case, during your studies, your stock of slang expressions will be significantly replenished.
• Fans of modern films, songs, shows, books in English. Many authors, not a bit embarrassed, build almost their entire "masterpiece" on slang. Therefore, adherents of trendy creations willy-nilly will have to learn some words for their own convenience.
• For those about to take the exam. You do not need to use slang words, but you may come across such words while listening to texts or reading, so we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most commonly used expressions in order to be fully equipped.
• Those who want to develop diversified. Any language is a rather complex structure, consisting of a formal and an informal part. Slang is an essential attribute of any language. No need to think that "street" expressions are necessarily swear words. Quite decent expressions, abbreviations of words that facilitate their pronunciation, abbreviations used in correspondence via SMS or in chat are often called slang. Slang is the most "tasty" thing in the language, something that allows you to understand the culture and the objective reality of people.

Slang is desirable to know, but not in all situations can be used.

Who doesn't need to learn slang

• children. Yes, teenagers can and will be interested in learning a few buzzwords. However, please note: many slang words are indecent, and it is unlikely that a child should learn them.
• Beginners. If you have just started learning English from scratch, you do not need to fill your head with youth buzzwords. Learn what the teacher advises you: you can do without slang, but not without basic words.
• People preparing for an interview. We think that in the conditions of accelerated preparation for an interview in English, you will not have a desire to learn “street” vocabulary. And if it nevertheless arose, we advise you to abandon this idea and read the useful article "".
• Those who study business English for business communication. It is not necessary for you to know slang and even harmful: in a stressful situation, you can accidentally use an inappropriate expression.
• For those who learn English for travel. You will need a standard set of phrases with which you will communicate with the locals. Native speakers will not torment a foreigner with an abundance of slang words. And besides, do not forget that slang can be different in different territories.

How to learn slang in English?

If you find yourself in the category of people who should learn slang expressions, you need to act. We want to give some practical recommendations on how to learn the "language of the street" correctly and quickly.

1. Use an up-to-date reference

First you need to find the reference material from which you will take expressions to study slang words. It is better if it is an online directory: information is updated there the fastest. The following resources can be recommended:

• Englishclub.com - English-English slang dictionary. For each word there is an example of use in context, a history of the origin of the expression, as well as a mini-test with which you can check how correctly you understood the expression.
• Learnamericanenglishonline.com - A dictionary of American slang with examples of usage.
• Englishdaily is another good guide to English slang, with definitions, usage examples, etymologies and synonyms for the expression.
• Audio-class.ru is a Russian-language resource, quite complete and understandable. However, only the translation of the expression into Russian is given. Can be used in conjunction with the above English resources.

2. Use the right techniques for learning and repeating words

To remember any word, including slang, you need to find the best way to learn it. Use one of the word learning techniques suggested in the article "". After that, do not forget to repeat the acquired knowledge. To do it right, check out the article "". From it you will learn unusual effective repetition techniques.

3. Use slang in speech

Try to use in conversation or in writing all the words that you want to remember. You can write short stories or just make up sentences with the learned expression, and then retell them. And yet, slang is an attribute of oral speech, so it’s better to find yourself an interlocutor with whom you can consolidate knowledge. Is it difficult to find a partner? Then use the tips from the article " The right combination of slang with classic English will allow you to say "cool" and beautifully. On the site englishclub.com you can subscribe to useful mailing lists "Word of the day", "Idiom of the day", "Phrase verb of the day", "Slang of the day". Take advantage of this opportunity: every day you will be sent 1 informative letter. It is convenient and time saving.

So, we hope that with the help of our article you have decided whether you should learn slang in English and which of its types should be chosen. However, in the end, we want to warn you against the excessive use of slang: in the eyes of native speakers, a foreigner who expresses himself will seem rather uncultured than "advanced". Learn classical English and amaze everyone with the right beautiful speech. Good luck!

English slang is mainly spread by teenagers, as it is in any country and in any other language. So, if we want to keep up with the times, our task is to listen to teenage jargon.

Not all dictionaries can find a translation of these buzzwords. However, they often slip into, in movies, social networks and other media.

Where can you hear English slang

Technology is helping to spread new trends in language, especially when it comes to teenage slang. You would have to spend a lot of time interacting with teenagers to understand all the new English slang.

