Adam
Alex
Benjamin
Emma
Gill
Jade
James
Rebecca
RonnieMany English words are shortened in conversation, especially in casual settings. This list will help you to understand and use these words in conversational situations, as well as in informal written messages, such as texts or emails.
As you read the vocabulary below, make sure to do the practice questions. Speak out loud! These questions are intended to help you use the language you are learning.
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a mil – a million
Pronunciation mil Part of Speech noun Usage This usually refers to money, but the type of currency is never mentioned. For example: “Their house cost 2 mil dollars.” “Their house cost 2 mil.” Examples I can’t believe they sold their house for a mil. How much does it cost? 3 mil. Practice What would you do if you had a mil to spend? -
a sec – a second
Pronunciation sek(s) Part of Speech noun Usage “Give me a sec” means “Give me a second.” You can also say “I’ll be there in 3 secs” for plurals. These usages are idiomatic, as “Give me a sec” is understood as “I need a little more time.” Examples Give me a sec. Wait a sec. Hold on a sec. Practice How many secs does it take you to put your shoes on?
(Answer: “It takes me _____ secs to put my shoes on.”) -
abs – abdominal muscles
Pronunciation abz Part of Speech noun Usage A person can have strong abs, nice abs, weak abs, or strong ab muscles. People can also go to the gym to do ab exercises or work on their abs. Examples I’ve been working on my abs a lot lately. Do you do daily ab exercises? Practice What are some good ways to strengthen your abs? -
admin – administration
Pronunciation AD-min Part of Speech noun Usage Someone can work in admin, have an admin job, or do admin work. You can also file a report with admin if you have a serious problem with something or someone at your job. Examples That sounds serious. You should file a report with admin. He works in admin. Practice Have you ever worked in admin? -
ad – advertisement
Pronunciation ad Part of Speech noun Usage An ad is a physical or digital promotion for a company, job, or product. On the internet, you can browse and click on ads. Examples I hate pop-up ads. That was an effective ad. Practice What is one of the most effective ads you have seen recently? -
app – application
Pronunciation AP Part of Speech noun Usage Apps are programs on your phone, tablet, or other electronic devices. You can download, delete, update, open, and close an app. An app “crashes” when it stops working while you are using it. Examples I downloaded a new app yesterday. It’s a useful app. Practice Which apps do you use most frequently? -
BFF – best friend forever
Pronunciation bee-ef-EF (said as the individual letters B-F-F) Part of Speech noun Usage This is an initialism that is used to refer to your closest friend. This usage is more common among female friends, but it is possible among male friends as well. In either case, it is mostly used by young children and teenagers. Examples They’ve been BFFs since elementary school. (BFFs = best friends forever) Who’s Sandra? She’s my BFF. Practice Do you have a BFF? Who was your first ever BFF? -
bro – brother
Pronunciation BROH Part of Speech noun Usage Use this to talk about someone’s literal brother, or about a male friend. You can also say “bro” if someone says or does something significant, either positive or negative, or if you are surprised by something. Examples You’re my bro. I’ll always love you. How’s your sandwich? Bro. This is the best sandwich I’ve ever had. Practice Do you have any bros? -
butt – buttocks
Pronunciation buht Part of Speech noun Usage Your butt is the part of your body that you sit on. A more innocent word for this part of your body is “bum.” If you tell someone that you are going to kick their butt, this means you are going to defeat them in something. A person who is difficult to deal with can be called “a pain in the butt.” Examples Ouch! I fell right on my butt. You think you can run faster than me? I’m going to kick your butt. Practice Who’s the biggest pain in the butt you know? -
carbs – carbohydrates
Pronunciation kahrbz Part of Speech noun Usage Carbs help give our bodies energy. They are in foods like pizza, pasta, and bread. You might want to reduce your carbs if you feel you are eating these foods in large quantities. Examples You shouldn’t eat too many carbs in the evening. Potatoes, bread, pasta, and rice are all loaded with carbs. Practice Do you eat a lot of carbs? What are your favourite carb-heavy foods? -
celeb – celebrity
Pronunciation suh-LEB Part of Speech noun Usage A very famous person can be called a big celeb. A person who is less famous but who is still well known by a group of people can be called a minor celeb. Examples I can’t stand celeb gossip magazines. Look at you! You’re a big celeb now! Practice Have you ever met a celeb? -
