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In British English we can say "I am keen to do something with you". Also: "Would you like to go to a concert?" A: "I'm keen for that!".

What are some equivalents in American English? Is it "I want to do that" or "I am excited for that"? Those seem very generic.

I'm looking for a phrase that is used in everyday conversation.

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"Good slang" will be highly subjective. What audience are you addressing? – choster Apr 29 '12 at 21:00
As a Brit, I can't say that "I'm keen for xxx!" sounds particularly natural - I'm more used to hearing people say "I'm keen on xxx!". But keen is more likely to be used where xxx is an area of interest, rather than a one-off activity like going to a concert. In that context "I'm [really or well] up for that!" is certainly more common in SE UK. – FumbleFingers Apr 29 '12 at 21:26
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To my judgment, neither "keen for that" nor "excited for that" is a recognisable phrase. – Colin Fine Apr 29 '12 at 22:01
@ColinFine I think it’s the wrong preposition that throws it. It should be keen/excited about something, no? – tchrist Apr 30 '12 at 0:31
I want to stay out of the preposition argument, but I'd like to add that my American ear wouldn't be put off by keen. It wouldn't strike me as particularly odd, and I've personally heard it/said it. – J.R. Apr 30 '12 at 1:27
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closed as not constructive by Matt Эллен, simchona♦, FumbleFingers, RegDwighт♦ Apr 30 '12 at 9:31

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3 Answers

up vote 4 down vote

For excitement or enthusiasm, one could try

  1. I'm all over that
  2. I'm psyched [up]
  3. I'm pumped [up]
  4. I'm stoked
  5. I'm amped [up]
  6. I'm jazzed [up]
  7. I'm juiced
  8. I'm fired [up]
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(You might want to switch that to a numbered list so we can comment on them by number.) Those are good. Of your list of 8, I would use #2 or maybe #4; I wouldn’t use #3 myself, but I have heard it. #8 seems a bit old-fashioned. I think #5–7 might be from a music subculture, and that #1 sounds like teen-talk to my ancient ear. – tchrist Apr 29 '12 at 21:16
"Psyched" was the one that popped into my mind. The others are okay, too, but I'm really keen on #2. – J.R. Apr 30 '12 at 1:23
I used to hear "I'm down with that!", especially from African American youth. I think most Americans would understand the expression with "keen", but would be less likely to use it. – TecBrat May 1 '12 at 1:40
up vote 2 down vote

How about "I'm game!"?
It is heard quite often.

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up vote 4 down vote

I’m not sure what’s so wrong with “keen”, but you might try “I’m up for that.” Pretty simple, but it should do.

Otherwise, it’s eager to do something, not eager for doing something.

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