Slang is an important part of English language. Without learning some slang, we probably could not understand exactly what native speakers say naturally in their conversation. Native speakers use slang every time they speak English. As discussed in Microsoft Encarta 97 Encyclopedia, slang can be described as informal, nonstandard words or phrases, which originates in subcultures within a society.  Slang often suggests that the person using the words or phrases is familiar with the hearer's group or subgroup--it can be considered a distinguishing factor of in-group identity. Slang expressions often embody attitudes and values of  group members.  In order for an expression to become slang, it must be widely accepted and adopted by members of the subculture or group.  Slang has no societal boundaries or limitations as it can exist in all cultures and classes of society as well as in all languages.

Slang expressions are created in basically the same way as standard speech. Expressions may take form as metaphors, similes, and other figures of speech.  In addition, it is noted that the words used as slang  may be new coinages, existing words may acquire new meanings, narrow meanings of words may become generalized, words may be abbreviated, etc.  However, in order for the expression to survive, it must be widely adopted by the group who uses it.  Slang is a way in which languages change and are renewed. If you really want to speak modern English, which Americans speak. Then you have to learn slang.

Idioms are phrases, words, or expressions that are unusual either grammatically, as in "Long time, no see!" or there is a meaning that can't be derived from the conjoined meanings of its elements, as in "It's raining cats and dogs!" Every language has idioms, and they are challenging for foreign students to learn.

Idioms have the meaning that is not obvious from the individual words. For example, the idiom drive somebody round the bend means make somebody angry or frustrated, but we cannot know this by looking at the words.The best way to understand an idiom is to see it in context. If someone says:

This tin opener is driving me round the bend! I think I should throw it away and get a new one.

Then the context and the common sense tell us that drive round the bend means something different from driving a car round a curve in the road. The context tells us the tin opener is not working properly and that its having an effect on the person using it.

Idioms are everywhere. You will find them in newspapers, books, magazines, on the radio, on the television, in everyday conversation and at work. Being able to master idioms is almost essential if you want your English to sound more native-like and less awkward. Mastering those tricky idioms will also help you better understand native English speakers.

In ELP's Lessons, Slang and Idioms are focused according to the English which in being spoken on the streets of America. When you listen to these lesson, you get familiar with the nature of English, with the nature of idioms and slang. Then it'll be more easy to understand an idiom or a slang even if you never heard it before. (Jump to Vocabulary)