10 Must-Know Slang Words for Casual English

It was my first month living in Vancouver, fresh off my little city in Peru, armed with textbook-perfect English and a determination to blend in. I’d aced grammar quizzes and could do any grammar exercise thrown my way, but nothing prepared me for my first real test: a coworker’s casual question whether I wanted a pop for lunch.

“A pop?” I repeated, with no clue of what he was referring to. “Yeah, for lunch,” he grinned. Confused, I nodded, because whenever a word I didn't understand crossed my way, that was my exit strategy. Smile and nod.

He came back with a can of soda, and it clicked; he meant a soda to go with my lunch. I laughed to myself, and shaking off the embarrassment, I asked, "Why is it called a pop?" He shrugged and said he didn't know, that's what he had always called it.

That night taught me a golden rule: Grammar and correctness are not the most important thing about learning a language. Local slang adds spice to our sentences and makes us sound less like an outsider and more like part of the family. Maybe you’ve been there too, nodding along when someone says something you didn't learn in your textbooks.

Some slang is specific to the area you're in, like pop, which is commonly used in Canada. But don’t worry! I’ve been in your shoes, and I’ve got your back. Let’s unpack 10 slang words that’ll help you ditch the confusion and chat like you’ve been fluent forever.

The gut-wrenching anxiety that everyone else is having more fun than you. Coined in the early 2010s, this term became the anthem of a generation glued to Instagram, where scrolling through pics of friends at festivals or brunch could trigger existential dread.

The battle cry of impulse buys, spontaneous trips, and regrettable tattoos. Popularized by Drake’s 2011 song The Motto, YOLO became the go-to excuse for millennials to act first and think later.

Flawlessly styled or perfected. This term skyrocketed to fame in 2014 thanks to a viral Vine where influencer Peaches Monroee raved about her eyebrows being “on fleek.” Soon, everything from manicures to avocado toast was deemed “fleek.”

To subtly insult or disrespect someone. “Throwing shade” became mainstream thanks to RuPaul’s Drag Race. It’s not a full-on roast, it’s a sly, witty dig that leaves the target wondering, “Wait, was that an insult?” Think of it as sarcasm with a side of glitter.

The act of performing grown-up responsibilities – A verb born from millennials’ collective panic over realizing no one actually knows how to “adult.” It’s used to describe mundane tasks like paying bills, meal-prepping, or assembling IKEA furniture, all while feeling like a fraud.

Mainstream, unoriginal, or overly trendy. Originally an insult for people who loved pumpkin spice lattes, Ugg boots, and Friends reruns, millennials reclaimed “basic” as a badge of honor. It’s a playful nod to the comfort of predictability in a chaotic world.

To share gossip or juicy details. Originating in Black and LGBTQ+ communities, “spilling the tea” (or just “tea”) refers to dishing the truth, secrets, or drama. It’s the millennial version of “spilling the beans,” but with more flair and possibly a mimosa in hand.

Wild, hyped, or intoxicated. The precursor to Gen Z’s “lit,” “turnt” described the energy of a party where the music was too loud, the drinks were too cheap, and your decisions were too questionable. Often followed by a “turnt-down” morning of regret and Advil.

Anger caused by hunger. A blend of “hungry” and “angry,” this term perfectly captures the struggle of balancing diets, budgets, and busy schedules. It’s the reason your coworker cried over a stolen granola bar or why you threatened to divorce your partner over slow taco service.

Over-the-top, excessive, or unnecessarily dramatic. If someone’s being “extra,” they’re dialing everything up to 100. Born from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and popularized by millennials, “extra” is both a critique and a celebration of maximalist energy.

Slang spices up conversations but works best in the right context. Practice these words with friends, in casual chats, or while binge-watching shows. And remember, language evolves, so stay curious! You’ve got this.