12 INFORMAL ADJECTIVES you MUST KNOW to Sound like a Native English Speaker!


Explanations + Extra Activities

1. Bossy

Meaning: Someone who always tells others what to do—even when they’re not the boss.
Example: My sister is so bossy! She acts like she’s in charge all the time.


2. Quirky

Meaning: A little strange or different, but in a fun or interesting way.
Example: He has a quirky laugh that makes everyone smile.


3. Cheesy / Corny

Meaning: Something that tries to be funny, romantic, or cool—but ends up looking silly, fake, or old-fashioned.
Example: That movie was so cheesy, but I loved it!
Example: He always tells corny jokes that make people groan.


4. Rusty

Meaning: Not as good at something as you used to be because you haven’t practiced in a long time.
Example: I haven’t played guitar in years—I’m a bit rusty.


5. Goofy

Meaning: Silly in a fun and playful way—not serious.
Example: He made a goofy face to make the kids laugh.


6. Creepy

Meaning: Something or someone that makes you feel scared or uncomfortable in a weird way.
Example: That old house looks really creepy at night.


7. Ballsy (Very informal)

Meaning: Very brave or bold, especially when doing something risky or surprising.
Example: She made a ballsy decision to speak up in front of the whole company.


8. Sketchy

Meaning: Not trustworthy, suspicious, or possibly dangerous.
Example: That shop looks sketchy—I don’t think we should go in.


9. Clingy

Meaning: Emotionally needy; someone who wants to be with another person all the time and never gives them space.
Example: He’s nice, but a little too clingy for me.


10. Dorky

Meaning: Socially awkward or not cool, but sometimes in a cute or funny way.
Example: He wore a dorky sweater with cartoon characters on it.


11. Comfy (short for “comfortable”)

Meaning: Soft, relaxing, or easy to wear or sit in.
Example: These pants are so comfy—I could wear them all day!


Extra Practice!

QUIZ: Informal Adjectives in Easy English

Choose the best word for each sentence.


1. My little brother always tells me what to do. He is really ______.
A. comfy
B. bossy
C. quirky


Answer: B. bossy


2. I love this sweater. It’s so soft and ______.
A. clingy
B. sketchy
C. comfy


Answer: C. comfy


3. That movie was silly and not cool, but I still liked it. It was kind of ______.
A. creepy
B. cheesy
C. rusty


Answer: B. cheesy


4. I haven’t spoken English in a long time. I feel a bit ______.
A. rusty
B. goofy
C. clingy


Answer: A. rusty


5. He wears funny hats and laughs loudly. He’s a little ______.
A. sketchy
B. quirky
C. ballsy


Answer: B. quirky


6. That man followed us for two blocks. It felt really ______.
A. goofy
B. clingy
C. creepy


Answer: C. creepy


7. He’s always telling bad jokes that no one laughs at. So ______!
A. corny
B. comfy
C. clingy


Answer: A. corny


8. She never gives me space. She texts me 10 times a day! She’s so ______.
A. bossy
B. clingy
C. quirky


Answer: B. clingy


9. He said something very brave to the teacher. That was ______.
A. goofy
B. cheesy
C. ballsy


Answer: C. ballsy


10. He makes silly faces and dances in public. He’s super ______.
A. goofy
B. sketchy
C. creepy


Answer: A. goofy


11. That guy looks strange and the place seems unsafe. It’s a bit ______.
A. sketchy
B. rusty
C. comfy


Answer: A. sketchy


12. He wears glasses, loves math, and talks about video games. He’s kind of ______.
A. dorky
B. ballsy
C. creepy


Answer: A. dorky


🎯 Informal Adjectives Quiz – Intermediate Level

Choose the word that best completes each sentence.


