What is slang?
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Slang is the use of very informal words and expressions. They are usually not considered standard language, but are often used in spoken language. Certain slang words are usually used by a particular group of people. Slang words and expressions are always changing and evolving, and words that are used a lot also change from year to year. Here are some examples of British slang.
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Anyroad: This is used as an alternative to anyway and anyhow. It is mainly used in the north of Britain.
Bits ‘n Bobs: This means a variety of things or various things. An example would be: “What do they sell in that new shop?” “They have lots of bits n bobs”.
Bob’s your uncle: This can be used as an alternative to there you go or you’ve got it. People often use it at the end of giving a set of simple instructions. An example would be: “Do you know where the nearest post office is?” “Yeah, just take the next right and Bobs your uncle”.
Brilliant: Although the word brilliant is used in all English speaking countries, it is probably used more often in Britain. It is usually used when something is exciting or great. An example would be: “I heard you passed your driving test. That’s brilliant!”
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Try the quiz :
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Which of the following would be an alternative to the British slang word 'anyroad'?
anyway
anywhere
anytime
'My mother won't throw away anything. She has so many ____________around the house.'
bits n bobs
Bob's your uncles
bobs n bits
'You just got back from your holidays didn't you? How was it?' '_________________'.
Anyroad
Brilliant
Bob's your uncle
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CHALLENGE :
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Make a few sentences with each slang term:
_________________________
_________________________
_________________________
_________________________
_________________________
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Chin Wag: A chin wag means a chat. It is used as a way of describing a friendly conversation. An example would be: “Did you meet your friend yesterday?” “Yeah, it was good to catch up and have a good old chin wag”.
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Collywobbles: The collywobbles are the feeling you get in your stomach when you feel stress, nervous or worried. This feeling is otherwise known as butterflies.
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Chuffed: To be chuffed simply means to be pleased or delighted. An example would be: “Congratulations on getting the new job. I am really chuffed for you.”
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Dead: In British slang dead means very or extremely. An example would be: “I went to that new pub yesterday and the food was dead good.”
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Donkey’s Years: This means in a long time or ages. An example would be: “I haven’t seen you in donkey’s years!”
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CHALLENGE :
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Fill the gaps with each slang term:
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I was extremely chuffed when________
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Sometimes, I have a chinwag when______about______
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I thought it was dead good when_________
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_____is someone I have not seen in donkeys years.
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__________gives me the collywobbles, because________.
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Easy peasy: Easy peasy means very easy. It is the shortened version of easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy.
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Fair enough: You would use this when you agree with someone. It means okay or that’s acceptable. An example would be: “If you drive today, I’ll drive tomorrow.” “Fair enough.”
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Fiver: A fiver is five pounds (£5). An example would be: “How much money do you need?” “A fiver should be enough.”
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Flog: This means to sell something. An example would be: “I’m going to flog all my computer games on eBay.”
Fortnight: This means two weeks. An example would be: “I’m going to Spain for a fortnight in July.”
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QUIZ :
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Which of the following would be an alternative to the expression 'fair enough'?
very easy
five pounds
that's acceptable
'How much is that CD?' 'It's not bad. It's only a _________.'
okay
fiver
fortnight
'When do you start university?' 'In a ___________.'
flog
fiver
fortnight
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CHALLENGE :
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Fill in the gaps with each slang term:
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It is fair enough to__________
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A fiver is worth_____________
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Every fortnight, we__________
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When someone flogs something______
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I find that it is easy peasy to_________ especially when _____________.