English-language learning should also include learning slang. These colloquial English expressions are what build the language used every day in these countries.
Should you use slang in conversations?
So here is the question: should you use slang in conversations? Knowing English is one thing; knowing slang makes users of the language see us differently. We become more equal conversation partners, so absolutely!
We just have to remember that before using any expression, we need to check it. Youth English slang is quite extensive, and changing even one word can change the meaning of an expression.
At the very beginning, it is worth getting used to this language by learning and using between 2 and 5 expressions. However, remember not to overuse them or combine them with overly formal English.
Examples of slang and internet abbreviations
Here are the most popular English expressions. However, remember that English slang changes very quickly, so it is worth following comments, posts and other youth-oriented publications on social media.
Cringe – embarrassing
Ugh, this concert is so cringe.
Cram – study intensively, e.g. for an exam
Are you going out tonight? I can’t, I’m cramming all semester for the exam.
Lit – wonderful or drunk
Have you listened to Madonna’s new song? It’s so lit!
Yikes! – No way!
Yikes! He really wore that short outfit to a wedding?!
Flex – show off
Alex, stop flexing. She’s gone.
Shook – be shocked
Boujee – extravagant
Wow, the new interior in the club is so boujee.
Ghost – suddenly start ignoring someone
Are you going on a second date with Jason?
Nah, he ghosted me.
Jacked – muscular
Have you seen the new Baywatch movie? Zac Efron is really jacked!
As you can see, some words have completely changed their meaning, and that is exactly what often happens with slang. Looking at these examples, you may think that this type of language is not your style. However, there is no need to get discouraged; look at English slang in the same way you look at it in Polish. Many such expressions come naturally to us, and you should do the same in English. Try to imagine a hypothetical but possible situation and match one of these expressions to it. Do this once, twice, three times, and you will notice that it is not as frightening as it seems. Idioms are very similar. They seem foreign and unfriendly to us, whereas in Polish everything comes naturally.
The only way to make these expressions sound natural to us is to practise them.
We hope that at least one of these expressions finds its way into your English!