And then, you have to be very lucky to hear this jargon in the conversation of teenagers, since they do not talk like that to adults, most of them would die of embarrassment if adults spoke to them like that.

Popularity -ism because people like to invent new words to add humorous notes to speech. For example, if your friend Sarah always uses the same expression when she is happy, you could call this expression "Sara-ism".

Linked to each other by social networks, teenagers quickly spread their slang around the world. They are always at the forefront, language and jargon are no exception. A language can't move forward without culture and without teenagers who are just completely — point(simply perfect) broadcast English slang around the globe.

Below are some examples of the best slang expressions used by teenagers in both conversations and text messages. More words can be found on the website Urbandictionary.com.

So, English slang used by teenagers in 2016.

on point

This slang expression means something well made, of high quality, impeccable. The expression may come from the ballet stand "on pointe", or on the tips of the toes.

On Fleek

Just like the previous one, this term is another way to describe something very close to perfection, especially in the eyes of teenagers of course. You can also use fleekin or fleeking .

Basic

This adjective is used to describe something typical, ordinary, ordinary. Suitable for describing the appearance of girls, women.

obvi

Maybe once in a store you heard a conversation between teenagers and thought: “do they really speak English?” Well, yes, it is! And "obvi", which you didn't understand, is a lazy variant from obviously.

turnt

This expression can be used both as a verb and as an adjective. turn up used as a verb. turnt it is an adjective form. This means being intoxicated after using drugs or alcohol. Of course, this is not a guide to action, but it can be useful to know when people are talking about it.

Bye Felicia

Probably the least polite cold expression of the teenage jargon of the year. When someone says they're leaving and you don't care at all, their name becomes Felicia . Where it came from is unknown. It is also used when someone wants to get rid of an annoying person.

TVN

English slang, which was discussed above, is used mainly in conversations. When sending text messages, no less abbreviations are used. One of them tbh - "to be honest" (Honestly) . Similar expression - "to be fair" which means fair.

Bae

This term can mean a compound from the first letters " before anyone else " (before someone else), but it can also just be a shortened version of the word babe (chit). You can call your friend, girlfriend or spouse that way.

Slay

If you have succeeded in something incredibly amazing, you deserve this term. It means being the best of the best. If you are the best, you slay . If you have done something really well, then you layered . Other similar terms − killed it, badass.

Can you hear slay many, many times in Beyoncé's newest hit "Formation".

Zero Chill

It would be nice to never hear this expression addressed to you. It means that you did something not cool, or not very popular.

You can see that there is a connection between teenage slang and modern life. According to the site noslang.com Internet slang and abbreviations like LOL were created as an attempt to save energy on keystrokes.

New English slang comes from a variety of sources, including bulletin boards, forums, chat rooms, email, and text messaging. Teenagers tend to speak in an encrypted language. But to us their jargon became more obvi than before, we are now on fleek, language learning experts.

Michelle Suzanne Snyder

American and British English differ in many ways. One example of this is slang words. Using them in everyday speech, residents of the United States and Great Britain sometimes do not even understand each other. Today we will learn the 30 most common slang expressions that are often used by native speakers.

Changes in culture, politics and the economy, new technologies, communication on the Internet - all this affects our consciousness and language. New words appear, old ones go out of use, then come back again, acquiring new shades of meanings. The dynamics of change and the life of a language can be well shown by such a phenomenon as slang.

Slang is a kind of pop culture in the language, a slice of the era in which we live. It reflects a simple and understandable everyday communication for all of us, in which people are not required to follow any rules and formalities. Anyone who wants to speak English fluently should know the most popular slang expressions.

Slang is professional, regional and social. The first type is common among representatives of one profession. The second depends on where you live. The third shows the person's belonging to a social group (for example, slang for teenagers, football fans or video games).

Features of regional slang can be traced in the communication of Americans and British. Sometimes even those people for whom English is their native language - the British and Americans - do not quite understand each other. And all because they used to call the same objects, things and phenomena from childhood in completely different ways. Proof of this is the following video.

