Top 15 Slang and Informal Phrases in English

Modern Slang Phrases and Informal English

Slang and informal English are essential parts of everyday communication in modern English-speaking environments. Slang refers to informal words and phrases that are used in casual conversations to add expression, humor, or make language feel less formal. It is commonly found in conversations among friends, on the internet, and in pop culture. Informal English covers a wide range of words, abbreviations, and expressions used to make communication simpler and more relaxed, often without strict adherence to grammar rules.

Knowing popular slang phrases helps you better understand English-speaking culture, making your conversations with native speakers feel more confident and natural. Below, you’ll find a list of the top 15 modern slang phrases and informal expressions in English to help enrich your vocabulary and add energy to your conversations.

• GOAT
  • Meaning: Greatest of All Time; used to describe someone or something outstanding in their field.
  • Example: “Michael Jordan is the GOAT of basketball.”
• Lit
  • Meaning: Describes something exciting, fun, or amazing.
  • Example: “The party last night was lit!”
• Flex
  • Meaning: To show off achievements, wealth, or physical traits, sometimes to brag.
  • Example: “He’s always flexing his new car on Instagram.”
• Savage
  • Meaning: Describes bold or unapologetic behavior, sometimes harshly direct.
  • Example: “Her comeback was savage!”
• Low-key
  • Meaning: To keep something subtle or not overly obvious; doing something without drawing much attention.
  • Example: “I’m low-key excited about the concert.”
• Ghost
  • Meaning: To suddenly stop all communication with someone without explanation.
  • Example: “She ghosted me after our last date.”
• Tea
  • Meaning: Gossip or interesting information; “spill the tea” means to share the gossip.
  • Example: “Come on, spill the tea! What happened at the party?”
• Extra
  • Meaning: Overly dramatic or exaggerated in behavior or style.
  • Example: “She’s so extra with all her decorations.”
• Salty
  • Meaning: Describes someone who is bitter or annoyed over something minor.
  • Example: “He got really salty when he lost the game.”
• Clap back
  • Meaning: To respond quickly and sharply to criticism or a remark.
  • Example: “She clapped back at the critic on Twitter.”
• Woke
  • Meaning: Being aware, especially about social and political issues.
  • Example: “He’s really woke about climate change.”
• Fam
  • Meaning: Short for “family,” but used to refer to close friends.
  • Example: “What’s up, fam?”
• Ship
  • Meaning: To support or root for a romantic relationship between people, often characters.
  • Example: “I totally ship those two!”
• Throw shade
  • Meaning: To criticize or mock someone indirectly.
  • Example: “She threw shade at her ex during the interview.”
• Stan
  • Meaning: To be a devoted, enthusiastic fan of someone; comes from the Eminem song “Stan.”
  • Example: “I stan Taylor Swift so hard.”