Lesson 5 of 6

Slang and Informal English

Understand the casual words Americans use with friends, and when to avoid them.

12 minLevel B1–B2

Slang makes conversation with friends feel relaxed and real. It also changes quickly, and using it in the wrong place can sound strange. This lesson covers widely used, long-lasting informal English that's safe to use with friends and casual coworkers.

LearnThe key ideas

Everyday informal English

Expression	Meaning	Example
No worries	It's okay, no problem	No worries, take your time.
My bad	Sorry, my mistake	My bad, I forgot.
I'm down	I'm in, I agree to the plan	Pizza later? I'm down.
That's a bummer	That's disappointing	The show got cancelled? Bummer.
For real?	Seriously?	You won? For real?
I'm beat	I'm very tired	Long day, I'm beat.
Hang on	Wait a moment	Hang on, let me check.
It's on me	I'll pay	Don't worry, lunch is on me.

Know your audience

Use these with friends, casual coworkers and in texts. Avoid them in job interviews, formal emails and with people you've just met in professional settings. Copying the other person's level of formality is the safest rule.

ListenListen and repeat

No worries, it happens.Reassuring someone.
Oh, my bad! Wrong file.Quick apology.
Movie tonight? I'm down.Agreeing to a plan.
Put your wallet away, it's on me.Offering to pay.

AvoidCommon mistakes

Using "my bad" with your CEO✓ I apologize, that was my mistake.Match the level of formality.

Copying slang from very old movies✓ Learn current, common expressionsSome slang sounds dated.

"I'm down" meaning sad✓ "I'm down" means I'm inTo say you're sad: "I'm feeling down".

SpeakShadowing practice

Press Listen, then repeat straight away, copying the speed, rhythm and tone. Say each sentence three times, then record yourself.

My bad, I totally forgot to text you back.
Coffee after class? Yeah, I'm down.
Don't worry about it, dinner's on me.

Record the sentences above and compare with the audio.

CheckQuick quiz

1. "Pizza tonight?" You agree:

2. "It's on me" means:

3. Where is slang least appropriate?

PracticeToday's speaking task

Text a friend in English using two expressions from this lesson, naturally in context.

← Collocations: Words That Go Together