British rap and hip hop artists: Stormzy, Professor Green, Dizzee Rascal, and Wretch 32. British phrases and expressions are extraordinarily interesting to those who arent familiar with their terms. Even though these British words are still part of the English language, their meanings tend to be very different from what other English-speaking countries are used to. For example, The party was a bit of a damp squib because only Richard turned up.. Do you want to help me clean the car?. Its like a stronger form of cool, For example, .Yeah Id love to do that, it sounds sick.. Perhaps one of the most internationally famous British slang terms, bollocks has a multitude of uses, although its top ones including being a curse word used to indicate dismay, e.g. Most commonly used with schoolchildren trying to get out of school, or dissatisfied office workers trying to pull a sick day. To mug someone off is to take advantage of someone or make a fool out of them. Also, fit is British slang for a very attractive person, both male and female. Generally, posh denotes the English upper classes. Proper is used as an alternative to very or extremely, something that can give a term extra weight. The usage is intended to promote, identify and search. Doing things properly means to do them correctly or in the right way. Not a muddy marsh, but a toilet. For example, Thats a load of tosh about what happened last night, or Dont talk tosh.. I'm way too tired.. "Gutted" is UK slang for extremely upset, devastated or disappointed about something. Specifically, the kind of kiss that is not very romantic. The Inbetweeners is a popular British comedy that follows a group of four socially troubled friends growing from their teenage years into adulthood. This is British slang for a girl or a woman. Blag - a robbery (noun), to rob or scrounge (verb). Old Firm - collective name for the Scottish football clubs Celtic and Rangers. Pie off - to reject, dump (romantic partner). If you're the CEO of something, it means you've mastered it or you're a pro. E.g. 12655362. Bampot - a foolish, unpleasant, or obnoxious person. Another rather delightful and slightly archaic words in this list of British slang terms is kerfuffle. If someone is being cheeky, they are being slightly rude or disrespectful but in a charming or amusing way. Bev means a "handsome man. When talking about the national sport, you might across this word which is UK slang for football. ", Buzzin can mean to be tipsy or slightly drunk, "I'm buzzin' after that pint." For example, You need to wear a coat today, its brass monkeys outside.. (of a building, garden, etc.) Bloke. Bill - the "check" in British English after eating in a restaurant. Given the British tendency to mock and satirise anything and everything possible, taking the piss is in fact one of the most popular and widely-used British slang terms. So, in the UK fit doesnt just mean that you go to the gym a lot. E.g. Fit is a way of saying that a person is attractive, or sexy. Bloke would be the American English equivalent of dude. It means a "man.". From Learn more. Earful - a prolonged and angry reprimand. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. To take the piss means to mock, or generally be sarcastic towards something. The fastest and most efficient way to learn British slang is to speak with a native speaker. Bloke. Git is a British expression of insult. Naff - in bad taste, originally gay slang for heterosexual. Bint - (archaic) slang for woman (from the Arabic). But like most things cockney, its becoming less popular. Dont call it soccer in front of a British person, unless youre prepared to get a bollocking., When you do something that you shouldnt, you might get a bollocking., If your mate tells you about something terrific happening, you can reply with Get-in!, A cuppa is UK slang for the stereotypical parched Brits favourite drink, a cup of tea., Although the Americans might ask this with genuine concern, the Brits use this as a casual greeting and often pair it with a slight nod., This British slang phrase means tired or exhausted and originates from the 19th and 20th century term for the person who slaughtered worn-out horses for their hoofs, hide, and meat., This is British for being happy or satisfied, specially about an achievement. ", To crack on with something means to get started or continue with something. This is a derogatory British slang word for a young hooligan who normally starts fights and makes trouble. Depending on the context, bonkers can either mean crazy or angry and is often paired with completely and go. The phrase comes from the expression, its cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey. 100+ Smashing British Slang Words and Terms to Know This is UK slang for tipsy as well as excited, with the latter meaning mainly used in Manchester., When you cant be bothered doing something, you might use this British slang phrase. Dont get offended. Here are 8 big reasons to Planning a long-awaited vacation to Croatia? Were dedicating an entire article to Russian swear words! Her Majesty's Pleasure - in jail; see porridge, inside. Ace a British slang term that means something that is brilliant or excellent. For example, Hes a cracking lad or Thats a cracking cuppa., This is British slang for disgusting