Talk Like a Brit With Our Favorite British Slang Words ", If someone has done something highly irritating or surprising in an exasperating fashion, you might say that they've "taken the biscuit.". "Skiving" is theact of avoiding work or school, often by pretending to be ill. "Skive" is derived from the French "esquiver," meaning "to slink away. The meaning of this slang has been debated at length. That's minging.". However, in the UK, someone that's "pissed" is most probably drunk. "Chinese whispers" are rumours that have been circulated and watered down until they only vaguely resemble the truth. "Thomasis suchan anorak when it comes to train trivia.". Although this sounds like an analogy about the chemistry of baking, or putting too many eggs in a cake batter, "egg" actually comes from the Anglo Saxon "eggian," meaning to "excite." ", "Sod's law" is often used to explain bad luck or freakish acts of misfortune. He's absolutely gutted.' 26. "Our Christmas dinner had everything from sprouts to Yorkshire puddings. Do you know anyone that might be interested?". To be 'gutted' about a situation means to be devastated and saddened. This slang term could be a British abbreviation of the French "faux pas," meaning an embarrassing or tactless remark in a social situation. Finally, explore a few U.K. slang terms that are helpful when it comes to describing a person's attitude or expressions of emotion. It's unclear why Brits appear to favour analogue time-telling while Americans go for the digital format. . Is that ham and tuna? This is still used in English in the phrase "egging someone on" to do something. 05. Something untrue -- often made up for dramatic effect. ", 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. Every language has a few phrases that don't always translate well -- and the British English has some absolute corkers. 27 Common British And Their Meaning - Bscholarly Congratulations! Batty-fang. Don't over-egg the pudding. Although no one is completely sure of the word's origins, it could derive from thewords "cod" and "wallop," which historically meant "imitation" and "beer" respectively implying that "codswallop" is the kind of rubbish you make up when drunk. The name of a strongly-brewed cup of English breakfast tea with milk -- the way that tea is most commonly drunk in the UK. ", When someone makes a great speech while skirting around a subject or saying little of any value, you might say that they're talking "waffle," or that they're "waffling.". "Hank Marvin" is Cockney rhyming slang for "starving. Codswallop - nonsense. Someone that lacks common sense might be described as "a few sandwiches short of a picnic.". Knackered is British slang for "very tired.". "What are you up to this weekend? "Those two are having a proper chinwag -- I haven't been able to get a word in edgeways for half an hour! 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. "Wind your neck in and stop being so nosy! In the UK, the word buzzard denotes to the genus Buteo, generally . "Pinch punch, first of the month. ", If someone has done something highly irritating or surprisingin an exasperating fashion, you might say that they've "taken the biscuit.". ", Men from east London are also commonly referred to as "geezers," where the term is more interchangeable with "lad.". ", "I bumped into him towards the end of his four-day bender. Cockney rhyming slang for "knackered," if you're "cream crackered" then you're incredibly tired. This colloquialism might be said by someone that has the situation under control. "By getting pregnant, Mary threw a spanner in the works.". Just your bog-standard dorm, really.". ", Someone on a spree of excessive drinking and mischief is "on a bender. The "wind-up merchant" will often claim to be making their comments as a light-hearted jest when the recipients start becoming irritated. To "flog" means to sell something usually quickly and cheaply. Some people think the expression actually derives from the British term for mouth, "gob," and the shock-inducing sight that results from someone hitting it. To "pull a blinder" involves achieving something difficult faultlessly and skilfully. The term is usually used to refer to a nap, but it can also mean a long sleep. If you're "splashing out," it's implied that you're spending money on a treat to mark a special occasion or celebration. When in doubt, refer to this list so you can carry on conversations with ease, even with the locals. The smogs were compared to pea soup due to their color and density. f you hear a word that's not on this list, give a Cockney translator a try. ", Brits are known for favouring a drink or two, so much so thatalmost any noun can be used as a substitute for "drunk. "When are we going to eat? When they were working on the factory floor, employees had to wear hard clogs to protect their feet. A "pea-souper" is a thick fog, often with a yellow or black tinge, caused by air pollution. "Quid" is British slang for "pounds." A "dog's dinner" is a mess or fiasco -- sometimes also referred to as a "dog's breakfast.". Going "the full Monty" meant purchasing a full three-piece suit, a shirt, and all of the trimmings. 