The Welsh clearly place a high value on tidiness. A Scottish classic which is also popular in Northern Ireland. . - representing oneself, bigging yourself up. Of course, there also have to be slang options to describe actions and behaviors people engage in on a regular basis. Short for public house, these are the default places for British people to meet and drink pints, and they are everywhere. In the nineteenth century, people needed to give a penny to use public washrooms in England. ), For example, it can be used respectively, in, Can you take the rubbish out please?, and What? Last edited on Mar 15 2011. Translate any file to any language in one click. When writing in English you put the currency symbol in front of the digits, so 10, 150 or $20. In the United States, people from all walks of life use slang. Another London term to mean the area you come from. It's important to represent your ends. We use this expression a lot. When someone spends a lot of time doing very little work, it is called faffing. Master a variety of British insults and you'll be prepared to reply with some snarky put-downs. One pound is often called a quid in the United Kingdom. I will be quids in if I get that promotion next month. Cockney is slang from a certain neighborhood in London. Any road - when you hear this, the person isn't asking you to pick a road! Did you take care of that thing? Meaning: to make fun of someone, to tease them a lot. To take a chance on something. Check your spam folder if you don't get an email immediately! . However, here are a few examples: Safe, sorted, sound, cool or wicked all mean That's good or I understand. The first form of this is far more common, and is sometimes used internationally. 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. Some have claimed that "tom" meaning a prostitute derives from "Thomas More" equalling "w h o r e". U.K. slang is nothing if not interesting! on Mar 03 2002. adjective British Slang. Can also be used sarcastically in this same sense. An arse is your rear end (not to be confused with an ass, which is a donkey). (Download). Im cheating a bit with this one, as this is used almost exclusively used around Manchester and the North of England. This shirt makes you look like a proper geezer! Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. Jammy is in semi-common use in the north west and south west of England. Fluke 15. Think twice before you ask someone if they know a good place to get some food A slang term for the national sportfootball. . Do not use a wet cloth to clean your computer, you wally! 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.. (That's not to my liking.) Submitted by Luke G. from Rossford, OH, USA El cheapo- He bought the el cheapo model and now he's back to the shop within 3 months to buy a new one. Some slang words have many uses, while others can sound quite similar to each other but have completely different meanings. We also participate in other affiliate advertising programs for products and services we believe in. Lets go into town tonight mate, itll be jokes. Take the Tube 4. Lets go to another club. Did I miss any of your favorite British slang off the list? 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! Northern English slang for a cup or mug of tea or coffee is brew, but it can also be generally used for beer. For those unaware, the expression essentially used in the end of a series of basic instructions. British slang for money A quid The most commonly used slang term for a pound is a quid and it doesn't have a plural. Last edited on Mar 03 2002. Copyright English TrackersDesigned by Niels Loomans. Yes! 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". Bare - a lot of something. Gaff 9. So, the context of the word largely determines its meaning. It is not considered appropriate for use in polite company. Last edited on Oct 28 2001. For example, I am absolutely knackered after working all day.. Bean, Eastern Mountain Sports and the like for examples. The definitions of these slang words appear below the list. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Last edited on Apr 25 2013. Submitted by Walter Rader (Editor) from Sacramento, CA, USA However there is one notable difference is that throwing a wobbly tends to be used when describing tantrums thrown by adults, or people who should otherwise know better. Look at that!. 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!. Our new defenders the dog's bollocks. Last edited on Jan 13 2012. Mate 9. 