Those who are at the conversational stage of learning a language often wonder if they need to know English slang. The answer is positive, since the correct use of such words significantly expands your understanding of foreign interlocutors. The first thing you need to understand before starting to study this topic: slang in English is not necessarily profanity, but also words that are used by people belonging to a certain profession or group: students, schoolchildren, computer scientists, musicians, etc.
Social variety of speech
In order to delve deeper into the study of language jargon, it is necessary to identify its main sources. Youth slang in English was formed mainly due to immigrants, music, business, the criminal world, computerization, among informal social groups and teenagers.
Composing such expressions does not have any grammar rules. English slang denies the norms customary for the language. Nevertheless, it is necessary to know exactly how and in what situations one or another word should be used. Incorrect use of jargon can cause laughter, bewilderment, or even offense to the interlocutor.
The grammatical side of jargon
The tourist will instantly feel the difference between the live speech of native speakers and the standard rules from school textbooks. Abbreviations of some words and expressions are also considered elements of slang speech.
Let's look at a few illustrative examples:
. going to turns into gonna;
. want (want) - wanna;
. I’m (I am) - ama;
. yes (yes) - yep (American version);
. don’t know (I don’t know) - dunno;
. because (because) - cause (also serves as an independent word, which is translated into Russian as “reason”);
. betcha - to argue;
. dammit (short for damn it) - damn it;
. dreamboat - a beautiful person;
. gimme (American version of give me) - “give it to me.”
There are words that have both a standard meaning and a slang one. For example, the expression bless you - “bless you” has acquired the additional meaning of “be healthy”, which is used after sneezing. The well-known adjective cool (fresh, cool), which is now also translated by the words “cool”, “cool”.
Business communication has its own grammatical abbreviations, most of which we know from school:
. Mr. - Mister;
. Mrs. - Mrs.
. Dr - doctor;
. etc - and so on;
. e. g. - For example.
English slang in correspondence
At every step in online communication, various abbreviations are used in writing slang expressions. Let's look at a few colloquial acronyms:
U (you) - you, you.
Lol (Laughing out loud) - the Russian equivalent can be considered the phrase “laughing out loud”. This abbreviation will add a touch of playfulness and lightheartedness to your message. To replace Lol, there is ROFL, which means that the interlocutor is literally “rolling on the floor because of laughter.”
The combination of letters BRB (be back soon) is used in cases where you are forced to go somewhere and will not be able to answer at this time.
G2G (got to go) is a good way to end a conversation before leaving the chat.
Instead of writing a rather long in my opinion, you can briefly write IMO and continue writing your opinion.
Differences between English and American slang
The biggest misconception among Russian speakers is that people from Britain easily understand Americans. This is not true, since certain words have different meanings among these two peoples.
In this regard, it is easier to communicate with the British. Most of them are very and can literally apologize a hundred times for an everyday trifle or for something that they didn’t even do. But if you are in America and hear the word sorry behind you, do not rush to get excited: maybe there is a policeman behind you who is ready to issue a fine for some offense.
Let's look at the meanings of some expressions:
Ass for an Englishman means an ordinary donkey, for an American it is a “fifth point” and a word that can be used to call a bad person;
Pissed - in the USA this word is used to describe a dissatisfied person, and in Britain it is used to describe a drunk person;
To shag in America means the verb “to dance,” but if you try to ask a girl to dance with its help in England, the consequences can be the most unexpected;
Bloody is used by Americans in the literal sense - bloody, but in Britain it is most often meant as “damned”, “damn”;
The verb to table smth in English means “to discuss,” but if you say this in America, your interlocutors will understand that you want to postpone the conversation for another time.
English slang, phrases and words of which are an important component of any language, is necessary to know, because you risk not understanding half of the conversation with your foreign interlocutor. Without knowledge of the speech itself, the use of jargon is unacceptable, since illiteracy does not contribute to a person joining a particular company.
It is important to remember that youth slang is not a dictionary of obscene expressions, but the style of certain social groups. Using unscrupulous “samizdat” with a dubious translation is highly discouraged. IN modern world There are a large number of dictionaries created by famous linguists that will become faithful assistants to anyone who wants to learn English slang.
