How popular are these expressions?

[Esgogar]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #520 "English Slang Idioms (104)", question 5

"Hi, Bob, I understand that you were looking to purchase 1,000 2X4 pieces of lumber. I just wanted to let you know that I have lumber in ......... and will beat anyone's price around here," Will said.

(a) gross
(b) spades
(c) quality
(d) lien

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #520 "English Slang Idioms (104)", answer 5

"Hi, Bob, I understand that you were looking to purchase 1,000 2X4 pieces of lumber. I just wanted to let you know that I have lumber in spades and will beat anyone's price around here," Will said.

Correct answer: (b) spades

Your answer was: correct
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Regarding this and other slang questions,

Are these expressions used widely in all English speaking countries? They look to me as very local and only used for specific occasions in informal conversations.

Regards,

Esteban

[Linda]

Hello Esteban,
These expressions are used in the US and in Canada and, probably, in Britain as well. I'm not sure if they are used in other parts of the English speaking world. They are not local, as far as certain states or provinces, but they are used in informal conversations and that's why the test is called English Slang Idioms.
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[Esgogar]

Hi Linda,

Thanks for your answer, I really need to get into the slang world in order to improve my speaking! Actually, american movies are plagued with these expressions, which are quite difficult for me to understand!

I have realised that people also make up new expressions and words as they are speaking, many times without bothering about grammar. Is that maybe the origin of slang expressions? I also think that English is quite a flexible language which allows to combine different grammar elements - verbs, nouns, prepositions, etc - in such a funny way!

Regards,

Esteban