Slang for Body Parts Students Never Learned
Words for body parts are some of the first words we all are exposed to when learning a language. But how many alternatives for these basic words do your students know?
For a silly way to fill some space in a free-talk lesson, why not introduce these slang terms they will likely never see in a traditional textbook? It will definitely prepare them for more casual conversations, where it's not uncommon for these terms to pop up.
Head
Noggin
"Noggin" is mostly used when referring to children or as a joke for adults.
Little Johnny fell down and bumped his noggin, but he's OK.
It's hard to find hats that fit this big noggin of mine.
Incidentally, Noggin also the name of a TV streaming service that produces educational programs for children. This could be useful information for parents of your younger students.
Bean
People use "bean" specifically when referring to the head as a tool for thinking and understanding. Generally, it's for talking about one's own head, not someone else's. This usage is often put together with "old."
This old bean still has a few good ideas left.
Face
Mug
It is thought that this term came from old drinking mugs in 17th century England that were shaped like scary faces. Perhaps that is why it often has a funny or negative nuance today.
Did you see the mug on that big guy on the motorcycle? I wouldn't want to mess with him.
Don't forget to mention "mugshots" as well.
After being arrested, the celebrity's mugshot quickly went viral on social media.
Kisser
"Kisser" can refer either to someone's face or their mouth, depending on the situation.
Point out that it is often used when something hits someone's face!
The foul ball hit the man right in the kisser.
Eyes
Peepers
This comes from the verb "peep," which means looking at something quickly or through a narrow opening. Like all of the expressions in this article, it is generally used in a casual way.
Kat has these beautiful brown peepers that I can't stop staring at.
Nose
Nose synonyms tend to have an especially humorous nuance.
Snout
"Snout" is usually used for animals, but it can be used for people in certain situations.
My next-door neighbor is always sticking her big snout in my business.
This is a good opportunity to explain the expression "to be nosy," or having too much interest in someone else's life. How is this idea expressed in your student's native language?
Schnoz
This one is generally for noses that are bigger than average.
The mosquito bite left a big, red bump on the tip of my schnoz.
Honker
This refers to the "honking" sound people sometimes make when they blow their noses into tissues.
The man in the back of the theater disturbed everyone by constantly blowing his honker throughout the movie.
Mouth
Trap
This one is useful to know, but it's tricky to use when considering its rudeness.
Mark couldn't keep his trap shut; he told Elizabeth about our surprise party plans!
Also, as we mentioned earlier, don't forget that "kisser" can also refer to a mouth instead of a face.
She pulled her scarf over her kisser to block the cold winter air.
Teeth
Pearly whites
This is a humorous reference to the color of clean, bright teeth.
The salesman smiled, showing off his pearly whites.
Choppers
"Choppers" is an informal reference to how we use our teeth to cut and grind our food.
I have a dentist appointment this afternoon to get my choppers cleaned.
Hair
Mane
Though primarily used for hair on animals such as lions and horses, students likely don't know it can also be used for people to emphasize the beauty or uniqueness of their hair.
Janet has a long mane of blond hair that goes down to her waist.
Locks / Locs
"Locks" often refers to curly hair or a small amount of someone's hair.
Her red locks bounced as she walked across the room.
"Locs," (without a "k") on the other hand, is the short form of "dreadlocks."
Locs take a lot of work to maintain, but they look great.
Wrap-up
Most students probably think vocabulary for body parts is easy stuff they mastered a long time ago. But share these alternatives with them to see how true that really is. Just be sure to remind them that these words are best used in informal situations.