For your convenience, we have translated some English slang words from the video:

Word/Phrase	Translation
british slang
gobbledegook	stupidity; empty set of words
sloshed	drunk
a faff	anything that takes a lot of time and effort
hunky dory	first class, excellent
skew-whiff	oblique, curved
spend a penny	go to the toilet
tickety-boo	great, cool
a wobbler	tantrum
to throw a wobbler	flare up
american slang
cattywampus	crooked, disorganized
hush puppy	hashpappi - deep-fried cornmeal balls (American dish)
a commode	restroom
to pack heat	carry a firearm
to slay	to impress, to be successful, to strike on the spot

We have prepared for you other interesting examples of English and British slang. But they must be used with caution. In a conversation with a foreign friend, they will come in (to pop in), and during an interview it is better to stick to formal English. Any of them will tell you about the appropriateness of formal and informal English.

british slang

Britons around the world are considered prim and arrogant. Let's see if these traits are reflected in their slang words and expressions.

1. skint- moneyless, penniless
   

   I'm skint now. Could you please lend me some money? - I am now penniless. Could you lend me some money?

2. To wag off- skip school or work

   I didn't do my homework so I decided to wag off the last lesson. I didn't do my homework, so I decided take a walk last lesson.

3. Joe Bloggs- an ordinary, unremarkable person
   

   It's a luxurious piece of furniture. I doubt that Joe Bloggs could afford it. - It's an expensive piece of furniture. I doubt that a common person can afford it.

   In American slang, such a person is called John Doe.

4. Blinding- stunning
   

   The new assistant director showed blinding results during the probation period. - The new assistant director showed shiny results during the trial period.

5. Chuffed- very happy, happy
   

   I'm absolutely chuffed with my birthday present. Thanks! - I am very satisfied birthday present. Thank you!

6. A conk- blow to the head, blow to the nose
   

   Accordingly, the verb to conk is translated as "hit in the nose / on the head."

   He was conked right after the beginning of the fight. - His hit on the head immediately after the start of the battle.

   Interestingly, the famous Coca-Cola soda is called the word Conk, and Pepsi - Bepis.

7. A corker- a particularly nice, attractive, funny person or thing
   

   He is a pleasant and generous person. He's a real corker. - He is a very pleasant and generous person. He cool.

8. To do one's nut- get angry, get angry, get angry

   She is bad-tempered and can easily do her nut. - She is quick-tempered and can easily lose temper.

9. A damp squib- disappointment, deceived hope, failure, fiasco

   It looks like the new project of the company is a damp squib. - It seems that the new project of the company is failure.

10. A doofer- a thing whose name you don't know or have forgotten (this one, what's that...)
    

    What is that doofer? - What is this unknown contraption?

11. To earwig- warm ears, eavesdrop
    

    I hate when my roommate earwigs my phone calls. - I can't stand it when my roommate overhears what I'm talking about on the phone.

12. Knackered- tired, squeezed like a lemon (about a person); old, unusable (of a thing)
    

    I'm knackered after preparing for the presentation all night. - I tired as a dog, because all night preparing for the presentation.

13. Codswallop- absurdity, nonsense, nonsense
    

    I don't believe that he became a drug addict. That's codswallop. - I do not believe that he became a drug addict. it rave.

14. To wangle- get something by cunning, beg, contrive
    

    I managed to wangle free tickets to an upcoming Imagine Dragons concert. - I managed get free tickets to an upcoming Imagine Dragons concert.

15. bloody
    

    In formal English, bloody means bloody. But more often this word is used in a figurative sense. It is translated as "damn", "damn it" and further on the rise - it depends on the degree of your indignation or other emotions. The origin of the slang word is associated with unbridled aristocratic hooligans (bloods).

    I won't go there. It's bloody freezing. - I won't go there. There damn cold.

    Harry Potter's best friend Ron often uses the word bloody in different situations:

american slang

American slang is distinguished by its humor, brevity and accuracy. Let's look at the most popular words.

1. awesome- amazing, fantastic
   

   If you watch sitcoms and TV shows, then you know that Americans use this word at every turn. Awesome can mean both delight and admiration, and fear: awe translates as “fear”, “trembling”.

   My friend Nick is an awesome guy. You would be perfect for each other! - My friend Nick - a great guy! You would be perfect for each other.

2. Cool- steep
   

   The word can also be translated into an adverb - "cool" or "good" - and indicate your agreement with the idea.

