Vocabulary: Slang, Informal & Colloquial English (B2) - Lesson 1: Recognizing Common Slang & Informal Expressions

Lesson 1: Common Slang & Informal Expressions

Recognizing Casual English

Welcome to the relaxed side of the English language! In this lesson, we'll look at slang¹ and colloquial² (informal) English. This is the language of friends, popular music, and movies. Understanding it is key to fluency, but using it requires care. Some slang can be inappropriate³ in formal situations like a classroom or a job interview. Your first goal is to recognize it and understand what it means.

IMPORTANT: Only use slang and informal language with people you know well, like close friends. When in doubt, use formal English.

Common Informal Expressions

Let's look at some words you will hear every day in spoken English.

1. gonna / wanna

• Meaning: These are very common spoken contractions of "going to" and "want to".
• Usage: You will hear this constantly, but you should not use it in formal writing.
• Example: I'm gonna go to the market later. Do you wanna come? (Formal: I am going to go... Do you want to come?)

2. to hang out

• Meaning: To spend time together casually, without a specific plan.
• Usage: Perfect for making informal invitations with friends.
• Example: We're planning to hang out at the riverside in Kampot this evening. You should join us!

3. What's up? / 'Sup?

• Meaning: An informal way to say "Hello" or "How are you?". The expected answer is usually "Not much" or a short summary of what you are doing.
• Usage: Use this only with friends and people your age. Do not say "What's up?" to your boss.
• Example: "Hey, what's up?" / "Not much, just getting some coffee."

4. My bad.

• Meaning: A slang term for "my mistake" or "my fault." It is a simple, quick apology.
• Usage: For small, unimportant mistakes. For a serious mistake, you should use a more formal apology like "I sincerely apologize."
• Example: "You gave me the wrong document." / "Oh, you're right. My bad. Here is the correct one."

5. No worries.

• Meaning: A friendly, relaxed way to say "it's okay," "don't worry about it," or "you're welcome."
• Usage: This is a very common and safe informal phrase. You can use it when someone apologizes for a small mistake or thanks you for something.
• Example: "I'm so sorry I'm late!" / "No worries, you're only five minutes late."

In Conversation

Vuthy and Lina, two friends, meet unexpectedly near the Durian Roundabout in Kampot.

Vuthy: Lina! Hey, what's up?

Lina: Vuthy! Not much. I was just gonna head to Epic Arts Café. Wanna come?

Vuthy: I'd love to, but I have to meet my brother. We're just gonna hang out at his house.

Lina: Oh, I thought we were all meeting today? I have the wrong day, don't I?

Vuthy: Yeah, we're meeting tomorrow. Whoops, I should have sent a reminder. My bad.

Lina: No worries! It's good I saw you. So, I'll see you tomorrow then!

quiz Check Your Understanding

1. Which of these is the most formal way to say something?

• a) I'm gonna go to the shop.
• b) I am going to go to the shop.
• c) I wanna go to the shop.

Click to see the answer

Answer: b) I am going to go to the shop. (This is the full, formal structure).

2. You are writing an email for a job application. Which closing is INAPPROPRIATE?

• a) Sincerely,
• b) Kind regards,
• c) No worries,

Click to see the answer

Answer: c) No worries, (This is far too informal for a job application).

3. Your friend accidentally bumps into you. They say "Oops, sorry!" What is a good informal reply?

• a) My bad.
• b) No worries.
• c) I am going to forgive you.

Click to see the answer

Answer: b) No worries. (This shows that it's okay and not a problem).

edit Your Mission

1. Formal to Informal: In your notebook, rewrite this sentence to be more informal and conversational: "I would like to know if you want to hang out this evening."
2. Context is Key: Think of two situations: 1. You bump into your best friend. 2. You arrive for a meeting with your university professor. What is the first thing you would say in each situation?
3. Slang Hunting: Watch 10 minutes of a popular TV show or a YouTuber from an English-speaking country. Listen carefully for informal language. Try to write down one slang word or phrase you hear, even if you don't know the meaning yet.

book Lesson Glossary

1. Slang (noun) - Khmer: ពាក្យស្លោក - Very informal language that is usually spoken rather than written, used especially by particular groups of people. ↩
2. Colloquial (adjective) - Khmer: ភាសានិយាយ - Language used in ordinary, relaxed conversation rather than in formal speech or writing. ↩
3. Inappropriate (adjective) - Khmer: មិនសមរម្យ - Not suitable or right for a particular situation or purpose. ↩