Midterm Exam Reviewer - Colloquial Expressions and Slangs

Question 1

Slang terms are typically region-specific and may not be understood universally.

Answer 1

True. Slang often emerges within specific cultural or regional contexts,
making it unfamiliar to people outside those groups.

Question 2

Colloquialisms can sometimes become part of formal language over time.

Answer 2

True. Some colloquial expressions gain widespread acceptance and usage,
eventually becoming part of formal language usage.

Question 3

Slang is generally static and doesn’t evolve over time.

Answer 3

False. Slang is dynamic and constantly evolves to reflect changes in society,
technology, and culture.

Question 4

Colloquial expressions and slang are often used to create a sense of
camaraderie or belonging among a group.

Answer 4

True. People often use colloquial expressions and slang to establish rapport
and identify with a particular social group.

Question 5

Colloquial expressions are always easily understood by native speakers.

Answer 5

False. While colloquial expressions are common in everyday speech, they may
still pose comprehension challenges to non-native speakers or those
unfamiliar with the specific context.

Question 6

Slang is primarily used by younger generations and is not commonly used by
older individuals.

Answer 6

False. While slang is often associated with youth culture, people of all ages
can adopt and use slang terms.

Question 7

Slang terms often have short lifespans, quickly falling out of use as new terms
emerge.

Answer 7

True. Many slang terms come and go rapidly, reflecting the ever-changing
nature of language and culture.

Question 8

Colloquial expressions can vary significantly between different English-speaking
countries.

Answer 8

True. Different regions have their own colloquialisms and slang, influenced by
local culture, history, and demographics.

Question 9

Colloquial expressions and slang can contribute to the richness and diversity of
a language.

Answer 9

True. They add color and nuance to language, allowing speakers to express
themselves in unique ways.

Question 10

Slang is always associated with informal speech and cannot be used in formal
settings.

Answer 10

False. While slang is predominantly informal, it can sometimes be used
strategically in formal settings for emphasis or to convey a specific tone.

Question 11

Slang terms are always region-specific.

Answer 11

True. Slang often originates within specific regions or communities and may
not be universally understood.

Question 12

Colloquial expressions are always understood by native speakers of a language.

Answer 12

False. While colloquial expressions are common in everyday speech, they may
not be familiar to all native speakers, especially those from different regions
or backgrounds.

Question 13

Slang is primarily verbal and rarely used in written communication.

Answer 13

False. While slang is commonly associated with spoken language, it can also
appear in written communication, especially in informal contexts like texting
or social media.

Question 14

Colloquial expressions are often derived from regional dialects.

Answer 14

Many colloquial expressions have their roots in specific regional dialects or
cultural communities.

Question 15

True or False: Slang usage is consistent across all demographics within a specific region.

Answer 15

False. Slang usage can vary among different demographic groups within the
same region, reflecting differences in age, social status, and subcultural
affiliation.

Question 16

originates from soldiers biting on bullets during surgery
without anesthesia. This phrase does indeed originate from a time when soldiers
would bite on bullets to endure the pain during surgery when anesthesia wasn’t
available.

Answer 16

Bite the bullet

Question 17

This term originated in African American and LGBTQ+
communities and means to publicly criticize or express contempt for someone
subtly.

Answer 17

Throwing shade

Question 18

This phrase likely originated from ancient naval
discipline where the cat-o’-nine-tails whip was used, but its exact origins are
unclear.

Answer 18

Cat got your tongue

Question 19

This slang term comes from drag culture and means to gossip or
share juicy information.

Answer 19

Spill the tea

Question 20

comes from sailors in distress at sea.This phrase originated from
the Dutch word “pekel,” meaning “brine” or “pickle juice,” which sailors drank to
cure ailments, and being in a pickle implied being in a tough situation.

Answer 20

In a pickle

Question 21

This phrase originated from a proverb in the 17th century, where
“blue” referred to a deep sadness or melancholy.

Answer 21

Feeling blue

Question 22

This expression originated in the United States in the 19th
century, referring to something common or easily obtained.

Answer 22

A dime a dozen

Question 23

This expression likely originated from an old Indian
custom of throwing balls of clarified butter at statues of gods to seek favor.

Answer 23

Butter someone up

Question 24

refers to a polite dismissal of someone.This slang term originated
in the United States in the late 19th century, referring to forcibly ejecting
someone from a place.

Answer 24

Bum’s rush

Question 25

originates from kicking a bucket as a superstitious act
before death.This phrase indeed refers to the old custom of having a person
about to be hanged stand on an overturned bucket, which was then kicked away.

Answer 25

Kick the bucket

Question 26

originated from cucumbers being kept in cool
environments.This expression stems from the fact that cucumbers are naturally
cool to the touch even in warm weather, and it was first recorded in the 18th
century.

Answer 26

Cool as a cucumber

Question 27

refers to using dog hair as a remedy for hangovers. This
phrase comes from an old belief that rubbing the hair of the dog that bit you onto
the wound would heal it, but it’s now used to refer to drinking more alcohol to
cure a hangover.

Answer 27

Hair of the dog

Question 28

originated in aviation. This expression refers to
flying without instruments and relying solely on instinct and experience, which is
how early aviators flew.

Answer 28

Fly by the seat of your pants

Question 29

comes from sailors conversing while chewing on tough,
preserved meat.This expression originated from sailors conversing while chewing
on tough, preserved meat (or “fat”).

Answer 29

Chew the fat

Question 30

originated from the number of layers of clothing a
wealthy person wore. This phrase likely originated from the saying “to the nines,”
which means to perfection or to the highest degree, without a specific origin
related to layers of clothing.

Answer 30

Dressed to the nines