If you’ve been learning English for a while, you’ve probably noticed that textbook English and real-life English sound very different. Native speakers use slang and informal expressions all the time — in movies, music, online chats, and everyday conversations. So if you want to sound natural, confident, and fluent, it’s time to add a few slang words to your vocabulary!
What Exactly Is Slang?
Slang refers to informal words or phrases that people use in casual conversations. It often changes over time and can be different depending on region (British slang, American slang, Australian slang, etc.).
Think of slang as the “cool” or “real-life” version of English — it’s how people actually speak to friends, not how they write essays.
Example:
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Textbook English: “I am very tired today.”
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Real English: “I’m so beat today.”
“Beat” means “exhausted.” See the difference? Slang makes English sound more relaxed and natural.
Why You Should Learn Slang and Informal English
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Understand native speakers better — especially in movies, songs, or social media.
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Sound more fluent and confident when you speak.
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Connect naturally with friends, coworkers, and locals.
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Enjoy pop culture — jokes, memes, and trends make more sense!
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Express yourself better — slang gives you fun, expressive words to play with.
1. Cool
Meaning: Great, awesome
Example: “That’s a cool idea!”
2. Hang out
Meaning: Spend time casually
Example: “Let’s hang out this weekend.”
3. Lit
Meaning: Exciting, amazing
Example: “The concert was lit!”
4. Broke
Meaning: Out of money
Example: “I can’t go out tonight, I’m broke.”
5. No worries
Meaning: It’s okay / Don’t worry
Example: “No worries, I understand.”
6. Chill
Meaning: Relax / Calm down
Example: “Let’s chill and watch a movie.”
7. Dude
Meaning: Friend / Guy
Example: “Hey dude, what’s up?”
8. Savage
Meaning: Bold or brutally honest
Example: “She roasted him—so savage!”
9. Bummer
Meaning: Something disappointing
Example: “We missed the bus? What a bummer.”
10. Ghost
Meaning: Ignore someone suddenly
Example: “He ghosted me after our date.”
11. Vibe
Meaning: Feeling or atmosphere
Example: “This café has a nice vibe.”
12. Binge-watch
Meaning: Watch many episodes in a row
Example: “I binge-watched Stranger Things.”
13. Flex
Meaning: Show off
Example: “He’s always flexing his new sneakers.”
14. Cringe
Meaning: Embarrassing
Example: “That video was so cringe.”
15. Hangry
Meaning: Angry because of hunger
Example: “Sorry I yelled, I’m hangry!”
16. Spill the tea
Meaning: Share gossip
Example: “Come on, spill the tea!”
17. Lowkey
Meaning: Quietly / secretly
Example: “I’m lowkey nervous about tomorrow.”
18. Highkey
Meaning: Obviously / very
Example: “I highkey love this song.”
19. Salty
Meaning: Bitter or upset
Example: “She’s salty about losing the game.”
20. Extra
Meaning: Over the top / dramatic
Example: “He’s so extra about his outfit.”
21. Boujee
Meaning: Fancy / luxurious
Example: “She loves boujee restaurants.”
22. Slay
Meaning: Do something really well
Example: “You slayed that presentation!”
23. Cap
Meaning: Lie / Not true
Example: “You won the lottery? That’s cap!”
24. No cap
Meaning: Seriously / I’m not lying
Example: “That was the best pizza ever, no cap.”
25. Fire
Meaning: Amazing / Really good
Example: “That song is fire!”
26. Snack
Meaning: Attractive person
Example: “He looks like a snack.”
27. Glow up
Meaning: Big improvement in appearance
Example: “She had a major glow up!”
28. Throw shade
Meaning: Insult someone subtly
Example: “She threw shade at her ex online.”
29. Crash
Meaning: Fall asleep quickly
Example: “I’m exhausted, I’m gonna crash.”
30. Hit me up
Meaning: Contact me / Message me
Example: “Hit me up later, let’s hang out.”
When NOT to Use Slang
Slang is great for casual situations, but it’s best to avoid it in:
❌ Job interviews
❌ Formal writing (like essays or reports)
❌ Professional emails or business meetings
Instead, use slang with friends, classmates, or in informal online chats.
Fluent speakers always switch between formal and informal language depending on the situation — and that’s what makes them sound natural.
How to Learn Slang Naturally
Here are some simple and fun ways to learn slang — without memorizing boring lists:
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Watch TV shows or YouTube vlogs — shows like Friends, The Office, or Brooklyn Nine-Nine are great for hearing slang.
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Listen to English songs and podcasts — write down new phrases you hear.
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Follow English-speaking creators on TikTok or Instagram.
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Talk to native speakers — ask them what certain expressions mean.
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Keep a “slang notebook” — write phrases, meanings, and sample sentences.
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Use Urban Dictionary to check slang meanings (but watch out for rude words!).
Slang is what makes English come alive. It’s not just about speaking correctly — it’s about sounding natural, confident, and connected to the culture. Start small: pick 5–10 slang words you like and use them in sentences this week. Soon, you’ll find yourself understanding conversations, movies, and memes like a native speaker.
What’s your favorite English slang word? Share it in the comments!
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