Everyday English: Slang, interjections & Colloquial Expressions, Upper-Intermediate, American

1. Everyday English
Slang, interjections & Colloquial Expressions

2. DAILY PHRASES

3. Hellos & Goodbyes

4. How do you typically greet:
• Your boss
• Your colleagues
• Your best friend
• Your spouse / partner

5. How do you typically greet:
• Your boss (hello, Hi, good morning/afternoon)
• Your colleagues (Hey, Hi, Hello)
• Your best friend (Hey, Yo, …. no greeting)
• Your spouse / partner (hi dear, honey, sweetheart,
babe… no greeting)

6. Formal/ Unnatural Informal/Natural
A: Hello, how are you today?
B: I’m well, thank you. And you?
A: I’m great, thanks. I have got
to go now. It was nice to see
you.
B: It was nice to see you too.
A: Goodbye.
B: Goodbye.

7. Formal/ Unnatural Informal/Natural
A: Hello, how are you today?
B: I’m well, thank you. And you?
A: I’m great, thanks. I have got
to go now. It was nice to see
you.
B: It was nice to see you too.
A: Goodbye.
B: Goodbye.
A: Hey! How’s it going?
B: I’m good, how about you?
(‘bout)
A: Not bad, but I gotta run.
It was good seeing you.
(seein’ ya)
B: Yeah, catch ya later.
(see you later/soon)
(later.)

8. Making Plans

9. You’re calling your friend to make plans.
Ask your friend:
• What they are doing now
• If they’d like to meet you this evening
• Discuss what activity you will both do.
• Settle on a time and place to meet.
Speaking Practice

10. Formal/ Unnatural Informal/Natural
A: Hello. What are you doing
right now?
B: I am at my house relaxing.
A: Would you like to meet this evening?
B: Okay. What would you like to do?
A: How about we eat dinner and see a
movie after?
B: Yes, I like that. Can we meet at
6PM?
A: Certainly. Do you want to meet at
my house?
B: Yes. I’ll see you at 7PM. Goodbye.
A: Goodbye.

11. Formal/ Unnatural Informal/Natural
A: Hello. What are you doing
right now?
B: I am at my house relaxing.
A: Would you like to meet this evening?
B: Okay. What would you like to do?
A: How about we eat dinner and see a
movie after?
B: Yes, I like that. Can we meet at
6PM?
A: Certainly. Do you want to meet at
my house?
B: Yes. I’ll see you at 7PM. Goodbye.
A: Goodbye.
A: Hey, watcha doing?
B: Not much. What’s up?
A: Wanna hang out tonight?
B: Sure, what do you wanna do?
A: How about we do dinner & a movie.
B: Cool. 6PM, okay?
A: Yep, shall we meet at my house?
B: That works for me – see you soon.
A: later!

12. Asking Questions & Giving Suggestions:
• Shall we…
• Do you wanna…
To a group:
Do you guys want to (wanna)…
• You guys hungry?
• You guys wanna go?
• You guys tired?
Can you ‘guys’ make some sentences using these phrases?

13. Food & Eating

14. How would you ask/suggest to your friend
to go eat something?

15. How would you ask/suggest to your friend
to go eat something?
Wanna grab a bite to eat?
Let’s grab a bite to eat.

16. How would you express being Really hungry?

17. How would you express being Really hungry?
I’m starving!
I could eat a horse.
My stomach is growling.

18. What would you say if someone asked you
“Do you want to order dessert?” and you’ve
eaten enough already.

19. What would you say if someone asked you
“Do you want to order dessert?” and you’ve
eaten enough already.
I’m so full
I’ve eaten just enough.
I didn’t save any room for dessert.”

20. If you’re eating with someone, and you plan to
pick up the check/bill, what can you tell say to them?

21. If you’re eating with someone, and you plan to
pick up the check/bill, what can you tell say to them?
A: Oh, put away your wallet!
• It’s on me
• It’s my treat
B: “Thank you!”
A: It’s my pleasure.

22. You’ve just ordered lunch, but suddenly
need to leave the restaurant. How can you
ask the restaurant to put your food in a bag?

23. You’ve just ordered lunch, but suddenly
need to leave the restaurant. How can you
ask the restaurant to put your food in a bag?
• after ordering:
• “Could I get my food ‘to go’?”
• Could I have a ‘to go’ box?
• before ordering:
• “I’d like this ‘to go’.”
• “I’d like this for ‘takeaway”
• in the US: Can I get a doggie
bag?

