Butty - a filled or open sandwich (Northern England). Note that some of these words might be considered offensive by some, so be careful when using them. Snooze-case: Pillow case. For example, Yeah, everythings hunky-dory at the office. 28. Dogging - slang for engaging in sexual acts in a public or semi-public place or watching others doing so. No one knows British slang better than the British! Fuzz - old, derogatory slang for the police. That plus looking for online tutors can better prep you for your next British conversation. So, in the UK fit doesnt just mean that you go to the gym a lot. One can get creative here and just add ed to the end of practically any object to get across the same meaning eg. For example, When my girlfriend saw the mess Id made, she lost the plot.. Boozer - pub, or a person who drinks a lot. Weve rounded up the top 60 British slang that you need to know to navigate your way through the UK. Manc - Mancunian, a native of Manchester. This group of friends uses British slang words constantly, making it a great resource to familiarize yourself with practical applications. Berk - idiot from Cockney rhyming slang Berkeley Hunt = c*nt. This is probably the British slang word you'll hear the most if you come to the UK, this is because it's the word we use to say we're going to the toilet without saying the word toilet. However, when you get nicked for nicking, it means you're getting arrested. Minging (pronounced: ming-ing) is a lovely alternative to the word disgusting or gross. Zoot - a marijuana cigarette, for example used in "Let's "bun" (smoke) a zoot". Pint - unit of beer drunk in pubs (0.568 liters). Fortnight a British slang term more commonly used by virtually everyone in the UK to mean a group of two weeks. Huff - to take offense as in "get the huff"; to inhale the vapors of something to become intoxicated as in to huff glue. 1 (adjective) in the sense of good-looking. 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. Language learning will challenge your mind and expand your horizons. Kerfuffle also has a similar meaning to fuss. For example, you can say, It was all a big kerfuffle., This is one of the most commonly heard UK slangs. Home Blog 20 of the Most Common British Slang Words. British pop artists: Ed Sheeran, Lily Allen, Jessie J, Rita Ora, Dua Lipa, and Sam Smith. Dead on - good-natured, kind, sympathetic. 2. There is nothing like French slang, or argot, to sound like, and connect with the locals. Off the cuff - without preparation, spontaneous. Youll speak like a native in no time. Scouser - native of Liverpool (colloquial). These two words are British slang for drunk. Listen to the audio pronunciation in English. There is something oddly onomatopoeic about it and seems to have a dirty quality of itself. "E.g. 12655362. UK slang in general can seem like a whole different language, but there are also quite a few regional differences amongst inhabitants. Wanker fits the closest fit by jerk or asshole, but to a slightly higher value. 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. (building) a. elegante, bello (a) 5. hammered. We also list many of Britain's museums, churches, castles and other points of interest. Roadman - someone well-acquainted with their local area. Cockney Rhyming Slang - a common word replaced with a rhyming pair of words or longer phrase and then omitting the rhyming word, for example, "Apples and pears" (= stairs, becomes "apples"), butcher's hook (look, becomes "butcher's"), loaf of bread (head, becomes "loaf"). Do you fancy a cheeky pint after work?. Gucci Good or going well. Play it by ear - proceed instinctively according to circumstances. In this case something being sick is actually a good thing. An 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. E.g. I wouldnt go to that pub. Knackered is used when someone is extremely tired. When you've been faffing around all day and someone asks you what you did, you can respond saying "Bugger all" which means nothing at all.. This is commonly used as a greeting that doesn't always need a response. In the same vein as bloke, 101+ Hawaii Slang & Pidgin Phrases (Complete List), 30 Minnesota Slang Words, Sayings and Phrases (Complete List), 41 Alabama Words, Sayings & Phrases (Complete List), 130+ New York Slang Words and Meanings (The Ultimate Guide), British Slang For Grandmother (10 Examples), British Slang For Going To Bed (10 Examples), British Slang For Helicopter (10 Examples), British Slang For Good Luck (10 Examples), British Slang For Wonderful (10 Examples), British Slang For Handsome Man (10 Examples), British Slang For British People (12 Examples), British Slang For Underwear (11 Examples), British Slang For Upper Class (11 Examples), British Slang For Throwing Up 12 Examples, British Slang Bloody Meaning and Definition, Posh British Slang Meaning & Definition with 10 Examples, British Slang Taking the Piss Meaning with 2 Examples, Wally British Slang Meaning with 2 Examples, British Slang Fanny Meaning with Examples, British Slang Slapper Meaning with Examples, British Slang Growler Meaning with 3 Examples, British Slang for Drunk: 122 Words with Examples, British Slang Tosser Meaning (With Examples), Geezer Meaning British Slang (With Examples), 101+ British Slang Insults (Complete List), 101+ British Slang Words and Phrases (And How to Use Them), Is Meyer a Male, Female or Unisex Name? 