Chicagoan Frank Gallagher is the proud single dad of six smart, industrious, independent kids, who without him would be... perhaps better off. When Frank's not at the bar spending what little money they have, he's passed out on the floor. But the kids have found ways to grow up in spite of him. They may not be like any family you know, but they make no apologies for being exactly who they are.
"Shameless" tells the story of the Gallagher family, a poor family living in Chicago. They face many challenges, like finding money for food and bills, dealing with their alcoholic father, and navigating relationships. The show uses everyday language, so you'll learn practical vocabulary like "bar tab," "bail hearing," and "wisdom teeth." You'll also hear common expressions like "put it there" (meaning "shake my hand") and "get fucked" (a rude way to say "go away"). The show also shows how they try to protect themselves like "Knows how to disembowel an enemy with a roll of dimes and an old gym sock". The show explores themes of family, poverty, addiction, and love. You'll see a wide range of emotions, from happiness and laughter to anger and sadness. The characters often argue and use strong language, which can help you understand how English is used in informal situations. Because the dialogue is fast-paced and realistic, "Shameless" is a great way to improve your listening comprehension and learn natural-sounding English. Be aware that as the family dynamics are presented as they are with no judgement, there will be a lot of informal and slang language which may be considered vulgar to some audiences, such as "raging psycho bitch". Watching "Shameless" can be helpful for English learners because it exposes you to a variety of accents and speaking styles. It also teaches you about American culture and slang. By following the Gallaghers' story, you'll not only improve your English skills but also gain a better understanding of how people communicate in real life. However, be aware that the language used is very specific to that context and shouldn't be used at face value in formal settings. It is worth being cautious in using the more vulgar phrases heard in this series.
Here are the first 15 of the more difficult words in Shameless:
