18 Most Commonly Used American Slang Phrases Every English Learner Should Know
"Get set to learn the 18 most commonly used American slang phrases every English learner should know! This article is here for your rescue to easily help you transform into a native American English speaker with slang! "
Learning the English language goes beyond just grammar and vocabulary. It includes being well-versed and understanding its slang too. A Slang gives the character to a language, making dialogue seem casual and lively when in a conversation. Therefore, for English learners, understanding the local English slang is important.
Therefore, to learn the 18 most commonly used American slang phrases every English learner should know, begin reading this article now.
How Can You Practice Using Slang?
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Try watching American movies and TV shows
Kickstart your slang-learning journey by watching American TV shows like Friends or The Office. They are fully packed with everyday American slang and give you a chance to see how those phrases are used in real-life casual conversations. You just pay proper attention to the tone and expressions used by the characters. Then, you can try mimicking them daily to improve your fluency.
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Listen to songs and podcasts
Listening to songs and podcasts on a routine can help you come across more modern American slang and get you to know how people speak casually. Try penning them down if you encounter a new phrase from the song lyrics or the podcast discussions, then make sure to look up their meanings in a dictionary and start practising them as you converse.
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Have conversations with native speakers
Try engaging in some conversations with native American speakers to practice slang phrases in a natural scenario. You can try connecting with them through language exchange apps or if possible, in person. Constantly hearing and using the slang in real-time will help you understand the context and easily improve your confidence.
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18 Commonly Used American Slang Phrases
The Slang Phrase |
Meaning |
Example Sentence |
What’s up? |
A casual way to say "hello" or "how are you." |
Person X: “What’s up?” Person Y: “Not much, just relaxing.” |
Spill the tea |
Share gossip or a juicy story. |
“You have to spill the tea about what happened at the party last night!” |
Chill |
To relax or describe someone calm and laid-back. |
“Let’s just chill at home today.” |
Hang out |
To spend time with friends casually. |
“Do you want to hang out this weekend?” |
Bummer |
Used to express disappointment. |
“I missed the concert last night. What a bummer!” |
Cut to the chase |
Get to the point without unnecessary details. |
“We don’t have much time, so let’s cut to the chase.” |
Hit me up |
Contact me or message me. |
“If you’re free this weekend, hit me up!” |
It’s lit |
Something exciting, fun, or amazing. |
“This party is lit!” |
On point |
Perfect or exactly right. |
“Your outfit is on point today!” |
I’m down |
To agree to do something. |
Person X: “Want to go hiking tomorrow?” Person Y: “I’m down!” |
Piece of cake |
Something very easy. |
“The math test was a piece of cake.” |
Catch some Z’s |
To sleep. |
“I’m so tired—I need to catch some Z’s before tomorrow.” |
Break a leg |
Good luck (especially in the performing arts). |
“You’ll do great in the show tonight—break a leg!” |
All ears |
Ready to listen. |
“Tell me your idea—I’m all ears.” |
Get the hang of it |
To learn or understand something after practice. |
“I struggled with cooking at first, but I’m finally getting the hang of it.” |
Throw shade |
To subtly insult or criticize someone. |
“She was totally throwing shade at her ex during the party.” |
Go the extra mile |
To put in extra effort. |
“She always goes the extra mile to help her coworkers.” |
No biggie |
Not a big problem or issue. |
Person X: “Sorry I didn’t text back earlier.” Person Y: “No biggie.” |
All in all, learning American slang is just like finding out a new layer of the English language! Slang usually makes a conversation sound more fun and engaging. Since these slang phrases are not just words of English but are cultural expressions as well; helping you connect with people and making you sound even more confident. They also make you feel like a part of the native English-speaking community.
Do not worry even if it takes some extra time to practice the local slang, remember that mastering them with practice makes you a perfect speaker. Begin with watching your favorite American TV shows and movies with subtitles and then slowly level up your pace. So are you ready to go the extra mile and add some cool phrases to boost your English ‘Slang?’ Start practising!
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