Have you ever finished an English class, walked into a coffee shop, and felt like you could not understand anything the people were saying? You are not alone. English textbooks usually teach you formal language, but in the real world, native speakers use slang.
Slang is informal language that people use in casual conversations. If you want to understand movies, social media, and your English speaking friends, you need to learn these common expressions. In this guide, we will look at 21 essential slang words that every intermediate learner should know.
you sound more relaxed. It shows that you understand the culture, not just the grammar rules. If you feel like your English is a bit stiff, you might want to read our tips on how to improve your English fluency.
21 Essential Slang Words and How to Use Them
- Ghost: To suddenly stop communicating with someone without any explanation.
- We went on one date, but then he ghosted me.
- Tea: Refers to gossip or juicy information.
- What happened at the party? Come on, spill the tea!
- GOAT: Stands for “Greatest of All Time.”
- Many people think Lionel Messi is the GOAT of football.
- Flex: To show off your achievements or belongings in a way that is a bit annoying.
- He bought a new sports car just to flex on his neighbors.
- Salty: Being upset, angry, or bitter about something small.
- She is still salty because I beat her at the video game.
- Lowkey: To keep something quiet or to feel something slightly.
- I lowkey want to stay home tonight.
- Highkey: The opposite of lowkey. It means you want everyone to know.
- I highkey love this new song!
- Vibe: The atmosphere of a place or the feeling you get from a person.
- This cafe has a really chill vibe.
- Sus: Short for “suspicious.” Used when something feels wrong or dishonest.
- That website looks a bit sus.
- Bet: A way to say yes, I agree, or it is a deal.
- Do you want to go to the beach? … Bet!
- Cap: A “cap” is a lie. “No cap” means you are telling the truth.
- I finished the whole pizza, no cap.
- Gucci: A slang way to say something is good, fine, or cool.
- Are we still okay for lunch? … Yeah, everything is Gucci.
- Shook: To be very surprised, shocked, or impressed.
- I was totally shook when I saw the plot twist.
- Stan: To be an extremely devoted fan of a celebrity.
- I totally stan Taylor Swift.
- Dope: An old but common way to say something is excellent or very cool.
- Those new sneakers are so dope.
- Sick: Similar to dope. It means something is amazing.
- Did you see that goal? It was sick!
- Cringe: Used when something is very awkward or embarrassing to watch.
- The way he tried to tell that joke was so cringe.
- Clout: Influence or fame, especially on social media.
- Some people do dangerous things just to get clout.
- Extra: To be over the top or dramatic.
- She bought a huge cake just for a small lunch. She is so extra.
- Basic: Used to describe someone who only likes very popular or mainstream things.
- He only drinks pumpkin spice lattes. He is so basic.
- Fire: Used to describe something that is really good or amazing.
- This pizza is fire!
Why Slang Changes So Fast
Slang is different from denotation and connotation because it is tied to pop culture. Words that are popular this year might be out of style next year. If you use “old” slang, you might sound a bit funny to younger people.
Also, remember that slang is for friends. If you are writing for professional purposes, you should avoid these words.
Practice Quiz: Slang Challenge
Can you match the slang word to the correct meaning? Choose from the words in our list.
- “Spill the _______.” (Tell me the gossip).
- “He is the _______.” (He is the best player ever).
- “I am so _______.” (I am very shocked).
- “That is so _______.” (That looks suspicious).
- “That pizza was _______!” (That pizza was amazing).
(Answers: 1. tea, 2. GOAT, 3. shook, 4. sus, 5. fire)
Wrapping Up
Understanding common slang words is the best way to improve your listening and social skills. Do not be afraid to use them, but start slowly. If you want to learn more about informal English, we suggest looking at our phrasal verbs in daily conversations guide or our idioms quiz.
