Improve your writing by downloading our English Editing Tips. This is cheating, it is almost exclusively used in the English county Devonshire, but Im including it as its fun to say. meaning: beautiful; attractive. Gob is the informal word for mouth, and smack means to hit something with your hand. We also refer to a ten pound note as a tenner. al. Butcher's hook 22. As such, you can use it like this, That bob is a good bloke.. Often preceded with the word "quite" or "pretty" because British people dont like to show off. A penis, but also an annoying person. Your grasp of the slang portion of British English won't be complete unless you master a few of the most common U.K. slang exclamations and expressions. Bants 4. Whether 1 grand or 20 grandnever put an "s" on the end. Slang words and colloquial (informal) expressions are how English speakers talk to each other in daily life. When someone in England, especially in London, takes the subway train to go somewhere, they usually use this expression. This project was a really hard slog. Contents 1. Try it for free! For example, He tried to skive off work but got caught by his manager.. Bodge something 6. A thing, person or even a situation, this is a great multi-purpose word. One of the most useful swear words in English. He got a new job.. As in, 'I ain't bovvered.'. A gaffe is another word for mistake or blunder.. 1999 March 19, PETER MCALEER, "The Long Kiss Goodnight (R4)", in aus.dvd, Usenet: I am renting my machine, it might be more exy but it gives me time to sus out (with the help of newsgroups like this one), just exactly which machine or . Nothing makes the language more colorful than descriptive words. The 'bag' refers to the gut which contained the chopped meat." 5. Invented by market traders and street merchants, Cockney Rhyming Slang was probably first used to disguise what was being said by passers-by. 2. For U.K. expats such as myself, this can be a source of confusion and hilarity when the conversation's other participant is American. and so can a person (The new gaffers mental). Smarmy 15. One pound is subdivided into 100 pence, the singular of which is one penny. Jammy Meaning: To be lucky. Cheers. on Dec 06 2002. Answer (1 of 44): This word was often used in my childhood in Birmingham by adults when they were giving you a sweet or pocket money. For example, Yeah, everythings hunky-dory at the office.. Usually used together with "completely", this means to be drunk. Why Do Americans Pronounce It "Aluminum"? Best British Slang Terms and Phrases. For example, Cheers for getting me that drink, Steve. Narky 14. Specifically, when something is exciting or wonderful, particularly when something is good news, brilliant can mean as such. If youre interested in languages and slangs, you shouldnt miss these articles: Featured photo credit: Pixabay via pixabay.com. adjective British Slang. "THAT LOOKS LIKE A DOG'S DINNER". Sam was quids in after he sold his software to Microsoft. To expand these results, click one of the above categories. Extremely tired. Are your language skills up to the task of telling the difference? Most commonly people use the word minging to describe something that smells bad. See more words with the same meaning: good, okay, cool, awesome, fun . Dont talk rubbish.. Libes. Check your spam folder if you don't get an email immediately! 13. The rules about capital letters and currency are the following: you dont use a capital letter to spell out the whole name, therefore: pounds, euros and dollars. Mate - 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. For even more fun, take a look at these common U.K. expressions. So, the context of the word largely determines its meaning. English slang, colloquial expressions, what's cool to say on the streets in English, get up to speed on what to say in English with our in depth slang pages. Learn the lingo and you'll soon be conversing like a true Brit. All Rights Reserved. Some slang words have many uses, while others can sound quite similar to each other but have completely different meanings. An exclamation of surprise. Fortunately, there are quite a few descriptive British slang terms that paint quite a vivid picture to anyone who knows what the informal words mean. Brolly 3. Sunnies - sunglasses Furphy - a strongly believed untrue story or rumour Billy - a teapot for boiling water Cossie - a swimming suit Prezzy - a present Brekkie - a breakfast Chrissie - Christmas Bikkie - a biscuit To cost big bikkies - to be too expensive Exy - shorter variant of "expensive" Footy - Australian football Lippy - lipstick Cockney rhyming slang: take the Mickey Bliss = take the piss. 4. An object or event can be mental (Did you see that goal? London street slang for someone untrustworthy. [orchestral music] Bob's your uncle, I never really know what this one means. Speaking of underwear, while many Americans understand the meaning of this entry, it is nonetheless not widely used in the U.S. Moving on to baby fashion, this is one of the more well-known U.K./U.S. 14. Sometimes brilliant can be shortened to just brill to give it a more casual feel. Let's find out! Someone who is a bit stupid or annoying. I believe this expression originates in the English county