lush: [adjective] great; amazing. A pound. Roadman: Roadman comes from the 21st century slang word, describing a boy (normally at a teenage age) as someone who thoroughly knows the ins and outs of his area, and the people in the area - he will also be involved in popular events such as trapping, driving (cruising), parties etc. I really fancy her is a profession of a love interest, but you could also ask someone: Do you fancy some lunch?. So, sit back and enjoy the ride! And today'post is about where it all started - British Slang! Brilliant is not a word exclusively in the British lexicon, but has a very British usage. Before going deeper into your exploration of British slang words, take the time to discover some slang phrases commonly used in the U.K. Fortunately, in a British slang dictionary, there are quite a few informal phrases commonly used as slang. Best British Slang Terms and Phrases. Fag This slang word for a cigarette has no pejorative associations in the UK, but causes all sorts of problems for Brits visiting the US. Pea-souper 18. ; Trainers refer to shoes designed for cross-training. of extreme high quality, expensive to a point that it becomes unattainable. When in doubt, refer to this list so you can carry on conversations with ease, even with the locals. For example, The party was a bit of a damp squib because only Richard turned up.. Ricky Gervais tests his knowledge of British slang. exy ( comparative more exy, superlative most exy ) ( Australia, colloquial, slang) Expensive . Submitted by bob from New York, NY, USA This is a shorter form of the word umbrella.. Now KSWL is a rather unique slang which doesn't really exist in English. A customer. Learning directly from native speakers is the best way to become an advanced English speaker. The Beatles were Scousers, for example. on Oct 03 2009. 14 Online English Speaking Courses to Become a Confident English Speaker, How to Greatly Improve Your English Pronunciation in 15 Steps, Improve Your English Listening Skills: 19 Tips for Getting Better Faster. To inform on someone to the authorities. Thankfully, his journey is made 12% easier by the fact that his accent makes him sound much smarter than he is. The British equivalent to the American parking lot or parking garage. (That's not to my liking.) Sneakers might be a simple Classic Keds shoe; Tennis Shoes are "improved" sneakers with strategically placed enforcement in the sole and upper, designed for the specialized purpose of playing tennis and more expensive than sneakers (see also Running Shoes, Basketball Shoes, et. Pissed: drunk. Whether 1 grand or 20 grandnever put an "s" on the end. Gutted 11. For evidence of this, subscribe to his popular, 4 Ways British and American Houses Are Very Different, 11 U.S. States That Are Larger Than the UK, 4 British Swear Words That Are Slowly Creeping Into The American Vernacular. It is used to emphasize almost anything! In the case of the first meaning, the word anorak didn't in fact enter the English language until 1924. Yes! A lively party. Do not over-egg your pudding by using too many big words in your essay. In fact, British people say "cheers" all the time without noticing they're doing it - a bit like the way they say "sorry" all . Think twice before you ask someone if they know a good place to get some food A slang term for the national sportfootball. To bodge something is to make a mistake or do something badly. Wix has got your covered with thousands of design features, built-in SEO and marketing tools, that will allow you to scale your content, your brand and your business. This is the British university slang word for a library. 15. Mate one of the commonly used terms of endearment and affection in British slang terms. Also fashionable among girls and women in the 1970s. Alcohol and words relating to pubs and being drunk feature prominently in British slang. Idris Elba teaches you British slang words, from ting and fit to apples and Alan. Butters ugly. Sign up for our weekly newsletters and get: By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions Slang Is Always Evolving. This phrase means the same thing as having a tantrum. Synonyms fool jerk (slang, mainly US, Canadian) ass plank (British, slang) charlie (British, informal, old-fashioned) berk (British, slang) prick (taboo, slang) wally (slang) prat (slang) plonker (slang, old-fashioned) twit (informal, mainly British) chump oaf (old-fashioned) Possibly the best British insult on the list, it fits a certain niche for a single-worded insult to lobbied out in a moment of frustration, anger, provocation, or, of course, as a jest amongst friends. 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. But wait before you tighten your seat belts, there is a catch. Mate You know you're living the UK when you hear this used like a comma. A Scottish classic which is also popular in Northern Ireland. Privacy Policy. For example, I had a right kerfuffle with my girlfriend this morning over politics.. Submitted by Mark E from BC, Canada 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. In context it works like this, Come here and have a gander at what hes doing.. Nice one, really.. 75 British Slang Words 1. on Dec 06 2002. It is used when someone is wasting their time or only pretending to work. Over-egg the pudding 21. We could see a movie." Taking the Piss To mock or ridicule. on May 17 2002. Gaff 9. They just want a cigarette, guys. In context, Get the food, put in the microwave, heat it up, then bobs your uncle, ready to eat.. A word that is popular in the north and amongst youngsters. 4. A penny-pincher is someone who is unwilling to spend money. The rules about capital letters and currency are the following: you dont use a capital letter to spell out the whole name, therefore: pounds, euros and dollars. and so can a person (The new gaffers mental). quotations . Mostly heard in London, this means "ladies". 9. This is one of the most popular slang words among students. Another rather delightful and slightly archaic words in this list of British slang terms is kerfuffle. Skive (Pronounced sky-ve)a British slang term used to indicate when someone has failed to turn up for work or an obligation due to pretending to fake illness. 