Off your rocker

If you are 'off your rocker' (a nickname for a rocking chair), it means whatever you're saying is completely wrong. It most likely originated with senior citizens, who often use rocking chairs.

Example:
-I may be completely off my rocker here, but I think your coworker has a crush on you.
-No, you're not off your rocker! I think so, too.

Friends with benefits

If people are 'friends with benefits,' it means they are friends who have sex. This implies that there are no strings attached -- neither person intends to get involved romantically. They're friends, but that's it. Well, except for the sex part. The problem with this is that one person usually ends up having feelings for the other, and that usually ends things pretty quickly.

Example:
-So are you two going out, or what?
-Nah! Just friends with benefits!

Grounded

If you're 'grounded,' it means that your parents have punished you. You can be grounded from your phone, tv, going out, or whatever else your parents decide upon.

Example:
-Why'd you get grounded?
-I stayed out two hours past my curfew.

Lollygag

To 'lollygag' means to take your time when doing something -- not hurrying at all -- when someone has asked you to do something quickly.

Example:
-We're in a hurry, so please use the bathroom as quickly as possible.
-I know, Mom. No lollygagging!

Drop it

'Drop it' is something you say to end the topic of a conversation. Said as a direct command, it's most likely to be said by a parent to a child. Where the power relationship is closer, it is often asked, 'Can't we please just drop it?'

Examples:
-Mom, please can we stay up until 10? It's Saturday...!
-I've already said no, so drop it.

-Your aunt drives me crazy!
-I know. I'm sorry.
-I mean, she's always...
-Can't we please just drop it? We're almost to her house and I'm sure she's made a nice dinner for us!

Stuffed up

If you are 'stuffed up,' it means your nose is clogged with mucus and you can't breathe very well.

Example:
-Are you feeling any better today?
-No, not really. I'm still completely stuffed up.

Walking on eggshells

'Walking on eggshells' means that you're being very careful with what you say or do because you feel awkward and don't want to offend or anger the other person. The idea is that eggs are very fragile, so you have to be very careful or you'll break one.

Example:
-I always feel like I'm walking on eggshells when I'm at your parents' house.
-I'm sorry. Once you get to know them better and they get to know you better, it'll be much easier.

On the back burner

If you put something 'on the back burner' (which is the back part of the stove), it means that now you have to attend to other things first before you can get back to it.

Example:
-I was planning to replace my kitchen floor this summer, but now we have to get a new car.
-Well, I guess the floor will have to go on the back burner.

All tied up

If you're 'all tied up,' it means you're too busy to do whatever the other person is asking you to do. It's a typical expression you hear in an office.

Example:
-Can you go to lunch next Thursday?
-No, sorry. I'll be all tied up in court next week. How about the week after that?

Kickstand

A 'kickstand' is the little metal bar that you push down to the ground with your foot when you park your bike. It keeps your bike from falling down.

Example:
-Don't forget to use your kickstand so your bike doesn't fall down.
-I will, Mom.

Hate crime

A 'hate crime' is a committed against a person because the perpetrator hates them based solely on things such as their race, religion, country of origin or sexual orientation.

Example:
-Do you remember the names Matthew Sheppard and James Byrd, Jr.?
-Yes, they were victims of hate crimes.
-Yes, they were both killed; Matthew because he was gay and James because he was African-American.

To crack up

If someone is 'cracking up,' it means they are laughing really hard.

Example:
-Did you see the movie?
-Yes! We were cracking up the whole time! It was awesome!

Bleeding-heart liberal

A "bleeding-heart liberal' can be used in a derogatory way to describe someone who cares about issues such as peace, the environment, equality, justice and animal rights. However, some so-called 'bleeding-heart liberals' embrace the term.

Example:
-There goes your sister, off to another one of her protests. Bleeding-heart liberal.
-Oh, be quiet, dad! You should respect her for standing up for what she believes in!

P.O.S.

'P.O.S.' refers to something that is a 'piece of shit.' It is usually used to describe an old car, but can be used for other things as well. It is pronounced letter by letter, not as one word.

Example:
-Dude, you really need to get a new car!
-I know! I'm so sick of this P.O.S.!

Living high on the hog

A person who is living 'high on the hog' is someone who living a very comfortable or wealthy life. Sometimes the person can actually afford to do so, and sometimes they are living beyond their means, living on credit cards.

Example:
-Wow, your brother's new house sure is beautiful! He's living high on the hog!
-Yes, he's had some very successful deals at work this past year.

Bite the bullet

When it's time to 'bite the bullet,' it means that it's time to face whatever you've been avoiding once and for all and deal with the consequences.

-Have you talked to your parents about your credit card bill?
-Not yet. Guess I'd better just bite the bullet. Hopefully they won't be too mad.

Lying through your teeth

'Lying through your teeth' means you are completely and totally lying, probably in someone's face. It's stronger than just saying that someone is 'lying.'

Example:
-I stayed home last night, honest.
-You're lying through your teeth! I saw you at the bar last night!

To hog

'To hog' means to keep something all to yourself, so that nobody else can have any or use it. It's a common expression that kids use.

Example:
-Mom, she's hogging the computer again!
-Okay, you have 5 more minutes and then it's your sister's turn.

Bull in a china shop

If someone is a 'bull in a china shop,' it means they are somewhat clumsy -- not very graceful -- and prone to breaking things.

Example:
-I'm sorry for breaking your vase, Mom.
-It's okay. You're a bull in a china shop.

Pretty

'Pretty' can be used to compliment a woman's attractive appearance, but it also can use to mean 'rather,' 'kind of' or 'somewhat.' You can use it to lessen a compliment when you don't want to sound overly enthusiastic about someone or something.

Examples:
How do you like your new boss?
-She seems pretty nice, but I don't really know her yet.

-How was the test?
-There were some tough questions, but I think I did pretty well.

Number 1 or Number 2?

When talking about going to the bathroom, people talk about going Number 1 or Number 2. Number 1 is peeing (urinating) and Number 2 is pooping (defecating).

Example:
-The guy was arrested for relieving himself in public!
-Was he going Number 1 or Number 2?
-Number 1!

Hitchhike

To 'hitchhike' means to travel via car with people you don't know. To do it, you stand on the side of the road and hold out your thumb. When someone stops, you get in. Of course, this can be extremely dangerous, but it is cheap.

Example:
-I can't believe your sister actually hitchhiked!
-Yeah, she could have gotten kidnapped or worse!