1. Julie isn’t in charge, but she always tries to control everything. She’s so ______.
A. quirky
B. bossy
C. clingy


Answer: B. bossy


2. I didn’t get much sleep, so I wore something ______ to the airport—just sweatpants and a hoodie.
A. dorky
B. comfy
C. sketchy


Answer: B. comfy


3. His jokes were full of bad puns and predictable endings. They were really ______.
A. creepy
B. cheesy
C. ballsy


Answer: B. cheesy


4. I used to be fluent in Spanish, but I’m a bit ______ now since I haven’t practiced in years.
A. rusty
B. dorky
C. sketchy


Answer: A. rusty


5. Her house is decorated with bright colors and vintage furniture. It’s definitely ______.
A. quirky
B. cheesy
C. creepy


Answer: A. quirky


6. Something felt off about the man asking for money in the alley. The whole situation seemed ______.
A. goofy
B. sketchy
C. comfy


Answer: B. sketchy


7. He kept holding her hand and calling her every hour. She thought he was too ______.
A. dorky
B. clingy
C. comfy


Answer: B. clingy


8. I thought it was ______ of her to challenge the manager in front of everyone.
A. bossy
B. corny
C. ballsy


Answer: C. ballsy


9. I like Kevin, but sometimes he acts a little too silly and ______ in serious situations.
A. goofy
B. creepy
C. rusty


Answer: A. goofy


10. That old clown doll in the attic gives me a really ______ feeling.
A. dorky
B. creepy
C. cheesy


Answer: B. creepy


11. I know his fashion sense is ______, but at least he’s not afraid to be himself.
A. dorky
B. ballsy
C. sketchy


Answer: A. dorky


12. The romantic scene was so over-the-top it felt both ______ and ______. (Choose two)
A. creepy
B. corny
C. cheesy


Answer: B. corny and C. cheesy


🎓 Informal Adjectives Quiz – Advanced Level

Choose the most appropriate adjective based on the context.


1. Despite not holding a leadership position, she constantly dictated the group’s actions. Her ______ attitude frustrated everyone.
A. clingy
B. bossy
C. quirky


Answer: B. bossy


2. I love minimalist design, but their living room was full of bizarre decorations, vintage clocks, and neon colors—it was uniquely ______.
A. sketchy
B. quirky
C. dorky


Answer: B. quirky


3. He hasn’t done any coding since college, so his programming skills are a bit ______.
A. rusty
B. cheesy
C. comfy


Answer: A. rusty


4. There’s something off about that guy—he won’t make eye contact and keeps glancing around nervously. Honestly, he seems a little ______.
A. goofy
B. creepy
C. ballsy


Answer: B. creepy


5. They gave a ______ performance, full of exaggerated emotion and predictable clichés. The audience cringed.
A. cheesy
B. sketchy
C. comfy


Answer: A. cheesy


6. She wore a glittery unicorn sweater to the business meeting—not exactly professional, but kind of ______ in her own way.
A. dorky
B. sketchy
C. clingy


Answer: A. dorky


7. He stood up in the meeting and told the CEO her idea was terrible. Whether or not you agree, that was pretty ______.
A. bossy
B. ballsy
C. cheesy


Answer: B. ballsy


8. She gets upset if I don’t respond to her texts within five minutes. Honestly, she’s way too ______.
A. clingy
B. sketchy
C. goofy


Answer: A. clingy


9. I haven’t worn dress shoes in months. Now they feel tight and uncomfortable compared to my usual ______ sneakers.
A. corny
B. comfy
C. goofy


Answer: B. comfy


10. He made a series of silly faces to lighten the mood during the interview. It was unprofessional but also kind of ______.
A. goofy
B. creepy
C. sketchy


Answer: A. goofy


11. I wouldn’t go to that tattoo shop. It looks ______—no signage, bad lighting, and no customers.
A. cheesy
B. sketchy
C. dorky


Answer: B. sketchy


12. His romantic speech was full of clichés like “you complete me” and “written in the stars.” It was both ______ and ______. (Select two)
A. ballsy
B. cheesy
C. corny


Answer: B. cheesy and C. corny


Do you want to learn new expressions, idioms and proverbs? CLICK HERE!


Scroll to Top