slang

Everyday

1. Very informal words and phrases used in casual talk, often by a group such as young people, and not used in formal writing. tree →
2. (verb, UK, informal) slanging match: an angry argument with insults. tree →

In the lessons

In English lessons pupils learn the difference between slang and standard English. Examples: "cool", "gonna", "arvo" (Australia), "innit" (UK). Slang changes fast and differs between countries. Phrases: slang word, slang term, rhyming slang, slanging match.

Examples

• "Cool" is slang for "very good". tree →
• Don't use slang in your essay. tree →
• In Australian slang, "arvo" means afternoon. tree →
• Cockney rhyming slang uses "apples and pears" for stairs. tree →
• My grandad doesn't understand our slang. tree →
• "Quid" is British slang for a pound. tree →
• The neighbours had a slanging match over the fence. tree →
• Real fairies never preach or talk slang. tree →

Note

Uncountable: "some slang", "a slang word". Slang is not wrong, just informal: fine with friends, not in tests. Slang money words (buck, quid) still mean real amounts in maths problems.