Words that Americans use that are not considered “proper” American Slang Words Words that Americans use that are not considered “proper”

Cool (adj.) Normally means “slightly cold”, but often means “great” or “fantastic” Ex.1: The morning air was very cool this morning. Ex.2: Did you see his new car? It was so cool.

Weather and Great

To Hang Out (v.) To spend time together, or do a fun activity together. Ex.1: Johnny and his friends hang out at the soccer field after school. Ex.2: Before Judy and Robby started dating, they would always hang out together.

Meeting with friends

To Have a Crush (v.) To be attracted to someone; to want to date someone Ex.1: Peter had a crush on Sara, so he gave her chocolates on Valentine’s Day. Ex.2: Becky and Gina both have a crush on Benjamin, so they always fight with each other.

She is dreaming about this guy

To Dump Somebody (v.) To end a dating relationship with another person; to break up with someone. Usually, one person wants the relationship to end, but the other does not. Ex.1: Everyone was surprised when Trevor dumped Daisy, because they had been dating for more than 2 years. Ex.2:

They aren’t dating anymore.

Geek A person who is unpopular; usually because they are interested in science, computers, or mathematics. Usually wears glasses and unstylish clothes. Ex.1: Mary wouldn’t go out with Ian because he’s too much of a geek. Ex.2: Nancy was a geek in high school, but now she owns a huge computer company.

Typical geek clothes

Dunno (v.) Slang form of “don’t know” or sometimes “I don’t know” Ex.1: Do you know what time class starts? Dunno.

Ain’t (v.) Slang form of “am not” or sometimes “is not”. Common in the southern U.S. Ex.1: Perry ain’t here today, so you can sit in his seat. Ex.2: I ain’t got any money, so don’t ask me for any. (Here, it means “have not”)

Y’all A contraction of “you all”. Often used in the southern US. Ex.1: Are y’all going to the concert this weekend?

Common in Southern States

Loser (n.) A person who is unpopular because of their personality or actions. Ex.1: Darlene is such a loser for breaking up with Ted. Ex.2: Patrick can’t get a date to the big dance. What a loser!

We don’t want to hang out with her.

Rip-off (n.) An item that is not worth its price; something that is low quality, but still costs a lot Ex.1: When Valerie’s new phone stopped working after 3 days, she called it a rip-off and demanded her money back. Ex.2: You paid $40 for those jeans? What a rip-off!

This car is not worth the price