When you are in a conversation with someone and they throw out what you think is a "slang" word, is it impolite to stop them and ask them to explain, or will they take it as my ignorance?
2007-02-20 05:21:46 · 11 answers · asked by Tim G 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
You shouldn't ever worry about asking what a slang word is supposed to mean. It is most likely not in the dictinonary where you could find actual words that are available to the English speaking world. Besides, I think people who use lots of slang are the ones who should worry - they give the impression that they simply don't know better words to express themselves.
2007-02-20 05:40:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the setting and the two people involved.
Is the slang term in the conversation an important verb or noun?
Will the further description add to the conversation?
Some things are worth knowing but if its not expected to come up again, its not a big deal.
Is the other person "cooler/hipper" or more in step than you?
Am I talking to a child, relative, neighbor, co-worker or passing acquaintance?
Keep in mind some people use misuse language all the time and it might turn out that the 'slang' is being mis-applied.
2007-02-20 13:31:45 · answer #2 · answered by Ronatnyu 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
NO. I do it all the time. Im not up to date with all the slang words and when someone says a word I dont recognize I just ask them what it means or stands for. Its not ignorant to want to learn what they mean.
2007-02-20 13:35:12 · answer #3 · answered by Little Wing 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is impolite to stop them mid sentence. Wait for a lull and then ask the person what the heck they meant when they said,"____"?
It's not seen as ignorance.
2007-02-20 13:35:12 · answer #4 · answered by murkglider 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not at all. People generally take pleasure in displaying their knowledge, particularly if it helps someone. Go right ahead and ask. You'll learn something new, and the other person will get to feel smart. It's a win-win situation.
2007-02-20 13:26:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
It would depend on the situation. If it is a friend, then I would ask them. I wouldn't say that it is ignorance. It's more that it's impossible to keep up with all the new slang.
If I hear something new, I just roll with it - unless I am totally clueless as to what they are saying.
2007-02-20 13:26:09 · answer #6 · answered by ga_morton 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If i dont understand the sentence that I ask. I always ask, i dont care what people think of me. Even unslang words that I dont reconize I ask. I would rather know for next time instead of just acting like I do.
2007-02-20 13:24:39 · answer #7 · answered by TroubleRose 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I do it all the time, my grand children have all kinds of slangs.I just ask them do you mean--?or --,they stop and talk English from then on to me.How do you like this one "Maw Maw you're all in the Kool-aid and don't even know the flavor".That one gets me going, they back down when their Paw Paw says so....
2007-02-20 19:24:09 · answer #8 · answered by Maw-Maw 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try to make sense of it yourself-then ask questions later..it is a bit rude to ask in the middle of a convo.
2007-02-20 13:53:23 · answer #9 · answered by ayla s 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some people yes me no what do ya wanna know hit me wit em
2007-02-20 13:24:44 · answer #10 · answered by chica 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