Learning a new language can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be boring! We’ve gathered a list of the coolest and most useful slang words for learning that will not only make your language skills pop, but also help you connect with native speakers on a whole new level. So, whether you’re a language enthusiast or just looking to impress your friends, get ready to expand your vocabulary and have some fun along the way!
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1. Study up
When preparing for a test, it’s important to study up on all the material.
- If you want to impress your boss, you should study up on the latest industry trends.
- Before traveling to a foreign country, it’s a good idea to study up on the local customs and language.
2. Hit the books
I have a big exam tomorrow, so I need to hit the books tonight.
- Instead of going out with friends, I decided to stay home and hit the books.
- My parents always told me that if I wanted to succeed, I needed to hit the books and work hard.
3. Bone up on
I need to bone up on my math skills before I start the advanced course.
- Before the interview, I decided to bone up on the company’s history and products.
- If you’re planning a trip to Italy, it’s a good idea to bone up on some basic Italian phrases.
4. Get the hang of
It took me a while, but I finally got the hang of playing the guitar.
- Learning how to ride a bike can be difficult at first, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes easier.
- If you keep practicing, you’ll eventually get the hang of using the new software.
5. Pick up
I’ve been trying to pick up some basic French phrases before my trip to Paris.
- My friend picked up photography as a hobby and became really good at it.
- It’s never too late to pick up a musical instrument and start learning how to play.
6. Master
To master something means to become highly skilled or proficient in it. It implies a deep understanding and ability to perform or execute a task or skill with ease.
- For example, a musician might say, “I have finally mastered the guitar after years of practice.”
- A chef might claim, “I have mastered the art of baking the perfect soufflé.”
- A student might say, “I need to master these math concepts before the exam.”
7. Grasp
To grasp something means to understand or comprehend it, often with some effort or difficulty. It implies a mental comprehension or awareness of a concept or idea.
- For instance, a teacher might say, “I want to make sure all my students grasp the concept of fractions.”
- A person struggling with a difficult concept might say, “I just can’t seem to grasp the idea of quantum physics.”
- Someone might ask, “Do you grasp the importance of this decision?”
8. Absorb
To absorb means to take in or assimilate information or knowledge. It implies actively engaging with and internalizing new information.
- For example, a student might say, “I need to find a quiet place to absorb this textbook.”
- A reader might claim, “I can easily absorb information from a variety of sources.”
- A teacher might encourage students, saying, “Try to absorb as much as you can from this lecture.”
9. Wrap your head around
To wrap your head around something means to fully comprehend or understand it, often when it is complex or difficult to grasp.
- For instance, a person might say, “I can’t wrap my head around the concept of infinity.”
- A student struggling with a difficult math problem might say, “I just can’t wrap my head around this equation.”
- Someone might ask, “Can you help me wrap my head around this new software?”
10. Cram
To cram means to study or learn intensively in a short period of time, often right before a test or exam. It implies a focused and concentrated effort to quickly acquire knowledge.
- For example, a student might say, “I need to cram for my biology exam tomorrow.”
- A person might claim, “I always cram the night before a big presentation.”
- A friend might ask, “Are you cramming for the history test?”
11. Memorize
To learn or remember something by heart. It involves intentionally storing information in one’s memory for future recall.
- For example, a student might say, “I need to memorize all the formulas for the math test.”
- A person preparing for a presentation might say, “I have to memorize my lines before the rehearsal.”
- Someone learning a new language might say, “I’m trying to memorize the conjugation of irregular verbs.”
12. Brush up on
To review or relearn something that one has previously learned but may have forgotten or become rusty on.
- For instance, a person returning to playing the piano might say, “I need to brush up on my scales and chords.”
- A professional preparing for a job interview might say, “I should brush up on the latest industry trends.”
- Someone traveling to a foreign country might say, “I need to brush up on my language skills before the trip.”
13. Familiarize yourself with
To become acquainted or knowledgeable about something or someone.
- For example, a new employee might be told, “Take some time to familiarize yourself with the company’s policies and procedures.”
- A person using a new software program might say, “I need to familiarize myself with the different features and functions.”
- Someone studying for a history exam might say, “I have to familiarize myself with important dates and events.”