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. "Pop" has evolved from "cock," and when someone "cocked" their clogs, the toes of their clogs pointed up in the air as they lay down dead. Hank Marvin is a British musician from the 1960s and 1970s, and is a pretty obscure reference nowadays. "The full Monty" historically refers to an old tailor called Sir Montague Burton. A slap and a kick for being so quick!". It's used most commonly when you're trying to get out of a situation by physically running away. ", A task performed in an awkward or uncomfortable fashion, usually clumsily, would be described as "cack-handed.". A "fag end" is also the ratty bits towards the ends of a reel of fabric, which are the worst and the cheapest bits of the reel. 40 Quirky British Slang Words - Meanings of Popular Britishisms ", "Grab your brolly, it's drizzling outside. The origins of the word are widely disputed. "And did you see that equalising goal in the last minute of injury time? From our linguistic research, we've confirmed that above all, British people aresarcastic, unsympathetic, and often rather drunk. Eg, "half past seven," and "ten to six.". ", "He's obsessed with anything that happens on this street. Geezer is thought to stem from the 15th century "guiser," which meant well-dressed. Using fun and zany British slang phrases is not always appropriate when you have a formal conversation. ", "I was going to go out tonight but when I finished work I was absolutely zonked.". A "knacker" was the person that slaughtered worn-out horses in the 19th and 20th centuries for their meat, hoofs, and hide. I just threw in an extra slang term for free. 60 British phrases that will confuse anybody who didn't grow up in the UK. ", A British axiom that boils down to the idea that: "If anythingcan go wrong, then it definitelywill go wrong. Meaning: A pair of sneakers. If someone's "caught the lurgy," they're suffering from cold or flu-like symptoms. "That's when all of the lights came on, and so we legged it.". Editor's note: An earlier version of this story was published on November 3, 2017, on Business Insider UK. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider "Gob" is slang for mouth, so if you're gobsmacked, you're shocked to the point of clasping your jaw in disbelief. Crumpet: A sexually desirable person. Each term is partnered with a description and example. He pulled a blinder there.". Others believe the word is a contraction of the 17th century phrase "by our lady," and is blasphemous. He's turned into such a swot! A "geezer" is a man that could be described as "suave" or "dapper," and is often suited and booted. ", "Sam did a botch job on these shelves -- they're wonky! Don't over-egg the pudding. "Pissing it up" in British English "Mortal" describes someone highly intoxicated or drunk in a sloppy manner. It is often deemed as unnecessary or over-the-top. "Tinkle" refers to a phone's ring, while "blower" is slang or telephone and refers to the device that predated phones on Naval ships. "Mug" likely originated in London with Cockney slang. To "spend a penny" is a polite euphemism for going to the toilet. From "chockablock" to a "full Monty," the Brits have a wide range of interesting phrases. "Being cheeky" means being funny or humorous, but slightly mischievous at the same time. The "boot" is the compartment at the back of the car known as the "trunk" in American English. To "whinge" means to moan, groan, and complain in an irritating or whiney fashion. "She's great fun, but she's a few sandwiches short of a picnic.". He was mortal.". Something that takes a lot of effort and probably isn't going to be worth all of the effort, either, could be described as "long." Some entries also feature surprising facts aboutthe phrase's origins, with a few quintessentially British idiomsnot actually coming from British roots at all. Budge up and make some room for us, too!". "This week's done me in already, and it's only Tuesday. ", "I'm going to make us spaghetti carbonara for dinner. I'm cream crackered. Nowadays, it's mostly a way for kids to pull pranks on their friends. The phrase is mostcommonly used when the individual has been lucky and the person saying it is in disbelief thatthe first person has managed to pull it off. ", "I could just about deal with the dog barking at 5:30 a.m., but the lawnmower at 3 a.m. really takes the biscuit.". ", "What's happened here? Yes! In the 1960s, someone that was unfashionable might be nicknamed a "wally," according to dictionary.com. "If it all works out as planned, he'll be quids in.". "I wangled some first-class seats by being nice to the cabin crew!". Nothing makes the language more colorful than descriptive words. "How was the hostel?" This phrase is used to confirm or agree with something that another person has just said. ", Something unpleasant, unappetising, or highly unattractive might be described as "minging.". "Faff" comes from the 17th-century word "faffle," which means to flap about in the wind. "Don't get caught, or you'll end up in the Nick!". The phrase is most often used to describe heavy road traffic. Oxford Language Club ", Something full to the brim, or rammed, could be described as "chockalock. 