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. (Explained), Is Dolph a Male, Female or Unisex Name? Not a muddy marsh, but a toilet. WebReem is English slang for something being nice, good or cool and originates from Essex. That guy The British sure do love their bevvys. for anything that's utterly bad or rubbish. From a higher social class, Proper denotes actions appropriate to certain circumstances. Informal. So go ahead and make a move but don't be gutted if you get pied off. Nice one used almost always sarcastically in common British lexicon, although it can be used sincerely depending on the context. Registered address: Unit 7, The Foundry Business Centre, Marcus Street, Birkenhead, England, CH41 1EU. In fact, different areas within the same region, or even the same city, can have their own distinct British slang words. Gobsmacked means to be utterly shocked or surprised beyond belief. Vest - (usually) sleeveless, cotton undershirt. This website is operated by BSC Education Ltd, a company registered in England & Wales. Blicky - a handgun (word is US in origin). noun: (Greek mythology) a handsome youth loved by Aphrodite, the goddess of love noun: any handsome young man Another term, stud (Hey there stud, can you go grab my bags) is heavy on the flirting side. WebSynonyms for HANDSOME: graceful, elegant, fine, magnificent, majestic, proud, luxurious, glorious; Antonyms of HANDSOME: unhandsome, unfashionable, dowdy, WebNowadays, "bloody" is used widely it's even used in children's films such as "Harry Potter" and is arguably one of the most quintessentially British words on the list. When talking about the national sport, you might across this word which is UK slang for football. WebHandsome often implies stateliness or pleasing proportion and symmetry: a handsome man. Loaded - having a great deal of money; rich or alternatively under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It usually follows words like quite or pretty since British people dont like to show off., This one might take you by surprise, as pissed doesnt have quite the same meaning as it does in the US. Stop being such a melt.. He got a new job.. Can we stop at a cafe? Tart - (archaic) slang for prostitute or woman of easy virtue. Learning Turkish should be considered a personal triumph. You might use it for food that seems outdated., This quirky British slang phrase is used when you take longer than needed to do something or spend your time in a not so productive way. It is common slang in the UK, especially with younger folks. Its the shortened and easier version of isnt it? Its seen as a general filler in a conversation or when seeking confirmation, eg. Boracic/brassic - no money, broke, skint from boracic lint = skint. Example: The man you were talking to was stunning. Its chav slang to describe a person, usually a man, who is very unpleasant, incompetent, or is an idiot. large, well-made, and with an attractive appearance. E.g. Blimey - (archaic) abbreviation of "God blind me.". I was gutted when she broke up with me. Jammy Jammy is Ditch: in uni, if you ditch class, youre on Santas naughty list. Blag - a robbery (noun), to rob or scrounge (verb). Flog a dead horse - waste energy on a lost cause or a situation that cannot be changed. Botch - mess up, ruin; as in "the plumber botched the repair". If the British slang term is used to describe a face, it means ugly.. In addition, Britain-specific words are included. Where can I find one of them? Below are some common teen slang words you might hear: AF - Stands for "as f**k," used to emphasize a statement (i.e. A prat is someone who is full of themselves and, almost invariably, stupid as well. Grand - a thousand (colloquial) usually referring to money. Bent - dishonest or derogatory for homosexual. Good luck! Can you lend me a quid for the parking machine?. Example: Hes so fit, I wonder if hell notice me. It is similar to the American word fancy, however it has a much more entrenched class basis. 