   I'm throwing a party next week. Do you want to come?
   - Cool! Sure, I'd love to!
   - I'm having a party next week. Do you want to come?
   - Cool! Of course I want!

3. A hotshot- successful person, ace, pro
   

   James is a hotshot in law. - James - pro in the field of jurisprudence.

4. to hang out- go somewhere together, hang out

   We must hang out sometime. - need something go somewhere together.

5. To be jonesing to do smth- longing for something

   I 'm jonesing to have a cup of tea. Can we have a break? - I really want to Cup of tea. Can we take a break?

6. to chill out- relax, rest

   The phrase can be used with or without the preposition out.

   Hello guys! What are you doing?
   - We're just chilling.
   - Hi guys. What you are doing?
   - Just rest.

   To chill out can also be used in another sense. For example, if you are nervous and worried out of nowhere, you may be told:

   chill out. He won't bother you any more. - cool down. He won't bother you anymore.

7. Fleek- attractive, good looking (of a person or thing)
   

   Your outfit today is fleek. - Do you have today very beautiful outfit.

8. A creep- an unpleasant, strange person, an eccentric
   

   At first he seemed to be a creep, but it soon appeared that he is a pleasant and interesting person. - At first it seemed that he weirdo but then it turned out that he is a very pleasant and interesting person.

— I've managed to book the best seats at the theater for us, this weekend!

(I was able to get us the best theater seats this weekend!)

— Wicked! thank you. I'm really excited!

(…! Thanks, I look forward to!)

And what do you think "wicked" means? No, it's not "bad" or "mean" at all. In fact, “wicked” is a slang term and means “Brilliant!” or "Awesome!"

Slang, otherwise jargon, is a series of words and expressions that originated in a separate group of people. Even within the same city, slang varies from region to region - what can we say about the slang of Britain and Australia, Canada and South Africa!

People use slang when they want to sound less dry, less formal. Slang allows you to relax and feel freer. In this article, we will give a list of the 55 most popular slang expressions in the English language.

1 UNREAL

"Unreal". Something amazing, amazing, impressive.

I love this party! It's just unreal! How I love this party. She just unreal!

2. PROPS

"Respect". Expression of respect, recognition. It comes from “proper recognition” or “proper respect” - due (proper) recognition or respect.

I know he failed the test, but you've got to give him props for trying. Let him fail the test respect him for even trying.

3. KUDOS

"Bravo!", "Respect!": Another word for expressing respect, derived from the Greek kydos ("recognition").

Kudos for organizing this party. It's brilliant! — The party is organized brilliantly. Bravo!

4. BOTTOM LINE

From the English "bottom (final) line", as in calculations in a column: the essence, the most important thing.

The bottom line is we just don't have enough money for this. — essence that we just don't have enough money for it.

5. DISS

To speak in someone's address is disrespectful, dismissive, insulting.

stop dissing her behind her back. Show some respect! — stop vilify her behind her back. Show some respect!

6.DIG

In the exact translation - "dig", but in modern informal jargon - "to get high", "to drag". About what you really like.

Hey, I dig your new style. Where did you buy that T-shirt? - Hey, I'm just trudging from your new style! Where did you buy this t-shirt?

7. BOB'S YOUR UNCLE

"Bob is your uncle!" is an expression often used in the UK. It is placed at the end of the sentence, and it means something like "Voila!" (or, as the leader of our groups on Facebook and VKontakte Maxim suggests, “... and Vasya the cat!”).

How did you make this cake? It's delicious! (How did you bake this cake? It's delicious!)

— Well, I just mixed in the batter thoroughly, poured it into a cake pan, baked it for 30 minutes and Bob's your uncle! (Well, I just mixed the dough well, poured it into a mold, baked for 30 minutes - and voila!

8. BUDGE UP

Use this expression when asking someone to move in and make room for you. To budge up - move (s), shift (s).

I want to sit down too, could you budge up a little, please? I want to sit down too, could you please move over a little?

9.ACE

This word has many meanings, but the main ones are an ace, a point in the game, a trump card or a strong argument (as in the idiomatic expression to have an ace in the hole / up one "s sleeve - to have a hidden advantage), as well as an ace, a master of his In slang, it means something amazing, really cool, as well as flawless execution of an action (for the highest score, that is, an "A" grade):

Ace! I just got a promotion at work! — Otpad! I just got promoted!