or gross., Proper is used as an alternative to very or extremely. For example, Thats proper good nosh, innit., This is a British expression to mean stealing. It doesn't get more British than this. Queen mum- Cockney rhyming slang for bum. All right? In the same vein as bloke, Ambidexter If youre ambidextrous, youre able to use both hands equally well. To lose the plot can mean either to become angry and/or exasperated to a fault, or in a derogatory if slightly outdated sense to mean someone who has become irrational and/or acting ridiculously. Trolley dolly - air stewardess (informal). Pissed: drunk. Lacking fivers and tenners if you will (see below). Trollied. Fag - cigarette, "ciggie", hence fag end (stub) and fag packet. Essex girl - brash, materialistic young woman supposedly common in Essex and the Home Counties. In this way posh can be used in the following two ways: This has two different meanings depending on location or social classes. If you're legging it, you're likely physically running away from trouble. (woman) a. distinguida 3. British slang and dialect is rich and diverse. Not necessarily intended in a bad way, "bonkers" means mad or crazy.. Skint is a British expression to mean being broke or having no money. (Explained), Is Margaret a Male, Female or Unisex Name? (Adjective) Peng is a word that describes superior quality. I doubt a straight guy would say that to a straight guy. I was gutted when she broke up with me. "That's pants!". Butty - a filled or open sandwich (Northern England). It is common slang in the UK, especially with younger folks. A muppet is a person who is ignorant and is generally a bit clueless. In this case something being sick is actually a good thing. Gobsmacked - slang for totally surprised, shocked. So you might know the word cheers as the word you use to toast your drink in English. Note that some of these words might be considered offensive by some, so be careful when using them. It is used as British slang for the word handsome or handsome man and is used to describe a person with a fit and healthy body as well. Believe it or not, the word handcuff was used back then to refer to an engagement ring. Bugger Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com Start using Mondly for free on your computer or download the app and learn Spanish, French, German and more anytime, anywhere. As in "We threw everything except the kitchen sink at the problem.". A rather interesting British slang insult, muppet is used for someone who is rather ignorant or clueless., Often used to replace "very", proper also retains its original meaning of not inappropriate. Copyright 2023. The British equivalent to the American parking lot or parking garage. Kettle-biler - unemployed man in Dundee (from the 19th century jute factories). A good or bad vibe. How confident do you feel with British English slang expressions? This means a makeover or transformation from bad to good. For example, The papers sent out to the students were all in the wrong language its a real cock up. Also, I cocked up the orders for table number four.. It might be hard to find material to study, as you wont find it in your standard English textbooks, but if you look a little harder, there are plenty of sources out there that will teach you some great British slang terms. Example: The guy that just walked past us is such a bev. Nicking something is UK slang for stealing. It can either be used to describe a boy or a girl. As in I nicked these sweets from the shop.. E.g. Lolly - a lollipop or ice candy; money (slang). However, pants can also be used as an equivalent of the word "bad" e.g. Welcome to Britain, where the food is heavy and the slang is almost completely impenetrable. Its also British slang for being excited or very happy, I just booked my holiday to Spain, Im absolutely buzzin.. (Adjective) The word fanciable is an informal word used to describe a very attractive person. Yorkshire Pudding - side dish with roast beef made with eggs, flour, salt, milk and beef dripping cooked in the oven. The origin of the expression is unknown, and is quite old, but is still in general use. Can you lend me a quid for the parking machine?. Back in the 1960s, it was illegal to be gay in the UK and so gay men began to use a kind of code language or slang that was a mix of Italian, Romany and rhyming slang. Mate one of the commonly used terms of endearment and affection in British slang terms. bog-standard - nothing Bugger all a British slang term used to be a more vulgar synonym for nothing at all. WebWeve shown you the 100 Australian Slang Words & Phrases. Pletty (plettie) - Dundonian slang for an open-air communal landing in a block of tenement flats. A mancould be compared to the American term 'dude'. This is used to describe someones behavior. ", "Quid" is a British slang word used in the same way as the American's "bucks." For example, I left my car in the car park this morning.. WebNowadays, "bloody" is used widely it's even used in children's films such as "Harry Potter" and is arguably one of the most quintessentially British words on the list. Informal. Mug - stupid, gullible or ignorant person. (Explained), Is Harper a Male, Female or Unisex Name? Can we stop at a cafe? This is one of the most commonly used British slang phrases. It is