Dive - a dive usually refers to a dirty and dark pub or club. It can either be used to describe a boy or a girl. Please be careful using any of these terms as many are considered either sexist or offensive or both. For example. Start using Mondly for free on your computer or download the app and learn Spanish, French, German and more anytime, anywhere. Contributors: Gareth Thomas, Beydaan Dihoud, Joji Imamiya. 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"). Roadman - someone well-acquainted with their local area. attractive. Bung - as a verb meaning to throw as a noun, or a bribe. Some people also refer to it as squid.. The word relates to the way a goose (a male goose is called a gander) cranes its neck to look at something. You might run into a handsome guy, or spot someone you like in public and want to point him out to a friend. I told him to stop mugging me off.. Cheeky has long been used in the UK to describe something light-hearted but a little rude or risqu. 2. Here are some ideas on how to immerse yourself in the British English language. For example, The papers sent out to the students were all in the wrong language its a real cock up. Also, I cocked up the orders for table number four.. Learn more. Fag - cigarette, "ciggie", hence fag end (stub) and fag packet. For example, You messed up the Rutherford order? Other Aussie sayings from the aforementioned lists are also seldom used by the young people. If you're the CEO of something, it means you've mastered it or you're a pro. Blag - a robbery (noun), to rob or scrounge (verb). Work-Life Integration vs Work-Life Balance: Is One Better Than the Other? If you are a cheeky child, you are being brash or disrespectful and will probably get into trouble. Its like a stronger form of cool, For example, .Yeah Id love to do that, it sounds sick.. This is not a nice feeling. For example, You need to wear a coat today, its brass monkeys outside.. As such a form of this expression Have a goosey also exists, but is much more uncommon. So 'to snog' is to give someone a kiss. ), For example, it can be used respectively, in, Can you take the rubbish out please?, and What? Proper - done well; cf. Yack - to vomit, usually because of intoxication. Youll quickly pick-up contrasting meanings between other English speaking countries and common English slang words. This British expression shares a similar meaning to devil or thing and is used to refer to a person, particularly a man. 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. Veg-out - take it easy, relax, do nothing for a while. So why not give it a go and see if you can brush up on your British slang like a proper English gentleman or lady? It is regarded as a mild expletive (swear word) but due to its common usage, it is generally acceptable. Boob tube - tight-fitting strapless top made of stretchy material. Pub - public house, drinking establishment. (Explained), Is Margaret a Male, Female or Unisex Name? All to pot refers to a situation going out of your control and failing miserably. For example, Did you hear about our kid Kevin? The best part? Learning a language in the classroom is all very well and good but you dont really begin to experience the language until you know the slang. Its also fun to learn just how different British sayings are. The word became popular on the Love Island television show where viewers hear the British slang constantly. You can shorten it to CBA when texting your mates., If someone calls you cheeky, you might have done something impolite or disrespectful that came across as charming or amusing., If youve turned in the wrong paper, you can use the British slang phrase for mistake to describe your doing. To take the piss means to mock something, parody something, or generally be sarcastic and derisive towards something. Now in the United States, pissed means angry. Bloke would be the American English equivalent of dude. It means a "man.". Knackered a great word and phrase used by Britons to describe their tiredness and exhaustion, in any given situation. (Explained), Is Ocie a Male, Female or Unisex Name? Naff was one of these words that actually meant someone was heterosexual. This is one of many British slang phrases that mean drunk. Listen to music from British artists and check out the lyrics of the songs. E.g. Bird An informal way of referring to a young woman or a girl, bird is a All right? Are You Spending Your Time on What Is Time-Worthy? Please introduce us to each other! 