So you're basically claiming something, like the passenger seat of a car. 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! Often referred to as "The Gaffer". Now KSWL is a rather unique slang which doesn't really exist in English. Another London term to mean the area you come from. "Hello mate, how are you?" % buffered 00:00 2. Fortnight a British slang term more commonly used by virtually everyone in the UK to mean a group of two weeks. A toilet. From "bourgeois." A cock up is a mistake, a failure of large or epic proportions. Or before tea, "Have ya washed yer donnies?" The story - possibly an urban myth - is that Bri. Bean, Eastern Mountain Sports and the like for examples. Here are 11 such words. For example, you can use it as a mild expletive to express frustration or exasperation: "Oh bloody hell, not again." 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. 13. You can also talk bollocks (speak nonsense, or lie) and if something is a load of bollocks, its not true. For example; you might say Blimey! 15. Can also mean to pass something with flying colors. A geezer or dapper geezer is a man who is well-dressed in formal clothes. Oh, the Brits. You'll be chatting like a local in no time at all! A not so delicate way to refer to sexual intercourse. Can also be used as an adjective to describe something from Newcastle. The 'bag' refers to the gut which contained the chopped meat." 5. Submitted by Luke G. from Rossford, OH, USA It is often used as an expression of anger or is used to emphasize a comment. For ex: My aunt left me five hundred smackers in her will. A thing, person or even a situation, this is a great multi-purpose word. Rob is the only one on the team who does not faff around in the office. Boss or manager. It is used to emphasize almost anything! But it can also be a reference to an annoying person: Stop being such an arse. Most commonly people use the word minging to describe something that smells bad. So, as a way of easing you in, here are some of my favorite slang words, phrases and expressions from around the British Isles. Alright? Butcher's hook 22. A black eye. Smarmy 15. Last edited on Jun 15 2013. Some think it has its origins in the French word, An exclamation of surprise. General British Slang Bloke Meaning: A man. That's not my cup of tea. For example, The birthday party went all to pot when the clown turned up drunk and everyone was sick from that cheap barbecue stuff.. A possible result of a knees-up. 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". Do not use a wet cloth to clean your computer, you wally! You never know when it starts to rain in England. Ponchos have neither hoods nor sleeves. Best British Slang Terms and Phrases. There's no getting around itclothes are just an important part of everyday life. Nice one, really.. Come over to my gaff; we are having a party there. I prefer taking the Tube to go to work every day. Butchers hook is just another way to tell someone to look. Want to Practice Speaking English with a Native Speaker? 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. Oh bollocks; it can also be used to express derision and mocking disbelief, e.g. Try English Trackers' professional editing and rewriting service. Click here to get a copy. 3. 14. Cockney Slang uses language in one of the most interesting ways, by rhyming with . Used to be standard wear for young boys until WW2 (getting "long pants" was a rite of passage). This word is used when some place or thing is extremely crowded or full. The suitcase was chockablock with clothes. Often used with good attached. Daylight robbery- so expensive it isn't worth it. - representing oneself, bigging yourself up. To be happy or satisfied with something. Shes absolutely minted, mate. Have you met Bobs girlfriend? Its like a stronger form of cool, For example, .Yeah Id love to do that, it sounds sick.. 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. Mental!) ALL IN FAVO(U)R OF THIS BRITISH VS. AMERICAN ENGLISH QUIZ. An exclamation of surprise. Best done at a distance as there may be repercussions. Gobsmacked a truly British expression meaning to be shocked and surprised beyond belief. Narky 14. It can also generally mean that someone is in a position of advantage in a situation. As such, you can use it like this, That bob is a good bloke.. Extremely tired. Our new defenders the dog's bollocks. Submitted by Kathy Wilson from University of Mississippi, USA For those not in-the-know, kecks is an informal word for. 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. Arsed 16. This phrase means the same thing as having a tantrum. In the nineteenth century, people needed to give a penny to use public washrooms in England. Last edited on Mar 15 2011. Now youre definitely ready to stream that new British TV show or blend in with the locals on your next trip to the UK. 23 Brilliant British Expressions to Blend in with the Brits. A break in the routine. 