50+ most commonly used English slang words today

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What are slang words in English? Why should we use slang words in our daily communication? Let's "pocket" some popular English slang words that will help you communicate effectively and make an impression through the following article!

50+ most commonly used English slang words! — 50+ most commonly used English slang words today

I. What are English slang words?
II. Why is it important to remember English slang words?
III. List of English slang words for communication
1. 1. Common English slang words
2. 2. Common slang phrases in English
IV. Start Your IELTS Journey

I. What are English slang words?

What are slang words in English? English slang words refer to words/phrases, expressions used in everyday, informal language that do not adhere to formal grammar and vocabulary, and often have a personal or regional character. Slang words are not used in formal or official situations or standard writing. Slang can vary and evolve over time, regions, or countries. For example:

The movie was cool! I loved it!
Is that Maria? I dunno.

II. Why is it important to remember English slang words?

To communicate naturally on a daily basis, you need to expand your repertoire of English slang words. Let's explore the reasons why it is important to remember English slang words with PREP!

Demonstrate language proficiency: Using slang words in English accurately can be a sign of fluency and deep understanding of the language. This can help you make a positive impression in important communication situations, such as meetings, dates, or discussions in an academic setting.
Understand real language: Language often develops and changes over time. English slang words often emerge to express new meanings or the evolution of concepts. Knowing slang words helps you better understand real language and how native speakers use it in their daily lives.
Effective communication: When you know and understand English slang words, you can confidently converse with native speakers. This helps you communicate more effectively with native speakers or English-speaking professionals.
Comprehend media content: English slang words often appear in media such as movies, music, television, and newspapers. If you don't understand these slang words, you may miss out on a lot of important daily information.

III. List of English slang words for communication

Let's explore the list of the most common slang words and phrases in English with PREP below!

1. Common English slang words

Here is a list of commonly used English slang words in everyday communication. Let’s take a look now!