common slang in the US and the UK today. Bees knees - a highly admired person or thing. Cancel Culture. For example, Dont listen to him hes telling pork pies.. No one knows British slang better than the British! This is commonly used as a greeting that doesn't always need a response. Want to become fluent fast? Your ideal student home & a flight ticket awaits. What I like about this term and its two/three usages is that the following sentence, Nick got nicked for nicking somethingmakes grammatical sense. A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z, Abdabs - terror, fright as in "the screaming abdabs.". This is probably the British slang word you'll hear the most if you come to the UK, this is because it's the word we use to say we're going to the toilet without saying the word toilet. Manly Slang from the 19th Century Here are some ideas on how to immerse yourself in the British English language. Bang up to the elephant This phrase originated in London in 1882, and means perfect, complete, WebReem is English slang for something being nice, good or cool and originates from Essex. Blimey is used as a way of expressing surprise at something, often used when seeing or looking at something surprising or impressive instead of shocking or upsetting. These British words refer to the paper you use in the bog, also known as toilet paper.. This is short for the word beverages, usually alcoholic, most often beer. As mentioned before, British terms, British phrases, British expressions as well as spelling differ by American phrases and expressions, but what else is there? It is a term denoting your younger brother/ sister, or close family member such as a cousin. The bees knees a rather lovely term used to describe someone or something you think the world of. In fact, to learn how to speak like someone froEssex you should watch The Only Way Is For example, The birthday party went all to pot when the clown turned up drunk and everyone was sick from that cheap barbecue stuff.. Not a wonderfully melodic word, chunder is part and parcel of British slang terms. Huff - to take offense as in "get the huff"; to inhale the vapors of something to become intoxicated as in to huff glue. Jammy is in semi-common use in the north west and south west of England. Muck is a substitute for dirt however, in many ways I find it a superior word. For example, I am absolutely knackered after working all day.. . WebHunky-dory a neat little piece of British slang that means that a situation is okay, cool, or normal. More common, and common in the north and southwest England. Rosie - Cockney rhyming slang for tea from "Rosie Lee.". For example, I ate a bad pizza last night after too many drinks and chundered in the street.. The word became popular on the Love Island television show where viewers hear the British slang constantly. When we think about British versus American English, we think about slang terms and pronunciation. They also have two movies released, one in 2012 and the other in 2014. Every year we help thousands of students reach their language goals. All to pot Referring to something failing miserably. Top 10 Stressors in Life (And How to Cope with Them), An Inspiring Interview with Steve White, President, Special Counsel to the CEO of Comcast, How to Escape the Rat Race And Live the Life You Desire, The 5 Areas of Personal Growth (And How to Improve Them), How to Live a Full Life (Without Compromising on What Truly Matters), Achieving Goals: The Ultimate Guide to Goal Achieving & Goal Setting in 2022, What Is Motivation And How To Get Motivated (Your Ultimate Guide), How to Increase Mental Focus and Stay Sharp, How To Get Fit If You Have a Busy Schedule, What Is Motivation And How To Get Motivated, What Is Procrastination And How To Stop It, Achieving Goals: The Ultimate Guide to Goal Achieving & Goal Setting in 2023, Why Am I So Tired And How To Boost My Energy. Under the cosh - in a difficult situation. One can get creative here and just add ed to the end of practically any object to get across the same meaning eg. For example, Did you hear about our kid Kevin? Jelly - fruit-flavored gelatin dessert or slang for valium as in "jellies". The best part? But, as the British like to be different, we also use it for something else. Lit Amazing or exciting. Oliver Twist: Oddly enough, this is not slang for a small beggar boy from 19th century London, but slang for someone who is a particularly good dancer. Britain-Visitor.com provides travel information on Britain's cities and the essential when and where and how to get there. Locktail - a cocktail invented or enjoyed during Covid-19 lockdown. (building) a. elegante, bello (a) 5. The Great British Bake Off (GBBO for short) is riddled with light-hearted humor and is very fun to watch. For those unaware, the expression essentially used in the end of a series of basic instructions. Blinding a slang term that is far from something that physically causes someone to lose their sight. Off the cuff - without preparation, spontaneous. English This one will have you in stitches, uses popular British slangs, and is great to watch with the family. (Adjective) The term fit is derived from people who have healthy bodies and are always at the gym. Web12. 