45 Essential British Slang Words for English Learners Submitted by Luke G. from Rossford, OH, USA Similar to a pillock, a tosser is someone who is annoying or a bit of an idiot. A Few Spanners Short Meaning: To be dumb or not fully there. We use this expression a lot. To bodge something is to make a mistake or do something badly. One of the more boring and technical terms on this list, a car park is in effect, the place outside or attached to a building where people park their cars. Bean, Eastern Mountain Sports and the like for examples. Spend more than five minutes around any British woman over the age of 40, and you are very likely to hear the word "lovely." All Rights Reserved. "bloody brilliant ". We also refer to a ten pound note as a tenner. An Introduction to English Slang: 30 Wonderful Examples 'Ace' - a British slang term that means something that is brilliant or excellent. This project was a really hard slog. Minging 23. Gutted Meaning: Being heartbroken or upset over something. When writing in English you put the currency symbol in front of the digits, so 10, 150 or $20. Knackered 3. He went on a week-long bender. I didn't do my homework and the teacher gave me a right bollocking. A Quick Guide to Slang in the UK and America - Eurocentres As each generation comes of age, it adds new and creative slang to the culture. Some think it has its origins in the French word bon, meaning "good". 50 Australian Slang Words, Terms and Phrases [Aussie Slang] The humor of French slang: a guide for expats | Expatica I really fancy her is a profession of a love interest, but you could also ask someone: Do you fancy some lunch?. Apparently we imported the word grand, which means a thousand, from the States. This slang word for a cigarette has no pejorative associations in the UK, but causes all sorts of problems for Brits visiting the US. Last edited on Jul 11 1997. Hes dead gorgeous. An arse is your rear end (not to be confused with an ass, which is a donkey). 14 Online English Speaking Courses to Become a Confident English Speaker, How to Greatly Improve Your English Pronunciation in 15 Steps, Improve Your English Listening Skills: 19 Tips for Getting Better Faster. The Welsh clearly place a high value on tidiness. Extremely tired. Here are the Best British Slang Terms and Phrases You Should Know E.g. One of the best things about summer is firing up the barbecue and sipping some brews on a hot, sunny day. Try it for free! And today'post is about where it all started - British Slang! Bum 8. 3. The slow way to perfection is years of study and practice; the fast way is to put it into the hands of our professional editors! For ex: I hate going out with John, hes such a penny-pincher that he never offers to buy everyone a round of drinks at the pub. 25. and so can a person (The new gaffers mental). We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe. 12 Famous British Slang Words and Expressions to Learn Our British slang translator tells us that this is the equivalent of the American English slang words "shotgun" or "dibs". I think the plumber bodged the pipes in the sink. Boffin - A scientist, inventor or engineer. 23 Brilliant British Expressions to Blend in with the Brits. All to pot refers to a situation going out of your control and failing miserably. A customer. For even more fun, take a look at these common U.K. expressions. In this post, we will teach you some common British expressions you can use in casual conversation! It can also generally mean that someone is in a position of advantage in a situation. Another rather delightful and slightly archaic words in this list of British slang terms is kerfuffle. Dont forget the mushy peas. That's not my cup of tea. Beast - really cool. Slang | LearnEnglish Teens - British Council Leg it. Bodge something 6. "bloody awful" or "bloody hell". It's nice to know what the locals are saying, and it makes it a lot easier to have a conversation without looking (and feeling) like a dolt! Im cheating a bit with this one, as this is used almost exclusively used around Manchester and the North of England. Check out some, This classic British insult literally means that someone masturbates, but is used much like. Trainersthose shoes one might wear to go runningare usually known in the U.S. as, Staying on the subject of footwear, it is perhaps hardly surprising that, Those rather old fashioned form of underpantsrecognisable from the presence of an inverted y-shape on the frontare known by several names in the U.S. Used in the north of England to mean "thirsty". Hell be down the local. Northern English slang for a cup or mug of tea or coffee is brew, but it can also be generally used for beer. Improve your writing by downloading our English Editing Tips. 