Today we will look at slang. So what are slang words?
Slang words now form their own, modern language. This is the language of youth, using special words, or figurative meanings of already existing words. Slang often has its own, specific to different groups of people related by professional age and other characteristics. Some words and phrases that were invented as slang have now already entered literary speech.
But do not forget that slang is a colloquial language. It is not allowed to use slang at business meetings or in conversations with superiors, adults. Slang words in English are not always unique, new words; they come from the addition of other words.
Not all slangs can be found in dictionaries. But, in order to keep up with modern English youth, it is better, of course, to learn the most common words and expressions. I suggest you get acquainted with some of them:
To blow out of here
Do you want to leave the room, get away from somewhere? Then this expression is for you. I think we can consider that our expression is similar to the Russian “evaporate”. Please, blow out of here! You destroy my lesson- Please leave the office. You're disturbing my lesson.
A pain in the neck
For all of us, neck pain is a real challenge. The above expression characterizes something that irritates you very much, distracts you, and drives you crazy. Using this expression, you can also talk about how something really bothers you. My neighbors are real pain in the neck. They do renovation from morning till late night– My neighbors just drive me crazy! They do repairs from morning until evening.
To catch some Z's
Do you want to sleep, take a short nap, but in a personal conversation you can’t use a funny “sleeping” emoticon, like online? Or are you just tired of ordinary expressions and want to demonstrate your level of language? This expression will help you. Get some sleep and move forward with new strength. The day was heavy yesterday, I need to catch some Z’s. – Yesterday was a difficult day. I need to take a little nap.
Babe at the woods
And if you still haven’t managed to get a good night’s sleep and you feel like you fell from the moon, this expression is for you. It just means this state when you feel like an alien on your own planet. At that concert, I felt like babe at the woods– At that concert, I felt out of place.
Screw around
This is exactly what many of us choose to do all day long. Respond quickly, slackers! Are you wasting your work time? Are you constantly checking and updating your status on social networks? Then don't be surprised if the above expression is used about you. Stop screwing around! We need you here and now- Stop messing around! We need you here and now!
Bublin brook
And those who are trying to pass your idleness on to the boss should avoid lying. We don't need talkers and gossips. They only cause troubles and troubles. I don't like to talk to her. She is bubble brook- I don’t like talking to her, she’s such a gossip.
Chew the fat
Do you know what these gossip girls do? That's right, they sharpen their swords and chatter incessantly. They don't work at all. They are always chewing the fat.“They don’t work at all, they just gossip non-stop.”
Banana oil
This expression is beloved and often used even in Russian. Only our noodles were replaced with banana oil. Can you guess what I mean? That's right, about situations when they hang noodles on your ears, brazenly flatter you, and don't tell you anything. Stop! It's bananas oil. I know the truth.– Stop telling lies on my ears! I know the truth.
Cop out
This is exactly the case when they still continue to hide the truth from you. If they continue to avoid these conversations in front of you, you know that something is fishy here. I don’t know what they are talking about. They cop it out of me. – I don’t know what they are talking about. They hide it from me.
To blow smn's mind
This expression can drive everyone crazy! Are you “sick” with something? Can't imagine your life without hockey now? Then this phrase is what you need. Kate blown my mind! She is really pretty girl.“Kate just drove me crazy right away!” She's a really beautiful girl.
I'm chilling!
After a difficult week, everyone needs to relax. A similar, but already boring expression would be: I’m relaxing! I rest, relax, laze around! But, having learned our slangs, why speak so simply? I'm really tired, exhausted. Now I'm chilling. – I’m so tired, exhausted. It's time to sit back.
Let's chill!
Another expression with chill! This is a real call for a party to relax! It will be similar Let's hang out!- Let's relax! Let's party!
Let it all hang out!
Relax and be yourself! Say and do what you think, what you want!
I really hope that the phrases given here and set expressions will help you in communication. You will. And now you can not only guess the meaning of some words, but also understand foreigners, and even calmly use your new knowledge in conversations.
Before Trafalgar Square was laid out in Victorian times it was the site of the old Royal Mews, or stables. Hunting falcons were once kept there. The Square was named to commemorate Admiral Lord Nelson’s naval victory over the French at Trafalgar in 1805. Today it is a place where people meet, and is a site famous for political demonstrations.
Nelson's Column
The Square’s most famous landmark is Nelson’s Column. There are four bronze lions around it, modeled by the artist Sir Edwin Landseer. They were cast from the cannon of battleships. Every October 21st there is a service under the column to commemorate Nelson. A few days before Nelson’s statue was erected fourteen stonemasons held a dinner on top of the column. Before the statue was hoisted up it was put on show to the public. It was never come down since; people climb up the column to clean and restore it.
Nelson’s statue is over 5m high, that about three times his real height. The statue shows Nelson with one arm and one eye. He lost them in battle. The column is a copy of one from a temple in Rome. It is 51m high. Brass relieves around the bottom show battle scenes. They were cast from captured French cannon. Thousands of pigeons congregate in Trafalgar Square. In summer you can buy birdseed to feet them.
Sights in the Square
George the Fourth's statue. Around the Square there are many statues. One of them shows George the Fourth on horse back. He chose the pose himself and made it very heroic – he is riding in Roman costume, bareback and without stirrups.
Charles the First's statue. A statue of the Charles the First on horseback looks down Whitehall. During the Civil War it was sold to a brazier to melt down. But he hid it in his garden and produced it again when the monarchy returned.
The Police Box. In a corner of the Square there is a small hollow pillar, built as an observation post for one policeman. It is London's smallest police office. The lamp on top is said to come from Nelson’s flagship Victory.
The Standards of Length. On the north wall a brass plaque shows the British Imperial standards of length. Mileages from London are traditionally measured from behind Charles the First’s statue.
Saint Martin-in-the-Fields. The church of Saint Martin-in-the-Fields is on the north-east side of the Square. It was built in 1721, and many wooden churches in America, particularly in New England, are copies of it. It is famous for lunchtime concerts. Nell Gwynn and the furniture marker Thomas Chippendale are buried there.
Eleanor's Cross. In the nearby Stand, by Charing Cross Station, you can see Eleanor’s Cross. The original one was erected by Edward the First in memory of his wife Eleanor. It marked the last resting place of her funeral procession before it reached Westminster Abbey in 1291. Today’s cross is a Victorian version.
Celebrations
Every year Norway sends Britain a huge Christmas tree, as thanks for wartime help. It stands in the Square from mid-December, when the Ambassador of Norway switches on the lights. Carols are sung around it every evening until Christmas. On New Year's Eve people go to Trafalgar Square to hear the mid-night chimes of Big Ben.
(No Ratings Yet)Trafalgar Square is the pride of Londoners. This place is the center of Westminster and connects three main streets. It also amazes with its grandeur and annually attracts crowds of tourists to admire this attraction. The square was founded in 1820. Initially, in its place there were aviaries for royal falcons. Later, stables were built there, and after they were demolished, local authorities decided to create a huge square. The goal of this project was to improve the city and provide people with a place for cultural recreation.
The square was named after the naval Battle of Trafalgar on this site, which was led by Admiral Horatio Nelson. In memory of this outstanding person A column with a granite Nelson monument on top was erected in the square. The height of the column is 56 meters. At the foot there are huge four lions made of bronze.
In addition to the Nelson monument, the rest of the space includes many other interesting structures. These are sculptures of great people who played a significant role in the history of England, majestic fountains, two National Galleries that store about 2,300 paintings, and St. Martin's Church.
Trafalgar Square is surrounded by many roads, and its center is the main transport junction. Traffic increases rapidly during rush hour. But in lately the number of cars has been reduced for the safety of pedestrians and those who come there to relax.
Many years ago, Trafalgar Square was a haven for wild pigeons, they flocked from everywhere, tourists and local citizens loved to feed them. But it was soon recognized that pigeons leave behind a lot of dirt and damage stone structures. In 2000, authorities banned the sale of bird food, but people still continued to feed them. And then they introduced a ban on feeding, and punishment in the form of a fine for those who disobeyed. Over time, the pigeons began to disappear and now they practically never come.