of Cheshire. The German phrase "Gott strafe England!" ("God punish England!") was widely used in German propaganda, and jocularly modified by English . A beer. In the earlier 20th century, the word "bit" was slang for a coin, and the word "bob" was slang for a shilling. I just threw in an extra slang term for free. Oh, mate, thats brilliant.. Butters ugly. Did I miss any of your favorite British slang off the list? You might get a bollocking. See also galdem. Heard a lot in Wales but also in parts of northern England to mean "great" or "very nice". You alright bruv?. A lively party. He created the word while playing video games with his cousin. A major effort. Last edited on Apr 25 2013. Why you need to know American slang. A monster online slang dictionary of the rich colourful language we call slang. Submitted by bob from New York, NY, USA
Gobsmacked 11. Now KSWL is a rather unique slang which doesn't really exist in English. Slang Is Always Evolving. fancy, impressive, cool, showy. Much more fun than a slog, this is a term for a french kiss. Often substituted in friendly circles for exhausted. For example; you might say Blimey! I feel there is something appropriate about it. There's an ocean of difference between the way people speak English in the US vs. the UK. One of the best things about summer is firing up the barbecue and sipping some brews on a hot, sunny day. Seriously?Sneakers, Tennis Shoes, Trainers - all three are used depending on the type of rubber soled shoe we're talking about. The suitcase was chockablock with clothes. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Gutted 11. For example, 'that is a tad expensive'. on Oct 28 2001. To take the piss means to mock something, parody something, or generally be sarcastic and derisive towards something. In formal English, gaff can also mean a stick with a hook that is used to kill large fish. Bog ( slang) - This is a slang term for a toilet, and has spun off several related terms, such as bog brush (toilet brush) and bog roll (toilet paper). any expensive, flashy, or shiny jewelry, usually gold or silver, esp. To be gutted about a situation means to be devastated and saddened. Submitted by Derek D. from Astoria, NY, USA
So, if your bill comes to 10, that may well be referred to as "ten quid". Alternatively, to not be serious about something (this essay was a jokeare you taking the piss?). Fortnight a British slang term more commonly used by virtually everyone in the UK to mean a group of two weeks. Let us know in the comments below. The family welcomed a "pigeon pair." Elderly birdwatchers, who often stay with families in the country. Arsed 16. But, remember that this is not normal spending. Testicles. For ex: I spent over a hundred quid last weekend without even realising it! From New York, to California, Louisiana to Hawaii (and so much more! A person can be dodgy but so can an object: I think I ate a dodgy curry. The difference is that people from the UK also use "cheers" to mean "thank you". Can be combined with other slang for extra effect: Check out that peng ting over there fam. A Few Spanners Short Meaning: To be dumb or not fully there. For example, Mrs Walkers pie was absolutely scrummy. Can also be used sarcastically in this same sense. Last edited on Oct 23 2012. However it's been surmised that bonbon isn't meant as candy, but something much better: genitals. I prefer taking the Tube to go to work every day. Welcome to Britain, where the food is heavy and the slang is almost completely impenetrable. - Bumpkin: A term used to describe someone from . 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. Not a wonderfully melodic word, chunder is part and parcel of British slang terms. Meaning to vomit or to be sick, chunder is almost always used in correlation with drunken nights, or being hugely ill and sick. Nevertheless, it has a wide range of uses and applicable contexts. Cost an arm and leg - Something which is very expensive. 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. Someone from Newcastle. I didn't do my homework and the teacher gave me a right bollocking. One of the more delightful British slang terms in this list, scrummy is used as a wonderfully effusive term for when something is truly delicious and mouth-wateringly good. The origin of this phrase is disputed, but the most likely candidate for inspiring the expression is an eccentric wealthy newspaper owner named, Mostly heard in London, this means "men". You never know when it starts to rain in England. Submitted by Slinky from Paris, France