'Oh bollocks'; it can also be used to express derision and mocking disbelief, e.g. Last edited on Mar 03 2002. London's infamous roadmen have their . British Slang & Colloquialisms - Travel Guide To Britain A lively party. For example, He tried to skive off work but got caught by his manager.. Slang words and colloquial (informal) expressions are how English speakers talk to each other in daily life. Blinding is a positive term meaning excellent, great, or superb. Hes a complete nutter. Urban Dictionary: Slang It means "little", but can be added to almost everything. The word relates to the way a goose (a male goose is called a gander) cranes its neck to look at something. This is a polite or indirect way to tell someone that you need to use the toilet. In British slang, "bloody" is a bit like the word "very," which adds stress or importance to the word that comes after it. Example - My new Mercedes car has cost me an arm and leg. Someone can be completely bonkers or can go bonkers (the latter can also mean losing your temper). Sherbets 12. 30+ Must-Know British Slang Words and Phrases | Grand European Travel exy ( comparative more exy, superlative most exy ) ( Australia, colloquial, slang) Expensive . Therefore one quid, five quid, fifty quid. In British slang terms, dodgy refers to something wrong, illegal, or just plain off, in one way or another. Privacy Policy. We want to make sure youre leaving a professional image of yourself. For example, Mrs Walkers pie was absolutely scrummy. Cuppa 7. This is a slightly politer way to say our next expression: To mock or laugh at someone or something. "That looks like a total mess". Another London term to mean the area you come from. 100 Brilliantly British Slang Words and Phrases - Content-Writing A nifty little British term that means rubbish or crap. U.K. slang includes some interesting insults. I feel there is something appropriate about it. For ex: Ill be back in a minute, Im just off to spend a penny! But like most things cockney, its becoming less popular. We use the symbol G when we want to write thousands in shorthand. Used in Wales to mean "fantastic". No collection of slang would be complete without casual terminology used for nouns that are common among those who speak the language or dialect. A break in the routine. Used mostly in Manchester to mean "very excited/happy". Have you ever overheard some rather strange terms for money? Free English Learning Apps That Make ESL Practice Convenient and Cheap, Learn English Through Movies and Film: The Complete Guide, How to Speak English Fluently: 27 Simple Tips for Reaching Your Language Goals. 2. Shes pretty posh. For example,I kicked him right in the bollocks when he wouldnt let me go past.. on Sep 15 2011. Its uncountable, so wed say: For ex: My son just bought a new house for three hundred thousand grand. A do is essentially a party, to my knowledge it doesnt refer to a particular form of party, so feel free to use it as you like. Submitted by Walter Rader (Editor) from Sacramento, CA, USA Go Online! Over-egg the pudding 21. In the old days, you had to pay one penny to use the public toilet and the expression to spend a penny has lived on to this day. Origin: The slang term "whip" refers to an expensive car. You can find out more about that in this wiki post. One pound is often called a quid in the United Kingdom. Short for "of course" and normally followed by a word like "mate" or "bruv". Note how the second word pies rhymes directly with lies. Submitted by Derek D. from Astoria, NY, USA Bloke. 54 Excellent Ways To Sound British With English Slang Words There are no categories underneath this one. The minister has over-egged the pudding by talking about too many things at once in his speech. What does git mean in Florida slang? - coalitionbrewing.com And, as with everything else, practice makes perfect! London slang for the area youre from. American Slang vs. British Slang: Terms & Phrases Compared A Ace - is used to describe something that is awesome. Imported from Jamaica to the streets of London, this reduced form of "whats going on" is used as a greeting between friends. A word that is popular in the north and amongst youngsters. For example, 'that is a tad expensive'. A crude term for urinating. Oh, mate, thats brilliant.. A working knowledge of a few important slang words, phrases used in local dialects and colloquialisms will help your understanding of what's really going on in any conversation in the British Isles. Seriously?Sneakers, Tennis Shoes, Trainers - all three are used depending on the type of rubber soled shoe we're talking about. Often referred to as "The Gaffer". British Accents: Tips on Understanding Brits! When someone in England, especially in London, takes the subway train to go somewhere, they usually use this expression. Thats a lovely wee doggie youve got there. "Hold out yer donny bab", meaning "Hold out your hand, small child". Submitted by Natalie L. from Thousand Oaks, CA, USA From "bourgeois." For example, you can use it as a mild expletive to express frustration or exasperation: "Oh bloody hell, not again." Last edited on Jan 22 2000. We also participate in other affiliate advertising programs for products and services we believe in. A penis, but also an annoying person. Blimey 19. This is another version of the phrase isnt it. It is commonly used to show agreement rather than to genuinely ask a question. 