14. Acquire
To obtain or develop knowledge or skills through learning or experience.
- For instance, a person learning a musical instrument might say, “I want to acquire the ability to play complex melodies.”
- A student pursuing a degree might say, “I aim to acquire a deep understanding of the subject.”
- Someone interested in cooking might say, “I would love to acquire some gourmet cooking techniques.”
15. Educate yourself
To actively seek knowledge or skills through self-directed learning.
- For example, a person interested in politics might say, “Educate yourself on the candidates before voting.”
- A person passionate about environmental issues might say, “Educate yourself on the impact of plastic pollution.”
- Someone wanting to learn about personal finance might say, “Educate yourself on budgeting and investing.”
16. Catch on
To “catch on” means to understand or grasp something, especially a new concept or idea. It implies that the person has finally comprehended or figured something out.
- For example, “It took me a while, but I finally caught on to the game’s rules.”
- A teacher might say, “I need to find a different way to explain this so that the students can catch on.”
- Someone might ask, “Did you catch on to what she was hinting at?”
17. Get the drift
To “get the drift” means to understand the general idea or meaning of something, even if it’s not explicitly stated. It implies that the person has picked up on the underlying message or concept.
- For instance, “I didn’t fully explain, but I think you get the drift.”
- A person might say, “I’m not going into all the details, but I think you get the drift.”
- Someone might ask, “Do you get the drift of what I’m trying to say?”
18. Soak up
To “soak up” means to absorb or take in information or knowledge, often in a relaxed or enjoyable manner. It implies that the person is actively learning and retaining information.
- For example, “I love to sit by the beach and soak up the sun.”
- A student might say, “I need to find a quiet place to soak up this textbook.”
- Someone might comment, “She’s a sponge, always soaking up new information.”
19. School
To “school” someone means to educate or teach them, often in a specific area or subject. It implies that the person is imparting knowledge or expertise to another person.
- For instance, “He schooled me on the history of jazz.”
- A teacher might say, “Let me school you on the basics of algebra.”
- Someone might comment, “She really schooled him in that debate.”
20. Bone up
To “bone up” means to study or review intensively, often in preparation for a test or exam. It implies that the person is putting in focused effort to improve their knowledge or skills.
- For example, “I need to bone up on my Spanish before my trip to Mexico.”
- A student might say, “I’m going to bone up on the material tonight.”
- Someone might comment, “He’s been boning up on his coding skills.”
21. Swot up
To “swot up” means to study or learn something intensely and extensively. It implies a focused and dedicated approach to gaining knowledge or understanding.
- For example, “I need to swot up on my French vocabulary before the exam.”
- A student might say, “I spent the weekend swotting up on the history of Ancient Rome.”
- Someone preparing for a job interview might mention, “I’m swotting up on the company’s background and industry trends.”
22. Acquaint oneself with
To “acquaint oneself with” or “familiarize oneself with” means to become familiar or knowledgeable about something. It implies taking the time to learn and understand a subject or topic.
- For instance, “I need to acquaint myself with the latest research in my field.”
- A traveler might say, “I like to acquaint myself with the local customs and traditions before visiting a new country.”
- Someone starting a new job might mention, “I’m taking the time to familiarize myself with the company’s policies and procedures.”
23. Familiarize oneself with
To “familiarize oneself with” means to get to know or learn about something. It suggests the process of becoming acquainted with a new subject or topic.
- For example, “I need to familiarize myself with the new software before using it.”
- A student might say, “I spent the weekend familiarizing myself with the concepts in the textbook.”
- Someone starting a new hobby might mention, “I’m taking a class to familiarize myself with the basics of painting.”
24. Gain insight into
To “gain insight into” means to obtain a deeper understanding or knowledge about something. It implies acquiring new perspectives or information that leads to a more comprehensive understanding.
- For instance, “I attended a workshop to gain insight into the latest trends in digital marketing.”
- A researcher might say, “The study aims to gain insight into the effects of climate change on biodiversity.”
- Someone reflecting on a personal experience might mention, “Through therapy, I gained insight into my own patterns of behavior.”
