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Quiz about American Slang How American Are You

American Slang - How 'American' Are You? Quiz

Many of us learn English in high school, which gets replaced by the American English we hear on television and in songs. But just how good are you at the real American slang? Warning though, some of it might be a bit outdated!

A multiple-choice quiz by Jaye. Estimated time: 3 mins.

Author
Jaye

Time
3 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
93,883

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
8 / 10

Plays
8171

Last 3 plays: 2112smarty (10/10), Guest 108 (10/10), polly656 (7/10).

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. In the 19th century I was addicted to the 'big-M', what was my vice? Hint

Morphine

Mozzarella

MacDonalds

Money

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Question 2 of 10

2. If I am 'parboiled', what am I? Hint

excused

alcohol intoxicated

confused

doing math

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Question 3 of 10

3. When something is 'gubbish' what is it exactly? Hint

angry

nonsense

pieces of gum stuck to a surface

drunken words

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Question 4 of 10

4. He's a 'gunner', so he's what? Hint

a sniper

an earnest student

someone who operates a firehose

someone who practises shooting

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Question 5 of 10

5. The guy is 'AWOL', so he's what? Hint

sick

angry

happy

absent

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Question 6 of 10

6. My crystal ball, all in 'smithereens' means what? Hint

gleaming

in many tiny pieces

loud

wrapped up

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Question 7 of 10

7. She's out to lunch. Which of these terms might describe her? Hint

on a diet

missing

likely to disappear for hours

absentminded

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Question 8 of 10

8. I got rid of that gas-guzzler, so what is it that I got rid of? Hint

someone attempting suicide

a small car

the gas station clerk

a large automobile that uses much gasoline

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Question 9 of 10

9. When you are on somebody's six you are where? Hint

on his elbow

on his butt

on his lip

on his money

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Question 10 of 10

10. When someone is a straight shooter, he is what? Hint

a drug user

an honest person

a good shot

a gay guy who hits on straight guys

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Most Recent Scores

Oct 24 2024 : 2112smarty: 10/10
Oct 19 2024 : Guest 108: 10/10
Oct 17 2024 : polly656: 7/10
Oct 12 2024 : Guest 67: 7/10
Oct 12 2024 : Guest 97: 8/10
Oct 12 2024 : Guest 99: 0/10
Oct 11 2024 : Guest 71: 9/10
Oct 10 2024 : RobertLee_1964: 8/10
Oct 06 2024 : Guest 174: 3/10

Score Distribution

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. In the 19th century I was addicted to the 'big-M', what was my vice?

Answer: Morphine

The phrase dates back to the days of the Civil War, and fits within the tradition of not really naming but just indicating problems.

2. If I am 'parboiled', what am I?

Answer: alcohol intoxicated

Also used is the term 'boiled' or 'toasted'. Perhaps this is because alcohol can give you this warm feeling inside?

3. When something is 'gubbish' what is it exactly?

Answer: nonsense

Gubbish is a combination of garbage and rubbish, which explains a lot. It's a computer generation type of slang, where in email words get abbreviated a lot. The word was used in the early eighties and seems to have gradually disappeared.

4. He's a 'gunner', so he's what?

Answer: an earnest student

Like many slang words this one has a military origin. It refers to someone who diligently does his/her paperwork and likes to do things by the books. 'Gunny' is used as well.

5. The guy is 'AWOL', so he's what?

Answer: absent

Stems from the military phrase 'Absent Without Leave'.

6. My crystal ball, all in 'smithereens' means what?

Answer: in many tiny pieces

This term originated in Ireland.

7. She's out to lunch. Which of these terms might describe her?

Answer: absentminded

'Out to lunch' describes someone who is preoccupied, and not paying full attention to what is happening around them. It may also lead to forgetfulness.

8. I got rid of that gas-guzzler, so what is it that I got rid of?

Answer: a large automobile that uses much gasoline

Very American those gas-guzzlers, huge limos... but they seem to be going out of style.

9. When you are on somebody's six you are where?

Answer: on his butt

Okay... if you don't know where it stems from, imagine the shape of the number 6. This expression too seems to be popular in the military, more specifically the Air Force.

It may also refer to the numbers on a clock. Imagine facing the 12 - someone "on your six" would be right behind you. Since pilots do use the clockface for directions, this seems logical.

10. When someone is a straight shooter, he is what?

Answer: an honest person

Just like a straight arrow, someone who doesn't stray.

Source: Author Jaye

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor coolupway before going online.
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