Slang is informal language used in everyday conversation but not in formal writing or speech. Specific groups use it to build identity or exclude outsiders. The term "slang" emerged in the 18th century and has had various definitions, with no single official meaning in linguistics.

Learning English goes beyond grammar and textbooks—understanding slang is key to sounding more natural and fitting in with locals. Whether you’re visiting Ireland, England, America, or Australia, knowing common slang will help you navigate conversations with ease.
This article introduces 10 popular slang terms from each of these countries, giving you the tools to communicate more fluently and confidently. By the end of this lesson, you’ll be able to recognise and use everyday slang, making your interactions more engaging and authentic. Let’s dive in!

"This place is jointed - I’m on the dancefloor, where are you?”

"Jointed" Cork, Ireland Slang for 'Full'

Slang in Ireland

Craic

Meaning: Fun, good times, or gossip. (Pronounced “crack”)

Grammar Breakdown:
Noun: Refers to entertainment or conversation.

Example:
What’s the craic? (How are things?)
Last night was great craic!
Any craic from the weekend?

Grand

Meaning: Used to mean “fine” or “okay,” often as a neutral response.

Grammar Breakdown:
Adjective: Describes a state of being (e.g., “That’s grand.”)

Example:
How are you? — Ah sure, I’m grand.
The weather’s not great, but it’s grand for a walk.
I forgot my wallet! — Don’t worry, it’s grand.

Deadly

Meaning: Really good, excellent.

Grammar Breakdown:
Adjective: Describes something positive.

Example:
That gig was deadly!
You got the job? Deadly stuff!
This new café is deadly altogether!

Eejit

Meaning: A playful insult meaning "idiot" or "fool."

Grammar Breakdown:
Noun: Refers to a silly person.

Example:
You forgot your keys again, ya big eejit!
Only an eejit would go swimming in that weather.
Ah, don’t be an eejit—give it a go!

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Gaff

Meaning: A house or home.

Grammar Breakdown:
Noun: Refers to a place of residence.

Example:
We’re having a party at my gaff tonight.
Whose gaff are we heading to after the pub?
They’ve got a deadly gaff by the sea.

Jammy

Meaning: Lucky or fortunate.

Grammar Breakdown:
Adjective: Describes a person with good luck.

Example:
He won the lottery—jammy fecker!
You got the last slice of cake? Jammy so-and-so!
She found €50 on the ground — pure jammy!

Gas

Meaning: Funny or entertaining.

Grammar Breakdown:
Adjective: Describes something amusing.

Example:
She’s absolutely gas, always cracking jokes!
That story was gas altogether!
You should’ve seen his reaction—it was gas!

Manky

Meaning: Dirty, disgusting, or unpleasant.

Grammar Breakdown:
Adjective: Describes something unclean.

Example:
The weather is manky today—pure grey and wet.
These old trainers are manky, I need new ones.
That sandwich looks manky, don’t eat it!

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Wasted

Meaning: Very drunk.

Grammar Breakdown:
Adjective: Describes a state of intoxication.

Example:
I was wasted after two pints!
He's wasted, he'll need a lift home.
They got absolutely wasted at the wedding.

Chancer

Meaning: Someone who pushes their luck or takes risks.

Grammar Breakdown:
Noun: Describes a cheeky or opportunistic person.

Example:
That chancer tried to skip the queue!
He’s a real chancer, always blagging free stuff.
You asked for a pay rise after a week? Some chancer!

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Slang in England

Bloke

Meaning: Informal term for a man.

Grammar Breakdown:
Noun: Refers to a male person.

Example:
He’s a nice bloke, always helping out.
That bloke over there looks familiar.
A bloke at the shop gave me a discount.

Knackered

Meaning: Extremely tired or exhausted.

Grammar Breakdown:
Adjective: Describes a state of fatigue.

Example:
I’m absolutely knackered after work.
You look knackered—get some rest!
The car’s knackered; it won’t start.