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. For example, You need to wear a coat today, its brass monkeys outside.. For evidence of this, subscribe to his popular, 4 Ways British and American Houses Are Very Different, 11 U.S. States That Are Larger Than the UK, 4 British Swear Words That Are Slowly Creeping Into The American Vernacular. all from a British perspective, with new slang added every month. It is used for emphasis. Cheeky 5. When in doubt, refer to this list so you can carry on conversations with ease, even with the locals. Any road - when you hear this, the person isn't asking you to pick a road! Another university-related cool British slang word is fresher which means a first-year student. Bovvered - verb describing a lack of interest. Lost in the Pond | British accent. If a British friend asks to borrow a fiver from you, he means a five pound note. Home. Acting the maggot Bad dose Bags (to make a bags of something) Bang on Banjaxed Black stuff Boyo Brutal Bucketing down Bunk off Chancer Chiseler Ciotg Cod/codding ya Craic Crack on Culchie Cute hoor Delira and excira Deadly Donkey's years Dosser Eat the head off Eejit Earwigging Effin' and blindin' It is used when someone is wasting their time or only pretending to work. Fancy You alright fam?. Something or someone that is the best it/they could be. Note the use of man in the singular to mean men or even people. We also refer to a ten pound note as a tenner. Did you take care of that thing? Bugger all a British slang term used to be a more vulgar synonym for nothing at all. Beast - really cool. Also fashionable among girls and women in the 1970s. bog-standard - nothing special bonkers - crazy botched - something going wrong cack-handed - clumsy camp - flamboyant cheeky - sassy chockablock - filled to the brim cobblers - nonsense Take the Tube 4. Last edited on Jan 13 2012. If youre interested in languages and slangs, you shouldnt miss these articles: Featured photo credit: Pixabay via pixabay.com. A 'knees up' is a more old-fashioned term for a . In context, Get the food, put in the microwave, heat it up, then bobs your uncle, ready to eat.. A grand is used when talking in thousands. These are example of British slang, and they can be difficult for non-native speakers to understand and use correctly. Mate one of the commonly used terms of endearment and affection in British slang terms. While "snog" or "blimey" might sound a bit odd to you, it's all part of common slang to Brits. He created the word while playing video games with his cousin. Lost the plot is one that can actually be discerned by examining the words themselves. Anorak: A person who knows a lot about a particular . 1. 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. on Oct 28 2001. Boy and girl twins. All right? The phrase comes from the expression, its cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey. on Mar 03 2002. Submitted by Slinky from Paris, France A brief essay outlining the parameters of this dictionary and information on slang can be read in the slang introduction which, to avoid disappointment, I'd recommend reading before . on Mar 08 2002. Im cheating a bit with this one, as this is used almost exclusively used around Manchester and the North of England. These men usually wear suits and are quite fashion-conscious. % buffered 00:01 3. Cuppa 7. Let us know in the comments. He went on a week-long bender. (That's not to my liking.) noun Definition of prostitute as in hooker a woman who engages in sexual activities for money was caught procuring the services of a prostitute Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance hooker whore courtesan madam streetwalker madame bawd tart hustler drab sex worker cocotte call girl woman of the street floozy tramp floozie siren hussy chippy temptress For ex: I spent over a hundred quid last weekend without even realising it! Sounds wicked - wicked means great in British slang. A parka is a cold-weather jacket that zips in the front.Jumper: A type of girls' or women's dress that pulls down over the head.Knickers: (Short for "knickerbockers') Short pants that end just below the knee (fastened with elastic or buttons), usually worn with long socks. Hunky-dory a neat little piece of British slang that means that a situation is okay, cool, or normal. It's like being bi-lingual, and forgetting at times which language you are meant to be using. Meaning: to make fun of someone, to tease them a lot. Origin: The slang term "whip" refers to an expensive car. . Another British slang for this activity is wag off, which means to waste time while at work. KSWL. A shortened version of "family", this is used mostly in London. Let's find out! Interestingly, its only ever used in the singular. Tom Scocca, Gawker.com. For example, Yeah, everythings hunky-dory at the office.. We want to make sure youre leaving a professional image of yourself. The family welcomed a "pigeon pair." Elderly birdwatchers, who often stay with families in the country. The word relates to the way a goose (a male goose is called a gander) cranes its neck to look at something. British people like to enjoy themselves. Oh, mate, thats brilliant.. I just threw in an extra slang term for free. on Dec 10 2000. For example, That tackle from the Spanish player was blinding.. In other words, butchers hook is used as an expression for look because the word hook rhymes with look.. This is the British university slang word for a library. For example, I cant believe you won that, proper jammy.. I will not be going out today; it is a pea-souper out there. Someone from Newcastle. An arse is your rear end (not to be confused with an ass, which is a donkey). Aggro: Though this format of abbreviation seems very Australian, this is a British slang for being aggressive or in your face. For example, 'Jenny is ace at the lab experiments', or, for the latter definition, 'I think I aced that exam'. Beef - a hostility between two people that usually results in violence. Last edited on Apr 25 2013. Nothing makes the language more colorful than descriptive words. 