Street Smarts The Best Resources to Learn Slang in Different Languages

Street Smarts The Best Resources to Learn Slang in Different Languages The Best Resources to Learn Slang in Different Languages Youre up-to-date on all the trends.You watch trending hashtags obsessively.You know all the latest fashions.Youve even single-handedly kept avocado farmers in business with your affinity for avocado toast.But theres one trend you may have overlooked: slang.When youre learning a language, staying on top of the latest slang can be a bit of a trick. After all, conventional courses usually only cover common, basic slang and often shy away from more colorful words and expressions altogether.Theres no doubt that slang is pervasive in any language, and its possible you havent learned  some of the more provocative terms native speakers might use.Not only that, but as a language learner, youll have to keep the variations within your target language straight. For instance,  Spanish slang, Mexican slang  and slang from other Spanish-speaking countries varies quite a bit.So how, then, can the trendy language learner possibly stay on top of the best slang in different languages? Luckily, there ar e plenty of great resources out there to keep your vocabulary up-to-date. Here are 30 books and websites that make learning slang a piece of cake! Why Focus on Slang?Slang is a type of informal language you wont typically find in a textbook but is absolutely vital to clear communication. So while it may not be the first area of language you study, you should jump into it relatively quickly.The primary reason to learn slang is that its overwhelmingly common. In any culture, there are an abundance of slang words and more being added periodically. If youre studying English and youre not keeping up, terms like throw shade or on fleek will go right over your head!  Therefore, if you ignore it, youre ignoring a significant part of your target languages vocabulary.Additionally, using slang can make you sound like a local. A lot of native speakers expect non-native speakers to sound unnatural due to their strict adherence to what theyve learned from conventional textbooks. Using slang can set you apart and show youre so much more than a common language student.Finally, slang is often difficult to understand if you havent studied it.  If you dont make it part of your learning routine, you might not be able to figure out what these words mean based on context alone, and your fluency will suffer. Youre also more likely to miss some important parts of a conversation.The Best Resources to Learn Slang in Different LanguagesIts important to note that slang is highly regional, so not all slang will be used in every place that speaks the language. If youre targeting a particular region, you might try looking for slang from that specific region.Here are some groovy resources for learning slang from popular languages.And for help in all these languages, check out FluentU! You can switch between them as you wish if youd like to learn more than one language at a time.FluentU makes it possible to learn languages from music videos, commercials, news, inspiring talks and more.With FluentU, you hear languages in real-world contextsâ€"the way that native speakers actually use them. Just a quick look will give you an idea of the variety of FluentU videos on offer:FluentU really takes the grunt work out of learning languages, leaving you with nothing but engaging, effective and efficient learning. It’s already hand-picked the best videos for you and organized them by level and topic. All you have to do is choose any video that strikes your fancy to get started!Each word in the interactive captions comes with a definition, audio, image, example sentences and more.Access a complete interactive transcript of every video under the Dialogue tab, and easily review words and phrases from the video under Vocab.You can use FluentU’s unique adaptive quizzes to learn the vocabulary and phrases from the video through fun questions and exercises. Just swipe left or right to see more examples of the word youre studying.The program even keeps track of what you’re learning and tells you exactly when it’s time for review, giving you a 100% personalized experience.Start using FluentU on the website with your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes store or Google Play store.ArabicCool Slang Arabic DictionaryArabic slang is cool. If you want to look fab in Arabic, try Cool Slang Arabic Dictionary. This free website offers slang from all over the Arab-speaking world.Each entry includes the Arabic word or phrase, how to pronounce it, where its from and what it means. While this is a very useful tool, its important to keep in mind that entries are submitted by users, so there could be occasional errors. Be sure to do a little research and verify terms in a language forum or with a language exchange partner.A Roving Eye: Head to Toe in Egyptian Arabic ExpressionsDialects of Arabic vary quite a bit regionally, so it should come as no surprise that slang also varies a good deal by region. A Roving Eye focuses exclusively on Egyptian Arabic. The book includes common colloquialisms, including proverbs, idioms and other expressions.Each phrase is presented in Arabic along with a transliteration to help you with pronunciation. Theres also a literal English translation as well as a figurative translation. The book features many images, making it easy to browse casually.Levantine Colloquial Arabic VocabularyLevantine Colloquial Arabic Vocabulary focuses on colloquial expressions from Lebanon. However, many of these expressions are also understandable in other parts of the Levant region, including Jordan, Palestine and Syria. The book is intended for beginning through advanced students and offers over 4,500 entries in 57 thematic categories.Entries contain grammatical information to help you understand gender, usage and more. Plus, the purchase of this book also grants you access to free downloads, including MP3 audio to help you nail down pronunciations and Anki flashcards to help you memorize vocabulary. ChineseChina SmackIf Chinese slang is your drug of choice, China Smack is the free online resource for you. Thats because this website offers a  helpful glossary of Chinese slang.Each entry includes the slang word or phrase, the pinyin (when applicable), the part of speech and the definition. Entries include internet slang, offensive words and phrases, as well as some general vocabulary.Dirty ChineseDirty Chinese focuses on the Chinese words and phrases that conventional schooling usually strategically omits. These expressions include swear words, adult terms, insults and more. Phrases are grouped thematically for easy browsing.Each entry starts with the English phrase, followed by the pinyin, followed by the Chinese written text.  