The most common American slang terms for a car are “ride” or “wheels”. These are more or less universal throughout America and used just about everywhere. You might also hear terms like “auto” or in a tongue-in-cheek way, “horseless carriage”. “Beater” is a common term … Read more
Simple slang terms used to refer to friends are among the most common in any local vernacular. There are usually lots of them that can be used in many subtly different contexts and situations, and this is just as true in South Africa as it … Read more
Whether we like it or not, money plays a big role in our everyday lives. In the U.S., it’s no secret that money is a huge part of the picture, especially with the contrast between wealth and poverty. But one thing everyone has in common, … Read more
Laughter is a universal language, but the Brits have a knack for dressing it up in all sorts of colorful expressions. From a quiet chuckle shared between friends to a full-on roar that fills the room, every kind of laugh has its own special name … Read more
The 1980s were a blast from the past where everything cool had its own special word. This was the decade that turned up the volume on fun slang, giving us phrases like “rad,” “gnarly,” and “totally tubular.” It was a time when style, music, and … Read more
Common slang terms in the 1950s for police included some widely used today, such as “pigs”. Other, more specifically 1950s slang for police included the term “heat”, “the fuzz,” and in Britain they were sometimes called “Old Bill” or “Old Bill Peace”. They may also … Read more
Surprise is a feeling which often brings out unfiltered, immediate slang responses. Whatever has surprised you and where ever you are in the world, it’s likely that when something surprises you, you often can’t help but comment on it. This is certainly true of the … Read more
Talking about our sons comes with its own set of special words and phrases. In Britain, there’s a whole collection of slang terms that parents and family members use to describe or talk to their boys. From “little man” to “sprog,” each of these terms … Read more
You have to travel a fairly long way to find a country where there is no drinking culture whatsoever. Most countries like a drink to some extent, and Ireland is no exception. Drinking is a common pastime of many Irish people both young and old, … Read more
The 1950s was an era of slick style, rock ‘n’ roll, and a whole new way of talking. If something was cool, there were a whole range of slang words that you could use. Whether you were describing a sharp-dressed cat, a hot new tune, … Read more