Learn a new phrase and make your English sound more natural and interesting. Words We Use is a bilingual series that helps you understand idioms like ‘Banger’.
Banger — you’ve probably heard this word in football, music or everyday conversation. Originally, the word comes from “bang”, meaning a loud noise. In football, a banger is an amazing and powerful goal, usually scored from far away. But today, people also use banger to describe anything that is really impressive or enjoyable.
Today, you’ll hear it in all kinds of situations.
When describing an incredible goal:
- Ronaldo’s shot was an absolute banger!
It can also be used to describe any shot that is struck with lots of power, like a freekick or a volley. Even when there is no score:
- He unleashed a banger from 30 yards, but the goalkeeper was equal to it.
You can also use this word when talking about great music:
- Every song on this album is a banger.
Use it when you enjoyed a great movie:
- That movie was a banger.
This expression is useful to describe something in the moment, as an action or doing word:
- This spaghetti is banging! I love the sauce they have used.
In Australia, “banger” can also mean a very popular Aussie food - the sausage:
- I could eat bangers and mash every day.
Explore the entire series Words we use by clicking here to listen!
Credits
Host: Nick Pagano
Written by: Nick Pagano
Graphic design: Dory Wang
Educational consultant: Professor Lynda Yates
Produced by: Dory Wang
