Tongue in Cheek (or sometimes called “tongue and cheek”) = to be joking, kidding Ex: He’s always speaking “tongue in cheek.” He never acts serious. Ex: The speaker’s “tongue in cheek“ comments about her children had the audience laughing.
Birthday Suit = naked, wearing no clothes Ex: Sorry I can’t open the door right now. I’m wearing my “birthday suit.” Ex: I had a dream I went to school in nothing but my “birthday suit,” and everyone was staring at my naked body.
Knockout (describing a person) = an extremely attractive person Ex: Look at that girl. Wow, what a “knockout!” She is so attractive. Ex: The old woman described her husband as a tall, strong, “knockout” when she first met him a long time ago. Who says it? Everyone
Pet Peeve = something specific that really annoys you Ex: My “pet peeve” is people talking with their mouth full of food. Ex: My brother always leaves the can food lid on the can opener without throwing it away. It’s a huge “pet peeve” of mine.
Thick Skin (to have thick skin or to be thick skinned) = to not be sensitive to criticism, to not get angry when someone says something negative about you Ex: The president must be “thick skinned” and not get angry at negative comments. Ex: I’m used to people saying negative things to me […]
Pipe Down = be quiet Ex: “Pipe down!” I’m trying to study and you’re making too much noise. Ex: “Pipe down,” and stop yelling at me.
‘Em = short for “them” Ex: Those are the thieves who stole our money. Get “’em!” Ex: Love “’em” or hate “’em,” eating vegetables are important to our health.
To Hit On Someone = to flirt with, show someone you’re interested in them Ex: Dude, that girl is “hitting on you.” She obviously likes you. Ex: She had a big argument with her boyfriend because she saw him “hitting on another girl.”
Straight Up = truthfully, honestly Ex: The other team was just “straight up” better. That’s why they won. Ex: Be “straight up” with me. Did you cheat on the test? Ex: Michael Jordan was the best basketball player ever, “straight up.”
Swig = taking a big drink Ex: He was in a hurry, so he “swigged” his soda and left. Ex: Many immature college students “swig” alcohol to get drunk faster during parties.