50 British slang words and their meanings to add to your vocabulary. If the radio presenters do not help you, then listening to some of the biggest British musicians certainly can. 21. More likely, a person who has a very strong interest, perhaps a bit obsessive, in niche subjects.In use: "Ugh, mum, I don't want to take Ralph to the pub, he's such an anorak. You don't want to be described as "dim," "a mug," or "a few sandwiches short of a picnic." Jammy Meaning: To be lucky. If you've "wangled" something, you've accomplished or attained something through cunning means. Commonly used as a greeting and does not usually require a response. It's unclear why Britsappear to favour analogue time-telling while Americans go for the digital format. Around the same time, the word "cod" was a little-known slang term for a . A widely applicable descriptor of negative connotation; a nuisance. Interpretation: If someone calls a person cheeky, they are implying that the person is being slightly rude or disrespectful, though in a charming or amusing way. 78. Despite being one of the most spoken languages in the world, there's an entire sub-language of British slang spanning every town and city in the UK, each with its own unique set of words and phrases. Pinch Another word for stealing, or purchasing something at a heavily discounted rate. It means: not good, bad, rubbish, worthless. ", An act which could be deemed as impolite or shameless, but for some reason comes across asfunny or endearing to others, would be described as "cheeky. 8. Youre looking sad, do you want a cuppa?. Lacking in energy; usually after a long period of exertion. High Tea - Less formal than afternoon Tea - usually a late afternoon . "The Nick" can refer to prison, while "to nick" also means to steal. "Innit" is an abbreviation of "isn't it" most commonly used amongst teenagers and young people. 1)Aw shnap, son. ", Interpretation: Bloke would be the American English equivalent of dude. It means a "man." While it mostly refers to something diminutive, it's also a descriptive word to add to a phrase to mean you're fond of it.In use: "Sam loves to take his wee dog to the park to watch the blokes play footie.". 5. 2. "Take the Mickey" is an abbreviation of "taking the Mickey Bliss," which is Cockney rhyming slang for "take the p***.". Don't over-egg the pudding. He's turned into such a swot! Im snookered!. No-one can snark quite like they do, and there are certain turns of phrase that are so utterly delightful, the rest of the world really should sit up and take note. ", Someone that makes comments just to spark controversy or argument might be labelled a "wind-up merchant.". his is a term used to describe someone who is incredibly eager and full of energy to achieve something. 99. Used in the same way Americans use the term dude. He was given a backhander. Twat This is one of the harsher terms on the list, perhaps because of its literal meaning: lady parts. efers to a food or drink item that does not taste nice or has gone off. British slang term commonly used by British children and teens to stake a claim on something. Lend me a quid mate. What I mean is that this once mighty British Empire that more or less covered a quarter of the world's land surface could not ever have imagined that English would evolve to almost a million words - and almost every single one of them would be . Try it for free! ", Interpretation: To get started or continue with something.In use: There's more to learn below, better crack on.. "I'm trying to flog my old sofa. The best way to learn a "new" language is to immerse yourself in the culture! 75. P*ssed "P*ssed" usually means "angry" in the US. Blinding. From Stormzy and Adele to Dua Lipa and the Arctic Monkeys, they all use certain words and phrases that are distinctly British. ", "I haven't seen Tom since he started revising for his exams. "In use: "That was a proper good footie game yesterday. Scotland's Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. In the 17th century, to "waff" went to yelp, and quickly evolved to mean to talk foolishly or indecisively. Pear-shaped this is aBritish slangterm used to describe a situation that has not quite gone to plan. Do it that way, and Bobs your uncle!. Mug 2. Gobsmacked a British slang phrase used to describe amazement, I was gobsmacked, it was so good!. I cant be arsed to go to work today. Skive off the British slang term used to describe avoiding the job or duties that you are meant to be completing. Most Americans in the UK don't expect there to be a language barrier with the locals. However,"the full Monty" actually refers topursuing something to the absolute limits. The team at