I dont fancy going to work today, I might skive off. For more information, please see our cookie policy. Spanner in the works an event that disrupts your plans. Some people consider"bloody" offensive (the origins of the word are widely disputed, so we can't be sure why) and it was considered a profanity until the mid-20th century. plonker. Give us a bell when you finish work. Bob's your uncle you're driving!". I'm Hank Marvin.". Pinch Another word for stealing, or purchasing something at a heavily discounted rate. Is that ham and tuna? Whether you think this list is the "bee's knees" or if it's enough to make you want to "pop your clogs," scroll on to discover 88 very Britishphrases in alphabetical order that will confuse anybody who didn't grow up in the UK. Offer excludes Edinburgh Tattoo and Floriade departures. I cant be arsed to go to work today. Don't over-egg the pudding. 84. Interpretation: A geek or nerd. ", "Hey, there's loads of room on that bench. common British slang term used to describe bartering someone down or negotiating a particular price. "Is it just me or is that painting a bit skew-whiff?". ", This quintessentially British idiom derives from the Dutch "pap" and "kak," which translate as "soft" and "dung.". A brolly is a slang term for an umbrella, something that is needed very regularly in the UK. Jammy Meaning: To be lucky. Received Pronunciation is by far the most sought after English accent in the world and thats why many people wish to learn it. However, there is no proof for this theory. "I could just about deal with the dog barking at 5:30a.m., but the lawnmower at 3 a.m. really takes the biscuit.". Slang The ever-evolving bastardization of the written and spoken language as a result of social and cultural idolization of uneducated, unitelligable celebrities. Theres nowt wrong with that. Other conditions may apply. I needed a good chinwag to get that off my chest. 2. Minted is a British term typically used to describe someone who is wealthy and has a large amount of money, Theyre minted. his is the brides equivalent of a Stag Night and is otherwise known as a bachelorette party. Andes, NY A quaint storybook village in the Catskill Mountains set among lots of farms and forests. The word "shirt" is derived from the Norse for "short," hence short-tempered. "We get it you've injured yourself. Pork pies another Cockney rhyming slang phrase that refers to someone who is lying. I got this jacket for peanuts. Otherwise known as a bachelors or Bucks party. The phrase goes back to Victorian public toilets, which required users to insert a single penny in order to operate the lock. 11. How to use it in a sentence: "I'd love to chat with you, but I have to pass. ", Someone that makes comments just to spark controversy or argument might be labelled a "wind-up merchant.". British term of endearment used when a friend or loved one is being a little rude or disrespectful but in a funny way. translates to Im starving and apples and pears to stairs. 23. 69. That was a piece of cake!, nother popular phrase used to describe someone who was very intoxicated with alcohol. The very British equivalent to "Hey presto!" "After all those hours of studying I crashed.". PANTS as British slang can be used in a couple of ways. efers to a food or drink item that does not taste nice or has gone off. you were legless last night!. Learn the lingo and you'll soon be conversing like a true Brit. I haggled them down from the asking price. Hunky-dory this is a term that refers to something that is going very well. Pig out - To eat a lot. To "splash out" means spending significant amounts of money on a particular item or event. ", If someone has done something highly irritating or surprisingin an exasperating fashion, you might say that they've "taken the biscuit.". Ditch: in uni, if you ditch class, you're on Santa's naughty list. Im cream crackered!. Recently I conducted an activity at my school to spread a bit of information about common British slang. The Best Amazon Presidents' Day Deals of 2023. I was plastered last night!, 72. Faff aBritish slangterm used to describe someone who is being overly fussy or delaying something with unnecessary tasks. As an American living in UK, I heard it most often to express disappointment, similar to how we use "damn". slang definition: 1. very informal language that is usually spoken rather than written, used especially by particular. When something's questionable for suspicious, we call it dodgy. 