Some of the terms are graphic, so Dirty Chinese isnt for anyone whos easily offended.Niubi!: The Real Chinese You Were Never Taught in SchoolNiubi!  (Awesome! is one translation for itothers are less appropriate) offers a wide array of words and phrases f or slang aficionados of all ages,  though its aimed at beginning and intermediate learners.Yes, some words and phrases are more appropriate for adults, including sex terms and swear words, but many expressions are used across age groups, like internet slang. Illustrations, anecdotes and cultural lessons make Niubi! an easy and fun read.FrenchLanguage RealmSure, it might not have elves or dwarves like youd expect in other magical realms, but Language Ream does offer  a free online French slang dictionary, which seems pretty magical if you ask us.The entries are organized alphabetically by the French term. Each entry includes the French word or phrase, the part of speech and the definition. Some terms are family-friendly, while others are more appropriate for adult learners.Dirty FrenchIf you think inappropriate and offensive language is très bon  (very good), Dirty French might be just the book to add to your slang library.It features curse words, sex terms, insults, everyday slang and more. Words are grouped thematically, so you can easily peruse such categories as Hello to see all your slang options at a glance. Dirty French also includes some brief usage notes interspersed throughout.French Slang: Do you speak the real French?French Slang offers over 600 entries of contemporary French slang organized into 12 thematic sections. Helpful slang includes textspeak, descriptions and more.Some entries are completely innocent and family-friendly, while other words and phrases are slightly provocativeâ€"not too over-the-top, but certainly intriguing to adult learners. Downloadable audio is also available to help learners perfect their pronunciations.GermanStreet Talk SavvyIf youre a savvy German student, Street Talk Savvy is the free online resource you need to expand your slang vocabulary. It offers up a variety of German slang, including funny sayings, pick-up lines, tongue twisters, drinking songs and more. There are also sections for Swiss German and Austrian Ge rman slang if you need a more well-rounded education in German slang.Dirty GermanDirty German offers fun, informal phrases perfect for adult learners (particularly those with potty mouths). The book includes insults, sexual terms, swear words and more. Words and phrases are grouped thematically. Fun usage notes appear throughout the text, making Dirty German easy to read for fun or use as a reference.Scheisse!  The Real German You Were Never Taught in SchoolWhile this book isnt the most current volume on our list (it was published in 1994), it still offers some helpful vocabularyâ€"just dont expect textspeak or internet slang.  Scheisse!  The Real German You Were Never Taught in School focuses on Low German, like curse words, insults and other basic slang.And youll  have to get the book to find out the meaning of the word Scheisse!Words are grouped thematically for easy browsing. Entries offer a unique formatâ€"the English word appears first, followed by several German slang options with a related meaning. Many of these options are also accompanied by a brief definition to clarify the more precise meaning.JapaneseLanguage RealmLooking for the best Japanese slang? Unafraid of inappropriate terms? Language Realm is great for anyone looking to learn Japanese slang, and best of all, its available for free from the comfort of your favorite internet-enabled device.Each entry includes the Japanese word, its transliteration and its meaning. Many words/phrases are family friendly, but there are definitely some that are strictly for adults, like sexual terms.Dirty JapaneseDirty Japaneseâ€"given that the Japanese have long been known for their exceptional cleanliness, the phrase may seem ironic. But if youre a Japanese student who likes your language skills to have a certain edge, Dirty Japanese fits the bill.With sexual words, curse words and insults galore, Dirty Japanese provides the sort of vocabulary youre unlikely to find in your favorite textbook.Beyond Polite Jap anese: A Dictionary of Japanese Slang and ColloquialismsBeyond Polite Japanese offers both contemporary and traditional slang that many textbooks leave out. With over 500 words and phrases, theres plenty of great slang for any interested student of Japanese.Plus, Beyond Polite Japanese empowers you to understand even more slang by teaching prefixes and suffixes commonly used in slang. Each word/phrase entry contains a lot of useful information, including the word/phrase, its part of speech, its literal and figurative definitions, and a usage example.  While the book is difficult to find new, plenty of used options abound.KoreanCool SlangIf you like your Korean slang cool, look no further.  