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. A par is an act of dismissal or disrespect. But what about slang words that are used around the world? British rap and hip hop artists: Stormzy, Professor Green, Dizzee Rascal, and Wretch 32. Weve rounded up the top 60 British slang that you need to know to navigate your way through the UK. Can you lend me a quid for the parking machine?. Kitchen sink - a very large number of things, whether needed or not. Company registration no. Cream-crackered - = knackered, thus extremely tired, exhausted. Smashing is British for something that is great or fantastic., This unusual British slang saying simply means dont get worked up or upset., If you want to call shotgun while going on a road trip in the UK or dibs on a food or the front seat of the car, shouting out Bagsy! will do the trick., This is one British slang saying that will leave you confounded if you dont know the intended meaning. If someone "quids in", it means they're investing in someone or something to gain some benefit., Slagging someone off is UK slang for mocking someone., Although this British slang word means "devil", it is often used to refer to a person, typically a man., You might want to avoid throwing a wobbly as it is a British slang phrase for throwing a tantrum., Cracking on means getting started with something. What a par. Were dedicating an entire article to Russian swear words! Britain Tourist Info. Explore 'handsome' in the dictionary. Sneezer: A pocket handkerchief. He got a new job.. Odds and sods - this and that; bits and pieces. For example, My wife gave me a real bollocking for getting to pick up the dry cleaning on my way home from work.. Im absolutely knackered., If youve ever been at the cashier of a British shop and heard the word quid, then you know how confusing it can be. I was gobsmacked when she told me she was pregnant with triplets.. Brass monkey A term used to describe Fit is a way of saying that a person is attractive, or sexy. A muppet is a person who is ignorant and is generally a bit clueless. Salty Bitter or angry Litty again exciting or wild 2. Its just a bit of banter., E.g. To run away You might also see this abbreviated to CBA in textspeak. Bread - money from Cockney rhyming slang "bread and honey" = money. My bird. For example, That tackle from the Spanish player was blinding.. I doubt a straight guy would say that to a straight guy. I wouldnt go to that pub. For example, Thats a load of tosh about what happened last night, or Dont talk tosh.. Prat - stuck up, incompetent or stupid person. Oh bollocks; it can also be used to express derision and mocking disbelief, e.g. Bum crack - the exposed top part of the buttocks. Web(Adjective) The term hot has been popularized worldwide and is commonly used in the USA and the UK. (Explained), Is Dolph a Male, Female or Unisex Name? Meaning to vomit or to be sick, chunder is almost always used in correlation with drunken nights, or being hugely ill and sick. Tart - (archaic) slang for prostitute or woman of easy virtue. But, as the British like to be different, we also use it for something else. If someone is being cheeky, they are being slightly rude or disrespectful but in a charming or amusing way. Here are 50 British phrases guaranteed to make you feel like one of their own. Sam Claflin. This one's a mouthful but it's one you need to know to avoid feeling confused. 1 (adjective) in the sense of good-looking. Ice Cream Vans - mobile ice cream vendors (read more). (Adjective) The term lush can mean two things: a great experience or occasion, or an attractive or good-looking fellow. For example, I ate a bad pizza last night after too many drinks and chundered in the street.. Flog a dead horse - waste energy on a lost cause or a situation that cannot be changed. To slag someone off means to make fun of a person by verbally attacking them. WebAn affectionate greeting that is generally used for men but not exclusively, and based loosely on the English term my handsome, but lacking the all-important noun. 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. Buff also means a physically well-toned person. Magic Mushrooms - psychedelic mushrooms, Psilocybe semilanceata or the liberty cap, noted for the "nipple" at the top of the head. For example, I was up studying all night last night, Im absolutely knackered., Someone who has lost the plot has become either angry, irrational, or is acting ridiculously. Beckham: The last name of a world-famous British soccer star. Brilliant is not a word exclusively in the British lexicon, but has a very British usage. British slang appears often in British pop, rap, and hip hop. (Adjective) The term buff is used by younger people whenever they see a handsome man. 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. If youve been pied off, youve been rejected or shot down. One of the more delightful British slang terms in this list, scrummy is used as a wonderfully effusive term for when something is truly delicious and mouth-wateringly good. Good luck! With its influence on the world of pop culture and its ability to turn any conversation into a Monty Python skit, UK slang is here to stay. 