Can you understand these English slang words?

Native English speakers often use slang in informal conversations – especially with friends. You’ll also hear a lot of slang words in TV shows and movies. How can you learn all these expressions as an English learner?

Well, one of the best things you can do is develop the ability to figure out (discover) the meaning of slang words from their context. Today’s lesson will help you practice – read the short conversations below, then guess the meaning of each slang word. After you’re done, click the blue “Get Results” button to check your answers.

Good luck!

Can you understand these English slang words?

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Question 1
"So did you end up buying the car?"

"No... the guy selling it just gave off a really weird vibe. I didn't feel like I could trust him."

vibe = __________

A
appearance
B
energy
C
smell
Question 2
"What'd you think of the movie?"

"Honestly, it was pretty lame. I expected better for a superhero movie."

lame = _____________

A
lacking action
B
too short
C
stupid and disappointing
Question 3
"Did you do anything special over the holiday weekend?"

"Not really. Just hung out with the fam."

fam = ____________

A
family
B
friends
C
pets
Question 4
"I've gotta go pick up a friend, but I'll be back... are you guys gonna be here for a little while longer?"

"Not sure... I think we're gonna bounce soon."

bounce = ____________

A
drink alcohol
B
leave
C
stop
Question 5
"So, what's the verdict on this dress?"

"I really dig the color, but I'm not crazy about the style."

dig = ____________

A
hate
B
like
C
want
Question 6
"Is he your boyfriend?"

"Not exactly. We have sort of a friends with benefits thing going on."

friends with benefits = _______________

A
close friendship with a co-worker
B
friends who lend each other money
C
sexual relationship without dating or commitment
Question 7
"There are still a couple pieces of pizza up for grabs - anyone want 'em?"

"Yeah, sure, I'll have one."

up for grabs = ____________

A
available for anyone to take
B
getting cold
C
for sale
Question 8
"My sister's demanding that we all take three weeks of vacation to attend her wedding."

"Wow. Is she always such a diva?"

diva = a person who __________

A
loves big celebrations
B
has very expensive tastes
C
wants an excessive amount of attention
Question 9
"Do you like sushi?"

"No way. I tried it once and felt like I was gonna puke."

puke = __________

A
pass gas
B
sneeze
C
vomit
Question 10
"She has a great body, but she always hides it with baggy clothing."

"I know. People are saying she's a prude."

prude = a person who _______________

A
has no sense of style
B
is excessively modest
C
is too poor to afford nice things
Once you are finished, click the button below. Any items you have not completed will be marked incorrect. Get Results
There are 10 questions to complete.

Learn Slang & Informal English easily!

Can you understand these English slang words? Espresso English

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About The Author

Shayna Oliveira

Shayna Oliveira is the founder of Espresso English, where you can improve your English fast - even if you don’t have much time to study. Millions of students are learning English from her clear, friendly, and practical lessons! Shayna is a CELTA-certified teacher with 10+ years of experience helping English learners become more fluent in her English courses.