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. Oliver Twist: Oddly enough, this is not slang for a small beggar boy from 19th century London, but slang for someone who is a particularly good dancer. Dont take it to be another cookery program, however. Its also British slang for being excited or very happy, I just booked my holiday to Spain, Im absolutely buzzin.. Its completely possible that you walk into a British bar and dont understand more than half of what they are saying. With Mondly, the award-winning language learning app, youll speak any language from day 1. With millions of members, Tandem is the largest global language learning community out there. Its not particularly offensive, just a mildly silly or foolish piece of UK slang. Do you want to help me clean the car?. Lairy - loud, brash, flashy or cunning or conceited. Of course, you want to be more discreet, so we listed 10 British slang words you could use. Hump - sexual intercourse, or as in "get the hump" - get annoyed, in a bad mood. Old Bill - (archaic) slang for the police. Did you see how rude that guy was to me? E.g. Numpty - stupid or ineffectual (informal). I was gobsmacked when she told me she was pregnant with triplets.. Lost the plot is one that can actually be discerned by examining the words themselves. British rap and hip hop artists: Stormzy, Professor Green, Dizzee Rascal, and Wretch 32. (Adjective) The term hot has been popularized worldwide and is commonly used in the USA and the UK. Dodgy - suspicious, of questionable quality (slang). Glow up. This is not a nice feeling. WebHunky-dory a neat little piece of British slang that means that a situation is okay, cool, or normal. 3. This is one of the many British terms for being drunk. Webhandsome. Bung - as a verb meaning to throw as a noun, or a bribe. E.g. Tea - often used as an alternative for dinner up North, thus "What time is tea, mam, I'm starving". So, lets crack on and get to the list of British slang words innit! For example, My wife gave me a real bollocking for getting to pick up the dry cleaning on my way home from work.. Your ideal student home & a flight ticket awaits. Crash - sleep, lose consciousness, stay at someone's flat as in "Can I crash at yours on Saturday night?". Lacking fivers and tenners if you will (see below). Salty Bitter or angry Litty again exciting or wild In context it works like this, Come here and have a gander at what hes doing.. For example, The birthday party went all to pot when the clown turned up drunk and everyone was sick from that cheap barbecue stuff.. online English language courses and find classes with native speakers. So you might know the word cheers as the word you use to toast your drink in English. Now in a minute - on your way, but not immediately (Welsh). It can either be used to describe a boy or a girl. In the North of England, proper can also be used for emphasis in the same way as the word very'. Specifically, when something is exciting or wonderful, particularly when something is good news, brilliant can mean as such. To sack off is to avoid doing something or to give up doing something - normally something that you didnt want to do in the first place. For example, The party was a bit of a damp squib because only Richard turned up.. Pub - public house, drinking establishment. Skelp - a slap or smack (Dundee, Scotland). It can be used to mean anything thats low-quality, potentially dangerous or unreliable. 4. The British do love their tea after all! The British equivalent to the American parking lot or parking garage. "Grafting" is Scottish slang denoting a lad who is trying to get a girl to like him. This is one of many British slang phrases that mean drunk. E.g. For example, You messed up the Rutherford order? WebFortunately, there are quite a few descriptive British slang terms that paint quite a vivid picture to anyone who knows what the informal words mean. You'll hear this one a lot on the British Love Island. Offie - off license (liquor store to Americans). It doesn't get more British than this. WebBritish bugger 1 [ buhg-er, boog- ] noun Informal. Definition. Also, fit is British slang for a very attractive person, both male and female. The phrase comes from the expression, its cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey. For example, That tackle from the Spanish player was blinding.. Wacky - funny or amusing in a slightly odd or peculiar way. British Slang. This is a derogatory British slang word for a young hooligan who normally starts fights and makes trouble. Red Top - tabloid newspaper such as The Sun, The Mirror, The Daily Star. Whether you enjoy following the Royal Family or binging shows like Doctor Who and Peaky Blinders, youve undoubtedly come across some of the weird and wonderful words that make up British slang. The expression is a synonym for lies. Scrummy - (upper class) slang for delicious, scrumptious. 