Example A: Working overtime is a pain in the neck.

Example B: Loud people are a pain in the neck for other people.

Example C: Learning English grammar is a pain in the neck.

Example D: Doing housework is a pain in the neck.

(http://manythings.org/slang/slang13.html)

fix = dose of drugs

The addict needs another fix.

flick = movie

I haven’t seen a flick in a long time

go =try

Let me have a go at solving the problem

goof up = made a mistake

I really goofed up when I painted my room green.

grub = food

Where is the best place to get some grub around here?

hairy = dangerous

That was a hairy plane trip. I am glad the storm is over.

high= intoxicated on drugs or alcohol

The teenagers look high to me.

hyped= excited

The fans were all hyped up for the football game.

in = fashionable

The tie you were wearing is really in.

in the bag = settled

Everything is in the bang. There is nothing to worry about.

Jam = problem, trouble

I am glad you got yourself out of the jam.

kick=enjoy

I get a kick out of watching him paint.

knock =criticize

Don’t knock it if you can’t do it any better.

Knockout = stunning person

Who was that knockout I saw you with last Friday?

laid-back=clam and relaxed

You need to be more laid-back.

mega =large

I have mega amounts of tomatoes in my garden this summer.

Mellow = calm down, relax

You need to mellow out and enjoy life.

Airhead = stupid

My sister’s boyfriend is a real airhead.

Barf =throw-up voimit

He barfed all over the seat of the airplane.

Bent out of shape =become upset

Don’t get so bent out of shape.

Big gun = powerful people

The president brought two big guns to the meeting.

blow = lost

He blew all his money gambling.

blow a fuse = lose your temper

Hey, don’t blow a fuse.

bombed = intoxicated, drunk

The driver of the car was bombed.

bonkers = crazy mad

I think I am going bonkers.

bummer = bad experience

My trip to New York was a bummer.

Can = toliet

Do you know where the can is?

Cushy = Easy

Her boyfriend has deep pockets.

Eat =bothering

The problem is really eating away at me.

face off = confrontation

My friend had I had a face off yesterday.

(this was brought to you by http://manythings.org/slang/slang13.html)

Here are some tips on how to use gestures in American Business.

• The standard space between you and your conversation should be about 2 feet. Most Americans feel uncomfortable standing closer than that. If you are not sure how far 2 feet is, just make it an arm length’s apart.
• To point, use your index finger, and don’t point at people as it is impolite.
• To show approval, there are two typical gestures. One is the OK sign and the other is the thumbs up.
• The back slap is a sign of friendship, however, men shouldn’t do back slap women and women shouldn’t do it with other women.
• To call a waiter over, make eye contact, and raise your eyebrows, or mouth the word for what you want. To call for the check, make a writing gesture or mouth the word “check”
• Direct eye contact shows you are sincere but it should not be intense. You don’t want to scare the other person.
• When giving an intern to someone, one may toss it or hand it over with only one hand.
• In a business situation, make sure to maintain good posture and a less casual pose.

Here are some tips in greeting someone in an American Business Environment.

• The standard greeting is a smile, often with a nod, wave, or verbal greeting.
• In business, a handshake is used. It is very firm, as weak handshakes are a sign of weakness and/or lack of trust. Men usually wait for women to offer their hand before shaking.
• In causal situations, a smile and a verbal greeting is sufficient.
• The greeting “How are you?” is not asking about your health. Your response should be short, such as “Fine thanks!”

Here are some tips on how to behave while doing  business and entertaining with Americans.

• If you are invited out for business, your host will usually pay, but if you insist then do it. Just don’t make a big scene out of it or argue about it.
• If you are invite out socially, you should be prepared to pay for you own meal, (go dutch, get separate checks, split the bill)
• Before going to a visit a friend, you must call ahead. No pop-ins! Some people don’t feel comfortable if you just show up at their house or hotel.
• If you are offered food or drink, you are not obligated to accept. Your host will not pressure you to eat, so you can help yourself whenever you want. But know your limit! You don’t want to eat too much and seem a like a pig!

Here are some tips to conduct small talk in an American business environment.

• The standard conversation is ” What do you do?” – meaning where and what kind of work do you do.
• Compliments are exchanged very often. If you want to chat with someone, you can compliment something that person has (ex. clothing) or had done (work or sports-related).
• Until you know a person well, avoid discussing controversial subjects (ex. abortion, race, sex discrimination, religion)
• Some common topics include job, travel, foods, exercise, sports, music, movies, and books.
• Most people have business cards, but these cards are not exchanged unless you to contact the person later.
• Your card will not be refused, but you not be given one in exchange.
• Your card will probably be put into a wallet, this is not meant to be disrespectful.

2. Always have questions to ask your employer or division. Don’t just think they have to ask all the questions. It’s important to realize that as an interviewee you want to know as much about the company or school you can from them. So be prepared to ask some questions as well.

3. Learn how to prepare and don’t just prepare. If you are interviewing for a PHD program or engineering job, don’t just look up general interview questions. Look at blogs or websites that give you tips on how to prepare for that particular interview. Look up words like “tips for PHD interview” or “tips for an engineering interview”. It’s really important you know more about what kinds of questions they’re going ask.

4. Don’t tell them everything. Every website will tell you this, don’t just go into an interview and tell them everything about you. IT’S NOT A DATE. Just tell them what they need to know. Understand that all interviews are not the same. For some countries they’ll ask you personal questions like “Are you married?” or “How old are you?” Just remember, this doesn’t apply to every country and every company.

5. Research the resume or CV format. Remember that if you are applying to company outside of your own country the resume or CV format maybe different. Some countries and companies require a lot of personal information – most don’t. Remember that your picture maybe required in some cases. In most Western Countries and companies a picture isn’t required.

6. Know what to expect. Find out what the requirements are for that country or company. Never assume anything.

First / first of all / firstly /at first/the first time.  They are usually confused by students.  “At first” is for time only and means “in the beginning”.  (Example: “When I came to Canada, at first I didn’t have any friends.”)  “First”, “first of all” and “firstly” are for reasons or instructions – they are usually followed by  “Second…” or “Secondly…” or  “Also…”.  “The first time” is used for things that happen(ed) repeatedly.  (Example: “The first time I went to Korea was in 1995; the second time was in 1997.”)