25. Educate oneself
To “educate oneself” means to engage in self-teaching or independent learning. It implies taking the initiative to acquire knowledge or skills through personal effort and study.
- For example, “I decided to educate myself on coding by taking online courses.”
- A person interested in a specific topic might say, “I love to educate myself by reading books and articles on the subject.”
- Someone pursuing a new hobby might mention, “I’m educating myself about photography through online tutorials and practice.”
26. Expand one’s horizons
To gain new knowledge or experiences that help to broaden one’s understanding of the world.
- For example, “Traveling to different countries can really expand one’s horizons.”
- A person might say, “I’m planning to take a cooking class to expand my horizons in the kitchen.”
- Someone might suggest, “Reading books from different genres can help you expand your horizons and discover new interests.”
27. Immerse oneself in
To completely involve oneself in a particular activity or subject in order to gain a deep understanding or experience.
- For instance, “To learn a new language, it’s important to immerse oneself in the culture.”
- A person might say, “I’m going to immerse myself in studying for this exam.”
- Someone might suggest, “Immerse yourself in the world of art by visiting museums and galleries.”
28. Dive into
To explore or investigate something with great enthusiasm or intensity.
- For example, “I’m going to dive into this book and learn as much as I can.”
- A person might say, “I want to dive into the history of this city and learn about its origins.”
- Someone might suggest, “Dive into the world of coding by taking online courses and practicing regularly.”
29. Devour
To consume or absorb something, such as information or knowledge, with great enthusiasm and speed.
- For instance, “I devoured that book in just one sitting.”
- A person might say, “I’m going to devour all the articles on this topic to become an expert.”
- Someone might suggest, “Devour documentaries and educational videos to expand your knowledge.”
30. Understand
To comprehend or grasp the meaning or concept of something.
- For example, “I finally understand how to solve this math problem.”
- A person might say, “I’m trying to understand the complexities of quantum physics.”
- Someone might suggest, “To understand a different culture, engage in conversations with people from that culture and ask questions.”
31. Familiarize
To familiarize oneself with a new city, it’s helpful to take a guided tour.
- A student might say, “I need to familiarize myself with the material before the exam.”
- When starting a new job, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the company’s policies and procedures.
32. Immerse oneself
To learn a new language quickly, it’s best to immerse oneself in the culture and surround oneself with native speakers.
- A traveler might say, “I want to immerse myself in the local customs and traditions.”
- When studying abroad, students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a different way of life.
33. Absorb like a sponge
A good student is able to absorb information like a sponge, retaining knowledge effortlessly.
- A teacher might say, “I try to present the material in a way that students can absorb like a sponge.”
- When reading a captivating book, it’s easy to absorb the story and lose track of time.
34. Soak up knowledge
A curious person has a natural ability to soak up knowledge from various sources and experiences.
- A lifelong learner might say, “I love to soak up knowledge from books, documentaries, and conversations.”
- Attending conferences and workshops is a great way to soak up knowledge from experts in a particular field.
35. Take in information
When studying for a test, it’s important to take in the information and actively engage with the material.
- A student might say, “I find it easier to take in information when I take handwritten notes.”
- During a presentation, it’s important to take in the information being shared and ask questions for clarification.
36. Grasp the concept
To fully understand or comprehend a particular concept or idea.
- For example, a teacher might say, “Once you grasp the concept of multiplication, you’ll be able to solve more complex problems.”
- A student might ask, “Can you explain this again? I’m having trouble grasping the concept.”
- In a discussion about a new technology, someone might say, “It took me a while to grasp the concept, but now I see its potential.”
37. Assimilate
To take in or absorb information, typically by learning or understanding it.
- For instance, a language learner might say, “I’m trying to assimilate the new vocabulary words.”
- A student might mention, “It takes time to assimilate all the information from a lecture.”
- In a conversation about cultural differences, someone might comment, “It’s important to assimilate the local customs when traveling abroad.”
38. Internalize
To incorporate or integrate knowledge or information into one’s own understanding or belief system.
- For example, a therapist might encourage a client to “internalize positive affirmations.”
- A student might say, “I need to internalize these formulas before the exam.”
- In a discussion about personal growth, someone might mention, “It’s important to internalize feedback and use it to improve.”