Robert aced his physics exam! - Robert passed brilliantly physics exam!

10. ALL RIGHT?

The expression means "Hi, how are you?"

— All right?(Well, how is it?)

— good thanks, are you all right?(Fine, thank you; how are you?)

11. FULL OF BEANS

Energetic, lively. Literally, "full of beans". According to one version - coffee, because coffee is a well-known energy drink.

All the children were full of beans at the party. — The kids at the party just couldn't sit still.

12. BLATANT

Something obvious, obvious.

She's Blatantly very annoyed, everyone can see it apart from you. - She is clearly very annoyed, everyone sees it, except you.

13. PEAR SHAPED

Literally: "In the shape of a pear." The pear-shaped form must seem to the British to be highly incorrect: this expression means that as a result of an action or process, the result was not quite (or not at all) what was expected.

I was trying to organize a surprise birthday party for her, but it's all gone pearl-shaped! — I tried to organize a surprise party for her birthday, but gone wrong.

14. PIECE OF CAKE

Literally: "A piece of cake (pie)." About a matter that seems easy to the speaker - how to eat a piece of cake (pie).

— What do you think of the exam? I think it was really difficult. (What do you think about the exam? In my opinion, it was very difficult.)

— No, it was a piece of cake! (Well no, spit times!)

15. BLIMEY

An exclamation of surprise, astonishment. According to one version, the distorted "Blind me!" (Blind me! Make me blind!).

Blimey, look at all this mess here! I'd only left the house for an hour, and look what you've done! — Fathers oh, what a mess! I've only been away for an hour, and look what you've done!

16. BOTCH

This word can be found in two expressions: “to bottle something up” and “to do a bottle job”. Both of them denote clumsy work, slipshod work.

The builder did a terrible job on the roof. He just botched it up, and it still leaks every time it rains! The builder did a terrible job repairing the roof. Made her blunder and it keeps leaking when it rains.

17. CHEERS

Use this word when you want to raise a glass and make a toast.

Cheers everyone! Happy birthday to William! - Well, Cheers! Happy birthday, William!

18. SMASHING

Wonderful, magnificent, amazing. And the literal translation is smashing, crushing.

I had a smashing time on holiday, it was so much fun! - Holidays just passed. super, it was so much fun!

19. SOD'S LAW

"Law of Meanness," another name for Murphy's Law: If something bad can happen, it will. Sod (colloquial) - scoundrel.

— I wore my pretty new dress, because it was a sunny day, but as soon as I stepped out of the house, it started raining, and I got completely soaked! (It was a sunny day, so I put on a new dress. But as soon as I left the house, it began to rain and I got completely wet!)

— Sod's Law! (How according to the law of meanness!)

20 CHIN WAG

The word chin means chin, to wag means to nod, and together - a pleasant, long conversation (during which the interlocutors nod to each other as a sign of understanding). Very imaginative and witty.

I saw Mary after such a long time yesterday! We had a lovely chin wag together, like the good old days. I met Mary yesterday. Haven't seen her in years! We are cute chatted, like the good old days.

21. CHUFFED

Extremely pleased with smth. To chuff - 1) puff; 2) encourage, inspire.

My mum bought me a fantastic car when I passed my driving test. I was chuffed to bits! My mom bought me an incredible car when I passed my license. I was excited!

(If you want to learn more about how to use expressions 20 and 21, be sure to watch the video at the end of the article!)

22. CRAM

Diligently prepare for the exam in a short time, cramming.

I was so busy with my family before the exam, that I only had three days to cram for it! — I was so busy with family affairs before the exams that for the whole cramming I only had three days left!

23. NICE ONE

You can say that when someone does something particularly impressive. Nice - good, nice.

— I published my first book last year, and I’ve already started working on the sequel! (I published my first book that year, and I'm already working on a sequel!)

— Nice one! You're doing really well. ( Not bad! Good job.)

24. CRIKEY

Surprised exclamation (Australian slang). A euphemism from the sacred name of Christ (Christ), which, as you know, cannot be pronounced in vain.

— I went shopping today! *comes in with lots of bags*

— Crikey! Have you spent all of our savings??!! ( God! You spent all our savings??)

