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What Rhymes with Orange? No, It Doesn’t: Embracing Slang, Humor, and Inclusivity in the Classroom

Language is a dynamic, ever-evolving phenomenon that reflects culture, creativity, and connection. In today’s classrooms, students are increasingly using short, idiomatic phrases and internet slang to express themselves. From describing someone’s positive energy as their “aura” to using “ate and left no crumbs” as a glowing review, these phrases are rich with meaning and insight into how students think, relate, and communicate. But how can educators leverage this cultural shift to enhance learning, build relationships, and foster engagement—especially in diverse classrooms with English Language Learners (ELLs)?

Why Kids Love Slang

By adopting trending phrases, students signal that they’re part of a shared cultural identity.
By adopting trending phrases, students signal that they’re part of a shared cultural identity.

Slang is more than just playful language—it’s a tool for belonging. By adopting trending phrases, students signal that they’re part of a shared cultural identity. Slang is concise, often humorous, and endlessly creative. It allows students to pack emotion, context, and wit into just a few words, whether they’re describing a great performance or giving feedback on someone’s vibe.

For instance, one student described a peer’s positive energy as their “aura,” explaining it as “giving and getting kindness.” Another commented on a classmate’s presentation, saying they “ate and left no crumbs,” a modern-day equivalent of “nailed it.” These phrases are vivid, memorable, and uniquely aligned with how young people view the world.

The Role of Humor and Slang in Teaching

Humor and student-driven language create a classroom culture where students feel seen and understood.
Humor and student-driven language create a classroom culture where students feel seen and understood.

Humor and student-driven language create a classroom culture where students feel seen and understood. Cheesy jokes—like the dad-joke classic, “What rhymes with orange? No, it doesn’t!”—can diffuse tension and make learning feel approachable. Meanwhile, embracing slang (sparingly and thoughtfully) helps teachers bridge generational divides.

For example, a well-placed “You totally ate that essay and left no crumbs!” signals to students that their language is valued and that their teacher understands the cultural context of their expression. It shows students that the classroom is a space for mutual understanding and creativity.

Including English Language Learners

Idiomatic expressions, while engaging, can be a barrier for ELLs, as they rely heavily on cultural and contextual knowledge. However, slang and humor can also be an opportunity for inclusion and language development. Here’s how:

1. Explicitly Teach Idioms and Slang

One day, a class asked me if I could give them “aura” for working hard. I knew what “aura” meant and recognized it as a good thing, so I did. Later, another class said, “We heard you have aura!” Aura isn’t a tangible thing, but they wanted to work hard to earn the same “reward.” I asked a student to define it, and they explained, “Aura is like kindness. If you are kind, you can give it to others like paying it forward.” This moment sparked a discussion about how language evolves and can reflect values like generosity and positivity.

2. Encourage Peer-to-Peer Explanations

Peer learning is invaluable. When introducing the slang term “flex,” I asked students to explain it to each other. Hearing their peers explain that it means both “showing strength” and “showing off” made the concept stick more effectively.

3. Validate Multilingual Expressions

Acknowledge and celebrate multilingual slang. When one of my students said, “This math problem is fácil,” I repeated it, saying, “Yes, it’s easy—fácil!” This small moment made them feel recognized and empowered.

4. Use Visuals and Context

Visuals can clarify idioms. For example, a quick demonstration of “flexing” helped students understand its multiple meanings.

5. Provide Slang-Free Alternatives

For ELLs who may struggle, always offer straightforward alternatives to slang phrases. This ensures inclusivity while still embracing cultural elements.

However, slang and humor can also be an opportunity for inclusion and language development.
However, slang and humor can also be an opportunity for inclusion and language development.

How to Use Slang and Humor Effectively

1. Celebrate Student-Created Language

Encourage students to bring their own slang into the classroom. Let them explain its meaning and use it creatively in projects or discussions

2. Incorporate Slang Into Feedback

In a writing assignment, I told a student, “You totally ate that essay and left no crumbs!” This use of familiar language motivated them to engage further while reinforcing their success.

3. Use Humor to Lower Barriers

Humor can break the ice in tense situations. During a science lesson, I joked, “Why don’t atoms trust each other? Because they make up everything!” The students groaned, but it lightened the mood and got them laughing as we moved into the conten

4. Balance and Respect

Slang and humor are tools, not the main focus. Use them sparingly to avoid distractions, and always respect the cultural context of your students’ language.

Bridging the Gap

Language evolves, and so should teaching. By embracing humor, slang, and idiomatic expressions while remaining mindful of inclusivity, educators can create a classroom environment where all students—ELLs included—feel seen, heard, and valued.

This article is available and can be accessed in Spanish here.

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Jim Hambel
Jim Hambel is an elementary Physical education teacher in New York City. He has a teaching license in PE as well as general education and special education grades 1-6. Jim is a member of the professional bowlers association. He is also a member of the US Bowling Hall of Fame. Recently he received the award for the 2020 NYS AHPERD Elementary PE Section Amazing Person and 2021 Dr. R. Doris Corbett Johnson Leaders for Our Future Award. He has a beautiful wife and two amazing daughters.

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