24. Make sure you do not bodge the car. Sneakers might be a simple Classic Keds shoe; Tennis Shoes are "improved" sneakers with strategically placed enforcement in the sole and upper, designed for the specialized purpose of playing tennis and more expensive than sneakers (see also Running Shoes, Basketball Shoes, et. Some slang words have many uses, while others can sound quite similar to each other but have completely different meanings. Wanker fits the closest fit by jerk or asshole, but to a slightly higher value. It comes from the older English word faffle, which means to flap around in the wind. From "dishy" to "cheesed off," the comedian takes you through some "bog-standard" British words and phras. New Zealand slang. I avoid the morning traffic that way. The expression comes from baking, where if you put too many eggs in a pudding, it will be ruined. He created the word while playing video games with his cousin. You can refer to a person who grassed you up as a "grass". Though it may seem strange at first, its pretty simple, it is constructed out of the expressions second word, in this case the way hook rhymes directly with look however, perhaps contrary to expectations, the word hook is often removed, so you may hear someone say have a butchers at this.. A monster online slang dictionary of the rich colourful language we call slang. In anger you might say, oh bloody hell!, Or to use it as emphasis, thats bloody cool!. While American slang has become nearly universal with the influx of TV shows, films, and other media filling the screens of a significant majority of the media-viewing global population, there is so much more available once you dig beneath the surface of British slang terms and can discover some real gems beneath the surface. 1. Jammy is in semi-common use in the north west and south west of England. Ends London slang for the area you're from. All rights reserved. A toilet. And the best place to get some is in your local chippy. Now KSWL is a rather unique slang which doesn't really exist in English. Gaff 9. Chockablock 13. Blimey is used to show excitement, surprise or shock. 30 Awesome British Slang Terms - Just English Last edited on Apr 25 2013. Top UK English Slang Terms 1. Nice one, really.. Submitted by Walter Rader (Editor) from Sacramento, CA, USA It is a term denoting your younger brother/ sister, or close family member such as a cousin. Dont talk rubbish.. on Jan 22 2000. Cor blimey, did you see that? For more usage examples, check out, London street slang for sneakers (which British people call, An exclamation of surprise. Her Majesty's Pleasure - HMP, which is Her Majesty's Prison. Definition of knackered | Dictionary.com - Meanings and Definitions of Emma Stone Learns British Slang From Rachel Weisz - Vanity Fair Blinkered. Git is a type of version control system that is used for coding and software development, and is popular among software developers all around the world. I want to receive exclusive email updates from YourDictionary. These are example of British slang, and they can be difficult for non-native speakers to understand and use correctly. For example, I am absolutely knackered after working all day.. This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you Master a variety of British insults and you'll be prepared to reply with some snarky put-downs. Used to be standard wear for young boys until WW2 (getting "long pants" was a rite of passage). Thus "feet whips" refers to expensive shoes (the "cars" of your feet). A not so delicate way to refer to sexual intercourse. fancy, impressive, cool, showy. Submitted by Mark E from BC, Canada 9. Often preceded with the word "quite" or "pretty" because British people dont like to show off. Someone from Newcastle. Like American English, British English has many unique slang phrases and expressions that you'll commonly hear on the street. Some of these probably aren't used so much now but having not been home for a while I'm not really across which ones ma. 3700+ British Slang Words, Swearing, Curses, Insults, Expressions Most commonly used with schoolchildren trying to get out of school, or dissatisfied office workers trying to pull a sick day. 9 Essential British Slang Words to Learn Before your Trip You get a bollocking when youve done something you shouldnt have. See more words with the same meaning: good, okay, cool, awesome, fun . Did you see that bloke? Stop slagging him off behind his back. The 'bag' refers to the gut which contained the chopped meat." 5. Proper is used as an alternative to very or extremely, something that can give a term extra weight. British people often talk about "bits and bobs" so this is a very useful phrase to learn. Cockney rhyming slang definitely already has two other meanings for the word "tom", namely jewellery (from tomfoolery) and **** (from Tom Tit), which just goes to show that context is everything when trying to understand a Cockney. lush: [adjective] great; amazing. In the case of the first meaning, the word anorak didn't in fact enter the English language until 1924. Nevertheless, it has a wide range of uses and applicable contexts. 