Tag: American slang

Frenemy – English Slang

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Have you ever been betrayed by a friend? It happened to me in the past and I must say, it’s pretty awful! Unfortunately, it’s something common and there are several ways to refer to this kind of people:

frenemy meaning - English vocabulary slang- Free English Materials For You - femfy (1).jpg

Image source

Example sentences from the web:

  • “What do you think about frenemies?”
    “I say, keep your friends close, and your frenemies closer.”
  • Zack is John’s frenemy. They get a long in the office but both of them work on internal competing teams.
  • Gwyneth had a frenemy once and was troubled at the joy she felt when thisperson suffered a terrible public humiliation.

“Frenemy” on the Web: How to Deal With Frenemies

P.S.: I’m sure you got it, but if you didn’t … This term is a combination of the words “friend” and “enemy” ;-).

 

 

“To waffle” – British slang

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To waffleImage source

Probably you knew already the common meaning of “waffle” in British and American English. If you didn’t … this is a “waffle”:
waffle

A “waffle” is a type of pancake with a pattern of square dents in it, made in a waffle iron.

According to Random House Dictionary waffle with the British English meaning of talking idly, and foolishly without purpose is derived from waff (which means to bark or to yelp like a dog) and first appeared in print between 1695-1705.

Example sentences from the web:

  • She waffled when asked what she thought of her sister’s new boyfriend.
  • If you don’t know the answer, it’s no good just waffling (on) for pages and pages.

From a British newspaper clipping (1957):
newspaper - to waffle

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Remember that in American slang the meaning of “to waffle” is different.
Example sentences from the web:

  • American voters waffled in 2000.
  • He waffled on an important issue.
    [= to fail to make up one’s mind; to equivocate; to waver; to oscillate between options].

“Bloke” – British slang

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bloke

Other examples from the web:

  • You blame that bloke for your situation.
  • You look like the bloke from Stranger Danger posters.
  • Who’s that bloke with the funny sunglasses sitting on the plush lounge next to Susan?
  • He’s a funny bloke.
  • I was told you had more imagination than other blokes in the big firms.

Terms you may not know:

– TO BLAME = to hold responsible; to find fault with.
– PLUSH = expensive and luxurious.
– LOUNGE = waiting room; casual bar (hotel).
– FIRM = a partnership or association for carrying on a business.