Black American English (BAE)

Black American English (BAE) is a legitimate, culturally rooted, and rule-governed dialect of American English that developed historically within Black American communities. It possesses its own consistent grammar, pronunciation patterns, vocabulary, and cultural expressions. Linguists recognize BAE as a fully developed and systematic variety of English—not as “slang,” “broken English,” or “incorrect English.” BAE is shaped by Black Americans’ linguistic heritage and the history of Black communities in the United States. As an ongoing cultural innovation, BAE functions both as a mode of communication and as a marker of identity, community, and artistic expression. Its distinct phonological, syntactic, and lexical features reflect the influence of Black American linguistic traditions, shaped by the sociopolitical conditions of enslavement and segregation, as well as the continuous creativity within Black American culture. Like any other recognized English dialect, BAE follows internally consistent grammatical rules and serves as a symbol of cultural identity, solidarity, and resilience. It has also significantly influenced broader American English through its impact on music, literature, slang, and digital communication.

Many linguists argue that Black American English (BAE) should be taught and understood as a legitimate dialect with its own rules rather than dismissed as informal speech.

by Jamel Flyte November 15, 2025

Driving English

Driving on the wrong side of the road, against traffic. Someone is "Driving English" if they are recklessly driving on the left side of a road in a country which drives on the right. It should be noted that only countries of colonial

English influence (United States excluded) drive on the left side of the road.

Almost got popped by some drunk ass driving english! He didn't even see the median!

Had to swerve off the road yesterday. A fire truck was driving english to avoid a clusterfuck of traffic.

by E_Man_24 June 22, 2021

English pig

What French Canadiens (typically Québécois) call English speaking Canadians

“You know, you’re stupid when you do that. Just some English pig with no brains, you know.”

by PucklineJesus June 25, 2021

Lick of English

when an English man wants to have a little lick.

I don’t know a lick of English.

by Outdoorsea July 1, 2021