Though inappropriate, slang words are used in most cultures. These words are variations of the original language in terms of spelling, pronunciation, and sometimes meaning. You cannot use these words in a formal setting. But these words are very common among friends and close ones and are used in casual conversation to indicate wit, sarcasm, criticism, playful mockery, and euphemism. These words are often formed with simile, metaphor, hyperbole, or euphemism.

American slang vs. British slang

You will find lots of slangs in both American an British language. Here are some common ones with meanings.

American slang

• Get their goat – To make someone irritated or angry. • Spill the beans – To reveal secret information about someone. • Pass the buck – To shift responsibility to someone else. • Take a rain check – Used to decline an offer politely. • Feeling blue – To express extreme sadness or depression. • Bail – To cancel plans/leave abruptly. • Couch potato – Someone who avoids physical exercise and spends most of their time sitting. • Buck – One dollar. • Drive up the wall – To annoy or irritate. • For real – Truthful or honest. • Hyped – Overly excited. • Hang out – To spend time in a social setting. • Keep it real – To be true to yourself. • Jacked – Stolen. • No biggie – Not a big deal. • Give it a shot – To try something. • Outta here; – To leave quickly. For the birds: worthless, meaningless, useless. Jonesing: have a strong desire or craving for something.

British slang

Bits and bobs: various random things. Taking the Mickey: to make fun of someone, to tease them a lot. Bob's Your Uncle emphasizes how easily something can be completed or achieved. Gutted: When you feel extremely disappointed or upset that something has happened. Dull as dishwater: Something extraordinarily boring. Gutted – To be disappointed. Does what it says on the tin – Expected performance. Cheap and cheerful – Budget-friendly. Bog-standard – Ordinary, monotonous. Curtain-twitcher – Nosy neighbour. Nicked – Stolen. Cheerio – Goodbye. Effing and blinding – Cursing. Full of beans – Energetic and vibrant. For crying out loud – Used to express one's irritation or impatience. Flogging a dead horse – To try to solve a problem whose solution doesn't exist. Hammered – Drunk. Keep your hair on – Used to tell someone to calm down when they unnecessarily get too angry or excited. Put a sock in it – Shut up. Wee – Small/tiny. Dodgy - something or someone is suspicious. Gobsmacked - utterly shocked Taking the piss- to mock Pissed - drunk A cuppa - a cup of tea. Git - a person who is very unpleasant. Sod - thing or devil. Muppet: someone ignorant and clueless. Buzzin' - slightly drunk. Innit - isn't it?

Meaning

Term	British Slang	American Slang
Geezer	A man	A derogatory term used for old men
Trainer	Sneakers, shoes	Fitness expert
Jumper	A sweater	Someone who is attempting to jump from a height
Rubber	Eraser	Contraceptive
Casket	Jewellery or antique box	Coffin
Chips	Similar to french fries	Thinly sliced potato crisps
Biscuit	Cookie	Buttery bread
Chaps	Men	Leather leggings worn during horseriding
The season when it starts to get cold	Autumn	Fall
Rear storage in the car	Boot	Trunk
Delighted	Chuffed	Pleased
Beautiful	Fit	Fine
Pissed	Drunk	Angry
Bog	Public bathroom	Muddy grounds
Fill someone in	Assault someone	Give someone the details

By knowing the slang used regularly in the community, you will understand how language is evolving. Slangs make the English language more humous and enjoyable. However, it poses challenges for non-native English speakers as they are most likely not familiar with the slang. One way to stay up-to-date with the latest slang is to watch movies, read literature, and listen to music. You can look into the online resources as well. Practicing speech with native speakers can help you learn slang properly.