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. Most commonly used with schoolchildren trying to get out of school, or dissatisfied office workers trying to pull a sick day. Dont talk rubbish.. Bill - the "check" in British English after eating in a restaurant. Get Mondly now and speak any language like you never dreamed you would! (Explained), Is Paris a Male, Female or Unisex Name? 3. 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. This British slang is also used in the USA but not that common. British pop artists: Ed Sheeran, Lily Allen, Jessie J, Rita Ora, Dua Lipa, and Sam Smith. 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. 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. Off the cuff - without preparation, spontaneous. You slept with Kate Upton last night? ", "Quid" is a British slang word used in the same way as the American's "bucks." No matter which corner of the world youre from, you've probably heard and been intrigued by some of the glorious slang that the British Isles has to offer. Youll speak like a native in no time. For example, That guy just cut me up in traffic what a wanker.. 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. Back in the 1960s, it was illegal to be gay in the UK and so gay men began to use a kind of code language or slang that was a mix of Italian, Romany and rhyming slang. I was absolutely gutted when I heard the bad news., Blimey is used as a way of expressing surprise at something, Blimey, look at that!, Get your mind out of the gutter! Bloke. In fact, to learn how to speak like someone froEssex you should watch The Only Way Is Kerfuffle describes a skirmish or a fight or an argument caused by differing views. In the same vein as bloke, lad is used, however, for boys and younger men. In the past it was regarded as a swearword but now, due to its common usage, it is generally acceptable. Locktail - a cocktail invented or enjoyed during Covid-19 lockdown. Queen mum- Cockney rhyming slang for bum. Its completely possible that you walk into a British bar and dont understand more than half of what they are saying. YBAs - Young British Artists - art movement of the 1980s including Damien Hirst, Sarah Lucas, Cornelia Parker and Tracey Emin. Since the British are creative when it comes to words, peng has become British slang for a handsome man or an attractive person in general. We also list many of Britain's museums, churches, castles and other points of interest. Just be a bit careful when using this one, some people consider this word to be impolite. British phrases and expressions are extraordinarily interesting to those who arent familiar with their terms. Git is a British expression of insult. Example: Have you seen a tall, fanciable man walk in this direction? For example, London slang words can be vastly different from British terms used in the city of Manchester. 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.. More common, and common in the north and southwest England. The most commonly used form is as an alternative to steal. Tosser - derogatory term for someone you dislike. Minging is UK slang for something gross or disgusting., If you've been called a mug, it means you're gullible or daft and can easily be taken advantage of. Howff - meeting place, familiar haunt, usually a pub (Scotland) and in Dundee The Howff is a famous cemetery. To mug someone off is to take advantage of someone or make a fool out of them. Im cheating a bit with this one, as this is used almost exclusively used around Manchester and the North of England. Iechyd da! Doss - sleep in rough accommodation or in an improvised bed, spend time idly. Curate's egg - something that is partly good and partly bad. If youre traveling between various regions, keep your ears open and try to notice the differences. It is a descriptive word, used to describe someone who is extremely lucky for something, without putting in much effort for it. So, 'mate' is British slang for a friend. ; and it can also be used as a pejorative He just seems dodgy to me.. Nobble - disable, try to influence or thwart by underhand or unfair methods, steal. 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. Did you hear that Lisa snogged Pete at the Christmas party?. WebDefinition: to control or play upon by artful, unfair, or insidious means especially to one's own advantage Manipulate has an etymological connection with words such as Further information on many of the listed terms is available via accompanying links. Another great British insult. Registered address: Unit 7, The Foundry Business Centre, Marcus Street, Birkenhead, England, CH41 1EU. So let's crack on! Just remember, although its fun to learn, its usually not too fun to use these Russian cuss words inappropriately. Jammy Jammy is Its fun, easy and efficient. Haggle - argue, debate the price of something. UK slang can be a tricky language to learn, but when you get the hang of it, it's as easy as pie - or should I say, as easy as taking the biscuit! Did you see how rude that guy was to me? Anna is the Editor-in-Chief & Content Strategist of Lifehack. Yet another classic British slang term of insult. The origin of the expression is unknown, and is quite old, but is still in general use. E.g. For example, Dont be so serious, I was only taking the piss. Not to be confused with being pissed (see below). Another rather delightful and slightly archaic words in this list of British slang terms is kerfuffle. Faff - spend time in ineffectual activity. A good or bad vibe. You particularly want to avoid being called crackers as it's UK slang for crazy.. Rank - bad, horrible or smells unpleasant. This means a makeover or transformation from bad to good. WebDishy - handsome, good-looking. Oh, the British! Lolly - a lollipop or ice candy; money (slang). 