This lesson will provide a useful list of common informal English abbreviations . Do you want to speak English faster?
Informal abbreviations
An abbreviation is a shortened version of the written and spoken forms of a word, syllable, or group of words created by omitting letters and internal sounds.
These informal English abbreviations are not written but only pronounced and not formal.
Here are some shortened of words and phrases often used in casual English:
1. Shoulda = Should have
Means that something did not happen, but we wish it had happened. We use should have to talk about past mistakes.
- I shoulda never gotting married.
- He shoulda told the truth about what he saw.
2. Coulda = Could have
Means that something was possible in the past, but it did not happen.
- It coulda been worse.
- She coulda gone to any college she wanted to.
3. Woulda = Would have
Use this structure to show that you wanted to do something in the past, but you could not.
- I woulda gone to the party, but I was tired.
- I woulda loaned you the money, but I didn’t have any.
4. Cuz, cos, cause = Because
For the reason that; since.
- We did it cause we felt it our duty.
- Cause this is my opinion.
5. Ya = You
Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing.
- Are ya listening?
- We're very proud of ya.
6. Kinda = Kind of
Used when you are trying to explain or describe something, but you cannot be exact.
- She is kinda cute.
- I love this kinda music.
7. Lemme = Let me
For either asking permission to do something. Or just I will do this thing immediately or in the near future.
- Lemme go.
- Lemme tell you something.
8. Wanna = Want to, want a
Have a desire to possess or do (something); wish for.
- I wanna go home. (want to)
- I wanna coffee. (want a)
9. Whatcha = What are you, what have you
A: What have you: you say what have you at the end of a list in order to refer generally to other things of the same kind.
- Whatcha got there?
B: What are you: you say what have you at the end of a list in order to refer generally to other things of the same kind.
- Whatcha going to do?
10. Oughta = Ought to
Used to show when it is necessary or would be a good thing to perform the activity.
- You oughta know.
- I oughta phone my parents.
11. Losta = Lots of
Lots (of) a large amount or number of people or things.
- It needs losta work.
- I need losta money.
12. Outta = Out of
Out of somewhere/sth.
- I'm outta here.
- We're outta time.
13. 'll = Will
Expressing the future tense.
- I'll go there.
- He'll order a green tea.
14. Dunno = Don't know
Used to express that you do not understand or are angry at something that someone has done.
- I dunno.
- She dunno why she did it.
15. Ain't = Am not/is not/are not/have done/has not
In negative; negation.
- I ain't gonna do it. (am not)
- He ain't listening. (is not)
- You ain't my mom. (are not)
- I ain't done it. (have done)
- She ain't got the money to buy it. (has not)
16. Gimme = Give me
I prefer or admire.
- Can you gimme a hand?
- Gimme my money.
17. Gonna = Going to
Intending to do something in the future, or being certain or expecting to happen in the future.
- I'm not gonna tell you.
- What are you gonna do?
18. Gotta = (have) got a, (have) got to
Something is necessary or must happen in the way stated.
- I have gotta gun. (got a)
- I have gotta go now. (got to)
- I gotta go now. (have got to)
See: Abbreviation I'd for I Would or I Had