Cool Slang is a free online resource featuring dozens of Korean words and phrases. Each entry includes the Korean word, its transliteration and its meaning.Many entries also include some discussion from users about the meanings. While Cool Slang offers some great content, its important to remember that its user-generated, so errors may appear from time to time.Dirty KoreanDirty Korean offers up edgy Korean slang, including insults, sexual terms, swear words and more. The book is presented in an easy-to-read format, with words/phrases grouped thematically.Additional notes on language and usage make Dirty Korean accessible for any level of language learner. Each entry comes with the Korean word/phrase, its transliteration and its meaning for your ease and convenience.The KPOP DictionaryThe KPOP Dictionary is a book built for fans of Korean entertainment. Whether you enjoy K-Pop music, indulge in Korean dramas or cant resist Korean movies, The KPOP Dictionary will supply you with some key slang you need to better understand your favorite pastime and connect with other fans.The book offers over 500 words and phrases. Each entry includes the word or phrase, its transliteration, its definition, a description of how its used and an example to illustrate its usage.ItalianCountries B eginning with ICountries Beginning with I is a website dedicated mostly toâ€"you guessed itâ€"countries that start with I. Among its varied (and free) offerings, theres a handy dictionary of Italian slang and swear words.Its organized alphabetically, so its easy to look up any word or phrase you encounter. Each entry is accompanied by a pronunciation guide and a brief definition and/or explanation.Dirty Italian  In the dark alleys of Rome lurks a language even experienced Italian students dont know. And gelato shops. There are a lot of gelato shops. But if its the unfamiliar Italian language youre looking for, Dirty Italian has lots of cuss words, insults, sex terms and more to steal some of your focus from your beloved icy treat.Since the book also has a handy pronunciation guide and frequent usage notes, its an easy and enjoyable read for any aficionado of the Italian language. Just try not to drip any gelato on it.What They Didnt Teach You in Italian Class: Slang for the cafe, cl ub, bar, bedroom, ball game and moreNot the formal type? What They Didnt Teach You in Italian Class offers plenty of informal slang that you can use in multiple settings.Vocabulary is grouped thematically, including sections like Booze, Bars, Clubs and Smack Talk. The book also includes some explanations on basic pronunciation and grammar rules, so its accessible to beginning learners as well as more advanced students.PortugueseProZProZ offers a free online Portuguese-to-English slang glossary. Each entry contains the Portuguese phrase and its English meaning.For additional explanation, just click the Portuguese phrase. There are both family-friendly and adult entries.Dirty PortugueseDirty Portuguese has all the fun swear words, insults and sex terms that youll probably need to offend people and/or be offended. There are also a number of helpful, less offensive slang options.A quick pronunciation guide will help even beginning learners nail down the pronunciation. From there, the b ook is organized thematically, so you can easily browse slang in any category. Humorous explanations and usage examples are staggered throughout, making reading Dirty Portuguese a fun experience.Party Brazil Phrasebook 2014Party Brazil Phrasebook 2014 was intended to teach Brazilian slang to anyone attending the 2014 World Cup. The competition may be over, but the slang isnt!The slang in the book is primarily related to Brazil, partying and soccer. The book also includes a pronunciation guide for novice speakers. Additionally, there are extensive cultural notes to teach you about Brazilian cities, customs and soccer.RussianRusski MatIf you want to open yourself up to a wide world of Russian vocabulary that would make a babushka (elderly woman, grandmother) blush, look no further than Russki Mat. This free website  features over 1700 colorful entries.The focus is mostly obscene slang normally not fit-for-print, including profanity and slurs. Each entry contains the Russian word/phras e, its gender (when applicable), its pronunciation, its meaning and a usage example.Dirty RussianIf you dont want your vocabulary to be as clean as fresh Russian snow, Dirty Russian offers just the roughing up you need. Dirty Russian features curse words, insults, sex terms and moreâ€"just the sort of stuff youll want to know after having a few shots of vodka.Plus, Dirty Russian offers brief pronunciation and grammar lessons to equip even beginners to use the book to its maximum potential. Each word/phrase includes the English meaning, the Russian phrase and a pronunciation guide. There are also helpful usage notes and examples staggered throughout.Dictionary of Advanced Russian UsageAdvanced Russian students might like Dictionary of Advanced Russian Usage. This book is a thorough guide to slang, idioms and colloquialisms.Its formatted as a reference tool more than a readable text, but when you need to look up a slang word, youll have plenty of information at your finger tips. Dicti onary of Advanced Russian Usage is meant to be highly comprehensive.SpanishGritty Spanish Want to get the gritty Spanish practice you cant get in a classroom? Gritty Spanish is a website that has your back if youre looking to learn conversational, colloquial Spanish. It includes downloadable audio dialogues along with corresponding printed text to help you get both listening and reading practice while preparing you to sound more like a native speaker.Unlike most conventional dialogues, Gritty Spanish offers options that include curse words and provides the sort of practice thats hard to get without diving headfirst into a real conversation. And lets be honest: do you really want your first experience with Spanish swear words to be in a real conversation?Dirty SpanishDirty Spanish dishes up inappropriate slang like swear words, sex terms and insults. There are also some tamer options mixed in there, too.Plus, Dirty Spanish takes regional slang into account, clearly marking any region -specific slang with where its from. A pronunciation guide makes this book easy to use for both beginning and experienced Spanish students.Streetwise Spanish Dictionary/ThesaurusIf you want options, Streetwise Spanish Dictionary/Thesaurus has them. With over 5000 words and phrases, youll never be lacking for colorful vocabulary. Entries in the thesaurus section are grouped in themes, with those themes being alphabetized.A dictionary is also available when you need to lookup a word quickly. Each entry includes the Spanish word/phrase, its literal translation, its figurative meaning and a note on what region its from (when applicable).You dont have to spend a fortune on designer clothes or binge on Instagrammable foods to stay current with the latest trends.Check out these 30 great slang resources, and your vocabulary will always be en vogue!