comfy – comfortable
Pronunciation KUHM-fee Part of Speech adjective Usage Something that is comfy feels good. You can feel comfy, be comfy, or get comfy. A place, piece of furniture, or article of clothing can be comfy as well. For example, you can sleep in a comfy room, on a comfy bed, in a comfy sweater. Examples This couch is really comfy. You should get a comfy chair. Practice What is the comfiest place in your home? -
congrats – congratulations
Pronunciation kuhn-GRATZ Part of Speech noun Usage You can wish someone congrats, extend your congrats to someone, or simply say congrats to someone. Congrats is often linked with the word “on,” as in “Congrats on the good news!” Examples Congrats on your new job! That’s great news! I’d like to extend my congrats to you and your entire team. You did a great job on this project. Practice When was the last time you wished someone congrats, or someone wished congrats to you? -
convo – conversation
Pronunciation KON-voh Part of Speech noun Usage You can start a convo, have a convo, or end a convo with someone. You can have many types of convos, including good convos, bad convos, intense convos, etc. Examples Do you remember what we talked about in our last convo? That’s going to be an interesting convo. Practice What was the last convo you had with someone? How was it? -
decaf – decaffeinated
Pronunciation DEE-kaf Part of Speech adjective, noun Usage Decaf typically refers to coffee or tea without caffeine, but it can refer to any beverage that has caffeine removed from it. You can order decaf coffee or tea, or have or drink decaf coffee or tea. You can also just ask for decaf. Examples I’ll have a large decaf latte, please. Do you want a coffee? Do you have decaf? Practice Do you ever drink decaf coffee or tea? -
delish – delicious
Pronunciation dih-LISH Part of Speech adjective Usage Food can be delish, look delish, smell delish, or taste delish. “Delicious” is still the more common word, but don’t be surprised if you hear “delish” being used by young people. Examples Thanks for lunch. It was delish. Trust me. You’ll like it. It’s absolutely delish. Practice What’s the last thing you ate that was truly delish? -
detox – detoxification
Pronunciation DEE-toks Part of Speech noun Usage Detox is the process or period of removing toxins from your body by abstaining from (not using/consuming) things that are harmful to you. This typically refers to things that are harmful to your body, but idiomatically, it can refer to things that are harmful to your mind or spirit as well. You can start a detox, go on a detox, be on a detox, or finish a detox. Examples Why are you drinking so much lemon water? I’m in the middle of a detox. I think I need a digital detox. I’ve been spending too much time online lately. Practice Do you ever need a digital detox, or are you responsible with how much time you spend online? -
detox – detoxify
Pronunciation dee-TOKS Part of Speech verb Usage A person might need to detox, have to detox, or be trying to detox. Be aware that in common speech, the verb form of detox is often pronounced in the same way as its noun form. Examples I ate horribly on my vacation. I need to detox. Your body can’t take that much alcohol. You have to detox for a few days. Practice Have you ever detoxed your body because you ate or drank too much of the wrong things? -
doc – doctor
Pronunciation dok Part of Speech noun Usage You can call your doc, see your doc, talk to your doc, or wait for your doc’s office to call, text, or email you. The question “What’s up, doc?” is part of popular American culture, and was made famous by the cartoon character named Bugs Bunny. Examples What did the doc say? Are you going to be okay? My doc said I need to do a blood test. Practice When was the last time you visited a medical doctor? What did the doc tell you? -
fab – fabulous
Pronunciation fab Part of Speech adjective Usage Something that is fab is exceptionally good. Something or someone can be fab or look fab. You can feel fab, too! This word is more common among young people, but you might hear it used among older people as well. Examples You look totally fab! That was a fab concert. Practice Do you feel fab today? -
fave – favourite
Pronunciation feyv Part of Speech noun, adjective Usage Do you have a fave dessert? How about a fave t-shirt or a fave movie? Things, places, animals, and people can all be your fave. Examples Vanilla ice cream is my fave. I love Paul McCartney. He’s my fave member of The Beatles. Practice What’s your fave dessert? -
grad – graduate
Pronunciation grad Part of Speech noun Usage Someone who graduates from high school is a high school grad. This noun is usually preceded by the type of grad someone is (ex: a university grad, a college grad, etc.). Examples He’s a college grad. Congrats! I heard you passed your exams and that you’re going to be a university grad. Practice Do you know who’s a university grad? -