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. To "long off" someone or something means . duration of time that refers to a period of 14 days or two consecutive weeks. Chuffed used to mean 'plump', so I'm not sure why or how it now means delighted. Texas slang. And today'post is about where it all started - British Slang! Full of beans this is a term used to describe someone who is incredibly eager and full of energy to achieve something. his is a common phrase for when something that can go wrong, does go wrong. % buffered 00:01 3. Sloshed yet another term that is commonly used to describe someone who is very drunk. For example if you are telling someone how to make that fabulous banoffee pie you just served them, you would tell them to boil the condensed milk for three hours, spread it onto a basic cheesecake base, slice bananas on top, add some whipped double cream, another layer of banana and Bob's your uncle! Easy peasyis a commonly used term to describe something that was very easy to complete. "Pissed" usually means "angry" in the US. 2. Chavs tend to wear tracksuits and other sportswear, or sometimes gaudy jewelry. This classic phrase is another way of telling someone that their opinion is not appreciated in the given scenario. Oh, that cake was very moreish. Andean Spanish is a dialect of Spanish spoken in the central Andes, from southern Colombia, with influence as far south as northern Chile and Northwestern Argentina, passing through Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. 50 British slang words and their meanings to add to your vocabulary. Being nicked refers to being caught by the police and arrested. Someone told me that cast members used it in Love, Actually, and that's when they fell in love with it. Something large or substantial (Mid 19th C). 50 Must-Know British Slang Words and Phrases 1. Protect your vacation with travel insurance. Rank Meaning: Disgusting. Elevenses - Late morning snack and cup of tea (second breakfast). After "The Full Monty" film was released in 1997, there was some international confusion over the phrase in which it was taken as aeuphemism for stripping. ", "Sam did a botch job on these shelves they're wonky! Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets screencap, no one is completely sure of the word's origins, Britsappear to favour analogue time-telling, Wikimedia Commons/Sabine Crossen/Puzzle Productions, reportedly old slang from the Royal Air Force, only women would announce they were going to "spend a penny,". On your bike, mate. 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. 93. And your accent is one of those aspects. A disorganised mess or chaotic environment might be described as a "shambles. The word could be a variation of "toddle" like a young child's first steps. 100. Peckish used to describe a feeling of being hungry or craving something that is not quite a full meal. 43. This phrase is used to describe a process which seems more difficult than it actually is. Banteror its abbreviated version bants, refers to a witty, quick and fun joke, usually at the expense of a friend or loved one. 3. "She's great fun, but she's a few sandwiches short of a picnic.". 21. Do you know these British insults, slangs and phrases? Interpretation: Cockney Slang relating to Newton Heath, an area of Manchester, England, which translates to "teeth. "That girl is long, man. From Stormzy and Adele to Dua Lipa and the Arctic Monkeys, they all use certain words and phrases that are distinctly British. 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. "Gob" is the informal word for mouth, and "smack" means to hit something with your hand. While Americans are more likely to say "seven thirty" or "five fifty," Brits will more often than not refer to times in "minutes past" the hour. Jolly Good . Mug aslightly negative term used for someone who repeatedly makes mistakes or is particularly gullible and will believe anything. 79. 57. ", "I was going to go out tonight but when I finished work I was absolutely zonked.". (As in, this article is smashing.). To "pull a blinder"involves achieving something difficult faultlessly and skilfully. Things have gone a bit pear-shaped!, phrase commonly used to describe something that was very easy to complete. Scotland's Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. 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. "Cack" isold-fashioned slang for faeces. n interchangeable term used for an object or person that you have taken a particular liking to. Bits and bobsa term used to describe an assortment or collection of different items that do not have any real connection to each other. Check out the fine ass sho-tee rockin' all dat ice. Moreish this is a phrase used to describe something that is very tasty and addictive. his is a phrase that is used when you want someone to take a look at something closely. New words and phrases are continuously being added and used. I dont fancy going to work today, I might skive off. gambling term used to describe placing a bet or wager on something, often these bets are relatively low and have a small stake. Smarmya slightly derogative term used to describe someone who appears particularly unpleasant and tries to showcase how they are better than you. "In use: "Wash your face& brush your Newtons because it's time for bed. "Press down the clutch, put it into gear, then slowly ease off the clutch again. The phrase is sometimes shortened to "give me atinkle.". 