English Hub Blog

Meaning: something that is annoying

Example A: Working overtime is a pain in the neck.

Example B: Loud people are a pain in the neck for other people.

Example C: Learning English grammar is a pain in the neck.

Example D: Doing housework is a pain in the neck.

Here are some American slang terms

(http://manythings.org/slang/slang13.html)

fix = dose of drugs

The addict needs another fix.

flick = movie

I haven’t seen a flick in a long time

go =try

Let me have a go at solving the problem

goof up = made a mistake

I really goofed up when I painted my room green.

grub = food

Where is the best place to get some grub around here?

hairy = dangerous

That was a hairy plane trip. I am glad the storm is over.

high= intoxicated on drugs or alcohol

The teenagers look high to me.

hyped= excited

The fans were all hyped up for the football game.

in = fashionable

The tie you were wearing is really in.

in the bag = settled

Everything is in the bang. There is nothing to worry about.

Jam = problem, trouble

I am glad you got yourself out of the jam.

kick=enjoy

I get a kick out of watching him paint.

knock =criticize

Don’t knock it if you can’t do it any better.

Knockout = stunning person

Who was that knockout I saw you with last Friday?

laid-back=clam and relaxed

You need to be more laid-back.

mega =large

I have mega amounts of tomatoes in my garden this summer.

Mellow = calm down, relax

You need to mellow out and enjoy life.

Here is some American slang and how to use it :

Airhead = stupid

My sister’s boyfriend is a real airhead.

Barf =throw-up voimit

He barfed all over the seat of the airplane.

Bent out of shape =become upset

Don’t get so bent out of shape.

Big gun = powerful people

The president brought two big guns to the meeting.

blow = lost

He blew all his money gambling.

blow a fuse = lose your temper

Hey, don’t blow a fuse.

bombed = intoxicated, drunk

The driver of the car was bombed.

bonkers = crazy mad

I think I am going bonkers.

bummer = bad experience

My trip to New York was a bummer.

Can = toliet

Do you know where the can is?

Cushy = Easy

Her boyfriend has deep pockets.

Eat =bothering

The problem is really eating away at me.

face off = confrontation

My friend had I had a face off yesterday.

(this was brought to you by http://manythings.org/slang/slang13.html)

Here are some tips on how to use gestures in American Business.

• The standard space between you and your conversation should be about 2 feet. Most Americans feel uncomfortable standing closer than that. If you are not sure how far 2 feet is, just make it an arm length’s apart.
• To point, use your index finger, and don’t point at people as it is impolite.
• To show approval, there are two typical gestures. One is the OK sign and the other is the thumbs up.
• The back slap is a sign of friendship, however, men shouldn’t do back slap women and women shouldn’t do it with other women.
• To call a waiter over, make eye contact, and raise your eyebrows, or mouth the word for what you want. To call for the check, make a writing gesture or mouth the word “check”
• Direct eye contact shows you are sincere but it should not be intense. You don’t want to scare the other person.
• When giving an intern to someone, one may toss it or hand it over with only one hand.
• In a business situation, make sure to maintain good posture and a less casual pose.