Bad English

WARNING: This book contains strong language which some may find offensive. This is not a book for children.

You have studied English for years. You know the grammar and a good range of vocabulary, and have no problem conversing with second-language speakers. But then there are the natives: Americans, Australians, New Zealanders, and of course, the British.

What language are they speaking?

If conversations with mother-tongue speakers leave you confused, then this is the book for you. With a focus on British English, Bad English unlocks the secrets of colloquial language, revealing the phrases natives use to express feelings, tell stories, complain about stuff, insult each other, avoid work - and above all, make each other laugh.

With this book, you will have the power to:

• Break through the language barrier with words and expressions spoken by British people today, along with activities to memorise them.

• Immerse yourself in topics overlooked by textbooks, including phrases to complain, insult, date, deal with work problems and entertain friends.

• Understand once and for all how bad language works, with definitions, a swear word strength key, use-cases and word combinations.

• Perfect your pronunciation with our guide to soft syllables, which natives omit for sentence flow.

• Laugh! (hopefully) with pages of comic illustrations, bringing context to expressions and your new vocabulary to life.