2022 Tandem - Speak Any Language. (Explained), Is Ocie a Male, Female or Unisex Name? babe magnet Baldwin cheese DILF dreamboat FILF GQ Harrison himbo jack ladies' man McDreamy Chavs are usually seen as lower class. Proper - done well; cf. I had three pieces., This is a relatively newer entry to the lexicon of British Slang, most often used by youth. Againa lot of words for drunk. This is cheating, it is almost exclusively used in the English county Devonshire, but Im including it as its fun to say. If you want to know what's going on when you re-watch Harry Potter, or when you see Drake on Insta pretending to be a north London roadman, this list of words should help. British slang is a niche of its own, evolving and transforming and adapting from city to city and from year to year, just as the English language itself has done. Bloke is an extremely common term denoting a man, usually it is used in reference to an ordinary man, akin to the US average joe, but it it not uncommon to hear it used to describe a man generally. Losing the plot is the British slang phrase for someone who is behaving irrationally or is enraged., Pronounced ming-ing, this is a lovely word to describe something that isn't quite so lovely. Manc - Mancunian, a native of Manchester. E.g. Gob is a British expression for mouth. (Explained), Is Dolph a Male, Female or Unisex Name? Veg-out - take it easy, relax, do nothing for a while. If youre pretending to be sick so that you cant go to work, youre skiving. To skive off is also the equivalent of playing truant. E.g. Australian slang The Psychology of Motivation: Why Is Motivation So Powerful? Easy-peasy - very straightforward and easy. For example, The guys on TV last night were taking the piss out of the government again.. Scran - food (originally Scottish), especially that of an inferior quality compare grub. Have you met Bobs girlfriend? Misfits a British science-fiction comedy-drama about a group of young offenders sentenced to work in a community service program, where they obtain supernatural powers. Prang - a (minor) accident involving a motor vehicle. Unlike most rhyming slang expressions, it is still in semi-popular use both in London and outside. There is nothing like French slang, or argot, to sound like, and connect with the locals. There is something oddly onomatopoeic about it and seems to have a dirty quality of itself. The word relates to the way a goose (a male goose is called a gander) cranes its neck to look at something. Strop - displeased, angry, as in "having a strop". "she's cool AF") Cheugy - Something that is out of date or a person who is trying too hard Dead - Something is so funny that the speaker has "died" of laughter Dope - Cool or awesome Extra - Over-the-top, extreme proper job (southwest England and Cornwall). (Adjective) The word stunning is used to describe someone or something attractive. Proper is a difficult word to define, mainly because British people use it to describe soo many different things. For example, Dont do that, its not proper! However such a usage is becoming less common. 17th Century Slang Dictionary Handsome 'Handsome,' 'Geek,' and 8 More Words That Changed Their I was absolutely gutted when I heard the bad news., Blimey is used as a way of expressing surprise at something, Blimey, look at that!, Get your mind out of the gutter! So go ahead and make a move but don't be gutted if you get pied off. Faffing around is a very British pleasure. So 'to snog' is to give someone a kiss. Oh bollocks; it can also be used to express derision and mocking disbelief, e.g. Can also mean to pass something with flying colors. (Adjective) The term lush can mean two things: a great experience or occasion, or an attractive or good-looking fellow. It is a descriptive word, used to describe someone who is extremely lucky for something, without putting in much effort for it. For example, His girlfriend broke up with him. Boracic/brassic - no money, broke, skint from boracic lint = skint. 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Essentially, it is an expression of pride at your own actions or achievements. (Adjective) The term buff is used by younger people whenever they see a handsome man. ", When something or someone is cracking it means that the thing or the person is particularly good or excellent. Check out our online English language courses and find classes with native speakers. That plus looking for online tutors can better prep you for your next British conversation. WebThis is not to be confused with bev, which is the British slang word for a handsome chap. 2. But there is something wonderfully tender and endearing about it. For example, Dont it that mate it looks minging.. Shade - to show disapproval or contempt (US origin). Cheers - very common alternative for "thank you" or drinking toast. Specifically, when something is exciting or wonderful, particularly when something is good news, brilliant can mean as such. British Slang Words and Phrases - Tandem UK slang can be a tricky language to learn, but when you get the hang of it, it's as easy as pie - or should I say, as easy as taking the biscuit! "Cool, innit. Web(Adjective) The term hot has been popularized worldwide and is commonly used in the USA and the UK. As British slang, bloody places emphasis on a comment or another word. Sassenach - non-Highlander (usually referring to the English). Listen to the audio pronunciation in English. No endorsement or partnership is implied. Up until now, the actor was seen showcasing a mature look while embracing a sleek pair of glasses. You might already know that the UK uses the word pants for underwear while Americans use it to mean trousers. 