If you're spending time with some North Americans you're definitely going to hear some slang and a few of these informal expressions we use on a daily basis.
Try to listen for these words as well in the next movie or TV series you watch!
1. What’s up/ Wassup?/ Sup?
Meaning: How are you? Hey?
Very commonly used to say hello to another person.
Hey, what’s up?
What’s going on?
2. Never mind
Meaning: Forget about it or don’t worry about it.
Hey, can you pick up some ice on your way home?
Hey, sorry but I can't. I'm already on my way home.
Ah, ok. Never mind. I'll go get some later.
3. You know what I mean?
Meaning: Do you understand me?
I just feel like this job isn't good for you. You know what I mean?
Yea, I hear you.
Acompaña este post con nuestro videotutorial sobre expresiones informales!
4. Come on
Meaning: Encouraging someone to do something
I don't want to go to the party tonight.
Oh, come on! Please! It's going to be fun.
5. Catch you later
Meaning: See you later. Goodbye.
See you tomorrow
Ok, Catch you later
6. Awesome
Meaning: Great. Excellent. Amazing.
How was the concert last night?
It was really awesome. Great show.
7. Whatever
Meaning: It doesn’t matter or I don’t care.
She said she doesn't want to talk to you anymore.
Whatever. I don't want to be with her anymore.
8. Hang out with someone
Meaning: spend time with someone.
What are you doing Saturday night?
Not much. You want to hang out?
Sure.
9. Dude
Meaning: guy, man
It is also commonly used as an interjection. Similar to the word 'weon' in Spanish.
Who's that dude over there?
That's Brian.
I can't believe you did that
Dude, stop yelling at me.
10. To chill
Meaning: to relax
You want to go out to the bar tonight?
I think I'm gonna stay in tonight and just chill. Thanks for the invite though.
11. To have a blast
Meaning: to have a fun time
I had a blast at the party last night. Thanks for inviting us.
No problem. Anytime. I had a lot of fun too.
12. I get it/ I got it
Meaning: I understand. I empathize
I'm sorry but with what's happening right now I'm too busy to take on this new project for you.
I get it. You're just overwhelmed. I'll find someone else to take the project.
Thanks for understanding.
13. Hot
Meaning: extremely attractive
Do you like Meghan Fox?
Of course. Who doesn't? She's really hot, dude.
14. To be hooked on something
Meaning: to be addicted to something
I watched Netflix all weekend. I'm really hooked on the Narcos series.
15. I hear ya’ / I hear you.
Meaning: I understand what you’re saying. I empathize.
It's not fair. My coworker got a raise and I didn't. I work so much harder than her.
I hear ya'. You totally deserve the raise more than her.
16. Cool
Meaning: awesome, great, fantastic
In Chile you say 'bakán' or 'bacán'.
How was your first class with Dynamic English? Did you like your teacher?
Yea, I enjoyed it. My teacher seems really cool.
17. Bummer
Meaning: an unfortunate situation.
In the end my company isn't going to pay for my English classes :(
That's a bummer, dude. What are you going to do?
18. It’s up to you
Meaning: you choose/decide. I don’t care so I prefer you to make the decision.
Do you want to stay in tonight and eat leftovers from yesterday or go out to grab a bite?
It's up to you. I could do either one.
19. For sure/ Sure thing / Without a doubt
Meaning: definitely, no problem
Can you help me out with this problem for a sec?
For sure. No problem.
20. That’s sick
Meaning: That’s awesome. That’s great/ excellent.
Dude, I got the new position as Marketing Director.
Oh, my god. That's so sick! Congratulations! So where are we celebrating?
21. Wasted
Meaning: really drunk.
I got so wasted at the company party and I can't remember anything I said to the boss. I'm so embarrassed. I usually don't drink that much.
22. I gotta run (I’ve got to run)
Meaning: I have to leave. I have to go. I’m in a rush.
Hey. Can we talk for a second?
Not right now. Unfortunately, I gotta run. I'm late for a meeting. Can we talk tomorrow?
Sure, no worries. Good luck.