Boys on the Side

How difficult is Boys on the Side in English?

Boys on the Side: 69.9% A1–A2 vocabulary; 12.2% B2, C1, and rare vocabulary. Vocabulary size: 1,282.

Unique vocabulary

• For A2 learners: 21.3% of unique vocabulary is above A2 or marked rare. Expect substantial preparation; start with short scenes and English subtitles.
• For B1 learners: 12.2% of unique vocabulary is above B1 or marked rare. Preview recurring words and use English subtitles.
• For B2 learners: 8.8% of unique vocabulary is above B2 or marked rare. Try a short scene and check your comprehension; the vocabulary offers a relatively accessible starting point.

8.8% Unclassified. Unclassified vocabulary has no reliable level assignment.

Vocabulary weighted by word occurrences

92.7% A1–A2 vocabulary; 2.0% B2, C1, and rare vocabulary; 3.4% Unclassified.

This counts repeated eligible words. Phrases are excluded from this calculation to avoid counting their component words twice.

Recurring words and phrases to preview

• shame (B2): 15 occurrences in available subtitles.

  Subtitle example: [SHIRLEY & CO'S "SHAME SHAME SHAME" PLAYING]

• cop (B2): 9 occurrences in available subtitles.

  English meaning: An informal word for a police officer.

  Subtitle example: You hit him with a bat. I'm gonna call the cops, okay?

• playing (B1): 9 occurrences in available subtitles.

  English meaning: Taking part in a game, performing music, or acting a role, depending on context.

  Subtitle example: [ROCK MUSIC PLAYING LOUDLY]

• get in (B2): 7 occurrences in available subtitles.

  English meaning: To enter a place or vehicle; in some contexts, to arrive.

  Subtitle example: We've got that gig in L.A. We'll just leave early.

• sex (B2): 7 occurrences in available subtitles.

  English meaning: Sexual activity, or a biological classification, depending on context.

  Subtitle example: Well, thank you for that illuminating view of the war between the sexes.

Compare with titles in similar genres

• The Way Way Back: 12.2% B2, C1, and rare vocabulary (0.0 percentage points more than Boys on the Side).
• Death at a Funeral: 12.2% B2, C1, and rare vocabulary (0.0 percentage points more than Boys on the Side).
• Strictly Ballroom: 12.2% B2, C1, and rare vocabulary (0.0 percentage points more than Boys on the Side).

These percentages describe vocabulary, not the proportion of dialogue you will understand. CEFR labels are estimates, not official film ratings. Accent, speed, songs, context, and your own vocabulary also affect comprehension. Repeated occurrences may include repeated dialogue or lyrics.

How we estimate vocabulary difficulty · Evidence generated: 2026-10-13