16. 14. Meaning of the Andes in English the Andes noun [ plural ] uk / n.diz / us / n.diz / a large group of mountains in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina: Interestingly, though it deals with traditional indigenous clothing in the Andes, this book is not about textiles or weaving. As in as soccer, as in football, as in soccer.In use: "Fancy a game of footie in the park? "In use: "Blimey, Luise tells some real porkies now and then! ", Interpretation: Cockney rhyming slang using the phrase "pork pies" to mean "lies. That is, "tired," "worn-out," "beat," "exhausted.". Can also mean to pass something with flying colors. ", A "par" breaches social and common courtesy, eg, a disrespectful comment could be seen as a "par. Men from east London are also commonly referred to as "geezers.". 27. ", "We should've taken the other route. If you want to tell someone to not concern themselves with issues that don't directly affect them, you might tell them to "wind their neck in.". The "boot" is the compartment at the back of the car known as the "trunk" in American English. Commonly used for young children. He was given a backhander. Im going to nick that coat. Libes is a contraction and solely British university slang verb of "a library". Nevertheless, one of the most tricky aspects of learning English is understanding British slang and British phrases. It is sods law my car wont start on the one day I really need it. ", "He's obsessed with anything that happens on this street. Youre looking sad, do you want a cuppa?. Theres something uncanny about hearing a phrase, word, or object youre familiar with being used or referred to in a new way. For example, did you know that the British have their own slang, which not everyone can understand? Eg. Youre really taking the biscuit now. Get Free Exclusive British Accent Tips and Tricks To Improve Your Accent. It's common courtesy to offer a labourer or builder working on your house a builder's tea while they're working especially if they're working out in the cold. slang phrase that is slowly disappearing but is used to describe very cold weather. 5. Someone that lacks common sense might be described as "a few sandwiches short of a picnic.". his is a term that refers to something that is going very well. term used to describe someone who is being overly fussy or delaying something with unnecessary tasks. "Lurgy" is probably based on a mispronunciation of the word "allergy. Nowadays, it's mostly a way for kids to pull pranks on their friends. Hello mate, how are you?. Definition - a stupid or foolish person Prat has been British slang for the sort of person with whom you'd rather not share a long train journey since the middle of the 20th century. Rough this is commonly used to describe a feeling of being sick or unwell. The phrase originates from the game "Chinese Whispers" commonly played at children's parties. Around the same time, the word "cod" was a little-known slang term for a . 60. Also for nonsense, as in bullshit or absurdity. Another great way of picking up certain colloquialisms and slang phrases is to listen to both popular and local radio shows. A slap and a kick for being so quick!". British slang term used to describe any cookie or cookie-like snack in the UK. his is a phrase typically used in the south of the country and refers to a sandwich. "Butcher's hook" is Cockney rhyming slang for "look." Other shows such as The Great British Bake Off are great in helping you to see how certain phrases are used in context. Marvin played guitar in Cliff Richard's backing band in the 1960s. If you've "pulled," you've kissed someone. British Slang: Can You Translate These Words from British English to English? Loo acommon term used to describe going to the toilet or bathroom, Im just going to the loo. From ends one who is "from the streets" and so knows what's going on.. 2. Things have gone a bit pear-shaped!, 70. Wally aless common term nowadays, but a Wally is someone who is a little silly or has said something stupid. 65. 92. To help you learn British slang as fast as humanly possible, weve created this all-inclusive guide. 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. 