Slang it is an informal word or expression, which is often used among members of a particular social group. In English, this concept is called slang.
Through the frequency of use, this word or expression can become commonly used by a larger number of speakers of the language.
Check the selection that the All Matter prepared with the main slangs of the English spoken in the United States and United Kingdom.
List of US Slang
Check below a table with American words and expressions with explanations, translations and examples of use.
| Slang | Translation | Example | Observation |
|---|---|---|---|
| chick | cat girl |
He went out with a really nice chick. (He went out with a really nice cat.) |
ATTENTION: despite being used to designate a “beautiful”, “beautiful” woman, the word chick can be interpreted as offensive. |
| chill out | to relax |
Chill out! You did what you were supposed to do. (Relax! You did what you were supposed to.) |
The verb I'm chill out designates the act of being cool, without feeling worry or anxiety. |
| cool | Nice | My birthday party was really cool. |
Indicates something excellent, very good. |
| dude | Guy |
I am happy you liked the gift, dude! (I'm glad you liked the present, man!) |
The word dude is used as a form of treatment. |
| On fleek | beautiful, wonderful, stunning, a killer |
This look of yours is totally on fleek! (This look of yours is a blast!) |
Indicates that something looks wonderful, looks stylish, and/or looks attractive. |
| Squad | guys, guys |
I love hanging out with my squad. (I love spending time with my guys.) |
Designates a circle of close friends. |
| To throw shade | 1. Distill poison, speak ill |
1. You would have already finished the project if you had spent less time throwing shade at your boss. (You would have finished the project by now if you had spent less time talking bad about your boss.) 2. She's always throwing shade at her brother because of the money she lent him. (She is always giving her brother hints about the money she lent him.) |
1. The term has its origins in the culture drag queen from United States. |
| What's up?* | Hey, what's up? |
Hi Brian! What's up? (Hi Brian! Beauty?) |
The shape Sup? it's a variation of the slang What's up?. Both have the same meaning and are used as a compliment. |
*Slang What's up? inspired the name of a mobile communication app. The name Whatsapp is the result of joining part of the slang (what's), with the word app, which means "application". the sound of app is very similar to up.
Thereby, What's up? and Whatsapp they have a very similar pronunciation.
Most English language students consider slang words to be legal in English.
Now that you know some of the main american slangs, also know the most used expressions in English, consulting the text Idioms in English.
UK Slang List
Below you will find a table with words and expressions in British English. See also the respective explanations and translations, as well as usage examples.
| Slang | Translation | Example | Observation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ace | very cool, great |
The group’s new song is ace! (The group's new song is awesome!) |
Indicates that something is amazing, fun. |
| bloody | Much; good |
The movie was bloody beautiful! (The movie was very/very beautiful!) |
Intensify the next word. |
| cheers | Thanks |
Cheers for your help! (Thanks for your help!) |
A form of thanks. |
| Easy peasy! | easy, easy |
The Spanish exam was easy peasy. (The Spanish test was a breeze.) |
Indicates that something is too easy. |
| Gutted | sad down |
She was really gutted when her sister her moved abroad. (She was very sad when her sister moved out of the country.) |
Designates the state of mind of a person who feels sad. |
| Lit | Exciting, exciting |
The concert was lit! (The show was exciting!) |
Designates something that makes you vibrate with enthusiasm. |
| Kill | man friend |
He went on vacation with some mates. (He went on vacation with some friends.) |
is equivalent to slang dude, from American English. |
| sauce | Audacity |
She couldn't believe the girl's sauce. (She couldn't believe the girl's audacity.) |
Designates a posture that demonstrates boldness. |
Interested in learning more about the English language? Don't miss the texts below!
- How to learn English on your own: everything you need to know
- Songs to learn English
- The 20 most used phrasal verbs in English
- English text interpretation with feedback (Enem)
- Regular and Irregular English Verbs: Tables with Conugations and Translations
- tongue twister in english
