Language+Terms


 * Language Terms **

What is slang? Slang is casual spoken language which differs from dialectical speech and [|jargon] as well as formal speech. Some linguists think of slang as the sprinkles of color in a language, since slang is often unique, unusual, and sometimes startling. As a general rule, slang is not used in formal spoken language, or in writing, unless the speaker is attempting to achieve a deliberate effect. Some slang terms, however, make the jump from slang to accepted common usage, as was the case with “OK.” [] Common Examples of Slang To) ace (v.) (a test, exam, etc.): To pass a test, exam, etc. really easily. //ex: "Robert aced his physics exam."// A dime a dozen (*to be a dime a dozen*): Very common; Said of something that is so easy to find that it don't have much value. //ex: "Girls like her are a dime a dozen" (There are lots of girls like her)// All-nighter (n.) : A period of work or study that lasts all night. Most often used with the verb "pull" (To pull an all-nighter) - //ex: "We pulled an all-nighter in order to finish the project."//

Angle (n.) : A devious plan; a scheme. Often used with the verb "to work". //ex: "He claims to be on the level, but I'm sure he's working some angle."//

Around-the-clock : 24/7, all day and night, non-stop; //ex: "The house was being watched around the clock."//

As if! : On its own, this phrase is used to suggest/emphasize that something is not likely/ not going happen. //ex: "He thinks I'll go out with him. As if!"//

Awesome (adj.) : Great; Fantastic; Super: //ex: "That was an awesome movie."// Bachelor pad : An apartment where a single man lives alone.

Back in the day : Many years ago; a long time ago. "Back in the day we used to pay much more for plasma TVs."

Back on one's feet (To be back on one's feet): Recovered (from an illness). //ex: "You'll be back on your feet in no time//

Back to the drawing board : A phrase that is said when you have to start some process from the beginning (usually after having failed in the previous attempt). //ex: "Well, that didn't work... Looks like it's back to the drawing board."//

Ballpark figure : Rough estimate //ex: "Can you give me a ball-park figure of what the final cost will be?"//

Bent out of shape : Upset/agitated. //ex: "Don't get all bent out of shape over that."// (To give someone a) big hand : To applaud (for someone) energetically. To give (someone) a big round of applause. //ex: "Let's give our performers a big hand!"//

Bummed (adj.) : Disappointed; Dejected //ex: "He was really bummed about having lost the game."//

Burnt out : Exhausted from doing something too much and too intensely (especially used when speaking about work, etc.) //ex: "He was completely burnt out after working for three weeks straight."// []



What is figurative language? Whenever you describe something by comparing it with something else, you are using figurative language. Any language that goes beyond the literal meaning of words in order to furnish new effects or fresh insights into an idea or a subject. []

Different types of figurative language:


 * ** Simile ** - A figure of speech which involves a direct comparison between two unlike things, usually with the words like or as. Example: The muscles on his brawny arms are strong as iron bands.
 * ** Metaphor ** - A figure of speech which involves an implied comparison between two relatively unlike things using a form of be. The comparison is not announced by like or as. Example: The road was a ribbon of moonlight.
 * ** Alliteration ** - Repeated consonant sounds occurring at the beginning of words or within words. Alliteration is used to create melody, establish mood, call attention to important words, and point out similarities and contrasts. Example: wide-eyed and wondering while we wait for others to waken.
 * ** Personification ** - A figure of speech which gives the qualities of a person to an animal, an object, or an idea. It is a comparison which the author uses to show something in an entirely new light, to communicate a certain feeling or attitude towards it and to control the way a reader perceives it. Example: a brave handsome brute fell with a creaking rending cry--the author is giving a tree human qualities.
 * ** Onomatopoeia ** - The use of words that mimic sounds. They appeal to our sense of hearing and they help bring a description to life. A string of syllables the author has made up to represent the way a sound really sounds. Example: Caarackle!
 * ** Hyperbole ** - An exaggerated statement used to heighten effect. It is not used to mislead the reader, but to emphasize a point. Example: She’s said so on several million occasions
 * ** Idioms ** - Language specific expressions: []

__ English Humor __

It is sometimes hard for ESL students to understand humor in English due to the language barrier. Here are some resources to help you get a laugh out of English!
 * Jokes for Learning English: [|> http://www.teacherjoe.us/Jokes.html]


 * English proverb humor: [|> http://cogweb.ucla.edu/Discourse/Proverbs/English.html]


 * Language humor: [|> http://www.english-usa.net/humor-jokes/]


 * Riddles: [|> http://iteslj.org/c/jokes-riddles.html]


 * Interactive English games, riddles, and jokes: [|> http://www.ego4u.com/en/chill-out/games]


 * Knock Knock Jokes:[|> http://www.scatty.com/jokes/knock/index.html]