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. We also use the term smackers instead of pounds but rarely in the singular form. The most commonly used slang term for a pound is a, This expression has negative connotations, so, If youre in London you may overhear many other terms for money and many of these will come from, Some of the London slang for money is based on animals thought to have originally appeared on ruppe banknotes. Rugby, another popular sport which the British invented only for everyone else to beat them at it. fancy. An informal term that stands for or means something else than its literal meaning; a shorter way to say a word or phrase So you're basically claiming something, like the passenger seat of a car. British Slang Trivia: MCQ Quiz! - ProProfs Quiz Oh, sod off, wont you?. This expression means to be shocked or astonished. 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. London street slang for money, from a shortening of "pounds". This classic British insult literally means that someone masturbates, but is used much like pillock and tosser. For ex: Wheres my share of the filthy lucre then? Roadman: Roadman comes from the 21st century slang word, describing a boy (normally at a teenage age) as someone who thoroughly knows the ins and outs of his area, and the people in the area - he will also be involved in popular events such as trapping, driving (cruising), parties etc. . 47 British Slang Words And Phrases To Read Over A Cuppa - Scary Mommy It is not possible to make a complete list of modern British slang: by the time the list was finished, it would be out of date! Submitted by Scott McNabney from Richmond Hill, ON, Canada Boy and girl twins. Usually used together with "completely", this means to be drunk. ), read on for an exploration of fascinating, common, odd, rare and unique American slang. Mate You know you're living the UK when you hear this used like a comma. (That's not to my liking.) Ill be with you in a jiffy. Did you take care of that thing? British slang and dialect is rich and diverse. It's the equivalent to an arm and a leg in English, which realistically sound much more expensive than sweets. Very wealthy. This word was popularized by the British artist Lethal Bizzle. But sometimes, the slang word is a reused word with a new meaning. Gutted a British slang term that is one of the saddest on the lists in terms of pure contextual emotion. While from the outside it may look like were insulting each other, it's actually a sign of affection. Oxford Language Club To pay through the nose - To pay an excessive amount for something Example - These days one has to pay through nose to eat out in a fancy restaurant. Sneakers: Another word for running shoes, or "trainers" - light weight shoes having . Whats more British than fish and chips? Submitted by Rob H. from Newton, MA, USA For example, She thinks Barrys the bees knees. There is something oddly onomatopoeic about it and seems to have a dirty quality of itself. Writers who can turn any piece of writing into a dream read!Show me their credentials! the British slang, please tell me what is happening here. meaning fancy, stunning or anything that looks extraordinarily good. New words come and go like fashions. Click words for definitions. You might get a bollocking. For example, Cheers for getting me that drink, Steve. Spend a penny 16. Why you need to know American slang. As in, 'I ain't bovvered.'. For ex: If I can sell all this stuff second hand then Ill be quids in. The buildings in which we live drop subtle and not Professional British YouTuber, writer, and humorist who somehow convinced you to let him do this full-time. Usually used in conjunction with mate. differences; what people in the U.K. call a, The same equivalents used in entry number 8 could also be applied here. 1. I will have a butchers hook around the market and see if I can find some nice curtains. meaning: beautiful; attractive. British Slang, Phrases and Insults: Complete Guide (2021) Chuffed is used more or less all over the UK, it seems to be decreasing in popularity, but is still in relatively common usage. As such when you hear it in use, even if you arent familiar with expression