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. 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. Rank Meaning: Disgusting. 4. 14. Beast - really cool. These English slang words have made every language have its unique fascinations that are understood only by native speakers. Where It Gets Twisted: American And British Slang Words Citation from "Episode 3", Little Britain (TV, 2004), Season 2 Episode 3 blacked out to resolve Google's penalty against this site . Bowler A person can be peng, but so can food. The slang words in this thesaurus category appear below the table of contents. Batty-fang Low. Fag This slang word for a cigarette has no pejorative associations in the UK, but causes all sorts of problems for Brits visiting the US. To inform on someone to the authorities. 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! "Hold out yer donny bab", meaning "Hold out your hand, small child". This expression means to be shocked or astonished. Not used in polite company. 'Ace' - a British slang term that means something that is brilliant or excellent. 2. I think the plumber bodged the pipes in the sink. Example in spoken form: In my new job Ill be earning 75 kay a year. Chockablock 13. Very wealthy. 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.. Bowler - used to refer to the type of hat worn by Chaplin or John Steed.Cagoule - never heard of this but, unless it looks like a blanket with a slit in the center, it's probably not the equivalent of a poncho. Anna is the Editor-in-Chief & Content Strategist of Lifehack. A London street insult which seemingly is derived from the idea of someone who is wasting their lives or is a waste of space. So then, the extension of that is forgetting which term is used HERE, because I'm willing to wager that most people who have transfixed themselves on the British Isles all these years (speaking from experience here) think in "BRITISH". Last edited on Mar 10 2018. When writing in English you put the currency symbol in front of the digits, so 10, 150 or $20. Beef - a hostility between two people that usually results in violence. Bog-standard - To be plain, or run-of-the-mill. E.g. Againa lot of words for drunk. The Wix website builder offers a complete solution from enterprise-grade infrastructure and business features to advanced SEO and marketing toolsenabling anyone to create and grow online. spendy college patron pricey ipod whip d.a.r.e. 100 Brilliantly British Slang Words and Phrases, Used in Scotland, this word means "pretty" or "beautiful", and is normally used in reference to a woman. Proper is used as an alternative to very or extremely, something that can give a term extra weight. This can cause a great deal of confusion if youre exploring the country, or even if youre just looking to stream the latest British TV series. (That's not to my liking.) Alcohol and words relating to pubs and being drunk feature prominently in British slang. Come over to my gaff; we are having a party there. Short for public house, these are the default places for British people to meet and drink pints, and they are everywhere. Dont be such a knob. Crazy. Americans and British people both say "cheers" when they are out drinking and clink their glasses together. May imply that the person is showing off. Hes got an ugly mug would be the former, do you take me for a mug?, the latter. Youve got to keep the punters happy. No collection of slang would be complete without casual terminology used for nouns that are common among those who speak the language or dialect. Used in Wales to mean "fantastic". Bare - a lot of something. For example, I had a right kerfuffle with my girlfriend this morning over politics.. As each generation comes of age, it adds new and creative slang to the culture. We put them on when we wake up, we change into new ones before a night out and sometimes, when we're desperate, we even wear them to bed (just me then). 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. Hes dead gorgeous. The Welsh clearly place a high value on tidiness. This is one of the most popular slang words among students. No one likes someone who tells porkies. For example, that meal was proper tasty or sometimes that was proper., One of the most commonly-used British phrases, rubbish is used to mean both general waste and trash, and to also express disbelief in something to the point of ridicule (in this sense it is a much-more PG-friendly version of bollocks. But it can also be a reference to an annoying person: Stop being such an arse. In this post, we will teach you some common British expressions you can use in casual conversation! That's not my cup of tea. Do not use a wet cloth to clean your computer, you wally! Example in written form: In my new job Ill be earning 75K a year. It comes from the older English word faffle, which means to flap around in the wind. But there is something wonderfully tender and endearing about it. Some think it has its origins in the French word bon, meaning "good". bog-standard - nothing special bonkers - crazy botched - something going wrong cack-handed - clumsy camp - flamboyant cheeky - sassy chockablock - filled to the brim cobblers - nonsense Short for "of course" and normally followed by a word like "mate" or "bruv". For example, She thinks Barrys the bees knees. Snog Meaning: A kiss or to kiss. 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. To be happy or satisfied with something. You can find out more about rhyming Cockney slang by checking out this video by YouTuber iswearenglish: It means that something is unpleasant. Blimey 19. Foreign-exchange students. A more obscure British term, brass monkeys is used to refer to extremely cold weather. bracelets, chains, earrings. Last edited on Apr 25 2013. ; and it can also be used as a pejorative He just seems dodgy to me.. You can also talk bollocks (speak nonsense, or lie) and if something is a load of bollocks, its not true. Therefore one quid, five quid, fifty quid. Last edited on Oct 10 2015. Submitted by Danny Dees
Imported from Jamaica to the streets of London, this reduced form of "whats going on" is used as a greeting between friends. Chuffed is used more or less all over the UK, it seems to be decreasing in popularity, but is still in relatively common usage. Boy and girl twins. Submitted by Luke G. from Rossford, OH, USA
Before going deeper into your exploration of British slang words, take the time to discover some slang phrases commonly used in the U.K. Fortunately, in a British slang dictionary, there are quite a few informal phrases commonly used as slang. Although it might sound quite confusing, it means the same thing as other common phrases like as easy as a pie or you are done.. Nice one, really.. Popular during the Victorian age and popularised further by Charlie Chaplin, the, This is one of those words I truly took for granted when I first moved to the U.S.; never in a million years did I imagine that the word, This word, on the other hand, is one of those I intuitively reconciled would not have much of a presence in the U.S.mainly because of its identity as a slang expression. So, as a way of easing you in, here are some of my favorite slang words, phrases and expressions from around the British Isles. Used in Scotland, this word means "pretty" or "beautiful", and is normally used in reference to a woman. Master a variety of British insults and you'll be prepared to reply with some snarky put-downs. Tom Scocca, Gawker.com. And if you would like to speak like a native English speaker, it is a good idea to get to know some of these colorful inventions. Oh bollocks; it can also be used to express derision and mocking disbelief, e.g. Are You Spending Your Time on What Is Time-Worthy? on Oct 03 2009. Bean, Eastern Mountain Sports and the like for examples. This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you The origin of the expression is unknown, and is quite old, but is still in general use. Hes a good bloke. Press the power button, type the password and Bobs your uncle, you can use the computer now. Hunky-dory a neat little piece of British slang that means that a situation is okay, cool, or normal. I was gobsmacked when I found out that I lost my job. Bollocks; and, of course, it also refers to the scrotum and testicles. It can also generally mean that someone is in a position of advantage in a situation. Can also mean to pass something with flying colors. "Hello mate, how are you?" % buffered 00:00 2. Wally 17. Knackered 3. Arguably one of the most hilarious British Slang insults we've heard! Last edited on Jul 24 2013. A Ace - is used to describe something that is awesome. Most commonly used with schoolchildren trying to get out of school, or dissatisfied office workers trying to pull a sick day. Submitted by Walter Rader (Editor) from Sacramento, CA, USA
Pea-souper 18. Mate You know you're living the UK when you hear this used like a comma. To run away. The way these words are used in my neck of the woods (East Coast) is:Anorak - a parka with an entirely useless drawstring waist.Jumper - a collarless, sleeveless woman's dress meant to be worn with a blouse or shirt. Last edited on Mar 13 2002. This is a slightly politer way to say our next expression: To mock or laugh at someone or something. Lovely. However, in informal American English, geezer means odd or crazy and is usually used to refer to old men. Also used as an adjective in parts of northern England to mean "fantastic": Thats grand. Looking to create a blog? Open yourself up to the delights of the English language, especially the variety that's spoken where English got its start. You are a lush . Bugger all a British slang term used to be a more vulgar synonym for nothing at all. Last edited on Dec 10 2000. Dench 7. It is considered Cockney slang and uses rhyming words to create a unique expression. 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. Oh, the Brits. on May 17 2002. You can refer to a person who grassed you up as a "grass". This word is used when some place or thing is extremely crowded or full. The best way to make your speech sound natural is to listen to native speakers and see how they use these expressions. A pub that may be your closest or just your regular favorite. Used as a signifier for preference. 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. Taking the piss out of your friends can be done as part of banter. Have you met Bobs girlfriend? Unlike bars, they open in the morning, often serve food, and normally have at least one resident drunk. The tradesmen in our country are certainly no exception, and have invented plenty of words for the techniques and materials they encounter on-site. A mouth. Cor blimey, its bloody hot today, innit!. It is similar to the American word 'fancy', however it has a much more entrenched class . These extremely informal words and expressions are known as 'slang'. In use, I just brought some new trainers.. These will help you know how to react to what others say, how to express appreciation or end a conversation appropriately. Rob is the only one on the team who does not faff around in the office. This expression refers to that time. Short for "brother", this London street slang is used to refer to a male friend. Submitted by Anonymous from Tennessee, USA