burger – hamburger
Pronunciation BUR-gr Part of Speech noun Usage While there are different types of burgers (cheeseburger, chickenburger, etc.), the word “burger” is typically understood as the short form for hamburger. You can order a burger at a restaurant, eat a burger, or put some burgers on the grill or barbecue. Examples What do you want on your burger? I love that place. They’ve got the best burgers. Practice How much does a burger cost in your area? -
ID – identification
Pronunciation ai-DEE (said as the individual letters I-D) Part of Speech noun Usage It’s important to carry ID with you. You might have to show your ID to enter a building or event, so make sure to bring it with you wherever you go. Just make sure you don’t lose or misplace your ID. Examples Do you have your ID? You need to show them two pieces of ID. Practice What is the most commonly accepted piece of ID in your state, province, or country? -
info – information
Pronunciation IN-foh Part of Speech noun Usage You can search for info online. You can ask someone for their contact info. You can want or need more info about or on something or someone. Keep this info in mind. Examples Where did you get that info? Thanks for the info. Practice If you search online, what kind of info can you usually get about a business? -
intro – introduction
Pronunciation IN-troh Part of Speech noun Usage Many things have intros, including books, shows, movies, presentations, speeches, essays, and more. An intro can be long, short, good, bad, memorable or forgettable. Examples The body of your essay is good, but your intro needs work. Arrested Development has one of my favourite TV show intros. Practice What’s one of your favourite TV show intros? -
lab – laboratory
Pronunciation lab Part of Speech noun Usage There are science labs, biology labs, medical labs, chemical labs, and more. Labs are places where experiments and research are conducted, drugs and chemicals are made, or where teaching happens. Examples Jack works in admin. Jill works in the lab. Do you remember the Stranger Things episode where the mutant dogs infiltrated the science lab? Practice Have you ever been in a science lab? -
legit – legitimate
Pronunciation luh-JIT Part of Speech adjective Usage Someone or something that is legit is real and able to be trusted. For example, a person can be a legit blackbelt if they have a black belt in a martial art. If we say a person isn’t legit, we mean they are fake in some way. Examples Is that a legit Armani suit? That business isn’t legit. They only have a website, but no physical location. Practice Have you ever been tricked by a person or company that wasn’t legit? -
limo – limousine
Pronunciation LIM-oh Part of Speech noun Usage A limo is a long fancy car. You can drive a limo, get a limo, order a limo, or take a limo. Limos are often used by celebs when they attend awards events such as the Oscars, Grammys, or Emmys. Examples I’ve never been in a limo. Limos are really expensive. Practice Have you ever been in a limo? -
mag – magazine
Pronunciation mag Part of Speech noun Usage People don’t read mags as much these days, but you can still find mags in book stores. You can subscribe to mags, buy mags, or read mags. There are different types of mags, including fishing mags, video game mags, motorcycle mags, and others. Examples Check out this movie mag. My parents used to have a big collection of TV Guide mags. Practice Do you remember the last mag you read? Have you ever collected mags? -
max – maximum
Pronunciation maks Part of Speech noun, adjective, adverb Usage What’s the max? This means “What’s the maximum?” It can refer to anything that has a limit. You can spend 20 dollars max, be somewhere in an hour max, or reach max capacity. Max is a versatile word and is a very common replacement for maximum. Examples I promise it won’t be expensive. It will cost you 10 dollars max. The meeting will be 30 minutes max. Practice What’s the max amount of time it takes you to get dressed in the morning? (Ex: “It takes me _____ minutes max.”) -
meds – medications
Pronunciation medz Part of Speech noun Usage You can get a prescription for meds. You can buy meds and take meds. If you are starting an exercise routine with a personal trainer, or if you are going to start taking new medications for something, a common question you might be asked is: “Are you on any meds?” Examples Did you take your meds today? I forgot to bring my meds on vacation. Practice Are you taking any meds these days? -
pecs – pectorals
