10 English words and slang terms you should know

Steffanie Zazulak
A couple laughing together while having drinks

Not everything can be taught in the classroom ¨C that¡¯s why we¡¯ve put together a list of 10 English words, slang terms and figures of speech for you to sprinkle into your English conversations. Not sure how to use them? Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ve included definitions and examples of how to use them in a sentence.

Earworm

A song or tune that, once you¡¯ve heard it, is stuck in your head.

Use it: ¡°That new Taylor Swift song is such an earworm!¡±

Staycation

Spending your holiday in your hometown rather than traveling abroad. Often spent relaxing around the house or doing activities in the local area.

Use it: ¡°I¡¯m having a staycation this summer, as I¡¯m trying to save money.¡±

Webisode

An episode or series created exclusively for online viewing. This can be part of a web series or used to promote a television series.

Use it: ¡°There¡¯s a new Breaking Bad webisode online, have you seen it?¡±

Crowdfunding

Funding a project or business venture by asking a large number of people (typically online) to invest a small amount of money ¨C usually via websites such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo.

Use it: ¡°We raised enough money to launch our business using crowdfunding.¡±

Glamping

Glamorous camping! Avoiding any rough conditions with luxurious facilities and accommodation, such as a yurt or cabin.

Use it: ¡°We¡¯re going to be glamping at Glastonbury this year.¡±

Lookalike

Something or someone that closely resembles something else, often used to describe someone who looks very similar to a celebrity.

Use it: ¡°Have you seen the Prince William and Kate Middleton lookalikes over there?¡±

Handover

This word has a more political significance, in terms of gaining land or ownership. However, its modern usage is commonly in the workplace: The act of passing over control or responsibility to another person while you are off work on holiday or leaving a job.

Use it: ¡°I¡¯ll send my notes in a handover email so you can continue the project while I¡¯m away.¡±

Meh

When something is a little uninspiring or dull. Also a word you could use to describe your lack of interest or indifference. It¡¯s basically a verbal shrug.

Use it: ¡°The film was a bit meh.¡±

Binge-watch

Watching multiple episodes of a TV show, one after another, in a single sitting. Usually, with a DVD box set or using online streaming.

Use it: ¡°I¡¯m planning to binge-watch the entire series of Game of Thrones this weekend!¡±

Spill the tea

When someone 'spills the tea' they are telling you all the latest news or gossip.?

Use it: ¡°Please spill the tea about last week's party!"

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