Does the word "pretty" have any slang definitions according to native speakers?
2023-06-26
This is what goPenpal answered
Absolutely, "pretty" can have slang usage in English. For most us, "pretty" is typically used as an adjective to describe something as attractive or pleasing to the eyes. However, it has an alternative use in conversational slang. Ever heard somebody use "pretty" in a sentence where it doesn't seem to be describing anything? That's because native English speakers often use "pretty" as a slang adverb, similar to "quite" or "fairly", to describe a moderate degree of a certain quality.
For example, in the sentence "I'm pretty tired," it is not saying that someone is attractively tired, but rather that they're fairly or quite tired. It's a popular slang in informal language, often used to moderate statements. Interesting right? Language has a tendency to dodge and twist, making it a beautiful challenge to learn. So, next time when you hear "pretty", listen closely. It might not be talking about looks, but about degrees!
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