Slang are informal words and expressions that are not considered standard in a language.
Hated by some (normally old or dull) people, slang puts the colour into colloquial language. Slang can be playful, humorous, and irreverent. It's cool!
Hated by some (normally old or dull) people, slang puts the colour into colloquial language. Slang can be playful, humorous, and irreverent. It's cool!
It's also incredibly diverse and constantly changing. Each social group, like kids of a certain age, junkies, jazz musicians, professional criminals or students has its own slang, as do geographical areas.
Here are just a few examples of slang that have been around in Britain since I was a kid:
Chuffed. Standard English: pleased, happy, proud. "I'm really chuffed I passed my exam"
Gobsmacked Standard English: very surprised. "When she told me she was emigrating I was gobsmacked."
Do you know any others? Check out a slang dictionary - but remember - they're only suitable for informal use :-)
Hi!
ReplyDeleteExcuse me Ms. "mental" is a slang word to designate "crazy person"?
Thanks!
Yes, it is! Doesn't necessarily mean "insane", though, can be a fun way to say "a bit different" or "angry".
ReplyDelete