24. You’re at a group meal eating ‘Family style’ (sharing
dishes). How can you tell everyone to start eating or
eat more?

25. You’re at a group meal eating ‘Family style’ (sharing
dishes). How can you tell everyone to start eating or
eat more?
Let’s dig in! / Dig in, everyone!
Everyone please help yourselves! (‘help yourself’ is said to make the
person feel comfortable, “at home”)

26. You’d like to offer someone a bit of your
food. What can you say?

27. You’d like to offer someone a bit of your
food. What can you say?
“Wanna bite?”
“Have a bite!” (insist)
“Would you like to try some?”

28. You have a lot of fruit you brought back from your hometown.
You offer some to your friend, and they say:
“I can have this? Are you sure?”
What can you reply to assure them you WANT them to take the fruit.

29. You have a lot of fruit you brought back from your hometown.
You offer some to your friend, and they say:
“I can have this? Are you sure?”
What can you reply to assure them you WANT them to take the fruit.
When you enough of something & more to share,
you can say…
• Yes, I have plenty left
• There’s plenty!

30. Time Expressions

31. You have to be somewhere at 8 AM, but
you woke up late and need to inform
someone that you’ll be 30 min. late.

32. You have to be somewhere at 8 AM, but
you woke up late and need to inform
someone that you’ll be 30 min. late.
• “I’m running late. Be there in 30.
• “I’m running 30 min. late.
• I’m going to be 30 min behind.

33. You need someone to wait on you for a
moment. What can you say?

34. You need someone to wait on you for a
moment. What can you say?
“Wait a minute.”
“Give me a minute.”
“Just a second.”
“Hang on.”
“Lemme (let me) think/check/see”

35. Examples:
• “I just watched Titanic for the first time.”
• “I just discovered a singer named Lady Gaga!”
• A 35-yr. teacher decides to go to medical school
• Someone arrived to a meet 10-minutes before
in concluded…
What do all of these people have in common?

36. They are:
“(a little) late in the game”
example:
• “I just watched Titanic for the first time.” - you’re a little late in the
game. That movie’s been out
forever!
• “I just discovered a singer named Lady Gaga!” - You’re a little late in
the game. Everyone
knows her.
• A 35-yr. teacher decides to go to medical school – He’s a little late in
game, but better late
than never!
• Someone arrived to a meet 10-minutes before
in concluded… - uh, you’re a little late in the game; we’re just
wrapping up.

37. What would you say if you had been waiting on
someone or something for a long time, and
it/they arrive?
F_________!
It’s __________ time!

38. What would you say if you had been waiting on
someone or something for a long time, and
it/they arrive?
FINALLY!
It’s about time!

39. Asking / Giving Opinions

40. Formal/ Unnatural Informal/Natural
A: Could I ask your opinion about this
shirt?
B: It is a nice color.
C: Yes, I think it’s a nice color too.
However, I believe it looks slightly too
small.
A: Yes, I understand your point of view.

41. Formal/ Unnatural Informal/Natural
A: Could I ask your opinion about this
shirt?
B: It is a nice color.
C: Yes, I think it’s a nice color too.
However, I believe that it looks slightly
too small.
A: Yes, I understand your point of view.
A: What do you think about this shirt?
(whatddya)
B: The color’s nice.
C: I think the same, but to be honest, it
looks a bit snug.
A: Yeah, I gotcha / I agree.

42. Additional phrases for asking & giving opinions
Introducing a different opinion
• Actually… (I think that…)
• To be honest with you…
Opinions
• Whaddya think?
• I think that…(it’s a bad idea!) (the film is good!) (it’s horrible)
Agreeing with someone (or not)
• Yep, I agree
• I agree with you 100%
• I don’t agree (I disagree)
• I don’t completely agree
• Totally
• I hear ya..
• I hear what you’re saying
• I gotcha (I understand)
• I see your point..

