A Closer Look: Lesson 2 · Street Talk 2 Vocabulary List

used to express frustration, annoyance, or exasperation

"Argh! This is so frustrating."

"Argh! This is so frustrating. I cannot seem to get this thing to work properly."

used to express surprise, amazement, or mild emphasis without swearing

"Gosh! I did not see that coming."

"Gosh! I did not see that coming. It was a complete surprise to me and everyone else."

pompous or pretentious talk or writing

"The speech is full of blah and says nothing important."

"The politician's speech was full of blah, making it difficult for the audience to find any substance."

used to convey disgust, disdain, or distaste towards something unpleasant or unappealing

"Blech! I hate this medicine."

"Blech! I hate this medicine. It is so bitter and disgusting; I cannot swallow it."

used to express surprise, mild shock, or amazement without swearing

"Gee, that is really interesting."

"Gee, that is really interesting. I had no idea about that before."

used to express frustration, annoyance, surprise, or impatience

"Jeez, that was very close."

"Jeez, that was very close. We almost had a big accident on the road."

a loud explosive sound, often used to mimic an explosion or a sudden, dramatic event

"The bomb went kaboom."

"The fireworks display ended with a spectacular kaboom that lit up the night sky."

used to express sudden pain or discomfort

"Ow! My hand is burning."

"Ow! I just bumped my head quite hard against the low doorway while rushing."

used to express relief or exhaustion, often after a difficult or challenging situation

"Phew, I am so relieved now."

"Phew, I am so relieved now that the exam is finally over and done with."

used to express disgust or strong dislike, especially in response to tasting or smelling something awful

"Piuck! That smells bad."

"Piuck! The spoiled milk had an incredibly foul odor that made me gag."

used to represent the sharp, loud sound of something striking a surface, often associated with a firm hit or slap

"Thwack! The ball hit."

"Thwack! The paddle made a satisfying sound as it connected with the ball."

used to represent a sudden, forceful sound, often associated with a heavy impact or collision

"Wham! The car crashed."

"Wham! The heavy box fell from the shelf with a loud crash."

used to express relief or the release of tension after experiencing stress, anxiety, or physical exertion

"Whew, that was a close one."

"Whew, that was a close one. We almost missed the train by a minute."

used to acknowledge a small mistake, accident, or mishap

"Whoops! I accidentally spilled my drink."

"Whoops! I accidentally spilled my drink on your new shirt. I am so sorry about that."

a soft, rushing sound, often made by something moving quickly through the air or water

"The arrow made a whoosh."

"The arrow flew through the air with a distinct whoosh as it neared the target."

used to express shock, alarm, or apprehension about a situation

"Yikes! That looks very dangerous."

"Yikes! That looks very dangerous. I do not want to go near that place at all."

used to express surprise, fear, or excitement, often in response to a sudden shock or unexpected event

"Yipe! That was scary."

"Yipe! The sudden loud noise made everyone jump in surprise and a little fear."

used to express disgust or strong dislike towards something

"Yuck! That smells bad."

"Yuck! I can't believe you would eat something that looks so unappetizing and slimy."

used to express pleasure or satisfaction related to taste, often in response to something delicious or appetizing

"Yum! This food is tasty."

"Yum! This food is tasty. I think I will have some more, please."

used to represent the sound of a sudden electrical discharge, a quick impact, or a sharp, high-pitched noise

"Zap! The light flashed."

"Zap! The laser beam hit the target with a bright flash of light."

used to express surprise, excitement, or enthusiasm, often in response to something impressive or impactful, including a physical attack or intense action

"Zowie! What a jump!"

"Zowie! The stunt pilot performed an incredible aerial maneuver that amazed the crowd."

to swallow quickly, often in response to nervousness, fear, or surprise

"He will gulp his drink."

"She had to gulp down the bitter medicine, trying to suppress her immediate aversion."

a deep, prolonged, resonant, or loud sound

"I heard a boom."

"The distant boom of the cannons echoed ominously through the valley."

a sudden loud noise caused by objects breaking or hitting each other

"What a loud crash!"

"The sudden crash of the falling chandelier startled everyone in the ballroom."

used to express disgust or aversion towards something that emits a bad smell

"Pew! Something died in here."

"Pew! Something died in here, and it smells like rotten eggs and garbage."

to express or convey emotions, such as relief, sadness, or contentment, by releasing a deep audible breath

"He will sigh."

"She let out a deep sigh of relief when she finally completed the challenging assignment."

a loud, sudden noise caused by something breaking, hitting, or colliding

"The smash was loud."

"The smash of glass on the pavement drew the attention of passersby."

used to express surprise, astonishment, or excitement

"Whoa, slow down, please."

"Whoa, slow down, please. You are going way too fast for me."

used to express a strong feeling of surprise, wonder, admiration, or amazement

"Wow, this is beautiful!"

"Wow, that is an amazing magic trick! How did you learn to do that?"