Pronunciation peks Part of Speech noun Usage Your pecs are your chest muscles. People go to the gym to work on their pecs, or to do pec exercises. This word is most often used among people who exercise at the gym. Examples What did you do at the gym today? I worked on my pecs. He’s got really nice pecs. Practice What kinds of exercises can a person do to work on their pecs? -
pic – picture
Pronunciation pik Part of Speech noun Usage You can take pics, send pics, show pics, share pics, and look at pics. We live in a visual culture, so pics are everywhere. Examples That’s a nice pic. Here’s a pic from our weekend. Practice What’s the last pic you saved on your phone? (Ex: “It’s a pic of…”) -
prep – prepare
Pronunciation prep Part of Speech verb Usage People prep for exams, job interviews, speeches, presentations, meetings, and more. You can also prep a meal, or help someone prep for something. You can also say you are prepped if you feel you are prepared for something. (“Prepped” is an adjective in this case.) Examples I need more time to prep. How well did you prep for your exam? Practice Who usually preps breakfast in your home? -
prep – preparatory
Pronunciation prep Part of Speech adjective Usage There are prep schools and prep classes. Teachers need prep time. Hospitals and mortuaries have prep rooms. If something is used to prepare someone for something, you can often use the word “prep” before it. Examples I need more prep time. Could you give me 5 more minutes? She and her brother went to prep school last year. Practice Have you ever taken prep classes to prepare for an exam? -
prep – preparation
Pronunciation prep Part of Speech noun Usage Cooking can require a little prep or a lot of prep. It depends on what you’re cooking. If you have prepared (or “prepped”) for a test, was the amount of prep sufficient, or should you have prepared (or “prepped”) more? Examples This is going to take a lot of prep. This is my first time meeting his parents. Do I need any prep? Practice Does your cooking typically require a lot of prep? -
prob(s) – problem(s)
Pronunciation prob(z) Part of Speech noun Usage When someone says “Thank you,” you can say “No prob” as a casual substitution for “No problem.” If someone asks you to do something, you can say “That won’t be a prob” or “It won’t be a prob.” While “problem” is more common outside of these contexts, you might hear “prob” among young people in other contexts as well (as in example 2 below). Examples Thank for your help today. No prob. You look like you’re dealing with a lot of probs these days. Practice Are you dealing with any serious probs these days? -
pro – professional
Pronunciation proh Part of Speech noun, adjective Usage You can hire a pro, be a pro, or become a pro. You can be a pro soccer player or a pro lawyer. You might need help from a pro. In all of these cases, you can trust a pro to be very good at what they do. Examples You can trust her. She’s a pro. Do you know how much money pro baseball players make? Practice Have you ever hired a pro to help you with something? (Ex: I hired a pro _____ to…) -
rad – radical
Pronunciation rad Part of Speech adjective Usage This is a slang word that is similar to “cool.” If something is rad, it’s good in a way that is different, or in a way that causes you to have a satisfied reaction. A movie, a song, a concert, an event, or even a restaurant can be rad. Things can be pretty rad, really rad, so rad, or totally rad. Examples That movie is so rad. You’re moving to California? That’s so rad. Practice What’s a movie you thought was rad? (Ex: “I thought The Matrix was pretty rad.”) -
ref – referee
Pronunciation ref Part of Speech noun, verb Usage A ref is an official who enforces the rules of a game. All team sports have refs. You can use ref as a verb or a noun. Examples Who reffed the game? He’s a good ref. He always calls things fairly. Practice Can you name some sports that have refs? -
rehab – rehabilitate
Pronunciation ree-HAB Part of Speech verb Usage If you tear a muscle or a tendon, you will probably need to rehab it. This means you will need to mix rest with exercise to get your muscle or tendon back to normal. It can take a long time to rehab serious injuries. Typically, we talk about rehabbing a particular part of our body, or rehabbing an injury. Examples I’ve been rehabbing my knee for over 3 months now. My physiotherapist said it would take several months to rehab my shoulder. Practice Have you ever had to rehab an injury? -
reps – repetitions
Pronunciation reps Part of Speech noun Usage A rep is a period of repeated action. It is often used by people who go to the gym. For example, if you lift something heavy 10 times, then take a break for 30 seconds, and then lift the heavy thing 10 times again, you have done 2 reps of 10. This word is also used to refer to periods of practice for any skill, but is typically reserved for physical skills. If a coach tells you to “get more reps in,” they mean you need to practice more to get better. Examples I did 3 reps of 12. (context: at the gym) You just need to get some more reps in. Practice Have you ever exercised using reps? (Ex: “I used to do push-ups. I did 3 or 4 reps of 5.”) -