the Business Insider UK office have compiled a list of the best British slang and idioms that define the weird and wonderful British dialect we grew up with. Nevertheless, one of the most tricky aspects of learning English is understanding British slang and British phrases. While lad is used for boys and younger men.In use: "I'm heading to the pub with the blokes. Yes, knowing and understanding British slang is great and will definitely make you sound more like a local. Dont be daft!, 11. They were so hyper. A slightly less pleasant way of saying this is taking the piss. Derived from the Newcastle sociolect, "mortal" was made widely known across the country in 2011 by reality TV show "Geordie Shore.". Eg, "half past seven," and "ten to six.". To "whinge" means to moan, groan, and complain in an irritating or whiney fashion. 32. It was blatant that they were cheating. Do you know these British insults, slangs and phrases? Someone told me that cast members used it in Love, Actually, and that's when they fell in love with it. Snookereda British term taken from the game of the same name, this term refers to a situation where there is no clear or obvious route of escape. ", Brits are known for favouring a drink or two, so much so thatalmost any noun can be used as a substitute for "drunk. feeling of being angry or depressed at the actions of someone you care for. Youre looking sad, do you want a cuppa?. discount toward your first tour (operated by Trafalgar or Insight Vacations) when you sign up for GET emails; valid for each full-paying adult who signs up with a unique email address. It's a funky throwback to 1990s street slang and just fun to say. 7. This cheery phrase is widely believed to originate from Northern factory workers around the time of the industrial revolution. Fit while meaning something that is very healthy, fit can also mean someone who is very physically attractive. ", "I was going to go out tonight but when I finished work I was absolutely zonked.". Im a bit cheesed off they never called me on my birthday. However, in the UK, someone that's "p*ssed" is most probably drunk. translates to Im starving and apples and pears to stairs. Its brass monkeys out there!, slightly derogative term used to describe something that is either disgusting or gross. Cock-up - Screwup Brilliant - Wonderful Bollocks - Balls Fit bird - Attractive woman Hoover - Vaccum Trolley - Shopping cart Ponce - Poser Skive - Lazy or avoid doing something Fit bloke - Attractive man Diary - Calendar Chuffed this is used to describe feeling very pleased and proud of something either you did, or a close friend accomplished. Some believe it's derived from the Dutch word "blute," meaning "bare." On the pull a Britishterm used to describe going out for the evening with the sole intention of attracting someone of the opposite sex. A "fag end" is also the ratty bits towards the ends of a reel of fabric, which are the worst and the cheapest bits of the reel. term used to describe someone, often children, or a pet that is very over-excited. Do it that way, and Bobs your uncle!. light-hearted way of mocking someone you love for something that they did or said. "Do we have to go to the dinner party tonight? To the unfamiliar, British slang can seem like an entirely new language. slightly less polite way of saying that you cannot be bothered to do something. ", A "par" breaches social and common courtesy, eg, a disrespectful comment could be seen as a "par. this is an interchangeable word that is a commonly used term for a friend or as a greeting to a male you are unacquainted with. Cheeky aBritish term of endearment used when a friend or loved one is being a little rude or disrespectful but in a funny way. Typically used in London, it has expanded to other regions of the country. Stop faffing around and get on with it. Bagsy the front seat of the car. Rough this is commonly used to describe a feeling of being sick or unwell. light-hearted British term referring to someone who does something stupid or says something that is incorrect. This is typically used in the south of the country and particularly amongst the younger generations. Just roll with it. Men from east London are also commonly referred to as "geezers.". 62. 92. "Skiving" is theact of avoiding work or school, often by pretending to be ill. "Skive" is derived from the French "esquiver," meaning "to slink away. ", This quintessentially British idiom derives from the Dutch "pap" and "kak," which translate as "soft" and "dung.". For example, busted can mean "broken" or "ugly," sick can mean "ill" or "very cool," and hip can mean "trendy" or "fashionably un-trendy.". is a commonly used term to describe something that was very easy to complete. Some people consider"bloody" offensive (the origins of the word are widely disputed, so we can't be sure why) and it was considered a profanity until the mid-20th century. 