Cheeky

Meaning: Playfully rude or mischievous.

Grammar Breakdown:
Adjective: Describes someone being slightly bold in a fun way.

Example:
She gave me a cheeky wink.
Fancy a cheeky pint after work?
That was a cheeky comment, mate!

Dodgy

Meaning: Suspicious, risky, or of poor quality.

Grammar Breakdown:
Adjective: Describes something unreliable or unsafe.

Example:
This kebab looks a bit dodgy.
I wouldn’t trust him—he’s a dodgy bloke.
The Wi-Fi connection is really dodgy today.

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Chuffed

Meaning: Very pleased or proud.

Grammar Breakdown:
Adjective: Describes a feeling of happiness or satisfaction.

Example:
I’m absolutely chuffed with my new job!
She was chuffed to bits with her exam results.
They were chuffed to win the competition.

Skint

Meaning: Out of money or broke.

Grammar Breakdown:
Adjective: Describes a lack of funds/money.

Example:
I can’t go out—I’m skint until payday.
He’s always skint by the end of the month.
We’re a bit skint after the holiday.

Miffed

Meaning: Slightly annoyed or offended.

Grammar Breakdown:
Adjective: Describes mild irritation.

Example:
I was a bit miffed when they cancelled the plans.
She looked miffed when he ignored her message.
He was miffed about losing his seat.

Gutted

Meaning: Extremely disappointed.

Grammar Breakdown:
Adjective: Describes deep disappointment.

Example:
I was gutted when my team lost the match.
She was gutted about missing the concert.
He felt gutted after failing the test.

Barmy

Meaning: Crazy or foolish (often in a humorous way).

Grammar Breakdown:
Adjective: Describes something or someone as eccentric.

Example:
You must be barmy to go swimming in this cold!
That idea is completely barmy!
She’s a bit barmy but great fun.

Taking the Mick (or Mickey)

Meaning: Making fun of someone in a teasing way.

Grammar Breakdown:
Phrase: Used to describe playful mockery.

Example:
Are you taking the Mick out of my accent?
He’s always taking the Mickey, but it’s all in good fun.
Stop taking the Mick and be serious for a second!

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Slang in America

Dude

Meaning: A casual way to refer to a person, usually male.

Grammar Breakdown:
Noun: Used informally to address or describe someone.

Example:
Hey dude, what’s up?
That dude over there is a great skateboarder.
Dude, you won’t believe what just happened!

Chill

Meaning: Relaxed or easygoing; can also mean calming down.

Grammar Breakdown:
Adjective: Describes a relaxed attitude.
Verb: Means to calm down or relax.

Example:
He’s a really chill guy, always laid-back.
Let’s just chill at home tonight.
Chill out, it’s not a big deal!

Sick

Meaning: Something that is really cool or impressive.

Grammar Breakdown:
Adjective: Used to describe something exciting or amazing.

Example:
That new car is sick!
Your trick was sick, dude!
That band puts on a sick live show.

Bail

Meaning: To leave suddenly or cancel plans.

Grammar Breakdown:
Verb: Means to leave or back out of something.

Example:
Sorry, I have to bail on dinner tonight.
He bailed before the meeting even started.
Let’s bail, this party is boring.

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Bro

Meaning: A casual way to refer to a friend, usually male.

Grammar Breakdown:
Noun: Used informally to address a close friend.

Example:
What’s up, bro?
Bro, that was awesome!
He’s my best bro—we’ve known each other forever.

Hype

Meaning: Excitement or anticipation about something.

Grammar Breakdown:
Noun: Refers to excitement or promotion.
Verb: Means to get excited about something.

Example:
There’s so much hype around this new movie.
That concert was so hype!
He’s hyping up the new video game release.

Lit

Meaning: Used to describe something exciting, fun, or amazing.

Grammar Breakdown:
Adjective: Describes a great experience or atmosphere.

Example:
That party was lit!
This song is lit, I love it!
The atmosphere at the game was absolutely lit.