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. Synonyms. Faff - spend time in ineffectual activity. Cheeky has long been used in the UK to describe something light-hearted but a little rude or risqu. In British slang terms, dodgy refers to something wrong, illegal, or just plain off, in one way or another. Curate's egg - something that is partly good and partly bad. From 'knackered' to 'bonkers', British slang is full of character and can really spice up a conversation. Brass monkey A term used to describe Cheers doesnt quite have the same meaning that it does in other counties of course, it still means celebrations when toasting a drink with some friends, but in British slang, it also means thanks or thank you. Bevvy - (alcoholic) drink, usually beer, from "beverages". Its so entertaining, youll become addicted. Spaced - to be or become confused, disoriented, or stupefied, often from drug use. Quid - pound (informal; British currency). Sam Claflin. I need to go to the loo.. Bread - money from Cockney rhyming slang "bread and honey" = money. Gobsmacked - slang for totally surprised, shocked. Doddle - something that is easy to accomplish. Sometimes brilliant can be shortened to just brill to give it a more casual feel. It can get a bit dodgy late at night.". (praise) a. generoso (a) 6. To get you started we have some suggestions for some great British artists below. And as mentioned in comments it might as well have a phone number This is short for the word beverages, usually alcoholic, most often beer. Yet another classic British slang term of insult. I'm not being funny - softening preface to a statement that could possibly be taken as offensive or malicious. Buff also means a physically well-toned person. It is regarded as a mild expletive (swear word) but due to its common usage, it is generally acceptable. Wino - used as a noun for a drunk, alcoholic, especially one who is homeless. Mug is more specifically London slang and is associated with the cockney accent. Stitched up - to trick someone so that they are placed in a difficult or unpleasant situation. You might notice the British call their friends mate, fam or bruv. Some very noticeable differences between the two English languages are: Have you ever been the odd one out in a group of British mates not getting the joke? If you're legging it, you're likely physically running away from trouble. To take the piss means to mock, or generally be sarcastic towards something. A commonly used British slang sentence is Cant be arsed. This is a less polite version of saying that you cant be bothered doing something. The usage is intended to promote, identify and search. Contributors: Gareth Thomas, Beydaan Dihoud, Joji Imamiya. Yack - to vomit, usually because of intoxication. She was the fittest girl Id ever met.. Mate one of the commonly used terms of endearment and affection in British slang terms. The Psychology of Motivation: Why Is Motivation So Powerful? Dive - a dive usually refers to a dirty and dark pub or club. If you're the CEO of something, it means you've mastered it or you're a pro. What a par. Bees knees - a highly admired person or thing. The UK has adapted this as British slang for handsome men and beautiful women. That guy is sooo fit. If youre pretending to be sick so that you cant go to work, youre skiving. To skive off is also the equivalent of playing truant. Nobble - disable, try to influence or thwart by underhand or unfair methods, steal. Top 10 Stressors in Life (And How to Cope with Them), An Inspiring Interview with Steve White, President, Special Counsel to the CEO of Comcast, How to Escape the Rat Race And Live the Life You Desire, The 5 Areas of Personal Growth (And How to Improve Them), 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. Example: Gosh, that man is hot! Alan: Means handsome, and its a great name for a pretty male cat. My bird. proper job (southwest England and Cornwall). Bum crack - the exposed top part of the buttocks. You might run into a handsome guy, or spot someone you like in public and want to point him out to a friend. DMC - Deep Meaningful Conversation. Want to become fluent fast? How confident do you feel with British English slang expressions? WebDishy - handsome, good-looking. Many people wander through the day wishing others a happy St. Patricks Day, but have you ever stopped to think about why? Give us a bell - call me on the telephone. Jessie - originally Scottish slang for weak or effeminate man. Jimmy - "Jimmy Riddle" = piddle = urinate. Zebra Crossing - black and white pedestrian crossing. Jag - alternative word for vaccine jab in Scotland. 2023 LetsLearnSlang.com - The Best Place to Learn New Slang Terms & Phrases. 