2. ", "I bumped into him towards the end of his four-day bender. Historically, "gallant" described someone brave or valiant, so "gallivanting" is a carefree and confident act. While the phrase is misogynistic in nature, it's still commonly used. The phrase is sometimes shortened to "give me a tinkle.". To "spend a penny" is a polite euphemism for going to the toilet. Liverpool rescue three points, chase top-four finish after surviving 2017. The word "shirt" is derived from the Norse for "short," hence short-tempered. Since then, the phrase has evolved and refers to something popular or cool. The word could be a variation of "toddle" like a young child's first steps. Of course, there also have to be slang options to describe actions and behaviors people engage in on a regular basis. It's usually used to describe a woman between the ages of 18 and 50, particularly one who is attractive. 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,". Just your bog-standard dorm, really.". School kids might call "bagsy" on items in their friends' pack lunches, like an apple or a cereal bar, that the friend isn't going to eat. This is sometimes shortened to "chocka." "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. "That guy's got such swagger -- he's a proper geezer. If the joker forgets to say "no returns of any kind," the recipient can say "a slap and a kick for being so quick," accompanied by a slap and a kick. "Would you take a butchers at this broken bike for me? You'll be chatting like a local in no time at all! Screw something up Synonyms | Collins English Thesaurus "Would you take a butchers at this broken bike for me? Although its origins are largely debated, the term's meaning has evolved over the last 50 years alone. . ", 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. 'Gutted' - a British slang term that is one of the saddest on the lists in terms of pure contextual emotion. Preferably with more than one female. ", "I'm Hank Marvin" means "I'm hungry" or "I'm ravenous.". "Cack" isold-fashioned slang for faeces. The idiom was first used to describe the thick, choking smogs that settled over London, caused by lots of people burning fossil fuels in a close vicinity,as early as 1200. Another word for screw something up: to twist out of shape or distort | Collins English Thesaurus "Press down the clutch, put it into gear, then slowly ease off the clutch again. If you're heading off on a holiday to the United Kingdom, it'll be handy to have certain British slang definitions down pat. ", Similar to "nerd" or "geek" but less derogatory someone that takes academic study very seriously might be described as a "swot. For example, 'His girlfriend broke up with him. ", When someone makes a great speech while skirting around a subject or saying little of any value, you might say that they're talking "waffle," or that they're "waffling.". Going "the fully Monty" meant purchasing a full three-piece suit, a shirt, and all of the trimmings. For example, you might say a chair has a wonky leg. "Taking the biscuit" is the equivalent of taking the nonexistent medal for foolishness or incredulity. Historically, only women would announce they were going to "spend a penny," as only women's public toilets required a penny to lock. 23 Brilliant British Expressions to Blend in with the Brits "Taking the biscuit" is the equivalent of taking the nonexistent medal for foolishness or incredulity. 56 Delightful Victorian Slang Terms You Should Be Using Now that's a proper breakfast.". Your grasp of the slang portion of British English won't be complete unless you master a few of the most common U.K. slang exclamations and expressions. As a result, "pinch punch, first of the month" was a way of warding off witches and bad luck for the near future. You must be chuffed.". This road is chocka! The smogs werecompared to pea soup due to their colour and density. "The full Monty" historically refers to an old tailor called Sir Montague Burton. "Faff" comes from the 17th century word "faffle," which means to flap about in the wind. Someone that's a little bit geeky, with strong interests or expertise in a niche area, might be referred to as an "anorak." That's minging.". 50+ Common British Phrases to Impress your British Mates This intensifier can be added to practically any sentence in order to demonstrate incredulity or anger. "Be careful when you're driving it's a pea-souper out there.". "He handles a screwdriver very cack-handedly. A gaffe is another word for "mistake" or "blunder.". A disorganised mess or chaotic environment might be described as a "shambles. It includes quite a few fun and unique ways for people to express that they are happy or otherwise share positive sentiments. If you're "zonked" or "cream crackered," you might want to take a nap. This second theory has been disproved, however, by the slang's documentation predating the popularity of the phrase "by our lady.". Codswallop. Someone who's "quids in" has invested in an opportunity that is probably going to benefit them massively. or "Et voila!". This probably originates from the "uncool" appearance of anorak coats and the people wearing them. To "pull a blinder"involves achieving something difficult faultlessly and skilfully. Bloke This cheery phrase is widely believed to originate from Northern factory workers around the time of the industrial revolution. Rob is the only one on the team who does not faff around in the office. This is commonly used as a greeting that doesn't always need a response. Still, in an unfamiliar country, there's bound to be informal lingo that's you don't recognize. 