43. REVIEW OF EVERYDAY
ENGLISH

44. Change the pronunciation or
some words in each of the
following sentences to make
them sound more natural…

45. Hey, what are you doing?

46. Hey, (whaddya) doing?
(watcha)

47. Do you want to grab a bite to eat?

48. Do you wanna grab a bite to eat?
Wanna grab a bite to eat?

49. Sorry, but I’ve got to run. See you
later.

50. Sorry, but I’ve gotta run. See ya
later!
Gotta run! See ya later!

51. I’m going to talk with my boss about it
tomorrow.

52. I’m (gonna) talk with my boss about it
tomorrow.

53. I have to catch up on some work
tonight. I’m so behind!

54. I (haf-tuh) catch up on some
work tonight. I’m so behind!

55. Are you all ready to begin the lesson?

56. Are you guys ready to begin the lesson?
You guys ready to begin?

57. Can I get a ‘to go’ cup, please?

58. Can I (getta)‘to go’ cup, please?

59. How about we meet on Wednesday.

60. How ‘bout we meet on Wednesday.

61. Did you hear about the schedule change?

62. (Did-ja) hear about the schedule change?

63. What could you say in each of the
following situations?

64. A: Oh, hello!
B: Hello!
A: How have you been these
days?
B: I have been well. Thanks – and you?
A: I am doing great!
A: Oh, H_____!
B: W_______ U_____?!
A: How y___ b______?
B: P______ G______. How
_______ you?
A: I’m G__________!

65. A: Oh, hello!
B: Hello!
A: How have you been these
days?
B: I have been well. Thanks – and you?
A: I am doing great!
A: Oh, Hey !
B: Hey, what’s up?!
A: How ya been?
B: Pretty Good. How ‘bout you?
A: I’m Great / good!

66. A: Oh, please - you do not have to get
out your money.
B: Nonsense! I would like to pay some
money.
A: I would like to pay for you.
B: Wow. That is so kind. Thank you.
A: You’re welcome.
A: Oh, please – Put _______ your
______.
B: Nonsense! Please let me pay – at
least half!
A: It’s my ________ / It’s ______ me.
B: Wow – that’s so kind. Thank you.
A: It’s _________ p____________.

67. A: Oh, please - you do not have to get
out your money.
B: Nonsense! I would like to pay some
money.
A: I would like to pay for you.
B: Wow. That is so kind. Thank you.
A: You’re welcome.
A: Oh, please – Put away your wallet/
money.
B: Nonsense! Please let me pay – at
least half!
A: It’s my treat / It’s on me.
B: Wow – that’s so kind. Thank you.
A: It’s my pleasure.

68. “Please, everyone – start eating now.
Don’t wait”

69. “Please, everyone – start eating now.
Don’t wait”
“Dig in, you guys! Help yourselves.”

70. “I am late, and I am walking to work now.
I will be there in five minutes.”

71. “I am late, and I am walking to work now.
I will be there in five minutes.”
“I’m running late. On my way. Be there in
five.”

72. A: Would you like to eat lunch with
me tomorrow?
B: Certainly! Do you want to meet at 12:30?
A: Yes – I’m free at that time. Is
Café May okay with you?
B: Yes, I like this café.
A: I will see you tomorrow at 12:30 then.
A: W_______ d___ lunch tomorrow?
B: S_______! 12:30 O______?
A: That w_______ for _________. Is
Café May okay with you?
B: P________! That’s a great place.
A: I___ s______ _______ then.

73. A: Would you like to eat lunch with
me tomorrow?
B: Certainly! Do you want to meet at 12:30?
A: Yes – I’m free at that time. Is
Café May okay with you?
B: Yes, I like this café.
A: I will see you tomorrow at 12:30 then.
A: Wanna do lunch tomorrow?
B: Sure! 12:30 Okay?
A: That works for me. Is
Café May okay with you?
B: Perfect! That’s a great place.
A: I’ll see ya then.

74. “That looks good. We would like to try a taste.”

75. “That looks good. We would like to try a taste.”
Yum! Can we have a bite/taste?”

76. Describing Something

77. Can you describe this fruit?

78. Can you describe this fruit?
It’s a plantain, which is sorta (sort of) like a banana, but
it’s bigger and tastes kinda (kind of) like a potato.

79. Can you describe this animal?
It looks kind of like
sort of like
(kinda like)
(sorta like)

80. It’s a bear!

81. What does a pear taste like?

82. What does a pear taste like?
It’s sweet and crunchy - It tastes kinda like an
apple. Its texture is a bit like sand.

83. This is Tiffany - Which celebrity does she
look like?

84. This is Tiffany - Which celebrity does she
look like?
She looks sorta like Angelina Jolie.
She looks just like / identical to
Angelina Jolie!