1. "I wangled some first-class seats by being nice to the cabin crew!". Daft Valid for new bookings only made through December 31, 2023 for travel through December 31, 2023; full payment is due within three days of booking. "Pull" can also be used as a verb. I'm slumped. Try it for free! 19. The termcomes from the Scottish slang word "ming," meaning faeces. ", "Give me a call" or "ring me." 22. Thanks Hugh and Martine. CrispsComing in a variety of flavours, this is the British equivalent of a packet of potato chips. "Shirly definitely fancies Roger." Wicked despite sounding like something evil, wicked is actually used when referring to something that you thought was amazing. In British slang, bog-standard is used to talk about something ordinary, basic, without any special features added; it carries a slightly dismissive and derogatory tone. I feel really rough, so I cant come out. British slang has derived from Elizabethan times in (1558), and around Shakespeare's lifetime. 32. ", Interpretation: This term is primarily used in Wales and means "fantastic. I was plastered last night!, his is a fairly firm and rude way of telling someone to stop talking and to be quiet. That was wicked!. Cream Crackered A cockney rhyming phrase that is typically used to describe being worn out and extremely tired mentally and physically. 91. as two meanings, either a muddy marsh or a phrase used to describe the toilet. or "Et voila!". "In use: "That was a proper good footie game yesterday. There were bare people in the club last night. In use: "Ugh, mum, I don't want to take Ralph to the pub, he's such an anorak ." Blimey Interpretation: A way of expressing surprise, amazement, or even wonder. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. 9. or its abbreviated version bants, refers to a witty, quick and fun joke, usually at the expense of a friend or loved one. We guide you through 100+ words and phrases from the English dictionary that may well have an entirely different meaning to what you first imagined. November 1, 2021September 29, 2021. 39. friendly British term used to describe someone who is very drunk. 2. Although it sounds crude, the phrase is actually considered a polite way of announcing that you are going to visit the bathroom. However, over time words have gradually been made simpler and easier to say (because human's got lazy). 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 ", Interpretation: Used in mainly Scottish English or Northern English to mean a girl or young woman. 1. 99. I got this jacket for peanuts. In the 1960s, someone that was unfashionable might be nicknamed a "wally," according to dictionary.com. This widely used British slang "bloke" is another word for "man" and is the American equivalent of "guy" or "dude". Here are our top, easy-to-implement, practical tips: TV shows such as The Crown on Netflix are very captivating and can be extremely helpful to put in perspective the more old-school Queens English and modern British English (or Received Pronunciation). 42. "Flogging" also refers to whipping a racehorse in order to make it move faster, so there is some speculation into whether you flog goods in order to make them shift faster, too. Are you going to the footy?. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. his is used to describe feeling very pleased and proud of something either you did, or a close friend accomplished. word that every Brit knows! In use: "She's a bonnie lass.". 44. feeling of being angry or depressed at the actions of someone you care for. To sell or promote. Cuppa afriendly way of describing a cup of. Sailors would blow down a pipe to their recipient, where a whistle at the end of the pipe would sound to spark attention. Yes, knowing and understanding British slang is great and will definitely make you sound more like a local. Since then, the phrase hasevolved and refers to something at the "height of cool. Pronounced "nackered" (with a silent "k" as in "knee"), knackered is a popular term describes the state of being worn out or exhausted. ", "Oh. Its no secret that the English language is becoming increasingly widespread. is a British term you use to describe feeling devastated or upset. "Ha! While lad is used for boys and younger men.In use: "I'm heading to the pub with the blokes. Lad In the same vein as "bloke," "lad" is used, however, for boys and younger men. n event that disrupts your plans. Now, we're feeling a bit knackered from all this British slang. Alright mate. "Gob" is slang for mouth, so if you're gobsmacked, you're shocked to the point of clasping your jaw in disbelief. Stag Night this is the name given to the boys-only night out for a groom to be. Im not being funny, but that meal was minging!. A "pea-souper" is a thick fog, often with a yellow or black tinge, caused by air pollution. This is a shambles! 67. Ive got no time for your pork pies. Have a butchers this is a phrase that is used when you want someone to take a look at something closely. This makes a bit more sense if you already know that the word gob is slang for mouth.