Language
is forever changing. What is currently acceptable or popular may be replaced by
something else in years to come, and the use of slang is a strong testament to
that. Slang is just an alternative way of saying something. It is sometimes
hard to identify what is slang and what is not. Slang and colloquial
expressions are often acceptable in informal writing because they are used in
communication in movies, newspapers, radio, television, and other mass media
The more you learn, the more you will know when to use or not to use them in
your formal writing. No matter what, knowing these common everyday expressions
is a plus for all ESL learners.
In
the same boat: in the same bad situation.
e.g.
We're now in the same boat: flat broke.
Not
in the same street: not in the same class or category.
e.g.
Of course, my car in not in the same street as yours: you paid a lot more.
e.g.
Why don't you get rid of your ark,
and get a new one?
Half-inch:
steal.
e.g.
Where did you get it from? You didn't half-inch it, did you?
Gift
of the gab: ability to give effective speeches.
e.g.
The new Mayor has the gift of the gab: people like
listening to him.
Hang
out: reveal everything.
e.g. I
want the truth, and nothing but the truth. Let it all hang out!
Go
round: be enough for all.
e.g.
Do you think we've enough drinks to go round at the party tonight?
Give
the lie to: contradict; prove something is false.
e.g. I
have to give the lie to what you just said: I did not take
your money.
Stephen
Lau
Copyright©
by Stephen Lau
No comments:
Post a Comment