American English Slang – How to use DUMB

In this American English Pronunciation video,

we’re going to go over the pronunciation and slang use of DUMB.

The word DUMB is most commonly used as an adjective

meaning stupid or unintelligent.

That was a dumb decision.

I’m too dumb to pass the final.

But it’s also slang.

In these cases, it means ‘very’.

I thought of this video when I noticed my husband, David, and I calling our new baby ‘dumb cute’.

What’s Stoney doing?

He’s being dumb cute.

David, who works in a high school,

said his kids use ‘dumb’ as ‘very’ all the time.

You’ve probably noticed that the B is silent. Don’t say it.

This word, whether in slang or it’s real meaning, is just three sounds:

The D consonant, the UH as in BUTTER vowel,

and the M consonant. Dumb. Dumb.

To make the D, the tongue goes to the roof of the mouth.

Dumb.

The teeth don’t need to come all the way together but they can. Duh—dumb.

Release into the UH as in BUTTER vowel,

where everything in your face and throat should be relaxed.

Duh--

And finally, close the lips for the M consonant. Dumb.

Albert Einstein: that man was dumb smart.

Stoney is dumb cute.

He is dumb tall.

That test was dumb hard.

When is it appropriate to use slang?

Only in a very casual environment.

With friends, when you’re just hanging out, when the mood is relaxed.

Don’t use it in a job interview, and don’t use it with a friend in a serious situation.

For example:

My dog died.

I’m dumb sorry.

No, not appropriate.

'Oh, I’m really sorry. ' or 'I’m so sorry to hear that.'

Have you heard slang that you don’t understand or want help pronouncing?

Let me know in the comments below.

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That’s it, and thanks so much for using Rachel’s English.