Instructions for students: Match each contemporary English expression (1–12) with its plain-English meaning (A–L), then write whether you would use it in a group chat with friends, casual conversation, or formal workplace email.
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Part 1 · Expressions
- AFK — informal (Online)
Register in my own words: _______________________ - AI slop — Critical · derogatory (Online)
Register in my own words: _______________________ - algospeak — Platform culture · descriptive (Online)
Register in my own words: _______________________ - ate — Enthusiastic praise (Online)
Register in my own words: _______________________ - aura — Playful · evaluative (Online)
Register in my own words: _______________________ - aura farming — Admiring or teasing (Online)
Register in my own words: _______________________ - banter — Playful · relationship-dependent (UK/IE)
Register in my own words: _______________________ - based — informal (Online)
Register in my own words: _______________________ - bet — Casual · affirmative (Online)
Register in my own words: _______________________ - brain rot — Critical or self-mocking (Online)
Register in my own words: _______________________ - canon event — Storytelling metaphor · often ironic (Online)
Register in my own words: _______________________ - Chad — Admiring, ironic or status-focused (Online)
Register in my own words: _______________________
Part 2 · Plain-English meanings
- “Okay,” “agreed,” “sounds good,” or “challenge accepted.” The tone depends on what the speaker is responding to.
- A formative experience jokingly treated as an unavoidable part of someone’s personal storyline, often embarrassing or difficult.
- Altered words, spellings, euphemisms, or symbols people use because they believe platform algorithms may restrict the original wording.
- An impression of coolness, confidence, or striking presence. “Aura points” turn that impression into a joking, imaginary score.
- An internet archetype of a highly attractive, sexually successful man; in a meme, the label can express exaggerated admiration or contrast.
- based: praiseworthy despite being unpopular or controversial.
- Cultivating an effortlessly cool image through a pose, gesture, performance, or carefully timed moment.
- In plain English, “AFK”: away from keyboard.
- Low-quality AI-generated material, especially output produced in volume with little concern for accuracy, coherence, or usefulness.
- Low-value, repetitive online content, or the feeling of being mentally saturated by it. Also a joking name for an intense fandom obsession.
- Performed brilliantly, looked excellent, or completely delivered. “Ate and left no crumbs” intensifies the compliment.
- Playful, quick back-and-forth conversation, often involving teasing that the participants enjoy.
Part 3 · Rewrite into formal workplace English
- “I’m lowkey cooked before Friday’s client presentation.” → _________________________________________________
- “No cap, the new onboarding guide ate.” → _________________________________________________
- “Let’s touch grass after this three-hour video call.” → _________________________________________________
Teacher answer key (daily-2026-10-21)
1 → H (AFK) · 2 → I (AI slop) · 3 → C (algospeak) · 4 → K (ate) · 5 → D (aura) · 6 → G (aura farming) · 7 → L (banter) · 8 → F (based) · 9 → A (bet) · 10 → J (brain rot) · 11 → B (canon event) · 12 → E (Chad)
Licensed under CC BY 4.0 by SlangLane — Internet English, decoded (https://slanglane.com/esl). Free to photocopy and distribute for classroom use.