English is one of the most commonly spoken languages in the world. Why is it then that two native speakers can carry on a conversation without having a clue what the other is saying?
The answer: slang. Or jargon, lingo, patois, colloquialisms, what-have-you, etc.
The U.S. certainly has its fair share, but the fact is we’re missing out on a whole bunch of vibrant words and expressions you’ll only find in the north of England, or in some small town in Nova Scotia, to name just two places rich in their linguistic intricacies. Ever heard Australian slang? It’s awesome, or “ripper,” as they might say.
So, how well do you know your English-speaking slang? Match the definition (found in italics) to the slang words in this quiz to find out.
Check out the answer key at the end and you might just learn a few new turns of phrase:
