SLANG

Four American soldiers stationed in Northern Ireland in 1942.

Who Is the Roger of ‘Roger That’?

Here's how 'Roger' came to mean "received" (and how 'wilco' fits in).

Jazz Up Your Vocabulary With Mental Floss’s 2025 Word Nerd Desk Calendar

Our 2025 word-a-day calendar covers old-timey slang terms, fascinating phrase origins, and more.

‘Dumpster fire’ is just one slang term to come out of the 2000s.

2000s Slang: 30 Amazeballs Terms You Should Know

In the 2000s, the internet took over, as did social media, streaming, and cell phones that were also cameras and tiny computers. The slang of this era didn’t disappoint, either: From amazeballs to mukbang and beyond, here are some terms you might not have

The Origins of 11 Funny Animal-Related Sayings

The origins are often more complicated (and fun) than you’d expect.

Just call it "giggle smoke." Or "Nixon."

18 Old-Timey Slang Terms for Marijuana That We Should Bring Back

From 'giggle smoke' to 'Nixon,' these marijuana nicknames deserve a resurgence.

41 Cowboy Slang Terms for Things You Eat and Drink

Cowboys in the Old West had all kinds of colorful terms for everyday items, from eggs (‘cackleberries’) to oysters (‘saltwater vegetables’) and beyond.

In the South, all sodas are called “Coke,” no matter what their actual name is.

Southern Slang: 11 Words and Phrases You Hear in the South, Explained

Here’s a rundown of some Southern slang terms that might be beneficial to keep in mind the next time you’re visiting.

‘Ghosting’ is a very Millennial slang term.

Millennial Slang: 16 Terms You Should Totes Know

From adulting to doggo, you can thank Millennials for popularizing these slang terms.

Synonyms for ‘Cool’: 21 Rad Slang Terms You Should Know

Enjoy this list of synonyms for ‘cool’ in the sense of “awesome, excellent, neato, super-duper.” They’re dope.

Emojis can be misinterpreted by older adults.

These Two Emoji Meanings Really Baffle Gen X and Baby Boomers

Certain emojis prompt uncertainty among older adults.

17 Basketball Slang Terms to Elevate Your Game

Whether you’re playing a game of basketball or watching one, you want to sound like a pro. These slang terms will help.

‘Listen to me! I’m old and know things!’

Boomer Slang: 26 Terms You Should Know

The generational group born between 1946 and 1964 contributed a lot to slang.

The Origin of ‘Talk to the Hand’

The dismissive gesture is a 1990s original thanks to two very different sitcom stars.

Why Do We Call Them ‘Dumbbells’?

The popular piece of workout gear has a pretty insulting name, and it's all thanks to a poet and scholar.

‘50s Slang: 21 Ginchy Terms You Should Know

Curious about 1950s slang? Learn about beatniks, backseat bingo, and other popular terms that captured the spirit of the era.

Slang can be useful. It can also be annoying.

‘Wicked Frickin’ Cringe’: The 10 Most Loved (And Most Hated) American Slang Words

Some American slang is frickin' great. Others can be cringe. Real talk.

What Does the Irish Word ‘Craic’ Mean?

Here’s everything you need to know about the meaning, origin, and evolution of the Irish word ‘craic.’

22 Slang Terms for Money

Explore the colorful world of slang terms for money, from ‘bacon’ to ‘moolah’ and beyond.

The origin of ‘a piece of cake’ comes from actual cake.

The Origins of 10 Food Phrases

From ‘piece of cake’ to ‘the apple of my eye,’ these food-related phrases have fascinating histories.

In Norway, ‘Texas’ Is Slang for ‘Crazy’

Norway may not seem to have much in common with Texas, but when Norwegians want to express how wild and outrageous something is, they go straight for this state-based euphemism.

At least the Grim Reaper has some scenic stomping grounds.

The Macabre Origins of 10 Idioms About Death

You may want to know the ghoulish beginnings of these well-known death idioms before you shuffle off this mortal coil, kick the bucket, or get laid out in lavender.

17 Irish Sayings You Should Know

Discover the vibrant Irish culture through its language and slang. Learn key phrases to use on St. Paddy’s Day and beyond, from ‘craic’ and ‘sláinte’ to ‘céad míle fáilte’ and ‘may the road rise up to meet you.’

You’ll want to work these Scottish slang terms into conversation.

Scottish Slang: 13 Terms You Should Know

Curious about Scottish slang? Learn the meanings of terms like ‘git awa’ and bile yer heid’ and impress your friends on your next visit to Scotland.

Welcome to the land of pub subs and snowbirds.

13 Fun Florida Slang Terms You Should Know

From pub sub to snowbird, here's the slang you need to know to sound like a local in the Sunshine State.

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