85. When you’re having a difficult time finding
the words or description you need, you can
say…
• How shall I put this…? (when you need to say something that is sensitive/difficult)
• What’s the word I’m looking for?
• How can I explain this?
• What I’m trying to say is … (usually said when you’re about to deliver
unpleasant news)
• Now, let me put it this way…(When you can’t say something directly, so you say
it in an indirect, but obvious way…)
• What’s the best way to put this…?

86. A: What do you think about my new hair?
B: Um. Ahh… how shall I put this? It’s certainly
different than before.
A: …I get your point…

87. A: Hey Tom, I think you’re a really great guy, and I really like you… as
a friend.
B: Just a friend? What do you mean?
A: Well, what I’m trying to say is.. I think we should break up.

88. A: So, do you think I got the promotion? How were the other
candidates?
B: Well, of course it’s confidential at this stage, but let me put it this way
… you’re going to finally be able to buy a new car…

89. Have you ever experienced the frustration of
knowing a word, but just can’t seem to think of
it at that moment?
We can say… “It’s on the tip of my tongue!”

90. A: Hey, what’s the new guy’s name?
B: Oooh, he just told me. Wait a minute, let me think…
I knowww it….. ahh, It’s on the tip of my tongue….
A: No big deal, I’ll just ask him myself.
B: DANNY! His name is Danny. Whew! I knew I knew it…

91. Feeling Frustrated

92. If someone keeps talking / bothering you
about something…. and you’re tired and
want to end the conversation… we can
do this by saying…
“Wh______________.....”

93. If someone keeps talking / bothering you
about something…. and you’re tired and
want to end the conversation… we can
do this by saying…
“Whatever.....”
Example:
A: I disagree with you! I thought that movie was
beautiful – the acting and music was terrific.
B: Whatever – can we move on? Wanna get coffee?

94. If someone’s behavior is very
inconsiderate – for example,
rudely bumping into you or
pushing you out of the way
… and they don’t apologize
or say “excuse me.”
We usually say it for them.
“E________ you!”

95. If someone’s behavior is very inconsiderate –
for example, rudely bumping into you or pushing you out of the
way
… and they don’t apologize or say “excuse me.”
We usually say it for them.
“EXCUSE you!”

96. A: "Do you want to go the gym today?"
B: "No, I really can't be bothered."
A: "Why not?"
B: "I'm really just not in the mood today."
When can we say,
“I can’t be bothered…”?

97. When you really aren't in the mood to do something,
because you are tired, feeling lazy or it's not
important…
You can say “I can’t be bothered..”

98. When a situation is hopeless, you can say
• It’s hopeless
• This is p_________!
• Why b__________?
• There’s no u_____...
Example:
“You are wasting your time trying to make that customer happy. He’ll never
be happy. It’s hopeless.”

99. When a situation is hopeless, you can say
• It’s hopeless
• This is pointless! (what’s your point?)
• Why bother?
• There’s no use... (it’s useless)
Example:
“You are wasting your time trying to make that customer happy. He’ll never
be happy. It’s hopeless.”

100. When you want someone to just accept something
happened in the past and move on…
You can say, (nicely) “It’s time to move on.” OR
quite bluntly:
“G_____ O______ It!”
Ex:
a: I can’t believe my own sister forgot
my birthday! I’m still so angry at her.
b: It’s been 2 months already – time to
G____ o____ it.”

101. When you want someone to just accept something
happened in the past and move on…
You can say, (nicely) “It’s time to move on.” OR
quite bluntly:
“Get Over It”
Ex:
a: I can’t believe my own sister forgot
my birthday! I’m still so angry at her.
b: It’s been 2 months already – time to
Get over it.

102. Being Positive / Encouraging

103. This word is stronger than “good” or “great”.
If someone did a perfect job…you can say
• E___________ work/job!
• That’s E_____________!

104. This word is stronger than “good” or “great”.
If someone did a perfect job…you can say
• Excellent work/job!
• That’s Excellent!

105. Similar to “Excellent” but a bit more casual…
When you hear some good news such as…
“I’m getting married!” “I’m pregnant!”
“I’m buying a house!” “I got a promotion at work!”
That’s A_____________! (US) That’s B_____________! (UK

106. Similar to “Excellent” but a bit more casual…
When you hear some good news such as…
“I’m getting married!” “I’m pregnant!”
“I’m buying a house!” “I got a promotion at work!”
That’s Awesome! (US) That’s Brilliant! (UK)

107. You can say this when someone achieves
something.
“Congratulations! W____ to g__!”

108. You can say this when someone achieves
something.
“Congratulations! Way to go!”

109. When someone is doing something
difficult, you can say this to remind
them to keep going!

110. When someone is doing something
difficult, you can say this to remind
them to keep going!
Don’t give up!
(you can do this! You got this!)