Goofy

Meaning: Silly or acting in a funny way.

Grammar Breakdown:
Adjective: Describes someone or something humorous in a silly way.

Example:
He’s always acting goofy to make people laugh.
That movie was so goofy, but I loved it.
Quit being so goofy and be serious for a second!

Slay

Meaning: To do something exceptionally well, often used in fashion or performance.

Grammar Breakdown:
Verb: Means to succeed or impress.

Example:
You totally slayed that presentation!
She slays every time she steps on stage.
That outfit is slaying!

Snatched

Meaning: Looking great, often used for fashion or appearance.

Grammar Breakdown:
Adjective: Describes someone’s appearance as stylish or on point.

Example:
Her outfit is totally snatched.
You look snatched today, girl!
That dress is snatched, where did you get it?

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Slang in Australia

Arvo

Meaning: Afternoon.

Grammar Breakdown:
Noun: A shortened form of "afternoon."

Example:
Let’s meet up this arvo.
It’s a beautiful arvo for a barbecue.
I’ve got a footy match this arvo.

Brekkie

Meaning: "Brekkie" is a slang term for breakfast.

Grammar Breakdown:
Noun: A casual way to say "breakfast".

Example:
Let’s grab some brekkie before work.
I had eggs on toast for brekkie.
Brekkie is the most important meal of the day!

Fair Dinkum

Meaning: Genuine, real, or truthful.

Grammar Breakdown:
Adjective: Used to describe authenticity.
Phrase: Used to express honesty or disbelief.

Example:
He’s a fair dinkum Aussie.
Fair dinkum? You really met Chris Hemsworth?
That’s a fair dinkum deal, mate!

G’day

Meaning: Hello, good day.

Grammar Breakdown:
Interjection: A casual greeting.

Example:
G’day, mate! How’s it going?
G’day! Lovely weather today.
G’day, just popping in to say hi.

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Mozzie

Meaning: Mosquito.

Grammar Breakdown:
Noun: A shortened version of "mosquito."

Example:
The mozzies are bad tonight—better use some repellent.
I got bitten by so many mozzies on my camping trip.
Close the window or the mozzies will get in!

Strewth

Meaning: An expression of surprise or disbelief.

Grammar Breakdown:
Interjection: Used to react to shocking news.

Example:
Strewth! That’s a massive spider!
Strewth, I forgot my keys!
Strewth, you weren’t joking about the heat!

Servo

Meaning: Gas station or petrol station.

Grammar Breakdown:
Noun: A shortened version of "service station."

Example:
I need to stop at the servo for petrol.
The servo down the road has cheap snacks.
Let’s grab a drink from the servo on the way home.

Chockers

Meaning: Full or very crowded.

Grammar Breakdown:
Adjective: Describes something packed or at capacity.

Example:
The pub was chockers last night!
I’m chockers after that big meal.
The train is always chockers during rush hour.

Bloke

Meaning: A man, similar to "guy" or "dude."

Grammar Breakdown:
Noun: Refers to a male person.

Example:
He’s a top bloke, always helps out.
That bloke over there looks familiar.
He’s a typical Aussie bloke—loves his footy and a cold beer.

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She’ll Be Right

Meaning: Everything will be okay; don’t worry.

Grammar Breakdown:
Phrase: Used to reassure someone or downplay a problem.

Example:
Forgot your umbrella? She’ll be right, mate!
We’re running late, but she’ll be right.
Bit of a scratch on the car, but she’ll be right

Understanding slang is key to sounding more natural and connecting with native speakers. In this lesson, we explored everyday slang from Ireland, England, America, and Australia, each with its own unique expressions. Whether you're calling someone a chancer in Ireland, saying a party was lit in the U.S., or stopping by the servo in Australia, these phrases will help you navigate conversations with confidence. Slang adds color and authenticity to language, so don’t be afraid to use it— she’ll be right! Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be chatting like a local!