Slang

Let’s get started... Americans use slang all the time. This can make it difficult to understand what people are saying. Have you heard someone say something that doesn't make sense? It's probs slang.

Activity 1

3 minutes

With your partner, write a list of American idioms or slang that you have heard.

Background

Idioms and slang are special words and language used within a culture or group of people. For example, in the United States, there is “California slang” and “New York slang”, and they are very different. If an idiomatic expression or slang becomes popular enough, it may spread across the country or even around the world.

Language changes very quickly now because of TV and the Internet. Old slang may become outdated and be replaced by new words and phrases. When someone uses a new idiom or slang, it can be difficult to understand what they mean. But if it is used by enough people, it may become part of common, everyday conversation.

Discussion 1

In pairs for 5 minutes, ask and answer these questions:

1. In your home country do some groups of people use slang more than others? (An age group? An economic group? A social group?) Do you know something about people just by listening to the way they talk?
2. What is one of the common idioms or slang words used in your native language? What does it mean literally? What does the idiom mean? When do people say it?

Discussion 2

In pairs for 5 minutes, ask and answer these questions:

1. Is there a particular idiom (in English or in your native language) that you like? Is there one that you do not like?
2. In America where do you hear the most slang and idioms used? When is it most difficult for you to understand English? (Conversations, TV shows, news, telephone, business, etc.)

Discussion 3

In pairs for 5 minutes, ask and answer these questions:

1. How do you feel about slang and idioms? Are they good or bad? When is it ok to use slang?
2. Is it appropriate / funny / interesting when someone speaks like a person from a different age or economic group?

Here are some common American expressions. What do they mean? When are they are used?