by "Slangman" David Burke

Welcome to "Slangman says…" – a new weekly column delivered fresh every Friday!

In the first of our 3-part journey through dating slang, we'll look at some of the most popular slang and idioms used in the three parts of the relationship process – Part 1: The Hunt for a Relationship; Part 2: Being in a Relationship; and Part 3: The End of the Relationship. This is just a preview of what you can expect to hear!

1. on the rebound = eager to get right back into a relationship after having recently

      ended one.

In context:
I wouldn't ask Lauren on a date if I were you. She's on the rebound, so she may not be emotionally stable right now.

In Slangman's "Real Speak":
I wouldn' ask Lauren on a date if I were you. She's on the reboun', so she may not be emotionally stable right now.

2. pick-up line = an overused phrase aimed to start a conversation with someone you're interested in.

In context:
You actually tried to start a conversation with her by saying, "Haven't we met somewhere before?" That's such an old pick-up line! You really need to be more original than that!

In Slangman's "Real Speak":
You acshelly tried da stard a conversation with 'er by saying, "Haven't we met somewhere b'fore?" That's such 'n old pick-up line! Ya really need da be more original th'n that!

• To blow someone off = to reject someone. 

In context:
I finally got the courage to ask Annie out on a date. But as soon as I walked up to her, she turned her back and walked away! I can't believe she blew me off like that!

In Slangman's "Real Speak": 
I fin'lly got the courage ta ask Annie oud on a date. B'd 'ez soon 'ez I walked up to 'er, she turned 'er back 'n walked away! I can't believe she blew me off like that!

4. to make small talk = to engage in light, casual conversation.

In context:
My date with Jimmy last night was just okay. All we did was make small talk the entire time because he's just not a very deep person. Next!

In Slangman's "Real Speak":
My date w'th Jimmy las' night w'z just okay. All we did w'z make small talk the entire time b'cuz 'e's jus' nod a very deep person. Next!

5. to stand someone up = to fail to meet someone after making plans. 

In context:
I waited for Ted at the restaurant for two hours but he never arrived. That's the first and last time he's going to stand me up!

In Slangman's "Real Speak":
I waided fer Ted 'it the resterant fer two hours b'd 'e never arrived. That's the first 'n las' time 'e's gonna stan' me up!

"Slangman" David Burke is a world renowned expert on American slang & idioms. He has authored over 100 books, including the popular "STREET SPEAK" and "BIZ SPEAK" series, which are used by corporations, government agencies, and universities around the world.

To learn more American slang & idioms, visit us at www.slangman.com. Use Coupon Code: STUDYUSA for a 20% discount on all products during checkout!