Slang and idiom are a real part of English, and until you learn to use them properly, you haven’t mastered English. Don’t be too quick to use them, however! Using slang and idiom improperly can make you appear to be very foolish. Understanding these words is not as simple as knowing a translation for them. There are several different things you need to be aware of before you can say that you “know” how use a particular idiom or slang word.
Cultural Context: Some words “belong” to certain groups of people. Certain language is used only by particular groups, and if you are not a member of that group, using that word can be unusual or inappropriate. The word “schmoe,” for example, is a word used in the Jewish community that roughly means “idiot,” but you shouldn’t say it, because you (probably) aren’t Jewish. “Bollocks,” similarly, is British slang, and if you aren’t British (or at least usually speak a British style of English) you’ll sound strange if you use it. This can get quite serious. The word “nigga,” for instance, is a word sometimes used by black Americans to refer to other black Americans. It is meant affectionately, but if you use it, it will be taken as an insult. Some words don’t belong to you! Be aware!
Time Context: Language is a living thing, and it grows and changes over time. The meanings of words, for example, can shift from one century to the next, or sometimes even more quickly. Eventually, a word will get old and die. This happens to slang words and idioms much more quickly than it does to “normal” language. The usual life of a new slang word is anywhere from a few months to ten years or more. Although a particular slang word may last a long time, it will eventually stop being “cool” and therefore will stop being used. If you use a slang word that’s outside of its time, you’ll sound strange. Old slang words, such as “rad” meaning “good” and “bogus” meaning “bad” are pretty much dead. If you use them now, people might have a good laugh at you. Idioms, too, eventually die. One saying that is common in Chinese English that is running out of time is the phrase “not my cup of tea.” This idiom is dying, and in the next twenty years or so, it is likely to run out of time.
Age Context: Slang, generally, belongs to the young. Each generation creates its own words, and so many of these slang words belong to a particular age group. If you’re not a member of this age group, you might sound a little strange using it, even if the word is alive and well and you are part of the cultural group that uses it. Furthermore, if you are part of the correct generation, you should still avoid using these words with people who are not part of that generation. In the United States today, for example, there is the word “legit,” which basically means “good.” If you’re under thirty, you’re okay using it, but you should avoid using it with anyone who is over thirty.
Formal Context: Finally, you should always remember that slang is almost always informal language and should be avoided in any formal setting. Slang greeting like “yo,” “word,” and “’sup” are highly informal and should not be used to say hello to a boss, teacher, or other important person.
Cultural Context: Some words “belong” to certain groups of people. Certain language is used only by particular groups, and if you are not a member of that group, using that word can be unusual or inappropriate. The word “schmoe,” for example, is a word used in the Jewish community that roughly means “idiot,” but you shouldn’t say it, because you (probably) aren’t Jewish. “Bollocks,” similarly, is British slang, and if you aren’t British (or at least usually speak a British style of English) you’ll sound strange if you use it. This can get quite serious. The word “nigga,” for instance, is a word sometimes used by black Americans to refer to other black Americans. It is meant affectionately, but if you use it, it will be taken as an insult. Some words don’t belong to you! Be aware!
Time Context: Language is a living thing, and it grows and changes over time. The meanings of words, for example, can shift from one century to the next, or sometimes even more quickly. Eventually, a word will get old and die. This happens to slang words and idioms much more quickly than it does to “normal” language. The usual life of a new slang word is anywhere from a few months to ten years or more. Although a particular slang word may last a long time, it will eventually stop being “cool” and therefore will stop being used. If you use a slang word that’s outside of its time, you’ll sound strange. Old slang words, such as “rad” meaning “good” and “bogus” meaning “bad” are pretty much dead. If you use them now, people might have a good laugh at you. Idioms, too, eventually die. One saying that is common in Chinese English that is running out of time is the phrase “not my cup of tea.” This idiom is dying, and in the next twenty years or so, it is likely to run out of time.
Age Context: Slang, generally, belongs to the young. Each generation creates its own words, and so many of these slang words belong to a particular age group. If you’re not a member of this age group, you might sound a little strange using it, even if the word is alive and well and you are part of the cultural group that uses it. Furthermore, if you are part of the correct generation, you should still avoid using these words with people who are not part of that generation. In the United States today, for example, there is the word “legit,” which basically means “good.” If you’re under thirty, you’re okay using it, but you should avoid using it with anyone who is over thirty.
Formal Context: Finally, you should always remember that slang is almost always informal language and should be avoided in any formal setting. Slang greeting like “yo,” “word,” and “’sup” are highly informal and should not be used to say hello to a boss, teacher, or other important person.