111. Your friend wanted a promotion at work,
but unfortunately, a more qualified candidate
got the job.
What would you say to encourage her?

112. Your friend wanted a promotion at work,
but unfortunately, a more qualified candidate
got the job.
“Better luck next time.” / (You’ll get it next time)

113. Miscellaneous Situations

114. When you’re feeling really cold (because of the
weather / AC), you can say this:
It’s F_______________!

115. When you’re feeling really cold (because of the
weather / AC), you can say this:
It’s Freezing (in here)!

116. When it’s really hot somewhere, you can
say,
(I’m) It’s B__________ up!

117. When it’s really hot somewhere, you can
say,
(I’m) It’s Burning up!

118. When someone sneezes, it’s polite to say…
“B_______ you”

119. When someone sneezes, it’s polite to say…
“Bless you”

120. Any time you’re hosting friends/family in
your home, and you want to tell them to feel
comfortable…. you can say:
“M_______ yourself at h__________”

121. Any time you’re hosting friends/family in
your home, and you want to tell them to feel
comfortable…. you can say:
“Make yourself at Home”
* “My home is your home.”
Also

122. INTERJECTIONS

123. An interjection is a word added to a
sentence to express sudden strong
emotion such as surprise, disgust, joy,
excitement, or enthusiasm.
*some can be just noises while others are
short phrases.

124. This interjection means:
“What did you say?” or “I don’t understand.”
OR
to express mild surprise H______?
ex:
A. “So, I’m going to start a pilates class.”
B. “H____? What’s that?
A. I tried calling you all night, but you didn’t
answer.
B. H_____, that’s strange. I didn’t hear my phone
ring at all.

125. This interjection means:
“What did you say?” or “I don’t understand.”
OR
to express mild surprise Huh?
ex:
A. “So, I’m going to start a pilates class.”
B. “Huh? What’s that?
A. I tried calling you all night, but you didn’t
answer.
B. Huh, that’s strange. I didn’t hear my phone
ring at all.

126. When you see
something cute,
sweet, or
heartwarming..
We usually say, “___________!!!!!”

127. When you see
something cute,
sweet, or
heartwarming..
We usually say, “Awwww !!!!!”

128. Any time you get hurt/in pain – or you
see that someone else feels pain, we
usually say…
“O_______!”

129. Any time you get hurt/in pain – or you
see that someone else feels pain, we
usually say…
“Ouch!”

130. • When you feel bad for someone’s situation…
• When you make a mistake…
• When there’s an accident…
• When you hear bad news…
We can say, “O___, N____!”

132. We say this word when we mean
“Certainly!” or… ‘obviously’
O_____ C________!

133. We say this word when we mean
“Certainly!” or… ‘obviously’
Of Course!
“Wanna eat?”
“Of course!”
“Do you brush your teeth
every day?”
“Of course I do!”

134. Your friend tells you a shocking
secret / story.
You can reply several ways:
• N____ W_____!
• R____________?!
• S____________?!
• Are you k_________ me?!

135. Your friend tells you a shocking
secret / story.
You can reply several ways:
• No Way!
• Really ?!
• Seriously?! (are you serious!?)
• Are you kidding me?!
Others:
“You’re lying!”
“I can’t believe it!”

136. You usually yell this
when you see
sudden danger.
“W_______ O_____!”

137. You usually yell this
when you see
sudden danger.
Watch out!

138. When you’re amazed, or when you want
something/someone to SLOW down… you can
say:
“Wh______!”

139. When you’re amazed, or when you want
something/someone to SLOW down… you can
say:
“Whoa!”
“Whoa! Did you see that lady’s dress! It was gorgeous!”
“Whoa! Why are you yelling at me!? I didn’t do anything.”

140. Additional “noises”
• Mmmmm, (that looks delicious)
• Mmmhmm (I agree…I know…)
• Ah (I see) Ah! (I understand now!)
• Uh (I have no idea)
• Um (I’m thinking)
• Ooh! (wow!)
• Ehhh (meh…) I don’t care.
• Eww! (disgusting)
• Ugh (how annoying!)
• Oww! (that hurt!)