Unlike a bar in the USA, you'll find thatpubstypically serve food, are open all day, and are more of a place to gather than party.In use: "Angus eats his breakfast at the pub every day before work. To "pull a blinder"involves achieving something difficult faultlessly and skilfully. Ends - Area, neighbourhood. ", Interpretation: Beingexhausted that you cant do anything else. 25. Innit acommon abbreviation for Isnt it. 7. To help you learn British slang as fast as humanly possible, weve created this all-inclusive guide. 92. ", This quintessentially British idiom derives from the Dutch "pap" and "kak," which translate as "soft" and "dung.". E nglish is the de facto national language of Britain, but that doesn't mean you'll take to the vernacular like a duck to water. 37. No matter, British slang has crossed the pond in more than one way. 5. Chips this is the most commonly used term to describe French fries, as in Fish and Chips. slightly negative term used for someone who repeatedly makes mistakes or is particularly gullible and will believe anything. friendly term used to describe someone who is incessantly talking and mentioning things that are not relevant. Daft afriendly term that is not offensive and used to describe something that is a little stupid or silly. term for someone who is always very lucky and fortunate, often more than should be normal. Thank you for submitting a brochure request. ", Interpretation: To make a profit or be in a very favorable or advantageous position where you stand to make a lot of money from a bet or business venture.In use: "If win the lotto, we'd finally be quids in. his is a phrase typically used in the south of the country and refers to a sandwich. However, you'll also find the term is used to describe something that isnt very good or maybe didnt turn out how you thought it would.In use: "Thats pants! "I'm trying to flog my old sofa. his is a phrase that is used when you want someone to take a look at something closely. This is probablyhow the term came about. Jammy avery commonBritish slangterm for someone who is always very lucky and fortunate, often more than should be normal. his is a term that refers to something that is going very well. Penis. Nowadays, it's mostly a way for kids to pull pranks on their friends. 79. his is a term used to refer to something that is in disarray or in a mess. 52. "She's great fun, but she's a few sandwiches short of a picnic.". "Mint" might be used when referring to something of the highest calibre. Perhaps the most interesting slang you'll hear in England is the infamous Cockney Rhyming Slang. British slang has derived from Elizabethan times in (1558), and around Shakespeare's lifetime. From Stormzy and Adele to Dua Lipa and the Arctic Monkeys, they all use certain words and phrases that are distinctly British. Here are some of our favourites. The "bee's knees" referred to small or insignificant details when it was first documented in the 18th century. Faff aBritish slangterm used to describe someone who is being overly fussy or delaying something with unnecessary tasks. Cheesed off afeeling of being angry or depressed at the actions of someone you care for. So, we've come up with a list of British slang to help you get by, blend in and banter like a true Londoner while travelling. 33. "Do we have to go to the dinner party tonight? Legless afriendly British term used to describe someone who is very drunk. Learn the lingo and you'll soon be conversing like a true Brit. Often used when referring to a cup of tea. "Don't you worry, Alan, I'm on it like a car bonnet.". Dude, the party was lit last night. 54. Moreish this is a phrase used to describe something that is very tasty and addictive. Oh, that cake was very moreish. Bonkers aphrase used to describe a situation that is particularly surreal and unexpected. Quid a Britishterm used to describe a single pound sterling. Every language has a few phrases that don't always translate well and the British English has some absolute corkers. term used to describe a situation that has not quite gone to plan. Hello mate, how are you?. Baccy: shortened word for "tobacco;" also, "wacky backy" means marijuana. Hench - a tall lad with strong muscles. Offer excludes Edinburgh Tattoo and Floriade departures. This second theory has been disproved, however, by the slang's documentation predating the popularity of the phrase "by our lady.". phrase used to describe something that was truly excellent and superior to anything else. "Gob" is slang for mouth, so if you're gobsmacked, you're shocked to the point of clasping your jaw in disbelief. "In use: "Wash your face& brush your Newtons because it's time for bed. n interchangeable British term used to describe either a shopping cart or someone who is saying something silly, Youre off your trolley if you think thats correct!. There were bare people in the club last night. he British love their tea, and this is a term used to describe a tea that features a lot of milk and is typically quite weak. his is a phrase used to describe something that is very tasty and addictive. If the radio presenters do not help you, then listening to some of the biggest British musicians certainly can. A general term of abuse (in use since 1960s but may have been popularised by the BBC comedy series Only Fools and Horses. 