25. DEAR

In Russian, the word "dear" has two meanings: 1) dear to the heart and 2) not cheap.

In common English, the word dear corresponds to the first option, but in slang it corresponds to the second: dear in informal English means “expensive”.

I avoid going shopping into the town center nowadays, everything is so dear! — Now I try not to go shopping in the center, all that expensive!

26. F.A.F.F.

When someone procrastinates (from Latin pro - “on”, crastinus - “tomorrow”), that is, they put things off until later.

Come on, we have to go now. stop faffing around, we're going to be late! - Come on, we have to go. cum pull rubber, We will be late!

27.DO

The main meaning of to do is to do, and in slang it is ... a party. Well, for the party to be successful, it must be well prepared.

Are you going to Lizzie's birthday do next week? — Will you go to party on the occasion of Lizzy's birthday?

28. FLOG

Sell, sell something.

I managed to flog my car for a really good price! — I was able drive car at a good price.

29. FORTNIGHT

Two weeks. It's short for "fourteen nights", fourteen nights.

I've been really ill for the past fortnight, and still haven't recovered. - I was seriously ill two weeks and still not fully recovered.

30. GOBSMACKED

It's simple: gob - mouth; to smack - slam. Often, in surprise, a person slaps his hand over his mouth: this means that he is surprised, shocked, dumbfounded.

I can't believe I passed that exam! I thought I was going to fail, I'm completely gobsmacked! — I can't believe I passed this exam! I thought I would fail. I have no words!

31. SPLASH OUT

Spending too much money, literally - "splash (s)" (how figuratively!).

I wanted to give Sarah a special treat for her birthday, so I on a very romantic trip. I wanted to give Sarah something special for her birthday, so went bankrupt for a very romantic trip.

32.GRUB/NOSH

Both of these words mean a quick meal, a snack.

I'm going to get some grub for myself from the local takeaway. Do you want anything? - I'm going to get myself some food takeaway nearby. Do you want something?

33. BEE'S KNEES

"Knees of a bee": something outstanding, amazing, out of the ordinary.

You should see my new sound-system, it's the bee's knees! — You should see my new stereo system, it's something unique!

I don't like Harvey very much, he thinks he's the bee's knees! — I don't like Harvey, he considers himself the center of the universe.

34. GUTTED

When someone is very upset or devastated, disappointed (the main meaning of the verb to gut is to gut).

I'm so gutted I failed my driving test, again! I flunked my driving test again and just crushed this.

35. PEANUTS

Low cost, low salary - in a word, a trifle.

I hate my job. I have to work such long hours, and I get paid peanuts. — I hate my job. I spend so much time on it, but they pay pennies.

You should buy your clothes online. You can find some great designs for peanuts! — Try buying clothes online. You can find branded items there. pittance!

36. HAGGLE

Bring down the price, bargain (especially on trifles).

The last time I went shopping with my mum, she was haggling for something that was already really cheap! — The last time I went shopping with my mother, she became to bargain about already cheap things!

I managed to haggle the price of this dress down by 25%! - I succeeded bring down the price this dress for 25% off!

37. JOLLY

This word is used in a variety of situations, but usually it means "very" ("jolly good" - "very good").

Don't worry, I will pay you back before the end of this month. (Don't worry, I'll pay you by the end of the month.)

— I should jolly well think so! ( Highly I hope so!)

38. THROW A SPANNER IN THE WORKS

In Russian, sticks are inserted into the wheels. In English, a wrench. The expression means "to hinder, prevent smth., destroy smth." - how a wrench (spanner) destroys a working mechanism (one of the meanings of the word works) by hitting it.

I managed to keep the surprise a secret, right up until the day before my sister's birthday, then he threw a spanner in the works by telling her! I kept the surprise a secret until almost my sister's birthday, and then he messed up everything by telling her!

39. KIP

BrE: short sleep (which the Americans call nap).

Why don't you try and have a kip before everyone gets here? You won't have time to rest later. Why don't you try take a nap before everyone gets together? Then you won't have time to rest.

40. WIND UP

This expression has several meanings. Literally, to wind up means "to wind up". But in slang it means "to make fun" (and not "twist"):

John really is a wind-up merchant, but the girl he was picking on was so gullible! John is real specialist in jokes but the girl he made fun of was so gullible!