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. Check out some peng chicken. U.K. slang includes some interesting insults. Rugby, another popular sport which the British invented only for everyone else to beat them at it. "I'm absolutely gutted". If youre in London you may overhear many other terms for money and many of these will come from cockney rhyming slang. Alcohol and words relating to pubs and being drunk feature prominently in British slang. Check your spam folder if you don't get an email immediately! Ace a British slang term that means something that is brilliant or excellent. The best way to make your speech sound natural is to listen to native speakers and see how they use these expressions. She sought work as an "agony aunt." Usually used in conjunction with mate. It also has a speaking feature so you can test your pronunciation. Bants 4. A not so polite way to ask someone to go away. If a British person tells you theyre off to spend a penny and then they promptly disappear, its because theyre actually going to the toilet. 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. One pound is often called a quid in the United Kingdom. Bodge something 6. Can be a verb (I'd love to shag him) or a noun (she was a great shag). Master a variety of British insults and you'll be prepared to reply with some snarky put-downs. Money. Used with toddlers, teenagers and adults alike. In the dialogue, we were choosing between a cheap cafe or a more expensive pub. There are slang terms for larger amounts of money, such as a 'ton' for 100 or a 'grand' for 1000. This is because, as you might have guessed from the title, there are a number of U.K. clothing words that are either not used stateside or are, at the very least, not very common. Mostly heard in London, this means "ladies". Wally 17. Our currency is officially known as pounds sterling. Why Do Americans Pronounce It "Aluminum"? 11. A person can be peng, but so can food. 2. Slightly more of an outdated version, this British slang term is still used, and its meaning remains relevant today. 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. For example, I dont go over there anymore its full of grockels these days.. To criticize. Unlike most rhyming slang expressions, it is still in semi-popular use both in London and outside. And today'post is about where it all started - British Slang! For those unaware, the expression essentially used in the end of a series of basic instructions. The first form of this is far more common, and is sometimes used internationally. Quids in 14. Copyright English TrackersDesigned by Niels Loomans. Used in Wales to mean "fantastic". Lovely. This is cheating, it is almost exclusively used in the English county Devonshire, but Im including it as its fun to say. May imply that the person is showing off. Testicles. Our currency is officially known as the "pound sterling", but many more informal terms exist to describe money in the UK. Blimey 19. For example, The guys on TV last night were taking the piss out of the government again.. Banter means to joke around or talk back and forth quickly with witty remarks. Sign up for our weekly newsletters and get: By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions The difference is that people from the UK also use "cheers" to mean "thank you". Hell be down the local. For example, Ive had bugger all to do all day., This is the cockney rhyming slang version of having a gander, to look at something. ), For example, it can be used respectively, in, Can you take the rubbish out please?, and What? I dont drink coffee but I do like a nice cuppa! To over-egg the pudding is to overdo something with the intent of making it better. 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! This shirt makes you look like a proper geezer! It is similar to expressions like cool and awesome.. Where It Gets Twisted: American And British Slang Words Making jokes, often at the expense of others in your company. A penis, but also an annoying person. Submitted by Walter Rader (Editor) from Sacramento, CA, USA Ace: 'Ace' stands for excellent. Gaff 9. 'Oh bollocks'; it can also be used to express derision and mocking disbelief, e.g. A crude term for urinating. Submitted by bob from New York, NY, USA Usage: "Air force Ones are the cadillacs of feet whips". To make instant noodles, just add hot water and Bobs your uncle, they are ready. on Sep 15 2011. Gobsmacked 11. To be gutted about a situation means to be devastated and saddened. You slept with Kate Upton last night? 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) 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. . bracelets, chains, earrings. In use, I just brought some new trainers.. Often preceded with the word "quite" or "pretty" because British people dont like to show off. This is another version of the phrase isnt it. It is commonly used to show agreement rather than to genuinely ask a question. For example, Im going away for a fortnight to Egypt for my summer holiday.. Example in written form: In my new job Ill be earning 75K a year. See also, Another London term, for someone or something that is attractive or desirable. of extreme high quality, expensive to a point that it becomes unattainable. Example: Jack is my best mate, we've been friends since we were kids. . It comes from the older English word faffle, which means to flap around in the wind. For example, She thinks Barrys the bees knees. Do you want to come round my gaff?. British slang and dialect is rich and diverse. For example, He tried to skive off work but got caught by his manager.. It comes from the expression God blind me. So, blimey is used when something so extreme happens that a person wishes that they did not see it. British people often talk about "bits and bobs" so this is a very useful phrase to learn. An exclamation of surprise. The German phrase "Gott strafe England!" ("God punish England!") was widely used in German propaganda, and jocularly modified by English . on Sep 21 2009. Submitted by Scott McNabney from Richmond Hill, ON, Canada Blud/Blad - brother, friend. Someone who is blinkered is narrow-minded or narrow sighted - they only see one view on a subject. on May 01 2014. For example, Jenny is ace at the lab experiments, or, for the latter definition, I think I aced that exam. London's infamous roadmen have their . Sneakers: Another word for running shoes, or "trainers" - light weight shoes having . 