62. Men's urinals were free of charge. Pig out - To eat a lot. 99. That person looked dodgy, so I stayed away. Youre really taking the biscuit now. That was a bit of a botch job. Daft 2. verb. (Meanings) Very good. Some entries also feature surprising facts aboutthe phrase's origins, with a few quintessentially British idiomsnot actually coming from British roots at all. . 76. Texas slang. "Faff" comes from the 17th century word "faffle," which means to flap about in the wind. Twat This is one of the harsher terms on the list, perhaps because of its literal meaning: lady parts. Barney this is a slang word used to describe an argument or disagreement with a friend or family member. Plus, receive travel inspiration, news and latest promotions. 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. ", A nosey neighbour,often caught peering out on their street's activities from a curtained window, might be referred to as a "curtain twitcher. 4. ", "Hey, there's loads of room on that bench. 85. 18. Stop talking waffle and get to the point. You'll notice a lot of abbreviations here, which is all part of the fun of learning how to speak Texas slang. "Lurgy" is probably based on a mispronunciation of the word "allergy. ", "I heard you got the promotion. term used to describe a typical adult male in the UK. They were so hyper. Loo acommon term used to describe going to the toilet or bathroom, Im just going to the loo. "I don't mean this as a par, but did you remember to wash this morning? Slang is leading the way in international workforce development with the largest offering of professional English courses, delivered through an adaptive and engaging SaaS platform. 3. Used in the same way Americans use the term dude. ", Something unpleasant, unappetising, or highly unattractive might be described as "minging.". Dont be daft!, espite sounding like something evil, wicked is actually used when referring to something that you thought was amazing. 7. 53. Crack on to find out how to use phrases like This weather is pants or what your British aunt means by telling you Its parky out there! when she visits on her next holiday. translates to Im starving and apples and pears to stairs. ilon 3292 We all differ in the peculiarities of speech and pronunciation, whether between social groups or entire nationalities. Received Pronunciation is by far the most sought after English accent in the world and thats why many people wish to learn it. I just washed my car and now its raining! Anyone would think the Brits like a drink. It should not be used in formal contexts. Alright avery common and interchangeable word. Cockney Slang uses language in one of the most interesting ways, by rhyming with what you mean but substituting different (and dissimilar) words. I can't be fucked with her.". 82. You must be chuffed.". Alright mate. Piece of cake aBritish slangphrase commonly used to describe something that was very easy to complete. And in the United Kingdom despite the English language we're sometimes a little lost in translation especially when conversing with the young'uns. Despite being one of the most spoken languages in the world, there's an entire sub-language of British slang spanning every town and city in the UK, each with its own unique set of words and phrases. In use: "Sorry, I won't make it to the pub tonight, I'm a bit skint this week. is a British term typically used to describe someone who is wealthy and has a large amount of money, Theyre minted. However, in order to truly boost your status, authority and confidence you would need to speak with an all-around modern British accent, also known as, Received Pronunciation. So, if you're "ready for the knacker's yard," you're exhausted beyond relief. You can feel fully confident retaining your travel arrangements and monies with Grand European Travel and The Travel Corporation, 100 years of travel experience and industry partnerships, A global business, owned and led by the Tollman family, TTC is debt-free, financially responsible and fully accredited, Sign up to order your FREE travel brochure subscription and get exclusive offers only available to our subscribers, Brochures can only be mailed to United States addresses. phr. "A bacon sandwich and a builder's tea. Ditching is the American slang word for the British slang word: "skive." G.O.A.T: if people called you this, they're actually praising you because it means Greatest of All Time and is a popular term in basketball in the US. Youre looking sad, do you want a cuppa?. Gobsmacked a British slang phrase used to describe amazement, I was gobsmacked, it was so good!. Although Merriam-Webster is a dictionary of American English, it contains a range of words rarely heard outside Britain. That was a piece of cake!, nother popular phrase used to describe someone who was very intoxicated with alcohol. ", An informal way of asking someone to make room where they are sitting for you to sit down, too, would be asking them to "budge up. Gutted - is a British term you use to describe feeling devastated or upset. On the pull a Britishterm used to describe going out for the evening with the sole intention of attracting someone of the opposite sex. "If it all works out as planned, he'll be quids in.". The word could be a variation of "toddle" like a young child's first steps. New words and phrases are continuously being added and used. as well as other partner offers and accept our. "Is it just me or is that painting a bit skew-whiff?". ", It's similar to "scoot over" or "move over. CrispsComing in a variety of flavours, this is the British equivalent of a packet of potato chips. Cuppa afriendly way of describing a cup of. Common British Slang Words or Phrases 1. Im cream crackered!. term used to describe going out for the evening with the sole intention of attracting someone of the opposite sex. Happy birthday to George! 