20 common colloquialisms in American English

American English is a vibrant tapestry of expressions that bring color and character to everyday conversations. Among its most charming features are colloquialisms—informal phrases that capture humor, wisdom, and cultural nuances. From coast to coast, these sayings, like “spill the beans” or “kick the bucket,” reflect the creativity and diversity of American speech. In this article, we explore 20 common American colloquialisms, unpacking their meanings and showcasing how they add flair to communication. Whether you’re a native speaker or learning the language, these phrases offer a delightful glimpse into the heart of American culture.

Common American English colloquialisms

• “Kick the bucket” – To die.
  Example: “My old car finally kicked the bucket last week.” (Don’t use this to say something like, “I’m sorry your mom kicked the bucket”. It is an informal phrase.)
• “Bite the bullet” – To face a tough situation bravely.
  Example: “I bit the bullet and finished the grueling project.”
• “Spill the beans” – To reveal a secret.
  Example: “She spilled the beans about the surprise party.”
• “Break the ice” – To ease tension in a social situation.
  Example: “His joke broke the ice at the awkward dinner.”
• “Under the weather” – Feeling unwell or sick.
  Example: “I’m under the weather, so I’ll stay home today.”
• “The ball’s in your court” – It’s your turn to act or decide.
  Example: “I replied to the email; the ball’s in their court now.”
• “Barking up the wrong tree” – Mistaking the target or issue.
  Example: “If you think I broke it, you’re barking up the wrong tree.”
• “Hit the nail on the head” – To be exactly correct.
  Example: “You hit the nail on the head with that suggestion.”
• “Let the cat out of the bag” – To reveal a secret.
  Example: “He let the cat out of the bag about the new hire.”
• “Cut to the chase” – Get to the point quickly.
  Example: “Let’s cut to the chase—what’s the plan?”
• “Piece of cake” – Something very easy.
  Example: “That test was a piece of cake for her.”
• “On the fence” – Undecided about something.
  Example: “I’m still on the fence about which job to take.”
• “Burn the midnight oil” – To work late into the night.
  Example: “She burned the midnight oil to finish the report.”
• “Beat around the bush” – To avoid addressing something directly.
  Example: “Stop beating around the bush and tell me the truth.”
• “Out of the blue” – Something unexpected.
  Example: “Her call came out of the blue after years.”
• “In the same boat” – In the same situation.
  Example: “We’re all in the same boat with these deadlines.”
• “Hold your horses” – Slow down or be patient.
  Example: “Hold your horses; we’re not leaving yet!”
• “Through the grapevine” – Hearing rumors or gossip.
  Example: “I heard through the grapevine that she’s moving.”
• “Get a kick out of” – To enjoy or find amusing.
  Example: “I get a kick out of watching old sitcoms.”
• “Rain on someone’s parade” – To ruin someone’s plans or mood.
  Example: “Don’t rain on my parade; I’m excited about this trip.”

Bonus

Some people in the US might say something such as “I’m not stupid stupid.” or “I’m not ugly ugly.” What this means is that you’re not completely stupid or not completely ugly.

Note on speaking: If you add a significant pause after the first repeated word, you would be calling the other person stupid, as the pause denotes a name (in this instance, name-calling, which is rude. Remember, commas indicate natural pauses. So, rather than say “I’m not stupid, [pause] stupid” you would want to say the words at a normal pace as the other words.

In conclusion

Colloquialisms are more than just quirky phrases; they’re a window into the shared experiences, humor, and ingenuity of American English speakers. From “cutting to the chase” to “burning the midnight oil,” these 20 expressions highlight the dynamic nature of language in everyday life. By weaving these sayings into your conversations, you can connect more deeply with American culture and add a touch of playfulness to your speech. So, next time you’re “on the fence” or “getting a kick out of” something, embrace these phrases and let the spirit of American English shine through.