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Informal & Casual English Vocabulary Flashcards — 37 Words

Practice 37 informal English words from everyday conversation, friendly writing, and casual speech. Informal register uses shorter Anglo-Saxon roots, contractions, and idiomatic expressions. Critical for natural-sounding spoken English even if your goal is academic or business writing.

Practice 37 Informal-Register Words

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When to Use Informal Register

Informal English is the register of everyday life. Use it with friends, family, and colleagues you know well. It favours shorter Anglo-Saxon roots (start over commence, kid over child), contractions (don't, can't, won't), and idiomatic expressions. Informal register builds connection. Use eagerly in conversation; use carefully in writing — what reads natural in speech may read sloppy on the page.

First 20 Informal Words

anyway /ˈɛniˌweɪ/ Despite what was just said or thought; continuing forward with the point or action. dad /dæd/ Your father, your parent who is a man. date /deɪt/ When two people spend time together to get to know each other romantically. fun /fʌn/ Enjoyable activities or the pleasure and laughter you get from them. guy /ɡaɪ/ A man or boy. Often used in casual, friendly conversation. he /hiː/ A word you use to talk about a man, boy, or male animal when you've already mentioned his name. kid /kɪd/ A young child; a boy or girl who is not yet an adult. mad /mæd/ When you are mad, you feel angry. Use it with people or situations. mom /mɑm/ Informal name for your mother (formal: mother). ok /ˌoʊˈkeɪ/ Good enough; not bad, but not great. okay /oʊˈkeɪ/ A word that shows you agree or understand something way /weɪ/ Very much or far; used to emphasize how much something is true or how far something is. cool /kuːl/ When something or someone is fashionable or attractive in a modern way. crazy /ˈkreɪzi/ Very excited about something, or acting in a silly or uncontrolled way. Can also mean mentally ill. easy /ˈiːzi/ Describes a person who is calm, relaxed, and not stiff or serious; or a situation that feels comfortable and natural. high /haɪ/ In a state where drugs or alcohol have affected your mind and behavior; not in your normal condition. huge /hjuːdʒ/ Something that is very, very big. Bigger than 'big' or 'large'. kind /kaɪnd/ Slightly or somewhat; used to soften or make less absolute. pricey /ˈpraɪsi/ Something is pricey when it costs lots of cash. It's informal—use in chats, not essays. stuff /stʌf/ Things or objects you don't describe specifically.

FAQ

When should I use informal vocabulary?

Use informal vocabulary in conversation, friendly emails, social media, and personal writing. It builds rapport and sounds natural. Avoid in academic essays, cover letters, or formal complaints.

How do I know a word's register?

Each dictionary entry tags the word's register explicitly. Tap the "Open full dictionary entry" link on any card to see the register tag plus example sentences in context.

Can I mix registers in one document?

Sparingly, and on purpose. Effective writers occasionally drop in an informal word to break a long formal passage, or a formal word to add weight to casual writing. But sustained register-switching reads as inconsistent.

Other Registers