2. Off-licenceis a shop that is typically opened late into the night and serves essential groceries and alcohol. "This week's done me in already, and it's only Tuesday. Gutted is a British term you use to describe feeling devastated or upset. Its origins are somewhat unclear, but a "bog" is another word for a toilet in British slang, adding to the connotations that something "bog-standard" is unglamorous andunspecial. Commonly used as a greeting and does not usually require a response. trendy, stylish, fashionable among young people honky a derogatory term in black American slang for a white person hood (1) a neighbourhood, especially in a poor, urban area hoops the game of basketball pimp (2) | pimp out to customize or renovate something; to make something flashier or more appealing rap (2) to recite lyrics over a rhythmic beat ", "Grab your brolly, it's drizzling outside. Bless your heart. 1. To "long off" someone or something means . Im not being funny, but that meal was minging!. 5. Interpretation: "A cuppa is the shortened version of the phrase a cup of tea.In use: You might have heard the expression fancy a cuppa? which more than likely was an offer to have a nice cup of tea together. phrase used in the north of the country that is typically used as a replacement for the term nothing. 51. Something that is "bog-standard" is completely ordinary with no frills, embellishments, or add-ons. "Goodness, you're full of beans this morning!". his is a common phrase for when something that can go wrong, does go wrong. 36. "Did you hear what happened to John's old man? ", Interpretation: A way of expressing surprise, amazement, or even wonder. 57. Numpty alight-hearted British term referring to someone who does something stupid or says something that is incorrect. 88. He was given a backhander. 66. Therefore, if you're "having a butchers," you're having a look at something. Hyper a British slangterm used to describe someone, often children, or a pet that is very over-excited. 5. Our list of 101 words and phrases that will have you speaking the lingo as if you were born in England British Insults, Slang & Phrases: The Ultimate Guide Do you know these British insults, slangs and phrases? Example: Kevin's acting a chav again. ", "I was going to go out tonight but when I finished work I was absolutely zonked.". Dodgyused to describe something or someone that is suspicious or questionable. This is a shambles! ", In his stand-up show, British comedian Michael MacIntyre said: "You can actually use any word in the English language and substitute it to mean drunk. 84. No returns of any kind" is a school playground rhyme often exchanged between friends on the first day of a new calendar month, accompanied by a pinch and a punch to the recipient. If you're really delighted about something you can even be chuffed to bits. Also for nonsense, as in bullshit or absurdity. ", "Joe's children are absolute rascals they tied my shoelaces together last week!". Check out the fine ass sho-tee rockin' all dat ice. Minted is a British term typically used to describe someone who is wealthy and has a large amount of money, Theyre minted. A disorganised mess or chaotic environment might be described as a "shambles. A "pea-souper" is a thick fog, often with a yellow or black tinge, caused by air pollution. Powered by our not-for-profit foundation, TreadRight, Were probably all familiar with something being smashing at this point. The team at the Business Insider UK office have compiled a list of the best British slang and idioms that define the weird and wonderful British dialect we grew up with. Hank Marvin is a British musician from the 1960s and 1970s, and is a pretty obscure reference nowadays. Nowadays, "bloody" is used widely it's even used in children's films such as "Harry Potter" andis arguably one of the most quintessentially British words on the list. "Pissed" usually means "angry" in the US. Bloke. 68. GET is owned by The Travel Corporation, a fourth-generation family business driven by the pursuit or excellence and an unrelenting commitment to customer care. ", Someone short-tempered or irritated might be described as "shirty.". Wally aless common term nowadays, but a Wally is someone who is a little silly or has said something stupid. Just roll with it. plonker. Bog has two meanings, either a muddy marsh or a phrase used to describe the toilet. (Meanings) An old expression meaning I'll hurt you. If you've "pulled," you've kissed someone. 9. Description [ edit] Tinker for metal-worker is attested from the thirteenth century as tyckner or tinkler. ", "Yeah, he's been swotting like mad for his Spanish exam. Skive off the British slang term used to describe avoiding the job or duties that you are meant to be completing. Ahhh, English. 