Thinking in English 361. What Are Idioms, Euphemisms, and Slang? (And Should You Learn Them?) (English Vocabulary Lesson)
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Nov 10, 2025 Discover the fascinating world of idioms, euphemisms, and slang! Learn how phrases like 'kick the bucket' can baffle learners yet enrich conversations. Dive into the cultural significance of idioms and see how they vary across languages. Explore euphemisms that soften harsh truths and their opposite, dysphemisms. Get insights into the rapidly evolving nature of slang and the importance of context in learning these expressions. Ultimately, find out why recognition of these phrases may be more beneficial for language learners.
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Idioms Convey Culture, Not Literal Meaning
- Idioms pack complex ideas into short, image-driven phrases that native speakers use naturally.
- Their meanings tie deeply to culture and history, so literal translation usually fails.
Different Cultures, Different Idioms
- Different languages and dialects use very different images for the same idea, showing cultural frames shape idioms.
- British and American English even use different idioms for common actions like waiting or washing up.
Learn Euphemisms For Politeness And Reading Critically
- Learn common euphemisms because they soften difficult topics and appear often in news and workplaces.
- Recognise when euphemisms might also hide or soften unpleasant realities used by institutions or media.