Every year, during the last week of November, Black Friday makes headlines with massive discounts—not only exciting shopping lovers but also offering a great opportunity for English learners. This period is one of the times when English vocabulary related to shopping is used the most. Seeing and learning words like “discount,” “deal,” “cart,” and “checkout” in real context will strengthen your vocabulary and help you better understand expressions you encounter in daily life. In this article, you will briefly explore what Black Friday is, while also learning shopping-themed English words and reinforcing them with example sentences.
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What is Black Friday?
Black Friday is a special shopping day that takes place every year on the Friday after Thanksgiving, when stores offer massive discounts. Originating in the United States, this tradition has gradually spread all over the world, becoming a period filled with major sales both in physical stores and online shopping platforms. During this time, people try to catch great deals on everything from electronics and clothing to cosmetics and home goods. Expressions like “discount”, “sale”, and “limited stock” are among the most common English terms you’ll come across throughout this period
Why is it called “Black Friday”?
The term Black Friday was first used in the 1960s in the city of Philadelphia, USA. At that time, the streets were filled with people rushing out to shop after Thanksgiving, causing heavy traffic and chaos throughout the city. Police officers used the term “Black Friday” to describe this overwhelming crowd and traffic jams, as the city became almost uncontrollably busy.
Over the years, the meaning of the term evolved. During this period, stores would generate huge sales, moving from being “in the red” (operating at a loss) to “in the black” (making a profit). For this reason, Black Friday became associated with a day when retailers earn significant profits and consumers find major discounts, becoming firmly rooted in modern shopping culture.
Today, Black Friday has become a major global shopping tradition followed by millions of people, with massive promotions and discounts in both online and physical stores.
When exactly is Black Friday?
Black Friday arrives on the last Friday of November every year and marks one of the most advantageous shopping periods of the year for shopping enthusiasts.
English Vocabulary Related to Black Friday
Before we start, let’s look at the words and learn their meanings. After you have practiced and learned the words and their meanings, you can put them in use like sentences given down below.
| Vocabulary | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A steal | An idiom meaning something is available at such a low price, it feels like you're stealing it. |
| Bargain | Something bought or offered for sale at a very good price. |
| Bargain hunter | A person who actively looks for items at the lowest possible price. |
| Budget-friendly | Inexpensive; suitable for a limited amount of money. |
| Checkout | The place or process where you pay for your goods in a store or online. |
| Cost-effective | Giving the best possible results in comparison with the money spent. |
| Coupon | A voucher that gives you a discount on a specific product. |
| Customer | A person who buys goods or services from a store or business. |
| Deal | A special price or attractive offer on a product. |
| Discount | A reduction in the usual price of an item. |
| In the black | An idiom meaning to be profitable or not in debt (often used for a business's finances). |
| In the red | An idiom meaning to be in debt or losing money (often used for a business's finances). |
| Limited stock | Only a small quantity of an item is available. |
| Limited-time offer | A special price or promotion that is only available for a short period. |
| Online Shopping | Buying goods or services over the internet. |
| Price | The amount of money required to buy something. |
| Promotion | An activity (like a sale or advertisement) to increase the sales of a product. |
| Receipt | A document showing that you have paid for something. |
| Refund | Money paid back to a customer who has returned an item. |
| Retailer | A person or business that sells goods directly to the public. |
| Return | The act of giving an item back to the store, usually for a refund or exchange. |
| Sale | A period when a store sells products at reduced prices. |
| Shipping | The process of transporting goods to the customer. |
| Shopping Cart | A physical cart in a store or a virtual basket on a website to hold items you plan to buy. |
| Sold Out | When an item is no longer available because all stock has been bought. |
| Special Offer | A temporary discount or special gift with a purchase. |
| Store | A physical place or building where goods are sold. |
I found a big discount on electronics during Black Friday.
This store has the best sale of the season.
I got an amazing deal on a new laptop.
They are offering a special offer for Black Friday shoppers.
The price dropped by 40% today.
That was a great bargain — you saved a lot!
I added the shoes to my shopping cart.
I went to checkout and entered my payment details.
The product is sold out already!
Hurry up, it’s limited stock!
I will go to the store later to see the deals.
I prefer online shopping because it’s easier.
The retailer announced big discounts.
Shipping is free on orders over $50.
I want to return this jacket — the size is not right.
They gave me a full refund for the product.
Don’t forget to get your receipt.
The customer asked for help finding the best deals.
There is a huge promotion on TVs this weekend.
I used a coupon to save extra money.
The company was in the red, but Black Friday sales helped.
After Black Friday, most stores are in the black again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Friday
When is Black Friday Sales?
Every Year Black Friday sales happen on the 4th Friday in November.
Is Black Friday only one day?
Black Friday discounts are usually valid in stores for 24 hours, but some retailers may extend the duration of these deals even longer.
What items go on a sale on Black Friday?
During the Black Friday period, many categories — from electronics to clothing and cosmetics — go on sale with major discounts. Among the most popular product groups are phones, computers, TVs, home appliances, clothing, shoes, cosmetics, and gaming consoles. In addition, subscription services, digital products, and accessories are frequently included in online store promotions.
What are the best things to buy on Black Friday?
Black Friday is known for huge price drops, but some product categories stand out every year. The best items to buy on Black Friday include electronics (like phones, laptops, and TVs), home appliances, gaming consoles, fashion & shoes, and beauty products. Many online retailers also offer major discounts on subscriptions, software, and digital services. If you’re shopping smart, compare prices, check product reviews, and look for bundle deals — especially on items like smartphones and smart TVs, which often have the biggest savings.
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