56. This is more commonly known in the US as "Murphy's law. Having a strop aBritish slang termtypically used to describe someone who is having a public display of anger or frustration. ", Interpretation: To get started or continue with something.In use: There's more to learn below, better crack on.. To "splash out" means spending significant amounts of money on a particular item or event. Also, try watching some of the popular soap operas such as Eastenders, Coronation Street and Hollyoaks, as this will help you to understand how certain terms are used in a real-life situation. Pear-shaped this is aBritish slangterm used to describe a situation that has not quite gone to plan. Jammy . you were legless last night!. Pinch Another word for stealing, or purchasing something at a heavily discounted rate. It's unclear why Britsappear to favour analogue time-telling while Americans go for the digital format. I'm Hank Marvin.". Well have a right knees-up!. Visit the UK and keep your ears open for new phrases to add to your list. Being nicked refers to being caught by the police and arrested. 63. Dynamite/Wicked Dynamite is used for awesome and cool. This could be due to the lengths that the person will have to go to in order to complete the task. "The dreaded lurgy" originates from 1950s British TV show "The Goon Show," in which one character has to deal with a national epidemic of an unidentified illness. "How was the hostel?" However,"the full Monty" actually refers topursuing something to the absolute limits. Sloshed yet another term that is commonly used to describe someone who is very drunk. Baccy Meaning: Tobacco. he British slang term used to describe avoiding the job or duties that you are meant to be completing. He's turned into such a swot! 15. 34. 93. Chuffed this is used to describe feeling very pleased and proud of something either you did, or a close friend accomplished. Nick aBritish term used to steal something. Oh, the Brits. 1. adj. I haggled them down from the asking price. "In use: "That was a proper good footie game yesterday. On your bike, mate. This phrase could be a reference to coffee beans, although these claims have been disputed. It is used to describe someone who is so surprised that it looks like someone hit them. Otherwise known as a bachelors or Bucks party. Invented by market traders and street merchants, Cockney Rhyming Slang was probably first used to disguise what was being said by passers-by. I was plastered last night!, his is a fairly firm and rude way of telling someone to stop talking and to be quiet. Backhander aBritish term used to refer to the money used to describe bribing someone. 50. That person looked dodgy, so I stayed away. Might could. Waffle afriendly term used to describe someone who is incessantly talking and mentioning things that are not relevant. Your Travel Credit will be sent by email. The second highest definition in Urban Dictionary is the London one: The Luxe Nomad is all about immersing in the local culture. Are you going to the footy?. Being nicked refers to being caught by the police and arrested. However, in the UK, someone that's "pissed" is most probably drunk. P*ssed "P*ssed" usually means "angry" in the US. Banteror its abbreviated version bants, refers to a witty, quick and fun joke, usually at the expense of a friend or loved one. Ditch: in uni, if you ditch class, you're on Santa's naughty list. That's minging.". This classic phrase is another way of telling someone that their opinion is not appreciated in the given scenario. Not your cup of teaclassic term used to describe something that does not take your fancy or is not something that brings you enjoyment. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider That was a right spanner in the works that I didnt see coming., common British term used to describe spending more money than you should have to treat yourself or a loved one. One of the most effective ways to learn British slang and to pick up those phrases and terms to make you sound like a modern British person is to spend time with English speakers. Whether you are a native speaker looking for more lines, a fluent English speaker as a second language or a beginner wanting to get the attention of that cute person sitting on the other side, or even for the hopeless romantics who can't go without love. ", Interpretation: A multi-purpose word that can be used as a toast, to thank someone, or even say goodbye.In use: "Cheers, thanks for dinner tonight. In use: "Every young lass or blokeneeds to go to a football game at least once. Its all hunky-dory!. The locals like their slang more than most, and deciphering it requires expert supervision. British term used to steal something. 47. He was a wreck.". A phrase is whispered around a circleand the last person to hear the phrase has to guess what the initial phrase was. his is the name given to the boys-only night out for a groom to be. On your bike arelatively polite way of telling someone to go away and stop bothering you. Splash out acommon British term used to describe spending more money than you should have to treat yourself or a loved one.