ABC's of American Slang #1

Words to Avoid

Even people who speak English as their native language sometimes make mistakes in pronunciation. This is mostly due to regional dialects. For instance, I may often say the word “tomato (toe-may-toe)” like “toe-may-ter” due to my dialect.  But, there are also words that people say….that are socially accepted as words, but they aren’t actually words at all.  Confused? I will give you a few words to avoid writing or saying:

1.      Irregardless: Used often in the place of “regardless”.

2.      Supposably: Used often in the place of “supposedly”.

3.      Misunderestimate: Used in the place of “underestimate”.

4.      Alright: Used in place of “all right”.

5.      Alot: Used in place of “a lot”.

Words With Alternate Meanings #2

Previously, we saw the word “dead” used as a substitute for the word “very” in the term “dead serious”.

Of course, we know that “dead” means: no longer living/alive.

But, from time to time, you may hear other uses for the word “dead”:

Dead Wrong: completely wrong

Example: He thought he would not lose his job, but he was “dead wrong”.

(the) Dead Center (of): the center-most point (of something)

Example: She stood in the “dead center” of the room, observing everyone around her.

(to be) Dead Meat: to be in very serious trouble.

Example: After he stole money from her, she screamed to John, “You’re dead meat!”

Dead Drunk: extremely drunk, to the point of passing out.

Example:  After drinking more sake than anyone else, Tanaka-san was “dead drunk”.

Dead Weight: in a larger group, a person or group who does not contribute. Or, someone who prevents others from moving forward/advancing (in an activity/job/etc.)

Example:  Tom never has the presentation ready on time. He’s just “dead weight”.

Drop Dead: general insulting retort. (Used to mean, “Die!”)

Example: “Your dress is particularly ugly today.”

                  “Drop dead!”

Drop-Dead Gorgeous: Breathtakingly beautiful.

Example: That movie actress is “drop dead gorgeous”.

Dead on my Feet: extremely tired, to the point of collapsing

Example:  After working a double shift, I am “dead on my feet”.

Dead End: of an activity, an insurmountable obstacle. Or:  An end of a road or passage from which no exit is possible

Example: She took a wrong turn while driving and came to a “dead end”.

Dead Ringer: something that could be confused for something else, due to close appearance, characteristics, etc.

Example: You are a “dead ringer” for your brother.

Over (One’s) Dead Body: interjection used to mean that something will not happen (unless one is dead and cannot prevent it.)

Example:  “Dad, will you buy me another car, since I wrecked my last one?”

                   “You’ll get a new car “over my dead body!”

Brain Dead: unintelligent; unwise; incapable of thinking logically.

Example:  Why can’t I remember algebraic equations?!?! I am so “brain dead”!

And, of course, there are other uses as well. But, these are some that I hear the most.  I hope you find this “dead useful” (very useful). Hehe （*/∇＼*）

Words With Alternate Meanings #1

Sometimes you may hear words that are used in a way you may not be familiar with because they have multiple meanings. I know I struggle with this in my own language-learning studies.

Let's look at the word "pretty", for example.
We know "pretty" is an adjective that means "attractive in a delicate way".

(Example: Amy is very pretty, today.)

But, "pretty" has several other meanings, also:

Pretty (adverb) = a moderately high degree.
(Examples: I am pretty tired. ( = I am very tired.)
(She was pretty mean to him at the party.) ( = She was very mean to him at the party.)

Pretty (noun) = an attractive thing, usually an accessory such as jewelry.
(Example: She bought a ring, a bracelet, and various other pretties.)

Pretty (adverb) = to make attractive
(Example: She prettied herself up for the party.)

Talk About It~~

Have you heard this word used in alternate ways?