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Informal English Terms and Colloquialisms

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Understanding proper English grammar and language is critical to becoming a great English speaker. But oftentimes, the language we use in our daily lives is riddled with informal terms and common speech. Learning English includes knowing colloquialisms, which you will then be able to understand and use in your everyday, familiar conversation.

Here are a few informal terms and colloquialisms to “get the ball rolling” (to get started):

hole-in-the-wall: a small, very modest, often out of the way place

  • “We got adventurous and went to a hole-in-the-wall restaurant for dinner.”

to veg (pronounced vej) out: to relax in a mindless way

  • “I vegged out all night with a pizza and a good movie.”

bring it: another way of saying “it’s on!” or “show me what you got!” when you offer or accept a challenge

  • “2-o-clock at the basketball courts. Bring it!”

blown away: greatly impressed

  • “I was blown away by his amazing performance.”

break it up: stop (especially a fight)

  • “Break it up, or I will call the police.”

to get into: to get seriously interested in

  • “I’m getting into ’80’s jams right now.”

up for grabs: available

  • “This is a garage sale, so everything’s up for grabs.”

vibe: feeling

  • “He was really nice. I got a good vibe from him.”

Now go and amp up your everyday speech!

 

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