How to learn/use slang properly?

[thedaffodils]

Hello there!

I think slang is an important part of English language. Without learning some slang, we probably couldn't understand exactly what native speakers say naturally in their conversation. And some slang make the language so vivid.

eg1 What a sap! = S/he is silly.
eg2 Check out the quail. = Look up the woman.
eg3 Jim-dandy idea!= nice idea

I'm wondering how to learn and use English slang properly since Tdol pins a warning about it as I quote below. How do I know what slang are offensive and what are not. Could you please advice? Thanks in advance!

Please remember that slang often covers topics that are taboo and/or uses language that is regarded as rude or obscene. These threads may contain such language, so please do not open them if you might be offended by such topics.

[David L.]

see : favourite movies, slang

new thread

[Tdol]

You can switch the offensive filter on and off, which will show you the different lists.

[thedaffodils]

David L. & Tdol:

Thank you for your answers.

The problem is I don't know whether they are offensive or not. Is there any dictionary which can tell me this?

For example, I didn't know the word of 'hell' have better not to write in a story for little kids until someone kindly told me one day. But if he hadn't advised, I wouldn't have known it. I would keep swearing.

F**k is a very rude word, but 'screw' is slightly offensive. An American forumite told me she didn't mind 'screw Springfield' appeared in the cartoon, which her 11-year-old kid watched. I don't know what slang expressions are acceptable and what not.

Should I post each slang word I learn here and ask whether any taboo about it?

Thanks!