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. It is common slang in the US and the UK today. It is often used as an expression of anger or is used to emphasize a comment. E.g. Smoke - the Smoke, the nickname for London. Beckham: The last name of a world-famous British soccer star. Brummie - native of Birmingham (colloquial). Piece - piece of bread, sandwich (Glaswegian). Kettles - watches - from kettle and hob = watch (Cockney rhyming slang). Chav - derogatory term for member of the "lower classes". Teen 2023 Slang Words New List: GOAT Greatest Of All Time Dope Awesome. (Explained). Muck is a substitute for dirt however, in many ways I find it a superior word. Kerfuffle is UK slang for a disagreement or fight. - cheers, good health (Welsh). While American slang has become nearly universal with the influx of TV shows, films, and other media filling the screens of a significant majority of the media-viewing global population, there is so much more available once you dig beneath the surface of British slang terms and can discover some real gems beneath the surface. For example; you might say Blimey! For example, The guys on TV last night were taking the piss out of the government again.. (Explained), Is Margaret a Male, Female or Unisex Name? It can also mean fuss., A long study session might make you want to take a quick kip, meaning a short nap., Used in a similar sense to bloke, lad is UK slang for younger men and boys., If you are said to lose the plot, you might want to take a step back. For example, it can refer to food which tastes out of date or, when referring to a person, it can mean that they are a bit sketchy. Now, the word naff is used to mean that something is lacking in style or good taste. From This is UK slang for tipsy as well as excited, with the latter meaning mainly used in Manchester., When you cant be bothered doing something, you might use this British slang phrase. Yank someone's chain - goad, provoke, irritate. The word relates to the way a goose (a male goose is called a gander) cranes its neck to look at something. Do they all belly laugh while you are left grinning awkwardly alongside them? Think about the elegant British phrases you have heard and see if you recognize any in our list below. Jake When someone says that everything is Jake, they probably don't mean that everything is currently revolving around a specific person named Jake. Naff was one of these words that actually meant someone was heterosexual. Cockwomble - foolish or obnoxious person. More of an usual term, a damp squib in British slang terms refers to something which fails on all accounts, coming from the squib (an explosive), and the propensity for them to fail when wet. For example, His girlfriend broke up with him. Some die out because nobody Under the cosh - in a difficult situation. If you've run out of both, you can call yourself skint which means broke or lacking money.. Brassed off - annoyed and unhappy feeling. Note how the second word pies rhymes directly with lies. A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z, Abdabs - terror, fright as in "the screaming abdabs.". Git is a British expression of insult. Just go and ask them out! Britain-Visitor.com provides travel information on Britain's cities and the essential when and where and how to get there. Dont talk rubbish.. Haggle - argue, debate the price of something. WebOther British slang words for attractive include fit, lush, a sort, piff, buff, leng. Doing things properly means to do them correctly or in the right way. Queer the pitch- spoil the business in hand already discussed. The most commonly used form is as an alternative to steal. Think Im going to sack off work drinks later. (animal) a. hermoso (a), bello (a) 4. (Explained), Is Harper a Male, Female or Unisex Name? Minging - foul-smelling, unpleasant, very bad. Paddy - temper fit, an Irishman (derogatory). Bint - (archaic) slang for woman (from the Arabic). Shagged out - (or just shagged) tired, exhausted. Sam Claflin became a heartthrob in a second while starring in the film Me before you with Emilia Clarke. I feel there is something appropriate about it. Now in the United States, pissed means angry. Ye - archaic spelling for "the" - the definite article or archaic for "your" - possessive pronoun. Wank - masturbate, a wanker is an objectionable person. In fact, to learn how to speak like someone froEssex you should watch The Only Way Is They are meant for comprehension rather than reproduction. For example, Oh bloody hell!. ", Buzzin can mean to be tipsy or slightly drunk, "I'm buzzin' after that pint." Losing the plot is the British slang phrase for someone who is behaving irrationally or is enraged., Pronounced ming-ing, this is a lovely word to describe something that isn't quite so lovely. Even though these British words are still part of the English language, their meanings tend to be very different from what other English-speaking countries are used to.

St Peter Catholic Church Bulletin, What Does Short Hair Symbolize In Japan, Jones Road Miracle Balm Sephora, Fording Not Possible Service Required G63, Articles H