Home. on Jan 22 2000. U.K. slang includes some interesting insults. 1. For example, busted can mean "broken" or "ugly," sick can mean "ill" or "very cool," and hip can mean "trendy" or "fashionably un-trendy.". All to pot refers to a situation going out of your control and failing miserably. Last edited on Feb 23 2002. Nappies is starting to pick up over here, though. Best done at a distance as there may be repercussions. The British Council's Sophie Cannon explains some of the weird and wonderful words and phrases you might encounter. For example,I kicked him right in the bollocks when he wouldnt let me go past.. There were bare man at the rave. In the past it was regarded as a swearword but now, due to its common usage, it is generally acceptable. Example - My new Mercedes car has cost me an arm and leg. A possible result of a knees-up. Gaff is just a synonym for home. Although it might sound quite similar to gaffe, its meaning is completely different. Blud/Blad - brother, friend. Lost the plot is one that can actually be discerned by examining the words themselves. Get 70% off + 10 languages + 14 day free trial. A man. The origin of this phrase is disputed, but the most likely candidate for inspiring the expression is an eccentric wealthy newspaper owner named James Gordon Bennett Jr. 1,000. A British pint is roughly 20% larger than a US one, which means Brits are 20% more likely to be drunk. So, the English phrase just popping out usually refers to leaving a place or a room with the intention of quickly returning. Bevvy Meaning: An alcoholic drink. "Quid" is British slang for "pound". Similar to a pillock, a tosser is someone who is annoying or a bit of an idiot. This word was popularized by the British artist Lethal Bizzle. You alright fam?. f you hear a word that's not on this list, give a Cockney translator a try. Trainers are the British equivalent of the American sneakers denoting athletic shoes. After a quick review, you'll be able to confidently go out there and build connections with new friends! Im pretty chuffed with my results on that exam. Distractions: Understanding the Biggest Productivity Killer, How to Deal With Work Stress in a Healthy Way, How Sleep Meditation Can Calm Your Nighttime Anxiety, 30 Meaningful Non-Toy Gifts for Kids This Christmas, The Power of Leverage in Leading the Life You Want, 6 Practical Ways to Boost Your Mental Fitness, Time Poverty: What To Do If You Feel Time Poor, 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. ), For example, it can be used respectively, in, Can you take the rubbish out please?, and What? I think he bodged the presentation while editing it. The expression comes from baking, where if you put too many eggs in a pudding, it will be ruined. Knackered a great word and phrase used by Britons to describe their tiredness and exhaustion, in any given situation. For example. Did you take care of that thing? For example, Jenny is ace at the lab experiments, or, for the latter definition, I think I aced that exam. In the case of the first meaning, the word anorak didn't in fact enter the English language until 1924. Here are 11 such words. Last edited on Mar 15 2011. We want to make sure youre leaving a professional image of yourself. Used in the north of England to mean "thirsty". Used as an adjective, to mean funny or just fun. Before this time, coats of this nature may have been referred to as a parkaa word still used in both British and American English. In fact, British people say "cheers" all the time without noticing they're doing it - a bit like the way they say "sorry" all . 1. From "dishy" to "cheesed off," the comedian takes you through some "bog-standard" British words and phras. Gutted - is a British term you use to describe feeling devastated or upset. Bants This is an abbreviation of the term "banter". Your written English leaves a trace of you: your ideas, your expertise, your brand. A not so delicate way to refer to sexual intercourse. Another London term to mean the area you come from. It means "little", but can be added to almost everything. This shirt makes you look like a proper geezer! on Aug 30 2011. Bloody. Depending on how it is used, Nick can mean one of two things (three including the name). Thats a lovely wee doggie youve got there. Her Majesty's Pleasure - HMP, which is Her Majesty's Prison. British slang and dialect is rich and diverse. Think rockstars, mid-90s footballers and Prince Harry. Yes! This is the British university slang word for a library. 10. A face, or an idiot, depending on context. Spend a penny 16. This is a polite or indirect way to tell someone that you need to use the toilet. Try English Trackers' professional editing and rewriting service. The origin of this one is related to *ahem* morning wood. Synonyms fool jerk (slang, mainly US, Canadian) ass plank (British, slang) charlie (British, informal, old-fashioned) berk (British, slang) prick (taboo, slang) wally (slang) prat (slang) plonker (slang, old-fashioned) twit (informal, mainly British) chump oaf (old-fashioned)
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