40 “Cool” Slang words that are used in Real American Spoken English
Tired of learning textbook English that you never use in real life conversations?
This is a HUGE problem with most traditional English courses.
At Spoken English Practice, our teachers (also known as Conversation Partners) focus on teaching real Spoken English.
We will spend a lot time teaching you slang and idioms as these are essential for you to speak like a native English speaker.
Learn more about our Spoken English Classes
[button title=”Learn More” link=”https://www.spokenenglishpractice.com/” color=”” size=””]
No matter how dedicated you are to learning the English language, new and unfamiliar slang words will always appear in everyday conversations.
Chances are, you’ve seen these words being used in social media content or in everyday American conversations.
Here is a list of 40 popular slang words to help you master American Conversational English!
Chick- (noun) Another word meaning young female, generally referring to females the ages of 12-40 years old. ‘Chick’ is most often used between people who know each other. However, it can also be used to imply a female you have no connection with.
BAE – (noun) BAE is an acronym that stands for “before anyone else”. It could refer to your significant other or best friend. Example is Jenna is my BAE.
Poppin’- (adj) This word is used to describe a social event that is doing very well. Often used in terms of parties, gatherings, or clubs.
Lit – (adj) Lit has a very similar meaning to poppin. You can say “the club was lit” – meaning the club was fun!
Ride or Die (adj) – Originally a term that bikers used, ride or die is used in American Spoken English to refer to best friend, lover or partner. For example, you can say, “Lori and I have gone through some stuff but she is my ride or die”
Dope- (adj) A general word that describe anything or anyone as being very fun, exciting, or cool. For example, you can say “Kevin is fun to hangout with. He is dope”.
sick – (adj) You would think this word has a negative connotation, however, ‘sick’ is similar in meaning to, “very exciting!”, “amazing!”, etc.
While it can be used to describe a person, it is most often used in American slang English to describe experiences or things that someone thinks is amazing.
The Best Way to Improve English Fluency
[button title=”Learn More” link=”https://www.spokenenglishpractice.com/” color=”” size=””]
Awesome- (adj) The use of the word ‘awesome’ in American language has received a lot of attention lately. While the word actually means ‘exciting’ or ‘awe inspiring’, it is very frequently used as a sarcastic phrase to sum up just about any emotion- negative or positive.
Nada- (pronoun) Used instead of the word, “nothing”. However, it is generally used as the answer to a question rather than in the middle of a sentence.
Practice Real Spoken English with Native Speakers
[button title=”Join English Lessons” link=”https://www.spokenenglishpractice.com/” color=”” size=””]
Brah – (pronoun) Brah is another way of saying “are you serious” in Conversational American speaking.
On point – (adj) On point is a colloquial way of saying that something or someone is attractive or fashionable. For example, you can say, “Her makeup was on point”
On fleek – (adj) On fleek is another way of saying something or someone is attractive or fashionable. If you are hanging out with someone who uses a lot of slang, you might hear them so “Yo brows are on fleek” – which means your eye brows look great!
Hitched- (verb, adj) In slang, ‘hitched’ means two people have married.
Goals – (verb, adj) If you see someone commenting #goals on a Facebook photo, it is a subtle way of saying they are jealous and want a similar experience.
Squad – (adj) Squad refers to your group of friends in slang English. When someone says “this is my squad” they are referring to a group of friends.
GOAT – (adj) GOAT is an acronym that stands for greatest of all time. In conversational English or in the world of social media, this is a very commonly used expression. For example, you can say “these sneakers are GOAT”
Low Key – (adj) If you see someone says “let’s keep it low-key” for now, it means they don’t want to tell everyone about it.
Another example is: “It is a low key event attended by only a few of my best friends” – means it is an event that was exclusive to a small group.
Nerd out – (verb) To ‘nerd out’ means to get so enthralled and engaged in a seemingly nerdy or geeky activity or topic.
Mood – (verb) Mood refers something that is relevant. For example, in informal English someone could say “My 2018 mood is all about self improvement and growth”
Chill- (adj, verb) Another common colloquial word in American informal vocabulary. ‘Chill’ can describe something that is relaxed, easy, and fun. It can also be used as a verb meaning you are relaxing, and being easy going.
Bombed- (verb) Usually used in an academic setting, ‘bombed’ means to completely fail something. It is also used as a verb to say you are getting very drunk.