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. From the 19th century sus law (from "suspected person" which gave police the right to stop and search. Sassenach - non-Highlander (usually referring to the English). A mancould be compared to the American term 'dude'. Read more. As mentioned before, British terms, British phrases, British expressions as well as spelling differ by American phrases and expressions, but what else is there? Manx - Gaelic-derived language of the Isle of Man. Used when you are talking to a close friend, and is often easily substituted for the American buddy, pal, or dude. For example, Oh bloody hell!. Hes absolutely gutted.. This group of friends uses British slang words constantly, making it a great resource to familiarize yourself with practical applications. Crusty - usually young homeless or vagrant person stereotypically dreadlocked; can also mean angry or irritated. UK slang in general can seem like a whole different language, but there are also quite a few regional differences amongst inhabitants. 12655362. Prang - a (minor) accident involving a motor vehicle. From WebThe definitions of these slang words appear below the list. Whinge - to complain, thus a whinger is a person who complains, whines. The Russian alphabet uses Cyrillic script.To give you a strong base for fluency, this article will go into a comprehensive introduction to the Russian alphabet and its pronunciation. But there is something wonderfully tender and endearing about it. This is a derogatory British slang word for a young hooligan who normally starts fights and makes trouble. In the same vein as bloke, 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. What I like about this term and its two/three usages is that the following sentence, Nick got nicked for nicking somethingmakes grammatical sense. A proper cup of tea needs milk and two sugars.Thats a proper good cup of tea.. Baccy - tobacco, usually rolling tobacco. Lairy - loud, brash, flashy or cunning or conceited. What Americans call the trunk of their car, the British call the boot. People in the UK often hold car boot sales, selling off unwanted possessions from the boots of their cars., This British term is something you might also come across in Australian slang, and means umbrella.. Note that some of these words might be considered offensive by some, so be careful when using them. Red Top - tabloid newspaper such as The Sun, The Mirror, The Daily Star. If you've run out of both, you can call yourself skint which means broke or lacking money.. This term comes from cockney rhyming slang,[1] a form of communication originated in old east London by merchants to communicate with each other in a way that is disguised and incomprehensible to outsiders. E.g. Posh - port out, starboard home; elegant, stylish, or upper class. Fuzz - old, derogatory slang for the police. It is often used as an expression of anger or is used to emphasize a comment. British slang is almost a language in itself. Shambolic - disorganized, all over the place. Snooze-case: Pillow case. Easy-peasy - very straightforward and easy. Home Language Tips 50+ Common British Phrases to Impress your British Mates. Web20 Common British Slang Words 1. For example, He tried to skive off work but got caught by his manager.. The phrase comes from the expression, its cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey. Wanker fits the closest fit by jerk or asshole, but to a slightly higher value. That plus looking for online tutors can better prep you for your next British conversation. That guy is sooo fit. Im not getting paid until next week and Im skint.. Youre just as likely to call someone mate when they're your friend as when they're annoying you. In British slang terms, dodgy refers to something wrong, illegal, or just plain off, in one way or another. Unlike most rhyming slang expressions, it is still in semi-popular use both in London and outside. It is used as British slang for the word handsome or handsome man and is used to describe a person with a fit and healthy body as well. The Great British Bake Off a British television baking competition. Hamsterkaufing - stockpiling or hoarding before a Covid-19 lockdown. Jimmy - "Jimmy Riddle" = piddle = urinate. 