Informal Greetings
These informal greetings are commonly used among friends and in casual conversations.
- Hey – /heɪ/ – A casual way to say hello.
- Yo – /joʊ/ – A very informal greeting, often used among young people.
- What’s up? – /wɒts ʌp/ – A casual way to ask “How are you?” or “What’s going on?”
Hey! How have you been?
Hey! How have you been?
A casual way to greet someone you know.
Yo, what’s up?
Yo, what’s up?
An informal greeting asking how someone is.
Words for People
Informal words to refer to people in everyday speech.
- Dude – /duːd/ – A casual term for a man or person.
- Buddy – /ˈbʌdi/ – A friendly way to call a friend.
- Chick – /ʧɪk/ – Informal and slightly dated term for a young woman.
- Babe – /beɪb/ – A term of endearment for a romantic partner.
That dude is really funny.
That dude is really funny.
Referring informally to a man.
Hey buddy, want to grab lunch?
Hey buddy, want to grab lunch?
Informally inviting a friend to eat.
Slang for Money
Common slang words used to talk about money in informal contexts.
- Cash – /kæʃ/ – Physical money, bills and coins.
- Bucks – /bʌks/ – Informal word for dollars.
- Cheddar – /ˈʧɛdər/ – Slang for money, especially a lot of it.
- Loot – /luːt/ – Informal term for money, often earned or collected.
I need some cash for the concert tonight.
I need some cash for the concert tonight.
Asking for physical money to pay for an event.
That job paid me a lot of cheddar.
That job paid me a lot of cheddar.
Saying the job gave a large amount of money.
Expressing Emotions
Informal words and phrases to express feelings and emotions.
- Cool – /kuːl/ – Something good, impressive, or okay.
- Stoked – /stoʊkt/ – Very excited or happy.
- Bummed – /bʌmd/ – Disappointed or sad.
- Chill – /ʧɪl/ – Relaxed or calm.
I’m stoked about the trip next week!
I’m stoked about the trip next week!
Expressing excitement about upcoming plans.
Don’t be bummed about the test.
Don’t be bummed about the test.
Telling someone not to be sad or disappointed.
Informal Places
Slang terms for common places in informal conversations.
- Pad – /pæd/ – Informal word for someone’s home or apartment.
- Joint – /ʤɔɪnt/ – A casual word for a place, often a restaurant or bar.
- Hangout – /ˈhæŋˌaʊt/ – A place where people gather and relax.
- Spot – /spɒt/ – A location or place, often favorite or popular.
Let’s meet at my pad after work.
Let’s meet at my pad after work.
Inviting someone to your home informally.
That new joint downtown has great food.
That new joint downtown has great food.
Referring to a new informal restaurant or café.
Common Slang Actions
Informal verbs and phrases to describe everyday actions.
- Chill out – /ʧɪl aʊt/ – To relax or calm down.
- Hang out – /hæŋ aʊt/ – To spend time with friends or in a place.
- Crash – /kræʃ/ – To sleep somewhere temporarily or to attend without invitation.
- Hit up – /hɪt ʌp/ – To contact or visit someone.
We’re going to chill out at the park this afternoon.
We’re going to chill out at the park this afternoon.
Planning to relax at the park.
Can I crash at your place tonight?
Can I crash at your place tonight?
Asking to sleep at a friend’s home informally.
Informal Agreement
Slang expressions to show agreement or approval.
- Cool – /kuːl/ – Agreeing or approving something.
- For sure – /fər ʃʊr/ – Definitely, expressing certainty.
- Right on – /raɪt ɒn/ – Expressing strong agreement.
- You bet – /ju bɛt/ – An enthusiastic yes or agreement.
“Want to join us later?” “Cool!”
“Want to join us later?” “Cool!”
Informal way to say yes or agree.
“Can you help me move?” “You bet!”
“Can you help me move?” “You bet!”
Enthusiastic agreement to help.
Informal Disagreement
Common slang expressions used to disagree or refuse politely.
- No way – /noʊ weɪ/ – Strong refusal or disbelief.
- Not really – /nɒt ˈrɪəli/ – Polite disagreement.
- Nah – /nɑː/ – Informal no.
- Not a chance – /nɒt ə ʧæns/ – Strong refusal, no possibility.
“Do you want to go out tonight?” “Nah, I’m tired.”
“Do you want to go out tonight?” “Nah, I’m tired.”
Informal refusal to go out.
“Can you finish this today?” “No way, I’m busy.”
“Can you finish this today?” “No way, I’m busy.”
Strong refusal to complete a task today.