English for Everyone

<b>English for Everyone</b>
Stephen Lau's website to help you get the wisdom to live as if everything is a miracle.

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Learn Some English Slang (5)


Learn some English slang. Slang is highly ephemeral: it changes from one generation to another. Slang terms come into existence for various reasons, some obvious, some inexplicable, but most of them are delightfully direct and to the point. The use of slang adds spice to speech and writing.

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(5)

Square up to: face boldly
e.g. Can you square up to your boss?

Look in: a chance
e.g. I don't think you'll have a look in for that job.

Slap: exactly or precisely
e.g. He came back slap at 5 o'clock.

Plank down: pay a deposit
e.g. If you plank down $20, I'' reserve it for you.

Square meal: a satisfying meal
e.g That was a real square meal. I'll definitely come back.

Brain-wave: a sudden inspiration
e.g. With a brain-wave, we came up with a plan.

Slave one's guts out: work very hard
e.g. Your boss certainly slaves your guts out.

Mouthful: a long and important speech
e.g. The manager gave his staff a mouthful.

Sit up: surprise
e.g. What he told us  just now really made us sit up.

Rattled: drunk, confused
e.g. The man looked rattled; don't go near him.

Stephen Lau

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