Page 89 - B.J. Thomas - INTERMEDIATE Vocabulary

Slang and Colloquial Words

Slang
1 Slang is vocabulary which is used in very informal spoken language but
not considered good in formal'correct' English. For example a slang word for
'thank you' is 'ta' and a slang word for 'mad' is 'nuts'.
The slang words in the sentences below are printed in italics. Replace each
slang word with a word or phrase trom the following list.
made triend television policeman discarded nuisance
pound(s) cigarettes alcohol prison without money
(a) He smokes 30 fags a day. Too many!
(b) He drinks a lot. He must spend twenty quid a week on booze.
(c) He thought his meal was overcooked. When the waiter brought his bill he
kicked up a fuss and would not pay.
(d) I lost f500 at a casino last night. I'm absolutely skin t.
(e) My mate stole a car. Now he's in the nick.
(f) She got bored with her boyfriend and ditched him.
(g) There's a good film on the telly tonight, but I've got to go out. What a drag!
(h) I wouldn't like to be a copper directing traffic in the street in this bad weather.

Colloquial words
2 Colloquial words are words which are quite acceptable in spoken English
but not in written English (except in intormal letters to friends etc.). For
example we might say, 'He's a nice chap,' but we would probably write, 'He is
a pleasant man.' (The line between slang and colloquial words is not at all
elear and many words considered colloquial by some people would be
considered slang by others.)
The colloquial words in the sentences below are printed in italics. Replace
each colloquial word with a word or phrase trom the tollowing list.
drunk very good child toilet short sleep
bicycle joking dismiss without money upper c1ass
possessions newspaper
(a) Her boss said he would sack her if she was late again.
(b) There's a brilliant film on at the pictures this week.
(c) He made a lot of money and now he lives in a very posh district.
(d) When I was a kid I went everywhere by bike.
(e) My grandfather usually has a snooze after lunch.
(f) Did you really find f50, or are you kidding?
(g) She lives in just one room and has to share a kitchen, bathroom and 100 with
the other people in the house.
(h) I'm broke. Can you lend me some money?
(i) I'm afraid I drank too much and got a bit merry.
(j) You can't believe everything you read in the paper.
(k) She'svery untidy. She leaves her stuff Iying all over the place.

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