Informal Language in English: English-Portuguese Dictionary of Informal Terms

By Author Giljonnys Dias da Silva 

 

Informal language is an essential part of everyday English communication. It includes casual expressions, slang, contractions, idioms, and regional phrases that are commonly used in conversations, text messages, social media, and other informal contexts. Understanding and using informal English can significantly improve a learner’s fluency, comprehension, and ability to connect with native speakers.

 

Unlike formal English, which is used in academic writing, business communication, and official documents, informal English reflects how people speak naturally in daily life. It’s relaxed, flexible, and often creative. Learners who are only familiar with textbook or classroom English may find it difficult to understand native speakers in casual settings unless they are also exposed to informal terms.

 

That’s where a bilingual informal dictionary—like an English-Portuguese Dictionary of Informal Terms—becomes extremely useful. Such a dictionary provides translations and explanations of slang, colloquial expressions, phrasal verbs, and abbreviations, helping Portuguese-speaking learners understand the real-world language that isn’t always covered in traditional grammar books.

 

Examples of Informal Terms in English with Portuguese Translations:

 

What’s up?

E aí?

 

Chill out.

Relaxa.

Fica tranquilo.

 

hang out

sair

passar tempo (com alguém)

 

dude

cara

mano

 

No way!

De jeito nenhum!

Não acredito!

 

gonna (going to)

vou 

vai

 

wanna (want to) 

quero

quer

 

lame

chato

sem graça

 

y’all

vocês

 

creep

pessoa estranha

pessoa assustadora

 

Why Learn Informal English?

 

1. Real-Life Communication: Native speakers often use informal English in conversations. Understanding it helps you follow movies, music, podcasts, and casual dialogue.

 

2. Cultural Understanding: Slang and informal terms reflect the culture and attitudes of English-speaking communities.

 

3. Speaking Naturally: Learning informal phrases allows you to sound more fluent and less robotic or bookish.

 

4. Improved Listening Skills: Being familiar with casual speech helps you understand spoken English more easily, especially in fast-paced conversations.

 

Final Thoughts

 

While formal English is important for professional and academic situations, informal English is what brings real-world fluency. A bilingual dictionary focused on informal English terms, especially tailored for Brazilian Portuguese speakers, bridges the gap between textbook English and spoken language. It gives learners the tools to engage in authentic, confident conversations with native speakers and better understand the nuances of everyday communication.

 

Bibliographic References 

 

Crystal, D. (2003). The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.

 

McCarthy, M., & Carter, R. (2006). English Grammar Today: An A–Z of Spoken and Written Grammar. Cambridge University Press.

 

Eckert, P. (2000). Linguistic Variation as Social Practice: The Linguistic Construction of Identity in Belten High. Wiley-Blackwell.

 

Eble, C. (1996). Slang and Sociability: In-Group Language Among College Students. University of North Carolina Press.

 

Trudgill, P. (2000). Sociolinguistics: An Introduction to Language and Society (4th ed.). Penguin.

 

Tottie, G. (2009). An Introduction to American English. Wiley-Blackwell.

 

Holmes, J. (2013). An Introduction to Sociolinguistics (4th ed.). Routledge.

 

Labov, W. (1972). Sociolinguistic Patterns. University of Pennsylvania Press.