As the school year begins, it may be helpful to learn some of the common  slang terms used by American students in college. On top of the daunting task of learning English, with all its strangeness, Americans often use words or phrases that don’t carry their literal meaning. These idioms, or slang, just have to be learned from the context of casual conversation. Or, you can study up with this helpful list.

(To) ace: To pass a test, exam, etc. really easily. “Robert aced his physics exam.”

All-nighter: A period of work or study that lasts all night. Most often used with the verb “pull” (To pull an all-nighter) – “We pulled an all-nighter in order to finish the project.”

Blow or Bomb: to fail or to be unsuccessful

Cram: to study feverishly before an exam.

Crash: to go to sleep; or to show up without invitation “Can I crash here tonight?”

Bro: a friend, often used for a masculine friend

Hit the books: study.

FYI: acronym “for your information”

A minute: A little while (not just 1 actual minute)

FOMO: acronym for “Fear of Missing Out”; anxiety that an exciting or interesting event may currently be happening elsewhere, often aroused by posts seen on a social media website

Hit me up: Call/text me (also abbreviated HMU)

My bad: My fault/my mistake

What’s up?: How are you?/What are you doing?