Russian Slang & Colloquialisms
IntroductionSlang and colloquialisms ARE NOT accepted as formal or literary. Slang belongs to the most informal register and characteristic of spoken language, often originating in the cult language of a particular socio-cultural group. It contains newly coined words or regular words with different nonstandard meanings. Colloquialisms are accepted in ordinary speech and familiar conversation, they gained great popularity and are recognized by the majority of modern Russian population.
Slang and colloquialisms form a big part of Russian active vocabulary. As a rule, these phrases are emotionally colored and used to give force to one's speech. Although they are mainly used in informal oral speech, they are also often found in the press, frequently heard on popular radio and television programs. Nevertheless, it can be risky for someone who is not a native speaker to use slang and colloquialisms. Mainly because most of the expressions do have a tendency to be vulgar or offensive.
Short Forms and Labels
f
feminine gender
v phr
phrase based on a verb
m
masculine gender
n phr
phrase based on a noun
n
neuter gender
adj phr
phrase based on an adjective
pl
plural
derog
derogatory
not decl
not declined
interj
interjection
adv
adverb
drug sl
drug slang
adj
adjective
comp sl
computer slang
Russian word or phrase
Transliteration
English equivalent(s)
Explanation
А
алкаш m, derog
alkash
dipso
drunk, alcoholic
аська f, comp sl
as'ka
ICQ
Б
бабки pl
babki
spondulicks, dough
sum of money essential for the owner (see also "Гони бабки!')
бабник m
babnik
womanizer, philanderer
man who habitually pays attention to many women for sexual purposes
базар m
bazar
chitchap, bull session
talk, conversation
бардак m
bardak
disorder, mess, disarray
без базара n phr
bez bazara
no problems
Блин! interj
Blin!
Shit!
expresses a wide range of emotions from admiration to dispair depending on situation and intonation, a bit milder than its English equivalent
братан = приятель m
bratan = priyatel'
man
form of address to a man
бухать v
buhat'
hit the bottle
drink too much alcohol
В
в заднице v phr
v zadnitze
in a (ass) hole
be in difficult/embarrassing situation
в натуре adv
v nature
actually
Вали отсюда!
Vali otsyuda!
F**k off!
very rude phrase meaning :"Get out of here!"
Всё ништяк!
Vsyo nishtyak!
...
Anasthy