76. Best Valentine's Day Restaurant Specials 2023. you were legless last night!. "Quid" is British slang for "pounds," eg, "five quid" means 5. ", Interpretation: A beer. The phrase describes the mayhem caused when something is recklesslythrown into the intricate gears and workings of a machine. The London Slang Dictionary Project ("written by teenagers for their peers and for their teachers") includes:. Boozer acommon term used to describe a pub or drinking establishment that is not a bar or nightclub. ", Someone that lacks common knowledge might be described as "dim," whilst someone that's intelligent might be described as "bright.". Whether you think this list is the "bee's knees" or if it's enough to make you want to "pop your clogs," scroll on to discover 88 very Britishphrases in alphabetical order that will confuse anybody who didn't grow up in the UK. On your bike, mate. ", "I'm going to make us spaghetti carbonara for dinner. "If it all works out as planned, he'll be quids in.". ", Interpretation: To make a profit or be in a very favorable or advantageous position where you stand to make a lot of money from a bet or business venture.In use: "If win the lotto, we'd finally be quids in. However, there is no proof for this theory. Wally aless common term nowadays, but a Wally is someone who is a little silly or has said something stupid. If someone's "caught the lurgy," they're suffering from cold or flu-like symptoms. Learning English can be incredibly tough, and understanding British slang is even tougher, but taking your time and using these 100 phrases will soon see you conversing with native speakers like you have been living here for years! Commonly used for young children. Something that is "bog-standard" is completely ordinary with no frills, embellishments, or add-ons. 38. Im going to the bog, be back in a minute. Splash out acommon British term used to describe spending more money than you should have to treat yourself or a loved one. Easy peasyis a commonly used term to describe something that was very easy to complete. Sailors would blow down a pipe to their recipient, where a whistle at the end of the pipe would sound to spark attention. relatively polite way of telling someone to go away and stop bothering you. 4. 'Ace' - a British slang term that means something that is brilliant or excellent. 26. This guide to British sayings, funny British phrases, dirty expressions, slang words, and more will not only help you understand what the people of England, Wales, and . You've more than likely heard or come across a British slang word or two. And today'post is about where it all started - British Slang! ", "I heard you got the promotion. Email Sign-up Travel Credit: Receive a $125 per person ($250 per couple) discount toward your first tour (operated by Trafalgar or Insight Vacations) when you sign up for GET emails; valid for each full-paying adult who signs up with a unique email address. Schoolkidsmight call "bagsy" on items from their friends' pack lunches, like an apple or a cereal bar, thatthe friend isn't going to eat. If you're really delighted about something you can even be chuffed to bits. Sloshed yet another term that is commonly used to describe someone who is very drunk. Wicked despite sounding like something evil, wicked is actually used when referring to something that you thought was amazing. 10. No matter, British slang has crossed the pond in more than one way. In the 1960s, someone that was unfashionable might be nicknamed a "wally," according to dictionary.com. Cuppa afriendly way of describing a cup of. sed to describe a feeling of being hungry or craving something that is not quite a full meal. "Hank Marvin" is Cockney rhyming slang for "starving. Meaning of the Andes in English the Andes noun [ plural ] uk / n.diz / us / n.diz / a large group of mountains in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina: Interestingly, though it deals with traditional indigenous clothing in the Andes, this book is not about textiles or weaving. "By getting pregnant, Mary threw a spanner in the works.". "Faff" comes from the 17th century word "faffle," which means to flap about in the wind. term used to describe a situation that has not quite gone to plan. 82. "Be careful when you're driving it's a pea-souper out there.". That was bonkers!. 2. Received Pronunciation is by far the most sought after English accent in the world and thats why many people wish to learn it.