3. So, 'mate' is British slang for a friend. Used to describe a stupid, nasty or useless person. Its the shortened and easier version of isnt it? Its seen as a general filler in a conversation or when seeking confirmation, eg. Porkies - lies, from the Cockney rhyming slang "pork pies" = lies. 2. Curate's egg - something that is partly good and partly bad. It means a "man." This British expression means to have a tantrum, however, tends to be used when describing tantrums thrown by adults, or people who should otherwise know better. Cockney Rhyming Slang - a common word replaced with a rhyming pair of words or longer phrase and then omitting the rhyming word, for example, "Apples and pears" (= stairs, becomes "apples"), butcher's hook (look, becomes "butcher's"), loaf of bread (head, becomes "loaf"). Does he already have a girlfriend? The person can also be describes as being a bit dim., Ending on one of the msot commonly heard British slang words, innit is simply the shortened version of the contraction isnt it?and is primarily used by the youth of Britain to confirm or agree with someone.. Hunky-dory a neat little piece of British slang that means that a situation is okay, cool, or normal. 1. 4. 3. Its also fun to learn just how different British sayings are. Possibly the best British insult on the list, it fits a certain niche for a single-worded insult to lobbied out in a moment of frustration, anger, provocation, or, of course, as a jest amongst friends. ", "Dodgy" basically means something sketchy or suspicious. 2022 All Rights Reserved.The content, images and logos used on this are copyright protected and copyrights vests with the respective owners. Although depending on how gutted you are, you might even want to switch places with a mummy. Used when you are talking to a close friend, and is often easily substituted for the American buddy, pal, or dude. Fit is a way of saying that a person is attractive, or sexy. Machair - fertile low-lying grassy plain in the Outer Hebrides. The Russian alphabet uses Cyrillic script.To give you a strong base for fluency, this article will go into a comprehensive introduction to the Russian alphabet and its pronunciation. If you've run out of both, you can call yourself skint which means broke or lacking money.. Fancy Dress: not "dressing fancy." A prat is someone who is full of themselves and, almost invariably, stupid as well. From 'knackered' to 'bonkers', British slang is full of character and can really spice up a conversation. Oh, wanker. Meaning to vomit or to be sick, chunder is almost always used in correlation with drunken nights, or being hugely ill and sick. The British sure do love their bevvys. Paddy - temper fit, an Irishman (derogatory). Thats bloody brilliant! for example. Skip - large steel box for rubbish from demolitions/building repairs. Urban Thesaurus - Find Synonyms for Slang Words Well, the chances of that happening are much slimmer after you get through our list. Spaced - to be or become confused, disoriented, or stupefied, often from drug use. The first form of this is far more common, and is sometimes used internationally. When you've been faffing around all day and someone asks you what you did, you can respond saying "Bugger all" which means nothing at all.. Listen to music from British artists and check out the lyrics of the songs. I love how language is always in a state of flux, constantly changing and evolving with words coming into and falling out of fashion. noun: (Greek mythology) a handsome youth loved by Aphrodite, the goddess of love noun: any handsome young man Another term, stud (Hey there stud, can you go grab my bags) is heavy on the flirting side. Old Bill - (archaic) slang for the police. Some of them might be those British phrases you always hear on TV shows or movies. Tart - (archaic) slang for prostitute or woman of easy virtue. Anorak - either hooded rainwear or slang for a nerd. So, if youre an aspiring Anglophile looking for some new lingo to help fuel your love for all things British, or you just fancy seeing what kind of words the British find themselves using their day-to-day, check out our 50 best British slang terms for you to start using and incorporating into your vocabulary immediately. DMC - Deep Meaningful Conversation. Fit (adj) So, in the UK fit doesnt just mean that you go to the gym a lot. If youre interested in languages and slangs, you shouldnt miss these articles: Featured photo credit: Pixabay via pixabay.com. Hump - sexual intercourse, or as in "get the hump" - get annoyed, in a bad mood. 2. Further, "The Nick" is UK slang for the prison. So why not give it a go and see if you can brush up on your British slang like a proper English gentleman or lady? Lass - young woman (Scotland and northern England). Web50 Must-Know British Slang Words and Phrases. In British slang terms, dodgy refers to something wrong, illegal, or just plain off, in one way or another.
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