Here are some everyday expressions that are used so abundantly in the USA, it's hard to believe they haven't caught on across the pond:
to dillydally
The American meaning to spend time doing unimportant things instead of what you should be doing, or to take excessive time getting ready to go somewhere.
E.g. “Stop dillydallying, we need to be at the airport in half an hour”.
Don't mention it
An informal American phrase meaning “You're welcome”.
to be down
While being down can mean to be sad, in America it is often also used in the same way as “to be up for something”. E.g. “You down to go to the party tonight?” Response: “Yeah I'm down”.
Knick-knack
An American term for “stuff”. Note: the “K”s are silent.
Knock it off / Quit it
Informal American phrases meaning “Stop it”, used when telling someone to stop doing something, especially if it is something that annoys you. Note: the “K” is silent.
sketchy
American word used to describe:
- people who are dishonest/unreliable;
- things, especially places, that are potentially dangerous;
- things that are of low quality.
spent
American term meaning “very tired”.
