American O Slang Words
In this lesson, we cover essential American O slang words with examples. In general, slang are used mostly in casual street talks among Americans such that even international (non-native) speakers living in the USA can not understand them. Thus, you may use slang in your daily casual conversations especially with Americans. Just be careful and do NOT use slang in formal conversations like job interviews or business meetings.
Slang Recap
In our previous lesson, we covered American Slang Word Starting with N.
American Slang Word O
O.D. : to do or consume too much of something (originally used for drugs but now can be used for anything or any activity).
She’s going to O.D. on pizza if she keeps eating it every day at work.
off: 1. finished or cancelled; 2. not working properly.
1. The meeting is off. Devon can’t make it.
2. My computer seems to be a little off today.
off the bat: immediately; spontaneously (usually used with “right”)
She got married right off the bat after graduating from high school.
okey-doke / okey-dokie: okay; no problem
A: You can put those boxes down right there.
B: Okie-doke.
old lady: a man’s girlfriend or wife.
I can’t go out with you guys tonight because my old lady want to me to take her out to dinner.
old man: one’s father.
My old man used to beat me all the time when I was a child. Now there are laws in the U.S. that offer more protection to children, but that kind of thing still happens.
on a roll: continuously successful.
After winning some money at the racetrack and a casino, Trevor feels like he’s on a roll.
on edge: nervous; jumpy.
Laura is on edge these days because she thinks she’s going to lose her job.
one-night stand: a quick, romantic relationship, sometimes involving sex.
Once Tony tired of meaningless one-night stands, he decided it was time to find someone to marry and settle down with.
on hold: something must wait.
We’re going to put our plans for business expansion on hold until we know what the economy looks like in six months.
on the dot: exactly, usually the exact time.
The boss wants us to be here tomorrow at 10 o’clock on the dot.
on the double: quickly; fast.
Come on, let’s go! On the double! We’re going to be late.
on the fly: to do something without adequate preparation. (this is sometimes not a good thing to do.)
The teacher seems to put her lesson plans together on the fly.
on the hook: responsible for something.
It looks like Tina is on the hook for another parking ticket.
on the line: immediately important.
Our jobs are on the line if we don’t start bringing in more business next month.
on the money: exact.
Al Gore’s ideas about global climate change are right on the money and confirmed by respected scientists around the world. Too bad the general American public is too stupid to understand the situation.
on the rocks: in a bad situation.
It’s too bad that their marriage is on the rocks.
on top of: in addition to.
On top of feeling tired, Sarah is also hungry.
once over, the: to tell someone of his or her faults; to yell at someone for making a mistake.
The police officer gave those teenagers the once over for not wearing their seatbelts.
Next Slang Lesson
In our next lesson, we will cover American Slang P Words.
Related Slang Lessons
None
English Slang Outline
If you wish to see all HiCafe lessons related to English slang, you can visit the Common American Slang Phrases page.
English Fluency Resources
If you like to read all of lessons related to English expressions, phrases, idioms, proverbs, slang and words, you can visit our Improve English Fluency page.
