Best Slang & Idiom Reference Books of 2025

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Slang and idiom reference books are a must-have for anyone looking to improve their understanding and use of informal language. These books provide clear definitions and examples of commonly used slang and idiomatic expressions, making it easier for readers to communicate effectively with native speakers. Some popular titles include "The American Slang Dictionary" and "The Idiom Dictionary," both of which offer comprehensive coverage of informal language used in everyday conversation. With the help of these reference books, readers can expand their vocabulary and gain a deeper understanding of American English slang and idioms.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Slang & Idiom Reference Books
Why Do We Say That? 101 Idioms
Why Do We Say That? 101 Idioms, Phrases, Sayings & Facts! A Brief History On Where They Come From! is a fascinating book that explains the origins of some of the most commonly used idioms, proverbs, and colloquial terms. The book reveals the mesmerizing and sometimes outright bizarre backstories behind these fun sayings. It explains how each phrase was coined, how its use evolved through the ages, and how it gained its contemporary use. The book is well-written and concise, making it an enjoyable read for both adults and children. Overall, it's a great addition to anyone's bookshelf who has an interest in the English language and its history.
The Great Book of American Idioms
The Great Book of American Idioms is a comprehensive dictionary that covers over 1300 idioms and expressions, providing learners with a valuable resource to improve their English. The book offers correct definitions and usage of each expression, along with visual examples in common conversations to help readers understand their context. The introduction and conclusion of the book also provide essential tips to boost learning and improve the understanding of the English language. Overall, this independently published book is an excellent addition to any English-learning resources and a must-have for learners who want to communicate like a native.
Let's Speak Korean: Learn Over 1,400+ Expressions Quickly and Easily
The "Let's Speak Korean" book is a great resource for anyone who wants to learn the language quickly and easily. With over 1,400 daily expressions from 21 topics, this book is designed for beginners with no knowledge of Korean. The audio tracks available on the dedicated web page allow you to listen and repeat each expression, eliminating any guesswork. The romanized version of each expression and unique grammar guide marks make it easy to understand the structure of Korean sentences. The book also includes a dedicated section covering how to read and pronounce Korean alphabet, Hangeul. Overall, this book is a great tool for those interested in learning Korean.
5000 palabras más usadas en Inglés
The book titled "5000 palabras más usadas en Inglés: Aprende a escribir y Pronunciar las palabras en ingles correctamente" is a helpful guide for beginners who struggle with English grammar and pronunciation. The book provides the meaning and pronunciation of common English words, along with example sentences. It's a great resource for those who are too shy to speak English or feel nervous while communicating. The book is an excellent tool for learning English and improving fluency.
The Little Book of Irishisms
The Little Book of Irishisms is a fun and informative guide for anyone interested in understanding the Irish language and culture. Written by Denise Deegan under the pen name Aimee Alexander, the book offers a glimpse into the unique words and expressions used in Ireland, as well as tips for pronouncing Irish names. Whether you're planning a trip to Ireland or simply want to sound more like a local, this book is a must-read. Overall, The Little Book of Irishisms is a charming and witty guide that captures the essence of Irish humor and language.
O is for Old School
O is for Old School is a playful and inter-generational A-Z book that takes parents and their kids on a hip-hop journey through iconic words and phrases. The book features stunning illustrations and a hip-hop glossary at the back. James Tyler's witty writing and Ella Cohen's warm illustrations make this book a perfect read-aloud for parents who want to introduce their little ones to the world of hip-hop. Overall, O is for Old School is a unique and fun way to teach kids their ABCs while sharing a bit of nostalgia with parents.
Scotland Slang Phrase Book. A Pocket Guide To Scottish Words & Phrases
The "Scotland Slang Phrase Book" is a handy A-Z guide to understanding the unique vocabulary and dialect of Scots. It features a collection of common words and phrases, with simple definitions and humorous illustrations to make learning enjoyable. The book is small enough to carry in a pocket or handbag, making it a perfect companion for anyone moving to or visiting Scotland. This book can also be a fun gift idea for anyone who loves Scottish culture. Overall, this book is an entertaining and educational resource for anyone looking to decode the Scottish accent and language.
Learn Japanese Hiragana and Katakana
This workbook is the perfect tool for beginners who want to learn Hiragana and Katakana, the two basic alphabets of the Japanese language. Packed with practical information, it includes stroke order diagrams, writing instructions, and flashcards to cut out and keep. With over 120 pages of calligraphy practice exercises, it is suitable for both adults and children. The author, George Tanaka, provides just enough detail to get readers started quickly. Whether for self-study or as a gift for a friend, this workbook is the best way to begin learning Japanese.
Learn Mexican Spanish for Adult Beginners Workbook
The "Learn Mexican Spanish for Adult Beginners Workbook" is an excellent guide for anyone who wants to learn Mexican Spanish in 30 days. This book covers everything from basic conversation, grammar, and slang to cultural facts and useful phrases for traveling. The author also includes information about Mexican cuisine, music, and festivities. This book is perfect for beginners who want to learn the language spoken in Mexico and immerse themselves in Mexican culture. Overall, this book is a great resource for anyone looking to learn Mexican Spanish and gain a deeper understanding of Mexican culture.
Diccionario Larousse del Español Moderno
The Diccionario Larousse del Español Moderno (Spanish Edition) is a comprehensive dictionary that contains over 50,000 entries and 100,000 definitions. It includes succinct yet complete definitions written in contemporary language, clear examples of the relationship between different parts of speech, and words in general usage as well as scientific and other specialized terminology. Additionally, it focuses on expressions characteristic of the peoples of Latin America, making it a valuable resource for those interested in the region's culture and language. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone looking for a reliable and up-to-date Spanish dictionary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is there a book of slang words?
Originally published in 1960, The Dictionary of American Slang is widely regarded as the standard in its field.
2. What are slang and idioms?
An idiom refers to a group of words established by usage and having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words. • On the other hand, slang is words, phrases and uses that are regarded as very informal and are often restricted to special contexts or are peculiar in a specified profession, class, etc. •
3. What is an idiom for reading?
to have your nose in a book – to be reading intensely. to hit the books – to study. to make/open book – to take bets on something. to read between the lines – to search for an implied meaning. to read someone like a book – to easily understand someone's thoughts/motives without being told them.
During our slang & idiom reference book research, we found 1,200+ slang & idiom reference book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 23,836 customer reviews through our big data system to write the slang & idiom reference books list. We found that most customers choose slang & idiom reference books with an average price of $13.90.

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.