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. Mostly heard in London, this means "ladies". Submitted by Walter Rader (Editor) from Sacramento, CA, USA For example, Thats a load of tosh about what happened last night, or Dont talk tosh.. Now that youve got the slang down, youll want to work on your accent. London's infamous roadmen have their . To inform on someone to the authorities. Now KSWL is a rather unique slang which doesn't really exist in English. There's no getting around itclothes are just an important part of everyday life. Submitted by Slinky from Paris, France We could see a movie." Taking the Piss To mock or ridicule. If a British friend asks to borrow a fiver from you, he means a five pound note. We want to make sure youre leaving a professional image of yourself. Rank Meaning: Disgusting. I didn't do my homework and the teacher gave me a right bollocking. It is often used as an expression of anger or is used to emphasize a comment. I just threw in an extra slang term for free. Bovvered - verb describing a lack of interest. Bloke. For example, Yeah, everythings hunky-dory at the office.. 2. Can be a verb (I'd love to shag him) or a noun (she was a great shag). I will not be going out today; it is a pea-souper out there. In British slang, "bloody" is a bit like the word "very," which adds stress or importance to the word that comes after it. Money. Don't be such a plonker. 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A nifty little British term that means rubbish or crap. 1. It stands for kswle which is used to talk about a couple who are being so cute and sweet it's killing you. You can find out more about that in this, Pavarotti he was a famous tenor so a Pavarotti is a tenner (10), If you want to read more about cockney rhyming slang and money, read this. Last edited on Jun 15 2013. For even more fun, take a look at these common U.K. expressions. Some of these clothing names are used in the U.S., but not in the same way:Anorak: Usually describes a pull-over outwear item (often with a kangaroo pocket in the front) that's made of nylon, GoreTex, etc., and usually rain-proof. If someone is annoying you, you can tell them: "shut your gob". Learning English becomes fun and easy when you learn with movie trailers, music videos, news and inspiring talks. 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. Cock up a British slang term that is far from the lewdness its name suggests. on Mar 08 2002. A lively party. It should be easyBritain exported the English language, after allbut there are so many regional quirks that never made it beyond the borders that things can get quite tricky for the non-locals. A thing, person or even a situation, this is a great multi-purpose word. London street slang for money, from a shortening of "pounds". Some think it has its origins in the French word bon, meaning "good". Are your language skills up to the task of telling the difference? To be happy or satisfied with something. "I'm absolutely gutted". Alternatively, to not be serious about something (this essay was a jokeare you taking the piss?). Hell be down the local. This one is chockablock with people. Lost in the Pond | British accent. For example, I ate a bad pizza last night after too many drinks and chundered in the street.. 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) However it's been surmised that bonbon isn't meant as candy, but something much better: genitals. Im pretty chuffed with my results on that exam. Pea-souper 18. Gutted Meaning: Being heartbroken or upset over something. 2. a socially inept person. If something is very expensive, it's apparently as costly as candy. fancy, impressive, cool, showy. Check out some peng chicken. 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. Sam was quids in after he sold his software to Microsoft. To be gutted about a situation means to be devastated and saddened. Submitted by Rob H. from Newton, MA, USA Shes absolutely minted, mate. So, if your bill comes to 10, that may well be referred to as "ten quid". Example: "How about I skive off during lunch? Also fashionable among girls and women in the 1970s. Normally used together with "a bit". Hes a good bloke. Sounds wicked - wicked means great in British slang. If you're heading off on a holiday to the United Kingdom, it'll be handy to have certain British slang definitions down pat. It is believed these terms were imported from India by returning servicemen. British people like to enjoy themselves. I feel there is something appropriate about it. A British slang term for money. See REI, L.L. Short for "brother", this London street slang is used to refer to a male friend. For ex: I spent over a hundred quid last weekend without even realising it! Last edited on Apr 08 2013. Cheeky 5. Yes, British people have a lot of slang words for money. As in, 'I ain't bovvered.'. For ex: You mean he paid 300G for a house in the suburbs! A not so polite way to ask someone to go away. The British Council's Sophie Cannon explains some of the weird and wonderful words and phrases you might encounter. Unlike bars, they open in the morning, often serve food, and normally have at least one resident drunk. A mancould be compared to the American term 'dude'. 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. Learn the lingo and you'll soon be conversing like a true Brit. All rights reserved. 