60 British Slang Words And Phrases You Need To Know, The British slang word for cool is hunky-dory.. A cock up is a mistake, a failure of large or epic proportions. He always takes the day off work.. With Mondly, the award-winning language learning app, youll speak any language from day 1. Bollocks; and, of course, it also refers to the scrotum and testicles. WebSynonyms for HANDSOME: graceful, elegant, fine, magnificent, majestic, proud, luxurious, glorious; Antonyms of HANDSOME: unhandsome, unfashionable, dowdy, She was the fittest girl Id ever met.. (Explained). Doddle - something that is easy to accomplish. This one had most of us confused when we first heard it on Love Island 2019. Fit is a way of saying that a person is attractive, or sexy. Old Bill - (archaic) slang for the police. In use, I just brought some new trainers.. Generally, posh denotes the English upper classes. I was so pissed off when I saw how pissed she got at the party.". Wangle - to get something through deception or deviousness. Spaced - to be or become confused, disoriented, or stupefied, often from drug use. Lost the plot - to become upset, angry, irrational. For your convenience and entertainment, we have put together a PDF document with a list of the British slang words and phrases which you can download here. Quid - pound (informal; British currency). Used to describe a stupid, nasty or useless person. Some other great British TV shows include: Little Britain a British sketch comedy, that is also a great option to watch with the family. Think Im going to sack off work drinks later. Gutted a British slang term that is one of the saddest on the lists in terms of pure contextual emotion. The British do love their tea after all! Polari- secret language used by gay men to avoid detection before homosexuality was decriminalized in 1967. Snotter, or Wipe-hauler: A pickpocket whose chief fancy is for gentlemens pocket handkerchiefs. From a higher social class, Proper denotes actions appropriate to certain circumstances. Bent - dishonest or derogatory for homosexual. Bagsy - it's mine; succeed in securing (something) for oneself. Mug is more specifically London slang and is associated with the cockney accent. Stop being such a melt.. Do you fancy a cheeky pint after work?. WebHandsome often implies stateliness or pleasing proportion and symmetry: a handsome man. I had three pieces., This is a relatively newer entry to the lexicon of British Slang, most often used by youth. Informal. Britain-Visitor.com also offers information on British culture including British cuisine, history and the arts. Pigs in Blankets - small sausages wrapped in bacon. Z-Cars - 1960s and 70s TV police drama set in Liverpool. Believe it or not, the word handcuff was used back then to refer to an engagement ring. Tea - often used as an alternative for dinner up North, thus "What time is tea, mam, I'm starving". For example,I kicked him right in the bollocks when he wouldnt let me go past.. For example, I had a right kerfuffle with my girlfriend this morning over politics.. In the North of England, proper can also be used for emphasis in the same way as the word very'. Slang continues to evolve with new words coming into use every year. A nifty little British term that means rubbish or crap. E.g. Can also be used sarcastically in this same sense. So, in the UK fit doesnt just mean that you go to the gym a lot. In context it works like this, Come here and have a gander at what hes doing.. Leg it. (woman) a. distinguida 3. Shagged out - (or just shagged) tired, exhausted. Below are some common teen slang words you might hear: AF - Stands for "as f**k," used to emphasize a statement (i.e. gorgeous. CEO. Piece - piece of bread, sandwich (Glaswegian). Cheers - very common alternative for "thank you" or drinking toast. any object or thing. The British slang word for girl is bird., If youre excited, you might want to say youre buzzin. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This British slang word is another example of the people's fondness for emphasis as it means "very. You might use this in response to a question about how your day is going. (Adjective) The word fanciable is an informal word used to describe a very attractive person. "Gutted" is UK slang for extremely upset, devastated or disappointed about something. Copyright 2023. WebOther British slang words for attractive include fit, lush, a sort, piff, buff, leng. Lost the plot is one that can actually be discerned by examining the words themselves. For example, you might say Im going to Steves birthday do tonight.. Gucci Good or going well. Skive - slang for slack off, avoid work (noun; skiver). British Slang. I'm way too tired.. (Adjective) Leng is a roadman slang first used in Great Britain to describe a very attractive guy. Hump - sexual intercourse, or as in "get the hump" - get annoyed, in a bad mood.