Since its creation, Trafalgar Square has become a traditional place for rallies and pickets, as well as for holiday celebrations and festivals. Residents celebrate each New Year by gathering in the square, where the UK's festive tree is erected every time.
Translation
Trafalgar Square is the pride of the inhabitants of London. This place is the center of Westminster and connects the three main streets. It also amazes with its greatness and annually gathers crowds of tourists to admire this landmark. The square was founded in 1820. Initially, in its place there were aviaries for royal falcons. Later, there were built stables, and after they were demolished, local authorities decided to create a huge area. The purpose of this project was to beautify the city, and to provide people with a place for cultural recreation.
The square was named after the naval Battle of Trafalgar on this site, which was led by Admiral Horatio Nelson. In memory of this outstanding man, a column with a granite monument of Nelson on the summit was erected on the square. The height of the column is 56 meters. Four huge lions of bronze are installed at the foot.
In addition to the monument to Nelson, the rest of the space includes many other interesting buildings. These are sculptures of great people who played a significant role in the history of England, majestic fountains, two National Galleries which hold about 2300 paintings, the Church of St. Martin.
Trafalgar Square is surrounded by many roads, and its center is the main traffic junction. The movement of traffic is intensively growing during the peak hours. But recently the number of cars has decreased, for the safety of pedestrians, and those who come there for resting.
Many years ago Trafalgar Square was a haven of wild pigeons, they flew everywhere, and tourists and local citizens liked to feed them. But soon it was recognized that the pigeons leave a lot of mud after themselves, and spoil the stone structures. In 2000, the authorities banned the sale of feed for birds, but people still continued to feed them. And then they introduced a ban on feeding, and punishment in the form of a fine for those who violated the ban. Over time, the pigeons began to disappear and now almost do not arrive.
Is Trafalgar Square. It’s a place where the three Westminster’s streets: Strand, Whitehall and Mall meet. It’s a traditional place for meetings, demonstrations, other gatherings and mass events holding. The main country’s Christmas tree imported from Norway is set there annually. Norway presents Britain with a tree to thank for liberation from the Nazis.
It was named so by George Taylor in commemoration of the Battle of Trafalgar that took place in 1805. In the center of the square the Nelson’s Column, surrounded with fountains, is situated. Horatio Nelson was a commander admiral at that historical naval battle who died defeating Napoleon. His statue erected in 1843 is about 200 feet high and has 4 sculpted lions on its basement (added later on).
There are 4 plinths in every corner of Trafalgar Square with statues of George IV, Charles Napier, and Henry Havelock. The northwest plinth also known as the fourth plinth remained empty for 150 years. There should have been an equestrian statue of King William IV. Though, due to the lack of money the project wasn’t completed. Recently it has been decided to place there modern art installations that should be changed every 2 years. Since 2013 there is an ultramarine blue statue of Hahn/Cock.
The National Gallery of London is also located on the north side of the square. It was completed in 1843. Its collection is compiled of the masterpieces of famous artists: Rafael, Rembrandt, Titian, Hogarth, Michelangelo, Rubens, Renoir and others. The National Portrait Gallery is a world-renowned gallery that has at its disposal the portraits of outstanding British people since Tudor times till present. The portraits are arranged thematically and must depict people who have been dead at least for ten years.
And South Africa houses as well as Admiralty Arch and St. Martin-in-the-Fields’ church are other prominent places of visit located nearby. The style of the last one had been copied by various architects for building churches, especially in the USA.
If a tourist experiences some troubles, he can ask for the help the heritage wardens which are present in the square around the clock. They provide with the appropriate answers and may give some pieces of advice as for the nearby attractions.
Till the recent time the doves were a special attraction of the place. There could be up to 35 thousand pigeons on the square simultaneously. Partially it was because of the tourists who fed birds. In fact, that made a great problem as the city administration spent 160 thousand dollars for cleaning the streets and monuments from the bird droppings every year. In 2007 the feeding pigeons was strictly prohibited that led to the decrease of the bird number.