rep – representative
Pronunciation rep Part of Speech noun Usage You can be a company rep, a sales rep, a marketing rep, and more. If you represent a person, a company, or an organization in an official capacity, you are a rep of that person, company, or organization. You can be a good rep or a bad rep. Examples She’s a sales rep at Zara. Can I speak to a marketing rep, please? Practice Have you ever worked as a customer service or sales rep? -
rep – represent
Pronunciation rep Part of Speech verb Usage You can BE a rep for a person, company, or organization, and you can also REP a person, company, or organization. This is the verb form. Athletes rep their countries at international sporting events. Employees rep their companies at conferences and official events. Just think of the word “represent,” and replace it with “rep.” Examples He repped his country at the Olympics. Who’s repping our company at the conference? Practice Have you ever repped a company at an official event? -
sax – saxophone
Pronunciation saks Part of Speech noun Usage A sax is a musical instrument. Lisa plays the sax in the popular show The Simpsons. The word “sax” has a very high rate of usage when discussing this instrument. Examples Does he play any instruments? I think he plays the sax. I love a good sax solo. Practice Have you ever met someone who plays the sax? Can you think of any songs that use a sax? (Ex: “‘Careless Whisper’ by George Michael uses a sax.”) -
sis – sister
Pronunciation sis Part of Speech noun Usage Similar to bro, sis can refer to your actual sister, or to a friend. The word “sister” is also commonly used by feminists who identify as female to refer to each other. Examples Why are you asking me to help you? Can’t you call your sis? Hey, sis. Are you busy? Practice Finish the sentence: “Hey, sis, what…?” -
site – website
Pronunciation sahyt Part of Speech noun Usage “Site” is a very common substitute for “website.” You are probably reading this on engvid.com, which is an English learning site. You can browse sites, go to sites, and more. A company can update their site. Examples You should check out their site. They’ve updated their site. Practice What are some of your favourite sites to improve your English skills? -
sub – submarine
Pronunciation suhb Part of Speech noun Usage A sub is an underwater warship. It is also the name of a sandwich that has a similar long shape to the underwater type of sub. You can order a sub, make a sub, or eat a sub. In times of war, enemy ships can attack a sub or sink a sub. Examples Have you ever seen a sub in person? I’m going to order a 12-inch vegetarian sub. Practice Have you ever seen a sub (the underwater kind) in person? -
sub – substitute
Pronunciation suhb Part of Speech noun Usage A sub is a (usually temporary) replacement for something or someone. Soccer is a popular sport that has subs. Teachers can also work as subs, which means they substitute for another teacher who is not able to do their job during a particular day or an extended period of time. Examples She’s not a full-time teacher. She’s a sub. Their team has two subs sitting on the bench. Practice If you had to go on a long vacation, who would you trust to be a good sub for you? -
sub – substitute
Pronunciation suhb Part of Speech verb Usage This means to (usually temporarily) replace something or someone. In sports, players can “sub in” and “sub out,” depending on if they’re entering or leaving the playing area. Examples Marina looks really tired. Darlene, get ready to sub in. You don’t have to order fries. You can sub them for a salad. Practice Have you ever had to sub for someone at work, or has anyone ever had to sub for you? -
sync/synch – synchronization
Pronunciation singk Part of Speech noun Usage This short form is most often used as “in sync.” If you are in sync with someone, you match them in some way, work well with them, or agree with them. A romantic couple can be in sync with one another, or not in sync with one another, for instance. Examples They’re great dancers. They’re totally in sync with the music and with each other. Are we in sync on this plan, or should I ask someone else to help me? Practice Do you have anyone in your life that you’re usually in sync with? -
sync/synch – synchronize
Pronunciation singk Part of Speech verb Usage This means to cause something to occur or operate at the same time. It’s common to sync cellular phones with other devices, for instance. People also sync their watches. You can use the phrasal verb “sync up” in all of these contexts as well. Examples You can sync your email calendar with your phone calendar. We should sync our watches, so we all have the same time. Practice Have you synced any apps on your phone with other devices? -