I was just winding her up for fun, but she took offense to it and got really angry! - I pinned up her just for the sake of laughter, but she was offended by this and was seriously angry!

41. MATE

Buddy, friend, partner, comrade, roommate.

I'm going to the cinema with my mates tonight. - I'm going to the cinema today. buddies.

42. NOT MY CUP OF TEA

“Not my cup of tea”: this is what the British say when they want to emphasize that something is alien to them or they don’t like it.

I don't really like this sort of music. It's just not my cup of tea. - I don't really like this kind of music. It's simple not mine.

43. PORKIES

Lie. The word comes from cockney rhyming slang. Short for "porky pies" (pork pies), which rhymes with "lies" (lie).

Don't listen to her, she's telling porkies! Don't listen to her, she lying!

44.ROW

Quarrel (rhymes with “cow”).

My brother had a huge row with his girlfriend yesterday. He's really upset! - Yesterday my brother quarreled with my girlfriend. He is extremely upset.

45. DONKEY'S YEARS

If someone says: “I haven’t seen you in donkey’s years!”, this means that this person has not seen you for a hundred years. Although, it would seem, what does donkey (donkey) have to do with it? ..

Hey Sarah! What a surprise to see you here. I haven't seen you in donkey's years! How have you been? - Hello, Sarah! It's a big surprise to meet you here. Didn't see you god knows what time! How are you?

46. ​​EASY PEASY

So children call something very simple (easy). However, not only children.

I could make that for you, if you like? It's easy peasy! “I can do this for you, if you want?” it trifle!

47. SORTED

This is what they say about a sorted problem. Solve the problem - "to get it sorted".

— What's happening about that roof leak then? (So ​​what's with the leaky roof?)

— Oh that's sorted now. I found a really good builder to do the job. (Ah, with this I figured out. I found a good builder for this.)

48.STROP

And another expression of British slang. If someone is in a bad mood, you can say that he is “throwing a strop” (throws a rope), or “getting a strop” (catching a rope), or “being stroppy”. In a word, "the reins fell under the tail."

Andrew, would you please cheer up? It's your birthday, don't be so stroppy! “Andrew, please, up your nose!” It's your birthday, don't be like that beech!

​

49. CHEERIO

Friendly goodbye.

Right, I have to go now, see you soon. Cheerio! “Now I have to go.” See you, bye Bye!

50. WANGLE

Cunning trick (often dishonest) - as well as cunning, fooling someone. around the finger.

I can't believe he managed to wangle the honeymoon suite in their hotel! I can't believe he succeeded get honeymoon suite at the hotel!

51. BLINDING

Magnificent, amazing. Literally: blind.

They had a blinding party after their wedding ceremony. Everyone had such a great time! — After the marriage ceremony, they arranged enchanting party. Everyone just had a great time!

52. WONKY

So they talk about something unstable.

I can't eat my dinner at this table. It's wonky! I can't eat at this table. He staggers!

53. ZONKED

A word from the American lexicon. The one who is zonked or zonked out experiences a complete breakdown.

He had a lot of fun at his birthday party earlier, but he's completely zonked out now! He had a lot of fun at his birthday party, but now he's completely exhausted!

54. DODGY

Cunning, dodgy, unreliable, suspicious, untrustworthy. The Russian equivalent is "dumb".

I saw a few dodgy-looking people standing around along that quiet street near our house, so just to be on the safe side, I notified the police. - I noticed a few suspicious people gathered in a quiet street near our house, and just in case he notified the police.

This food looks a bit doggy, it might have passed its expiry date. I don't think we should eat it. — The food looks a bit suspicious It's probably past its expiration date. I don't think we should eat it.

55. LEG IT

The same as "run" (as you remember, leg - in English "leg").

I went out on Halloween night, and someone jumped out from behind a bush to scare me. I was so frightened, that I just legged it all the way back home! “I went outside on Halloween night and someone jumped out of the bushes to scare me. I was so horrified that fled all the way home!

Well, you've made it to the end, congratulations! Surely some of the words from our list immediately stuck in your head. Try to remember the others as well. Now, if you go to a country where they speak English, it will be much easier for you to keep up a conversation with native speakers. And before you go on a trip, try to practice with