Want to practice American Conversational English with a Native Teacher from the US. Sign up below
Fire- (adj) Saying something is ‘fire’ means it is outstanding. You can use this slang word to describe everything from food to music.
retweet (verb)- Originating from the online news and networking service Twitter, the linguistic expression, “Retweet”, in conversation means the person agrees with you.
Saying this in informal conversation is a form of validating what someone is saying.
Dime- (adj) While not as common in modern spoken English, the word ‘dime’ is sometimes used to describe a female who is sweet, good looking, and kind.
It stems from the expression, “She’s a ten!” Meaning she is given a ‘score’ of 10/10. In American money a dime is worth $0.10, hence, the word ‘dime’.
Swing- (verb) The term ‘swing’ has multiple informal meanings in the English language. One meaning is used when telling someone you will come by their house or workplace for a short period of time by saying, “I’ll swing by”.
Another informal meaning of the word ‘swing’ is to explain your sexual orientation. If someone asks if you are a homosexual, you may respond by saying, “I don’t swing that way”.
Find English Speaking Partner
[button title=”Join English Course” link=”https://www.spokenenglishpractice.com/” color=”” size=””]
Fly- (adj) A description word meaning, “really young and hip”. Often used while describing someone’s clothing attire.
Drop- (verb) A word used when enlightening someone with information. Often heard in the expression, “let me drop some knowledge on you”.
Also used in reference to releasing music in the expression, “I’m gonna drop this mixtape”.
Slide- (verb) This word is used for it’s literal meaning ‘glide’, but used in terms of a person becoming apart of another person’s life. Ex: “I’m going to slide into her life.”
Bestie- (noun) Meaning best friends. Ex: “She’s my bestie”.
Hot- (adj) Not to be confused with the temperature, ‘hot’ is a common word in American English to describe something as extremely beautiful or sexy.
Trusted by over 1 Million students
[button title=”Learn More” link=”https://www.spokenenglishpractice.com/book/trial-sessions-sign-up/” color=”” size=””]
Jacked- (adj) A word describing someone who exercises a lot or who has large muscles. For example “Tom spends a lot of time in the gym – explains why he is so jacked up now”
gotcha – (exclamation) You would you this word on it’s own to acknowledge that you understand something someone is saying.
Swag- (noun) ‘Swag’ has two informal meanings in English. One meaning refers to the free objects you receive at promotional events.
Another is in reference to the manner in which someone carries themselves.
Slaying it – (noun) ‘Slay” or “slaying it” means doing really well. In American colloquial English, you may hear someone say ” Mark is slaying it as a
turn up- (verb) To “turn up” means to party very hard, usually with the implication of drinking alcohol.
Yolo- (phrase and expression) ‘Yolo’ is short for the phrase, “You Only Live Once”. This phrase is popular with teenagers and young adults.
It’s meaning is implying that you should live your life how you want because you only get one of them. The phrase is shortened to ‘yolo’ in verbal conversation.
Asap – This is an acronym for, “As soon as possible”. It is often just expressed verbally as ‘asap’. Ex: “How soon do you need the car?” “Asap!”.
These 40 American English slang words should help you acclimate to the changing and fluid nature of American Conversational English!
[handsometestimonial id=”8561″ template=”1″ ]
How to learn to speak Real Spoken English like a Native speaker?
Learning a language is a developmental process.
There is little need to worry about grammar or pronunciation until you have some vocabulary.
Once some basic vocabulary has been learnt then the nuances of grammar and pronunciation are what distinguish someone with basic English from someone who is a fluent speaker.
People find English tricky because it does not conform to a lot of the rules that other languages use.
This is why practicing English conversation with a native English speaker is the best way to consolidate the skills you have learnt.
Improve English Speaking with Skype Practice
[button title=”Learn More” link=”https://www.spokenenglishpractice.com/programs/” color=”” size=””]
Conversations held in English give students the opportunity to put into practice things they know and things they are working on.
It is a great opportunity to expand vocabulary and get comfortable speaking in English without over thinking each word.
Many students struggle to let go of thinking first in their native language before essentially translating and then speaking in English.
Conversation practice allows students to break through that mental block and speak more freely. It also gives the student a chance to work on pronunciation. The ear adjusts when listening to a language and it becomes easier to construct sentences correctly.
Without casual conversation, a student can know all of the grammar and have perfect spelling, but not be understood when speaking.
Once you get to habit of using English in conversations, then you need to expand in to areas like slang and idioms and how to incorporate those in to real conversations.
