Some American Slang ( 较新的美国英语俚语)

Some American Slangs (I)

(1) Boondoggle (n.)

A business trip that, because of its fun or exciting location, seems more like a vacation. This term is sometimes used to mock the person taking the boondoggle, even if the trip is completely legitimate and perhaps even very busy. To hear the pronunciation, go to /search/boondoggle/ and click on the "play" symbol. Examples:

"Your next conference is in Las Vegas? Geez, how'd you pull off that boondoggle?" "Financial audit in Miami---sure sounds like a boondoggle to me."

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(2) Dealbreaker (n.)

A condition that eliminates any possibility of future negotiation. Often used in business but also in personal relationships.

Examples:

"If they ask for anything over $50,000, that's an automatic dealbreaker."

"She's pretty, so I normally wouldn't mind asking her out on a date, but she smokes, and that's a dealbreaker for me."

"I'm not saying that a person having a tattoo is a dealbreaker in a spouse, but it's pretty close."

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(3) Leadfoot (n.)

A person who likes to drive cars quickly (as if lead [chemical symbol: Pb] weights were attached to his/her foot).

(to) Floor it (v.) To accelerate a car quickly (as if pressing the gas pedal of one's car all the way down to the floor of the car).

(Put the) Pedal to the metal (phrase) Similar to "floor it". As before, the visual image is that of someone pressing the gas pedal all the way down to the floor of the car. Examples:

"Take it easy, leadfoot! I'd like to get to the supermarket without getting in a car accident, if you don't mind."

"This criminal is going to get away if you don't floor it right now!"

"If you don't want her to have the baby in your car, you'd better put the pedal to the metal and get to the hospital as fast as you can."

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(4) Shoutout (n.)

Positive recognition, usually preceded by "give a". Used in informal situations, like radio shows, and more by people in their 20s and 30s. Not used in formal situations, such as academic lectures.

Examples:

"I'd like to take this opportunity to give a shoutout to XYZ Company, for their time and contributions that make all of this possible."

"Thanks for this award---I'd like give a shoutout to my family and friends for all their support."

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(5) True that (phrase)

A phrase meaning "I agree." Used almost exclusively by teenagers and people in their 20s. Relatively new slang.

Example:

Person A: "That was a really good movie."

Person B: "True that. It had a lot of action."