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. Blimey 19. A short period of time. Slang words and colloquial (informal) expressions are how English speakers talk to each other in daily life. Submitted by Josh from NJ, USA Oh, wanker. Getting a good sense of UK slang terms that describe everyday actions will help prepare you to understand what the locals mean when they're describing actions. Foreign-exchange students. After a quick review, you'll be able to confidently go out there and build connections with new friends! Can also mean to pass something with flying colors. Like grand, quid only ever appears in the singular. I prefer taking the Tube to go to work every day. on Jan 22 2000. It comes from the older English word faffle, which means to flap around in the wind. For example, The party was a bit of a damp squib because only Richard turned up.. To run away. This classic British insult literally means that someone masturbates, but is used much like pillock and tosser. So, quids in means that someone has made moneyusually more than what they expectedfrom something. Often substituted in friendly circles for exhausted. This is a polite or indirect way to tell someone that you need to use the toilet. A pea-souper is a thick fog that looks gray or green, like vegetable soup. Now youre definitely ready to stream that new British TV show or blend in with the locals on your next trip to the UK. British people often talk about "bits and bobs" so this is a very useful phrase to learn. of extreme high quality, expensive to a point that it becomes unattainable. We also refer to a ten pound note as a tenner. There are no categories underneath this one. No other language in the world has been as bastardised as this one! bling bling - booshi - bourgee - dolled up - fancy-pants - fancy schmancy - five-dollar word - flash - high budget - high-tone - lush - mint - pricey - ritzy - shmancy - spendy - steep - swish - tony Full definitions of all the slang words listed above: B bling bling adjective high class. Quids in 14. A pejorative term for someone from the upper classes of British society. Our currency is officially known as pounds sterling. Click words for definitions. She sought work as an "agony aunt." The Hitchhiker's Guide has this to say about John Rabon: When not pretending to travel in time and space, eating bananas, and claiming that things are "fantastic", John lives in North Carolina. For example, I cant believe you won that, proper jammy.. When youve made a pigs ear of something, youve really messed it up. 24. 3. The tradesmen in our country are certainly no exception, and have invented plenty of words for the techniques and materials they encounter on-site. Mate You know you're living the UK when you hear this used like a comma. It can also generally mean that someone is in a position of advantage in a situation. Someone who is a bit stupid or annoying. A person can be peng, but so can food. Wed like to share our expertise with you. Sneakers: Another word for running shoes, or "trainers" - light weight shoes having . As such a form of this expression Have a goosey also exists, but is much more uncommon. How are you, mate?. 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. Do not talk to him again; he looks smarmy. A term of address, usually to a man but not always. Submitted by bob from New York, NY, USA Usage: "Air force Ones are the cadillacs of feet whips". can take anywhere. In this post, we will teach you some common British expressions you can use in casual conversation! "I bet that cost a lot of money!". For example, That guy just cut me up in traffic what a wanker.. For example, You need to wear a coat today, its brass monkeys outside.. Brap! While most British people think food is something you eat, its also street slang for drugs. Often preceded with the word "quite" or "pretty" because British people dont like to show off. Something or someone that is the best it/they could be. Cockney rhyming slang: pork pies = lies. 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. This word is used when something is brilliant or someone performs very well, usually on a test or evaluation. A geezer or dapper geezer is a man who is well-dressed in formal clothes. 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. Blimey is used as a way of expressing surprise at something, often used when seeing or looking at something surprising or impressive instead of shocking or upsetting. Extremely tired. But, remember that this is not normal spending. Our British slang translator tells us that this is the equivalent of the American English slang words "shotgun" or "dibs". Gutted - is a British term you use to describe feeling devastated or upset. For example, The birthday party went all to pot when the clown turned up drunk and everyone was sick from that cheap barbecue stuff.. to expose an inappropriate part of one's body. For example, Jenny is ace at the lab experiments, or, for the latter definition, I think I aced that exam. Idris Elba teaches you British slang words, from ting and fit to apples and Alan. One pound is subdivided into 100 pence, the singular of which is one penny. Chuffed is used more or less all over the UK, it seems to be decreasing in popularity, but is still in relatively common usage. meaning fancy, stunning or anything that looks extraordinarily good. Open yourself up to the delights of the English language, especially the variety that's spoken where English got its start. [orchestral music] Bob's your uncle, I never really know what this one means. You can find out more about rhyming Cockney slang by checking out this video by YouTuber iswearenglish: It means that something is unpleasant. Last edited on Feb 23 2002. Before this time, coats of this nature may have been referred to as a parkaa word still used in both British and American English. Best done at a distance as there may be repercussions. 