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. Ricky Gervais tests his knowledge of British slang. 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. 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. For example, Mrs Walkers pie was absolutely scrummy. Gutted 11. For example, I had a right kerfuffle with my girlfriend this morning over politics.. Boffin - A scientist, inventor or engineer. Batty-fang Low. Gutted - is a British term you use to describe feeling devastated or upset. 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. Im buzzin for this. From "dishy" to "cheesed off," the comedian takes you through some "bog-standard" British words and phras. Submitted by Danny Dees Can also be used sarcastically in this same sense. 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. Ledge 10. In fact, British people say "cheers" all the time without noticing they're doing it - a bit like the way they say "sorry" all . 14. Oh, wanker. For example, it can be used to mean illegal He got my dad a dodgy watch for Christmas; it can be used to mean something food-related that is nauseous or nauseating I had a dodgy kebab last night and I dont feel right. For example, Cheers for getting me that drink, Steve. It's what the "trendy" Moms are starting to call them now. For example, My wife gave me a real bollocking for getting to pick up the dry cleaning on my way home from work.. In the earlier 20th century, the word "bit" was slang for a coin, and the word "bob" was slang for a shilling. Coming originally from Caribbean English, its most prevalent in London. There is something oddly onomatopoeic about it and seems to have a dirty quality of itself. Used as an adjective, to mean funny or just fun. Another fun ironic way to say this is "It cost a few bob!". These will help you know how to react to what others say, how to express appreciation or end a conversation appropriately. Another London term, for someone or something that is attractive or desirable. I was gobsmacked when she told me she was pregnant with triplets.. on Mar 02 1999. on Dec 06 2002. In British slang, "bloody" is a bit like the word "very," which adds stress or importance to the word that comes after it. We say a heap of dosh or heaps of dosh. A lively party. Gaff is just a synonym for home. Although it might sound quite similar to gaffe, its meaning is completely different. 9. Calling someone a tosser to their face wont normally go down well. All to pot refers to a situation going out of your control and failing miserably. Fivers and tenners If a British friend asks to borrow a fiver from you, he means a five pound note. Of course, there also have to be slang options to describe actions and behaviors people engage in on a regular basis. The origins of this word are disputed, but all British people will know what you mean if you tell them Im just popping to the loo. For example, You got the job? Lets go into town tonight mate, itll be jokes. Nice one used almost always sarcastically in common British lexicon, although it can be used sincerely depending on the context. However it's been surmised that bonbon isn't meant as candy, but something much better: genitals. on Jul 11 1997. Sherbets 12. Last edited on Apr 25 2013. We could see a movie." Taking the Piss To mock or ridicule. 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. Idris Elba teaches you British slang words, from ting and fit to apples and Alan. For ex: If I can sell all this stuff second hand then Ill be quids in. Click words for definitions. Do not talk to him again; he looks smarmy. 2. a socially inept person. Check out some, This classic British insult literally means that someone masturbates, but is used much like. You'll have a blast and learn more than a few new words that might be ripe for importation when you come back home. 25. Can be a noun (fancy a snog?) or a verb (did you snog him?). Example in spoken form: In my new job Ill be earning 75 kay a year. Chuffed 2. No other language in the world has been as bastardised as this one! It means "little", but can be added to almost everything. . 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. Submitted by Dan L. from Evanston, IL, USA Its important to represent your ends. Bang up to the elephant This phrase originated in London in 1882, and means "perfect, complete, unapproachable." 6. For U.K. expats such as myself, this can be a source of confusion and hilarity when the conversation's other participant is American. For example, 'that is a tad expensive'. Often substituted in friendly circles for exhausted. And so there's a fair bet that, in some way or another, clothes are going to come up quite routinely in conversation. It is not considered appropriate for use in polite company.