Learning a language is more than just mastering grammar and vocabulary; it’s about truly understanding the way native speakers communicate. This means diving into the subtleties of the language, including idioms, advanced phrasal verbs, colloquialisms, slang, and neologisms. That’s why, in these lessons, you’ll immerse yourself in the authentic way English is spoken and lived.
ADVANCED IDIOMS
Idioms are expressions that go beyond literal meanings. Understanding them will add depth and cultural insight to your language.
Learning Activities
Idiom Charades
You will be divided into groups. Each group will receive an idiom to work with. One member from each group will be shown the idiom and will then act it out in front of their group without using words. The rest of the group will try to guess the idiom based on the acting. If they guess correctly, the group earns a point. All groups will take turns acting and guessing, ensuring that each group gets a chance to participate. The group with the most points at the end of the activity will earn Krugs.
Idiom Research
You will be assigned in pairs to research different idioms. You should find the idiom’s origin, meaning, and examples of its use in various contexts. You will then present your findings to the class, including a brief skit demonstrating the idiom.
ADVANCED PHRASAL VERBS
Phrasal verbs are verbs made up of two or more words, usually a verb and a small word like a preposition or adverb. Together, they create a new meaning. For example:
“Give up” means to stop trying.
“Look after” means to take care of.
Phrasal verbs can be challenging for language learners because their meanings are often idiomatic and not easily inferred from the individual words. You likely already use basic and intermediate phrasal verbs like ‘bring up’ and ‘give in,’ but mastering more advanced phrasal verbs will make your speech sound more natural and help you understand subtle nuances in conversations.
Examples of advanced phrasal verbs
Brush up on – To improve your knowledge of something you’ve already learned.
“I need to brush up on my French before the trip.”
Cut down on – To reduce the amount of something, especially something bad or unhealthy.
“I’ve decided to cut down on sugar.”
Do away with – To get rid of something or stop using it.
“They are planning to do away with the old system.”
Look down on – To think that you are better or more important than someone else.
“He tends to look down on people who don’t have a degree.”
Talk someone into – To persuade someone to do something.
“They talked me into going on the trip with them.“
You can discover more advanced phrasal verbs in the following web page:
Click here for more examples of advanced phrasal verbs
Learning Activities
Phrasal Verb Song Challenge
A song containing advanced phrasal verbs in its lyrics will be played. You must identify all the phrasal verbs in the song and explain them. Afterward, you will write a short verse or chorus using some of those phrasal verbs.
Phrasal Verb Stories
You will be divided into small groups. Each group will be provided with a list of advanced phrasal verbs. Each group must create a short story using all the phrasal verbs on their list. Afterward, each group will share their stories with the class, and your classmates will guess the meanings of the phrasal verbs in context.
COLLOQUIALISMS AND SLANG
While both colloquialisms and slang are forms of informal language, they differ in several key aspects. Let’s start by defining each term:
COLLOQUIALISMS
Definition: Informal words or phrases that are commonly used in everyday conversation within a particular region or culture. They are generally understood by most native speakers of the language
Usage: Colloquialisms are used in casual speech and writing, but they are usually considered too informal for formal writing or professional contexts. They often reflect the spoken language.
Examples: “gonna” (going to) and “y’all” (you all). These are colloquialisms that are widely understood but considered informal.
SLANG
Definition: Very informal, often trendy language that is typically used within specific social groups or subcultures. What is considered slang words or phrases today may become outdated quickly.
Usage: Slang is often used to establish identity or group membership. It can be playful, irreverent, or even rebellious, and is often found in youth culture, music, and social media.
Examples: “lit” (exciting or fun) or “savage” (bold or fierce) are examples of slang that have become popular in recent years, especially among younger generations.
Now that we’ve established their definitions, let’s explore the differences between them:
KEY DIFFERENCES
- Scope: Colloquialisms are generally more widely understood within a language community, while slang is often more exclusive to specific groups or trends.
- Stability: Colloquialisms tend to be more stable over time, whereas slang can change rapidly and may fall out of use quickly.
- Formality: Both are informal, but colloquialisms are generally seen as more acceptable in a wider range of informal settings, whereas slang is often very informal and sometimes not appropriate outside of certain contexts.
To better grasp these differences, explore the following examples of colloquialisms and slang. Which ones are you familiar with or have used yourself?
| Colloquialisms | Slang |
| Ain’t (is not/are not) | Lit (exciting, fun) |
| soccer (US) / football (UK) | Ghost (suddenly ignore) |
| Gimme (give me) | Bae (significant other) |
| Y’all (you all) | Flex (show off) |
| Wanna (want to) | Low-key (not obvious) |
| Shoulda (should have) | Throw shade (insult) |
| Coulda (could have) | Salty (bitter, upset) |
| Woulda (would have) | Woke (socially aware) |
| Sorta (sort of) | Chill (relax) |
| Cuppa (cup of, especially in British English) | Fire (excellent) |
| Betcha (bet you) | Clap back (respond sharply) |
| Gotta (got to) | Sus (suspicious) |
| Lemme (let me) | Slay (succeed impressively, especially in style) |
Learning Activities
Slang and Colloquialisms Detective
You will find examples of slang or colloquial expressions in popular media, such as TV shows, songs, or social media. You’ll present your findings to the class, explaining the meaning, context, and possible origins of the slang.
Cultural Comparison: Slang Across Countries
You will be divided into groups, each focusing on slang from a different English-speaking country (e.g., the UK, the US, Australia). You’ll research popular slang expressions, create a short presentation, and teach the class the expressions you’ve found. The class can then compare how different cultures express similar ideas using different slang.
A Kahoot quiz based on the expressions found by all the groups will be created, and the groups with the most points will earn Krugs.
NEOLOGISMS
A neologism is a new word or phrase that has come into common use. It can also be a new meaning that has been given to an established word.
These terms may emerge due to technological advances, cultural shifts, or social trends, and they often reflect changes in society or the need to describe new concepts, phenomena, or inventions. Find out more in the subsequent presentation.
Learning Activities
Social Media Neologism Campaign
You will create a social media campaign to promote a new neologism you’ve invented. You’ll design posts, hashtags, and short videos that explain and popularize your neologism. The class will then discuss which campaigns were most effective and why, exploring the role of social media in the evolution of language.
Neologism Timeline
You will research neologisms that have entered the language over the past several decades. You’ll create a timeline showing when each neologism emerged and discuss how societal changes, technological advances, or cultural shifts influenced the creation of these words. You can present the timeline as a class poster or digital slideshow.