No.	English slang words	Meaning	Example
1	Awesome /ˈɔː.səm/ (Adjective)	Extremely well; excellently.	A: What did you think of “Stranger Things”? B: It was awesome! I really loved it!”
2	Cool /kuːl/ (Adjective)	Stylish, excellent, fantastic	A: I'm throwing a small party next week for my birthday. Do you want to come? B: Cool! Sure, I'd love to!
3	Beat /biːt/ (Adjective)	Exhausted, worn out	A: Do you want to go out tonight? There’s a cool new restaurant that’s just opened. B: Sorry, I can’t. I’m beat and I have to wake up early tomorrow.
4	Wheel /wiːl/ (Noun)	If someone mentions their "wheel", they are actually referring to their car.	A: Hey, can you pick me up at 1:00 pm? B: Sorry, I can’t. I don’t have my wheels at the moment.
5	Amped /empty/ (Adjective)	Extremely excited and enthusiastic about something	A: I can't wait to see Messi live! B: Me too, I'm amped.
6	Babe /beɪb/ (Noun)	Someone who looks attractive and appealing. (Note: Be careful with usage as it can be perceived as offensive by others)	A: Oh man, Justin Bieber is such a babe, don't you think? B: Not really, he looks like a little boy. I prefer Justin Timberlake — now that’s a real man!
7	Busted /ˈbʌs.tɪd/ (Verb)	Being caught or apprehended for doing something wrong	A: Did you hear that Alex got busted speeding? B: No, but I'm not surprised. I'm always telling him he needs to drive slower!
8	Ex /ex/ (Noun)	Former boyfriend/ girlfriend	A: Who was that guy you were talking to? B: Oh Andrew? He’s my ex!
9	Geek /ɡiːk/ (Noun)	Someone who is overly knowledgeable or spends excessive time with computers and has limited social interactions	A: What do you think of the new girl Lily? B: Not much, she seems like a geek. She spends all her time in the library!
10	Looker /ˈlʊk.ər/ (Noun)	Someone who is good-looking, but is not directly complimented and instead receives compliments indirectly from others	A: Have you seen the new science professor yet? B: No, but I hear he’s a real looker!
11	In /ɪn/ (Adjective)	Something completely different, trendy at the moment	A: Jackson, why do you keep listening to that music? It’s awful! B: Mommy, you don’t know anything. It’s totally in right now!
12	Sick /sɪk/ (Adjective)	Great, exciting	A: Have you ever gone to Hawaii? B: Yeah, a few times, it’s sick!
13	Ripped /rɪpt/ (Adjective)	Someone who has muscular and well-defined physique due to rigorous athletic training	A: Dude, you’re so ripped! What's your secret? B: Gym three hours a day!
14	Dunno /ˈdʌn.oʊ/	Abbreviation of "I don't know"	A: Where's Jane? B: Dunno.
15	Loser /ˈluː.zər/ (Noun)	A person who is a failure, incompetent	A: Daniel is such a loser for breaking up with Daisy. B: Yeah, I know, he's never going to find a girl as good as her!
16	Rip-off /ˈrɪp.ɒf/ (Noun)	Something that is overpriced or a bad value for the money	A: Why aren't you going to J-Lo's concert anymore? B: The ticket is $250 each. That’s such a rip-off!
17	To hang out /tə hæŋ aʊt/ (Verb)	If your friends ask you to "hang out," it means they want to know if you're available and want to spend time together.	A: Mark, where do you usually hang out on a Friday night? B: If I'm not working, usually go to the cinema.
18	To chill out /tə tʃɪl aʊt/ (Verb)	To relax, unwind	A: Hey Sammy, what are you guys doing? B: We’re just chilling out. Do you want to come round?
19	To have a blast /tə hæv ə blæst/ (Verb)	To have a great time or a lot of fun	A: How was the One Direction’S concert? B: It was awesome. Everyone had a blast.
20	To crush on somebody /tə krʌʃ ɒn ˈsʌmbɒdi/ (Verb)	To have a liking or romantic interest in someone	A: I have the biggest crush on Robert. He's so cute! B: Good luck.
21	To dump somebody /tə dʌmp ˈsʌmbɒdi/ (Verb)	To end a relationship, break up with someone	A: What's wrong with Annie? She looks sad? B: Didn’t you hear? Alex dumped her Last night!
22	Hooked on something /hʊkt ɒn ˈsʌmθɪŋ/ (Adjective)	Extremely interested, obsessed with something	A: What did you think about the new sitcom? B: Loved it. I’m hooked on it already!
23	Epic fail /ˈepɪk feɪl/ (Noun)	Something that doesn't go as expected, used to exaggerate a failure or mistake.	A: The football team lost the game by 10 points, can you believe it? B: Yeah, epic fail!

2. Common slang phrases in English

To communicate naturally and smoothly, let's explore the following common slang phrases in English with PREP!

No.	Common English slang phrases
1	All ears.
2	Anyway.
3	Above and beyond.
4	A piece of cake.
5	Big mouth.
6	By the way.
7	Bottom line.
8	Be my guest.
9	Believe it or not.
10	Break a leg.
11	By all means.
12	Catch you later.
13	Cool down = Calm down.
14	Don’t bother.
15	Double-check.
16	Every now and then.
17	Good vibes.
18	God knows.
19	Give me a hand.
20	Help yourself.
21	It’s up to you.
22	Just in time.
23	Keep it up.
24	Love at first sight.
25	Long time no see.
26	Let me go.
27	Make yourself at home.
28	My pleasure.
29	Not a big deal.
30	Never mind.
31	Pay attention.
32	Right away.
33	So what?
34	Shut up!
35	Ups and downs.
36	Who knows.
37	You bet.
38	Year after year.
39	Yada yada yada.
40	You’re welcome.

IV. Start Your IELTS Journey

PREP has provided you with the knowledge of how to use and pocket a list of over 50 most commonly used English slang words. If you’re ready to boost your IELTS band score, check out our expert-led courses below:

IELTS learning: Score Big in IELTS With Our Expert Tips!

Master Tu Pham

Founder/CEO at Prep

Founder of Prep Smart Test Preparation Platform. With over 10 years of experience in teaching and test preparation, Mr. Tú has helped thousands of students achieve high scores in the IELTS exam. In addition, Mr. Tú Phạm is also a consulting expert in British Council programs and a speaker at many leading educational events, programs, and conferences.