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. This phrase means the same thing as having a tantrum. For U.K. expats such as myself, this can be a source of confusion and hilarity when the conversation's other participant is American. In the dialogue, we were choosing between a cheap cafe or a more expensive pub. With FluentU, for example, you can create a personalized flashcard deck based on the words that pop up in the programs English media clips, like movie trailers and interviews. Oh bollocks; it can also be used to express derision and mocking disbelief, e.g. Cracking 18. Not used in polite company. Last edited on Oct 06 2016. Snog Meaning: A kiss or to kiss. The phrase comes from the expression, its cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey. But wait before you tighten your seat belts, there is a catch. Slang Is Always Evolving. They just want a cigarette, guys. A not so delicate way to refer to sexual intercourse. 1. Are You Spending Your Time on What Is Time-Worthy? Like American English, British English has many unique slang phrases and expressions that you'll commonly hear on the street. Hes absolutely gutted.. The minister has over-egged the pudding by talking about too many things at once in his speech. In formal English, gaff can also mean a stick with a hook that is used to kill large fish. Last edited on Oct 10 2015. Your written English leaves a trace of you: your ideas, your expertise, your brand. A possible result of a knees-up. Market reasoning is deeply, essentially smarmy. A little bit coldas if the cold air was nipping at your skin. Let's find out! Aggro: Though this format of abbreviation seems very Australian, this is a British slang for being aggressive or in your face. It is considered Cockney slang and uses rhyming words to create a unique expression. Often referred to as "The Gaffer". 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. bracelets, chains, earrings. There's an ocean of difference between the way people speak English in the US vs. the UK. Home. used to relate something to money; "wow, that's fancy!". Most commonly used with schoolchildren trying to get out of school, or dissatisfied office workers trying to pull a sick day. So, the word gobsmacked literally means to be hit in the mouth. meaning: beautiful; attractive. Nevertheless, it has a wide range of uses and applicable contexts. Example: Jack is my best mate, we've been friends since we were kids. I was gobsmacked when I found out that I lost my job. For ex: Wheres my share of the filthy lucre then? This is cheating, it is almost exclusively used in the English county Devonshire, but Im including it as its fun to say. The expression comes from baking, where if you put too many eggs in a pudding, it will be ruined. Used with toddlers, teenagers and adults alike. Tasteless, cheap-looking. Some think it has its origins in the French word, An exclamation of surprise. 2. So you're basically claiming something, like the passenger seat of a car. Butters ugly. So, sit back and enjoy the ride! 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. General British Slang Bloke Meaning: A man. For example, She thinks Barrys the bees knees. Bants 4. For example, I left when Darren threw a wobbly.. Over-egg the pudding 21. I'm just going for a quick slash. Gobsmacked 11. As in, 'that outfit is beast.'. In context, I cant come in, my shoes are all mucky.. exhausted; very tired: He is really knackered after work. Meaning to vomit or to be sick, chunder is almost always used in correlation with drunken nights, or being hugely ill and sick. Alcohol and words relating to pubs and being drunk feature prominently in British slang. 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 . Pissed: drunk. 4. Anna is the Editor-in-Chief & Content Strategist of Lifehack. 2. Cuppa 7. The origin of this one is related to *ahem* morning wood. It is used to describe someone who is so surprised that it looks like someone hit them. From a higher social class, Proper denotes actions appropriate to certain circumstances. 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. 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. on Sep 21 2009. For example, I had a right kerfuffle with my girlfriend this morning over politics.. on Apr 07 1998. Gutted a British slang term that is one of the saddest on the lists in terms of pure contextual emotion. As such, you can use it like this, That bob is a good bloke..