List slang to avoid with teachers or in formal settings
Japanese Slang Secrets: Speak Like a Local!: List slang to avoid with teachers or in formal settings
In formal settings or when speaking with teachers, it is important to avoid slang and casual expressions to maintain professionalism and clarity. Here is a list of common slang and informal words or phrases that should be avoided:
- Words and contractions like “gonna” (going to), “wanna” (want to), “got” (have), “cuz” or “bcos” (because), “kinda” or “sorta” (somewhat)
- Casual affirmatives and negatives: “yup,” “yeah,” “nope” instead use “yes,” “correct,” “no,” or “negative”
- Informal fillers and sentence starters: “like,” “you know,” “basically,” “ermmm,” “no,” “say,” “you see”
- Overused slang adjectives or expressions: “cool,” “awesome,” “dope,” “chill,” “freakin’,” “crazy,” “cringe”
- Casual or vague words: “stuff,” “thing,” “guys” (use more specific and respectful alternatives like “colleagues” or “team”)
- Internet acronyms and informal exclamations like “LOL,” “OMG,” “no cap,” “lit,” or “slay” which are not appropriate in formal communications
- Informal phrases expressing emotion or state of being, e.g. “I’m swamped” (overwhelmed) or “freaked out” (worried), better replaced with more professional terms
Schools or professional environments may explicitly ban the use of slang in formal communications like presentations, essays, emails, or job interviews to ensure clarity, respect, and professionalism. 1, 2, 4, 6, 9
If uncertain, using clear, complete, and formal language rather than slang or casual expressions is the best practice in formal or educational settings.