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. "Innit" is an abbreviation of "isn't it" most commonly used amongst teenagers and young people. slang - UK English: Do y'all use "buzzard" to mean "a contemptible or Is that ham and tuna? You must be chuffed.". Although the origins of this phrase are largely unknown, a gaff in the 18th-century was a music hall or theatre, and so it's believed to derive from this. It's nice to know what the locals are saying, and it makes it a lot easier to have a conversation without looking (and feeling) like a dolt! This is an England expression for something that takes you by surprise and is something you might often hear on Doctor Who. If you've "wangled" something, you've accomplished or attained something through cunning means. The term comes from the Scottish slang word "ming," meaning faeces. Sailors would blow down a pipe to their recipient, where a whistle at the end of the pipe would sound to spark attention. This phrase is used to describe a process which seems more difficult than it actually is. 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. A "good old chinwag" is a good chat, catch up, or gossip with someone. Bloody is an adverb used to show anger or surprise. This is a shambles! ", "Of course my toast had to land on the floor butter-side-down. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in, Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile, [This article was originally published in 2018]. Watering hole - this is one of the many British slang words for a pub. The phrase originates from the game "Chinese Whispers" commonly played at children's parties. It's trousers. "Stop being such a wind-up merchant and be serious for one second! "Thomasis suchan anorak when it comes to train trivia.". The origins of the word are widely disputed. This classic phrase is another way of telling someone that their opinion is not appreciated in the given scenario. I feel so mugged off right now.". Jonathon Green, Chambers Slang Dictionary (2008) provides three meanings for the verb phrase piss up, none of them very similar to Ayto & Simpson's definition: piss up v. 1 {1960s-1970s} ( U.S.) to vomit 2 see PISS OFF v. (2) ["to annoy"]. "Wind your neck in and stop being so nosy!". The "bee's knees" referred to small or insignificant details when it was first documented in the 18th century. ", "Did you see Scott last night? ", An event that disrupts the natural, pre-planned order of events could be described as a "spanner in the works.". Apples and Pears = Stairs. Kecks: a bread rolhang on, no, trousers. However, in the UK, someone that's "pissed" is most probably drunk. In the 1960s, someone who was unfashionable might be nicknamed a "wally," according to dictionary.com. ", "He skived off school so we could all go to Thorpe Park on a weekday.". ", "Hey, there's loads of room on that bench. A repair job that's beencompleted in a hurry and will probably fall apart reasonably soon is considered a "botch job. 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 and unspecial. Since then, the phrase hasevolved and refers to something at the "height of cool. 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. Some believe it's derived from the Dutch word "blute," meaning "bare." You're such a mug. If you've "pulled," you've kissed someone. Bloke. Although no one is completely sure of the word's origins, it could derive from the words "cod" and "wallop," which historically meant "imitation" and "beer" respectively -- implying that "codswallop" is the kind of rubbish you make up when drunk. "Press down the clutch, put it into gear, then slowly ease off the clutch again. "Grab your brolly, it's drizzling outside. Historically, only women would announce they were going to "spend a penny," as only women's public toilets required a penny to lock. "How was the hostel?" It's most often used to say something is unsatisfactory, like "blows" or "reeks," rather than actual trash. Master a variety of British insults and you'll be prepared to reply with some snarky put-downs. Lacking in energy; usually after a long period of exertion. Open yourself up to the delights of British slang words and talk like a local in no time. It was first recorded in English in the late 1880s from knacker, or "to tire.". 4. The phrase is reportedly old slang from the Royal Air Force and was used to described awry expeditions and flights.
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