In today’s episode, you will learn four fun and new English slang words.
Some slang is only used by teenagers.
That is not the case with today’s slang terms.
These are being adopted more generally and you can use them in daily conversations.
Listen in and learn how to use this vocabulary properly in a conversation like a native English speaker.
Impress your colleagues and friends with new, modern language!
Are you salty?
Aubrey asks Lindsay when was the last time she was salty.
Lindsay says she can be salty or a little testy sometimes when there is cheating in games.
Aubrey totally agrees with Lindsay.
Just recently, she became a bit salty when she was playing a game with her family.
It really affects her when there are disagreements with the rules and someone pushes back.
Lindsay then asks why they are talking about a table condiment.
Aubrey explains the term ‘salty’ is a slang word.
Today you’re going to learn English slang, along with the definition and how to use it properly.
Today’s episode is inspired by an All Ears English listener question.
Today’s question
Hi! I am Kenan Okiyawa, originally from Japan and currently studying in the U.S.
My American friends often use the adjective salty, not as a description of taste but as another meaning.
I looked it up in the urban dictionary, but it was explained in so many ways that I got confused.
Can you teach me how to naturally use the term salty?
New English slang words
Kenan’s question is great because the slang word being asked about is new and current.
Language is evolving and new English slang is not taught in textbooks.
Learning this slang can help you connect in English.
Natives use this slang all the time.
It makes your speech less formal and closer to the way natives speak.
#1: Salty
There are two ways ‘salty’ is used as slang.
The first is to be annoyed or irritated.
Aubrey shares that instead of saying ‘he’s annoyed,’ you can say ‘he’s salty.’
It is a good, playful way to mention someone is upset without being too confrontational.
It is also a nice way to diffuse a difficult situation.
The second meaning is impatient and hasty.
It is about a person’s character.
To illustrate, Lindsay shares a story about a woman in a Boston sandwich shop.
The woman took their order and was very blunt and hasty.
She had a very strong personality and was blunt and straightforward.
You can say she is salty.
#2: Bougie
This means something shows wealth or is fancy.
It is from the French word bourgeoisie, which is what the upper class is called.
My mom is going wine tasting with her bougie friends.
Oh! I love your bougie pajamas!
#3: Tea/spilling tea
This slang term means to share gossip or a dramatic story.
This is similar to the outdated expression ‘spill the beans.’
Lindsay shares that she thought it was ‘spill the T,’ and she figured the ‘T’ stood for a word starting with the letter T.
Aubrey clarifies that it is spelled ‘tea’ and can be remembered by thinking of spilling a cup of tea.
You won’t believe what I found out. I’ve got the tea.
Spill the tea! I want to know what happened to your date.
Ghosting/ghosted
This term means to stop communicating with someone, usually on social media.
This is often used in the dating world.
I never texted him back. He might be mad I ghosted him.
Roleplay
Lindsay and Aubrey provide a roleplay to better show how these slang words can be used in a conversation.
In this scenario, they are co-workers.
They’re chatting during their lunch break in the workplace.
Lindsay: So how did your date go last week?
Aubrey: Not great. It was kind of a weird date.
Lindsay: Oh yeah? Well, spill the tea!
Aubrey: Well, he was super late, and you know I hate that.
Lindsay: Oh, I hate that too! I’m pretty salty when people aren’t on time.
Aubrey: Yeah and he was super bougie, bragging about his new BMW. He even told me how much he spent on his shoes.
Lindsay: Oh! So no second date.
Aubrey: Nope! I totally ghosted him.
Takeaway
Using English slang words is a great way to build true connections.
It’s in the informal moments where you can sound more like a native English speaker.
Make efforts to bond with colleagues by talking about things you have in common.
Don’t shy away from describing these commonalities using current English slang!
This creates familiarity and makes the connection stronger.
If needed, listen to the episode again to further understand how this slang is used.
Be confident using these words in conversations with your friends and colleagues.
What English slang have you heard recently and what does it mean?
We’d love to hear what you know in the comments below.
