American English Slang: Improve your English Vocabulary

Have you ever heard someone exclaim “chill out,” “take a hike,” or “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” and wonder what it really means? They are English slang expressions! Check out these videos and explanations to find out more about American English slang.

In American English, slang is sometimes used to describe a situation or someone’s behaviour. It’s a way to explain something using less words and often is used between friends and colleagues. You might even hear strangers using it to describe something!

These videos and explanations of slang are a great way to help expand your English vocabulary, deepen your understanding of English, get a better score on the IELTS speaking exam part 1 and improve your spoken English. Watch the videos, read the examples and try using some slang with your friends!

And, if you want to learn some idioms too, be sure to check this out: American English Idioms.

Chill out

Chill out = relax, take a breath.

Examples:

“Dude, it’s not that big of a deal. Chill out.”

“Chill out and go score that goal. You’ve got this.”

I’m gonna bail / Let’s bail

I’m gonna bail / Let’s bail = To leave or depart abruptly.

Examples:

“This party is lame, I’m not having fun. I’m gonna bail.”

“I think he’s being rude and it’s uncomfortable. Let’s bail.”

Third wheel

Third wheel = Describes someone who is hanging out with a couple.

Examples:

“My boyfriend can’t come, so I’ll just be the third wheel on our camping trip.”

“I don’t wanna be your third wheel at the movies, sorry.”

Couch Potato

Couch Potato = People who aren’t that active, instead preferring to sit on the couch and watch TV or play video games.

Examples:

“Stop being a couch potato and get your homework done!”

“John’s being a couch potato, he won’t want to go on a hike with us.”

Let’s roll / I’m gonna roll

Let’s roll / I’m gonna roll = go somewhere; to start moving.

Examples:

“We’re done shopping here. Let’s roll.”

“I’m getting tired and I have to work tomorrow morning. I’m gonna roll.”

Catch some rays

Catch some rays = go outside in the sun.

Examples:

“Want to go to the beach and catch some rays with me?”

“It’s a beautiful day outside. Let’s go catch some rays!”

Hang out

Hang out = spend time with someone.

Examples:

“Do you want to hang out tomorrow night?”

“Yuri and I are hanging out later, do you want to join?”

All nighter

All nighter = Stayed up the entire night to study or work.

Examples:

“The due date is tomorrow at 11am so I’m pulling an all nighter tonight to get it completed.”

“Are you really going to pull an all nighter again? You’ll think better with a bit of sleep!”

No worries

No worries = It’s okay.

Examples:

“You need next Saturday off? No worries.”

“No worries, I am a bit late anyways.”

Hit the books

Hit the books = studied; to study.

Examples:

“I’ve got a midterm tomorrow afternoon so I’m gonna hit the books.”

“Hey Ian, do you want to hit the books with me?”

I’m down

I’m down = An expression that shows you want to do the thing that the other person is suggesting. Same as, “I’m in.”

Examples:

“Yeah, I’m down to go to the movies later on.”

“Study group at 11:00am for Maths 101? I’m down.”

Pit Stop

Pit stop = stopping to get snacks or go to the bathroom on a road trip.

“Hey Ian, can we have a pit stop please?”

“We’ve been driving a while now, I think I’m going to have a pit stop.”

TMI (Too Much Information)

TMI = Too much information. Used to express displeasure when someone tells you something that you think should be kept private.

“Dude, I don’t need to know that, TMI!”

“I don’t wanna know how your finger broke, that’s TMI!”

Stoner

Stoner = describes someone who smokes marijuana (or partakes in illegal drugs) regularly or almost every day.

“Jim is a stoner, he takes naps constantly.”

“Don’t expect her homework to be on time, she’s a stoner.”

Slacker

Slacker = describes someone who is lazy.

“He has been a slacker on our group project, he isn’t doing his work.”

“I’m so frustrated, she’s a slacker and it’s affecting my work.”

Meltdown/Having a Meltdown

Meltdown/Having a Meltdown = temper tantrum.

“Timmy didn’t get to eat candy for dinner, so now he’s having a meltdown.”

“She forgot to save all her work, so she’s having a meltdown now that it’s gone.”

Pull Over

Pull over = stop the car on the side of the road.

“There’s a bee in the car!! Please pull over!”

“I really need to use the washroom, do you mind pulling over?”

Damage Control / Doing Damage Control

Damage control = trying to contain a bad situation.

“He’s going to have to do damage control with his boss after what he said about him.”

“They’re doing damage control after what that politician said.”

Hangry/I’m Hangry

Hangry/I’m Hangry = hungry + angry combined

“I’m getting hangry, stop here so I can get some food.”

“You don’t want to bother Peter right now, he’s hangry.”

Hey Bro

Hey Bro = a way to greet a close male friend (if you’re also a guy).

“Hey bro, want to go kick some ball later on?”

“Hey bro, I’m not cool with that.”

Dumped

Dumped = broken up with.

“She dumped me last night. I’m so upset.”

“I just got dumped, I need a night out!”

Getting Hitched

Getting hitched = getting married.

“Ladies! I’m getting hitched!!!”

“Did you hear? He got hitched in Vegas over the weekend!”

Flakey

Flakey = describes someone who doesn’t follow through with what they say or always cancels plans.

“Don’t bother inviting him, he’s super flakey and probably won’t show up.”

“Why are you so flakey? I keep inviting you but you never show up.”

Wheels

Wheels = a car.

“Did you see her new wheels? Awesome colour choice!”

“Hop in, we’ll take my wheels to get there.”

Busted

Busted = to get caught doing something wrong.

“I got busted for skipping school, so I’m grounded for the week.”

“I got busted last time, I don’t wanted to get busted again.”

Flunking

Flunking = failing.

“If you don’t study, you’re going to end up flunking the test.”

“I don’t want to flunk the test, can I have extra study time please?”

Keener

Keener = describes someone who is the opposite of lazy.

“You already finished all the readings? You’re such a keener!”

“You can tell the new girl is a keener, she knew so much about this weeks lecture!”

American English Party Slang

What do you think about American English slang?

Leave a comment below to let me know what you think and what American English slang you want to hear next!

Also, you might want to check out these English Expressions.

Last update on 2022-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API