undies – underwear
Pronunciation UHN-deez Part of Speech noun Usage In American English, your undies refer to the first layer of clothing that covers your groin region and your buttocks (or “butt”). You can buy undies, wear undies, put on your undies, take off your undies, or throw out your undies. However, you probably shouldn’t share your undies with anyone. This is a “cute” word, and “underwear” is still more common to say. Examples I need a new pair of undies. Why did you leave your undies on the floor? Practice Have you synced any apps on your phone with other devices? -
uni – university
Pronunciation YOO-nee Part of Speech noun Usage If you go to university, you go to uni. The word “uni” isn’t typically used for referring to the physical building, but to the concept or institution of university. For this reason, you say “He’s in the university (inside the physical building),” but you can say “He’s going to university in the fall” or “He’s going to uni in the fall.” Examples Marta’s starting uni in the fall. I’m going to uni in January. Practice Finish the idea: “If I could go to uni today, I would study…” -
veggie – vegetable
Pronunciation VEJ-ee Part of Speech noun, adjective Usage You can plant veggies or eat veggies. You can have a veggie burger, a veggie salad, or a veggie meal. You can eat a lot of veggies or not enough veggies. This is a simple and common shortening of the word “vegetable.” Examples Have you ever tried a veggie burger? You need to add more veggies to your diet. Practice Do you think you eat enough veggies every day? -
vet – veteran
Pronunciation vet Part of Speech noun Usage Someone who is significantly experienced at what they do. This usage commonly refers to army veterans, but it can refer to any job or field of expertise. Examples My uncle’s an army vet. She’s been working here for years. She’s a vet. Practice Think of someone famous who is a vet at their job. (Ex. “Angelina Jolie is an acting vet.”) -
vet – veterinarian
Pronunciation vet Part of Speech noun Usage A vet is an animal doctor. If your pet is sick, you might need to take or bring them to the vet. Many kids who love animals want to be vets when they grow up. Examples We need to take our dog to the vet. The vet said the surgery would cost over $1500. Practice Have you ever had to take a pet to the vet? -
vid – video
Pronunciation vihd Part of Speech noun Usage You can share vids, watch vids, check out vids, or make vids. There are numerous vid sharing websites on the internet. While “video” is still more common, you might hear someone say “Nice vid” or “Funny vid” after watching something online. Examples Hey, Tom, check out this funny vid. Alex has hundreds of vids on his YouTube channel. Practice What was the last vid you watched online? (Ex: “I watched a vid about/with…”) -
vocab – vocabulary
Pronunciation VOH-kab Part of Speech noun Usage Do you need to improve your vocab? Is the vocab in the book you’re reading too difficult, or is it at a good level? If you have a technical job, you might need to learn a lot of technical vocab. Examples I want to improve my vocab. You need to know a lot of technical vocab to do that job. Practice Were you already familiar with some of the vocab in this resource before you started reading it? -
W – win
Pronunciation DUHB-uhl-yoo (said as the individual letter W) Part of Speech noun Usage A sports team can get a W. Idiomatically, some people say “That’s a W” when something good happens. Something can be “a big W.” For example, if your favourite TV show gets renewed for another season, you could say “That’s a W” because it’s a win for you and fans of the show. The opposite of a W is an L (or “loss”). A losing team takes an L, and a winning team gets a W. Examples I missed the game last night. Who got the W? I only paid 4 dollars for this meal. That’s a big W. Practice Say the result of a recent sports match. Who got the W? (Ex: “There was a basketball game between X and Y last night. X got the W.”) -
wiz – wizard
Pronunciation wiz Part of Speech noun Usage You can be a math wiz, or you can be a wiz at math. This word is typically used idiomatically with these two structures. It is not used as a replacement for a magic wizard. For instance, you can’t say “Gandalf was a great wiz in Lord of the Rings.” In this case, use “wizard,” but in the real world, use “wizard” or “wiz.” Examples Derek’s a math wiz. Ask Dana to help you. She’s a wiz at this stuff. Practice Are you a wiz at anything? Do you know any people who are wizzes at something?
Do you want to test your understanding of some of these words and hear me pronounce them? Watch my video on 35 words that are shortened in conversation:
Quiz