As it’s coming up to the end of the year I thought a bit of a laugh would be good. Below are passages using Australian, American and British English slang words.
Even if you don’t use slang in your speech, you still need to understand what speakers are saying when they use English slang words and phrases. Mind you, I think using slang also adds passion and colour to speech as well.
I have ‘translated’ each section of slang afterwards just so you know ‘what they’re on about’ ( what they are saying)!
Australian English Slang words
A: G’day mate! How’s it goin?
B: Yeah… not bad. I felt a bit crook the other day but I’m on the mend now.
A: Crikey! My dad’s been crook lately too! Maybe there’s somethin goin round?
B: Maybe… or maybe it was the Macca’s he ate?
A: Nice one mate! You’re a real cracker! Hey, I’m going to have a barbie this arvo, you down?
B: Well, I feel a bit stuffed still mate, but I’m up for it. I’ll swing by this arvo ‘round 5?
A: No worries mate, see ya when I see ya.
B: Righto, oi, is Sharon gonna be there?
A: Mate you got buckley’s with her! You know she has a new boyfriend.
B: Yeah but I heard he lives out woop woop way so I may be in with a chance?
A: Well you can give it a crack, but I don’t like your chances!
B: Cool, I feel stoked mate! See you later this arvo!
Australian English Slang Words Translation
A: Hello friend! How are things going in your life?
B: Yeah not bad. I felt a bit unwell/sick the other day but I’m (getting) much better now.
A: Crikey! (an expression of surprise) My father has been unwell lately also! Maybe there is an illness circulating around.
B: Maybe… or maybe it was the ‘Macdonald’s’ ( fast food chain) meal he ate?
A: I liked that, ( the comment about his father) it was good. You’re good (a good comment). Hey, I’m going to have a bar-b- que this afternoon. Are you OK with that?
B: Well, I feel a bit full (from eating) still, but I’m willing to do it ( come to the bar-b-que). I’ll come to your place this afternoon at about 5?
A: That’s fine, I’ll see you when you get there.
B: Ok. Fine. Heh, is Sharon going to be there?
A: Friend. You don’t stand a chance with her! You know she has a new boyfriend.
B: Yeah, but I heard he lives very far away, so I may be in with a chance?
A: Well you can try, but I don’t think you have much chance!
B: Great. I feel excited, friend! See you later this afternoon!
American English Slang Words
Tom: Hey dude,
Ben: What’s up?
Tom: I’m so tired man, I was up all night cramming for finals. I’m trying not to screw up so I can get good grades. How bout you?
Ben: I was playing hooky all day and then I went to a party, bae was getting lit.
Tom: For real? Anything cra cra happen?
Ben: I plead the fifth!
Tom: Okay, I’m gonna go see Guardians Of The Galaxy 2, it just hit the big screen. Can you take your clothes off of the couch?
Ben: yeh, sure
Tom: thanks
Ben: you’re welcome
American English Slang Words Translation
Tom: Hi guy (fellow/friend)
Ben: What is happening/ how are you?
Tom: I’m so tired man (form of address), I was up all night studying last minute for my end of year exams for the end of my degree. I’m trying not to ruin my chances (mismanage the situation) so I can get good marks in the exams. How are you going?
Ben: I skipped school (or stayed away from work or a duty) all day, and then I went to a party, where people (the babes), were getting intoxicated.
Tom: Really! Anything crazy happen?
Ben: I am invoking my right to plead the fifth amendment in the American constitution. (This means invoking the privilege that allows a witness to decline to answer questions where the answers might incriminate him).
Tom: Okay, I’m gonna go and watch the movie Guardians Of The Galaxy 2, it just came into the movie theaters. Can you take your clothes off of the couch?
Ben:Yes, I can surely do that.
Tom: Thanks
Ben: It’s not a problem.
British English slang words
Edward: I’m knackered! I’ve been clearing all the bits and bobs out of the back shed for hours!
Peter: Are you off your trolley? What happened? You’ve been threatening to do that for years. Can I have a butchers?
Edward: Actually, I’m rather chuffed about it. There’s so much space in there now.
Peter: Can I have a butchers? I want to check you aren’t telling porkies!
Edward: Of course and after that we can sit in the shed, open a beer, and have a chin wag.
Peter: (looking in the shed) Wow! I’m gobsmacked! You really did clear the shed. What are you going to say to your Mum when she finds out you threw out all her bits and bobs?
Edward: Oh! I didn’t think of that. All of a sudden I’ve got the collywobbles. Maybe she won’t notice!
Peter: Don’t be daft! of course she’ll notice. You better think of something quick cause I can hear her coming!
British English Slang Words Translation
Edward: I’m extremely tired! I’ve been clearing various things out of the back shed for hours.
Peter: Are you crazy/mad! What happened? You’ve been saying you would do that for years. Can I have a look?
Edward: Actually, I’m rather pleased about it. There’s so much space in there now.
Peter: Can I have a look. I want to check you aren’t telling lies.
Edward: Of course and after that we can sit in the shed, open a beer, and have a chat.
Peter: (looking in the shed) Wow! I’m amazed! You really did clear the shed. What are you going to say to your Mum when she finds out you threw out all her things?
Edward: Oh! I didn’t think of that. All of a sudden I’ve feel very nauseous ( brought on by nervousness or anxiety). Maybe she won’t notice!
Peter: Don’t be stupid! Of course she’ll notice. You better think of something quick ’cause I can hear her coming!
Hope you enjoyed these and it helps you understand English slang words and phrases better.
Best wishes, Esther
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