AMERICAN SLANG

[영어도우미]

AMERICAN SLANG

 

 

Definition:	All the time; always available; without a break.
Example:	1) In New York City, a lot of stores are open 24/7. 2) I had to move because my neighbors played loud dance music 24/7.
Etymology:	Some convenience stores are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The phrase is used for anything that is always (or nearly always) available.
Synonyms:	around the clock

 

 

 

 

Definition:	Someone who isn't very smart; a stupid person.
Example:	1) Susan and Jim are such airheads -- they love sports but they are failing all of their classes at school! 2) I woudn't ask Alaine for the answer -- she's an airhead!
Etymology:	If your head is filled with air instead of brains, you probably can't think very well.
Synonyms:	ditz

 

 

 

 

Definition:	Someone who drinks a lot of whiskey; a drunk.
Example:	1) Tom is quite a boozehound -- he has half a bottle of Johnnie Walker Red for lunch !
Etymology:	A 'hound' is a hunting dog, and 'booze' is liquor. So a 'boozehound' is someone who pursues liquor like a dog hunting prey.
Synonyms:	lush

 

 

 

Definition:	To leave.
Example:	1) We've got to bounce -- my friend Charlie is having a big party. 2) I'm going to bounce. I have to get up early tomorrow.
Etymology:	When something 'bounces', it moves up and down, like a ball. When a person 'bounces', she moves from one place to another, as though flying through the air.

 

 

 

Definition:	A person or thing that gets in the way; a burden that you are stuck with.
Example:	1) Ed wants to leave his wife and kids - he feels like they are just excess baggage.
Etymology:	When you fly on a plane, there are limits on how much luggage (or how many suitcases or bags) you can bring with you. Anything over the limit is called 'excess baggage' (or extra bags) and cannot be put on the plane.
Synonyms:	fifth wheel

 

 

Definition:	Addicted; to like something so much that you need it every day.
Example:	1) I'm really hooked on the hamburgers at Junior's. 2) I really like Holly, my new girlfriend. After just two dates, I'm hooked!
Etymology:	A 'hook' is a curved piece of metal used to catch something, like a fish hook. If you are 'hooked' on something, it has caught you and won't let go. This term was originally used by drug addicts to describe the feeling of needing drugs, and now it used to describe anything that is so good that you want it every day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

VOCABULARY WORDS:

 

SLANG: noun:  informal language consisting of words and expressions that are not considered appropriate for formal occasions; often vituperative or vulgar

 

CONVENIENT: adjective:  easy to reach

 

 

 

DISCUSSION POINTS:

 

1. In your own words, explain all the expressions mentioned in the article.

2. What is a slang? What do you think of it?

3. Do you know other American slang expressions? Please mention some.

4. As an English learner, do you think it's important for you to learn American slang expressions?

5. How important is it for a person to speak politely? Explain.

6. Do our words mirror our personality? Explain.