you can often tell what is being said by the rhyme and the context it is being used in. London street slang for someone untrustworthy. I was gobsmacked when I found out that I lost my job. Minging (pronounced: ming-ing) is a lovely alternative to the word disgusting or gross. It's mostly used by CP (which we saw above) while they are watching their favourite couple in a Chinese drama etc. 60+ Best English Slang Words And Phrases - Ling App Submitted by The Last Don See also, Another London term, for someone or something that is attractive or desirable. For ex: Susan just had a new extension built onto her house, its beautiful but it must have cost her an arm and a leg! Shes absolutely minted, mate. "I BET THAT COST A BOMB". In fact, British people say "cheers" all the time without noticing they're doing it - a bit like the way they say "sorry" all . For example, I dont go over there anymore its full of grockels these days.. Don't be such a plonker. 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. 4. As such, you can use it like this, That bob is a good bloke.. 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. Ten Very British Behaviours "Brolly" Abbreviation of "umbrella." "Grab your brolly, it's drizzling outside." Pixabay "Budge up" An informal way of asking someone to make room where they are. In context it works like this, Come here and have a gander at what hes doing.. Submitted by Danny Dees Looking to create a blog? IRISH SLANG: Top 80 words & phrases used in daily life Boss or manager. While most British people think food is something you eat, its also street slang for drugs. 15. I always carry a brolly in my bag-pack. Countable and Uncountable Nouns: What Are the Differences? For example, Yeah, everythings hunky-dory at the office.. Bob's your uncle 5. Sign up for our weekly newsletters and get: By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions Beer is drunk in pints in the UK, which is still valiantly struggling against the encroachment of the EU-mandated metric system. More common, and common in the north and southwest England. Look at that!. Also fashionable among girls and women in the 1970s. and There's an ocean of difference between the way people speak English in the US vs. the UK. Watch Idris Elba Teaches You British Slang - Vanity Fair on Aug 30 2011. . Submitted by Dan L. from Evanston, IL, USA Cost an arm and leg - Something which is very expensive. Pissed: drunk. In context, I cant come in, my shoes are all mucky.. 75 British Slang Words And Their Meanings - Parade: Entertainment I think he bodged the presentation while editing it. Faff 8. Last edited on Mar 13 2002. 9. Thats the game you play with your feet, hence the name. 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. In the past it was regarded as a swearword but now, due to its common usage, it is generally acceptable. Ricky Gervais Teaches You British Slang | Vanity Fair - YouTube You'll be chatting like a local in no time at all! A mouth. For example you could say Im feeling proper chuffed I won that., If youre talking to someone else you can use it as such, I bet youre pretty chuffed you won!. Shortened form of luscious. 1. Before this time, coats of this nature may have been referred to as a parkaa word still used in both British and American English. He got a new job.. For example, Dont listen to him hes telling pork pies.. Beef - a hostility between two people that usually results in violence. Can be a noun (fancy a snog?) or a verb (did you snog him?). There were bare man at the rave. Get an instant price to have your English document edited by professionals. You'll have a blast and learn more than a few new words that might be ripe for importation when you come back home. 20 British Slang Terms/Phrases You Need to Know - UKEC A pea-souper is a thick fog that looks gray or green, like vegetable soup. More of an usual term, a damp squib in British slang terms refers to something which fails on all accounts, coming from the squib (an explosive), and the propensity for them to fail when wet. Usually, this expression is used without the verb be. This means that people do not generally add the phrase I am before the expression. A multi-purpose word which can be used as a toast, to thank someone or even say goodbye. Meaning to vomit or to be sick, chunder is almost always used in correlation with drunken nights, or being hugely ill and sick. Meaning: to make fun of someone, to tease them a lot. Check out some peng chicken. Fivers and tenners If a British friend asks to borrow a fiver from you, he means a five pound note. Welcome to Britain, where the food is heavy and the slang is almost completely impenetrable. Finally, explore a few U.K. slang terms that are helpful when it comes to describing a person's attitude or expressions of emotion. on Oct 03 2009. English phrases to say something is super expensive