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. Though it may seem strange at first, its pretty simple, it is constructed out of the expressions second word, in this case the way hook rhymes directly with look however, perhaps contrary to expectations, the word hook is often removed, so you may hear someone say have a butchers at this.. ), read on for an exploration of fascinating, common, odd, rare and unique American slang. Last edited on Sep 15 2018. A parka is a cold-weather jacket that zips in the front.Jumper: A type of girls' or women's dress that pulls down over the head.Knickers: (Short for "knickerbockers') Short pants that end just below the knee (fastened with elastic or buttons), usually worn with long socks. Float my boat - usually used in the phrase, 'yeah, whatever floats your boat' meaning whatever you like. on Sep 21 2009. Try English Trackers' professional editing and rewriting service. Normally used together with "a bit". Another London term to mean the area you come from. You may well be invited to a 'do', 'bash', or 'get-together', which are all other words for a party or group gathering. No one likes someone who tells porkies. Submitted by Rob H. from Newton, MA, USA Submitted by Danny Dees It is not considered appropriate for use in polite company. We also refer to a ten pound note as a tenner. It is similar to the American word 'fancy', however it has a much more entrenched class . I was gobsmacked when I found out that I lost my job. A shortened form of isnt it, this can be added onto the end of sentences for emphasis. The most commonly used slang term for a pound is a quid and it doesnt have a plural. Ace a British slang term that means something that is brilliant or excellent. Similar to a pillock, a tosser is someone who is annoying or a bit of an idiot. Press the power button, type the password and Bobs your uncle, you can use the computer now. One pound is often called a quid in the United Kingdom. FluentU is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. FluentU brings English to life with real-world videos. A monster online slang dictionary of the rich colourful language we call slang. Geezer 10. An arse is your rear end (not to be confused with an ass, which is a donkey). Lost the plot is one that can actually be discerned by examining the words themselves. Cheers. For example, Thats a load of tosh about what happened last night, or Dont talk tosh.. The family welcomed a "pigeon pair." Elderly birdwatchers, who often stay with families in the country. Usage: "Air force Ones are the cadillacs of feet whips". [orchestral music] Bob's your uncle, I never really know what this one means. Think rockstars, mid-90s footballers and Prince Harry. I feel there is something appropriate about it. From New York, to California, Louisiana to Hawaii (and so much more! This shirt makes you look like a proper geezer! 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! It comes from the older English word faffle, which means to flap around in the wind. To expand these results, click one of the above categories. Oh, wanker. Last edited on Mar 13 2002. Click words for definitions. Hes making loads of moolah. No other language in the world has been as bastardised as this one! Some think it has its origins in the French word, An exclamation of surprise. From a higher social class, Proper denotes actions appropriate to certain circumstances. A beer. This can cause a great deal of confusion if youre exploring the country, or even if youre just looking to stream the latest British TV series. bling bling - booshi - bourgee - dolled up - fancy-pants - fancy schmancy - five-dollar word - flash - high budget - high-tone - lush - mint - pricey - ritzy - shmancy - spendy - steep - swish - tony Full definitions of all the slang words listed above: B bling bling adjective high class. Used mostly in Manchester to mean "very excited/happy". Hes got an ugly mug would be the former, do you take me for a mug?, the latter. Im pretty chuffed with my results on that exam. Last edited on Jul 11 1997. In the earlier 20th century, the word "bit" was slang for a coin, and the word "bob" was slang for a shilling. For example, My wife gave me a real bollocking for getting to pick up the dry cleaning on my way home from work.. Submitted by TYI I. from Manhattan, NY, USA Slightly more of an outdated version, this British slang term is still used, and its meaning remains relevant today. Did I miss any of your favorite British slang off the list? Daylight robbery- so expensive it isn't worth it. Do not talk to him again; he looks smarmy. Knackered a great word and phrase used by Britons to describe their tiredness and exhaustion, in any given situation. It is used to describe someone who is so surprised that it looks like someone hit them. 3. Unlike most rhyming slang expressions, it is still in semi-popular use both in London and outside. Submitted by The Last Don I prefer taking the Tube to go to work every day. For example, Im going away for a fortnight to Egypt for my summer holiday.. A nifty little British term that means rubbish or crap. Some of these probably aren't used so much now but having not been home for a while I'm not really across which ones ma. If someone is annoying you, you can tell them: "shut your gob". Mate is what you call someone, usually a friend and often male but it's also expanded to use between females in recent times. Blud/Blad - brother, friend. Thats a lovely wee doggie youve got there. a foolish or senseless person I knew I'd been an idiot to stay there. Jammy Meaning: To be lucky. on Mar 02 1999. Blinding is a positive term meaning excellent, great, or superb. In context, I cant come in, my shoes are all mucky.. So, the English phrase just popping out usually refers to leaving a place or a room with the intention of quickly returning. For example, that meal was proper tasty or sometimes that was proper., One of the most commonly-used British phrases, rubbish is used to mean both general waste and trash, and to also express disbelief in something to the point of ridicule (in this sense it is a much-more PG-friendly version of bollocks. 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. Market reasoning is deeply, essentially smarmy. So, quids in means that someone has made moneyusually more than what they expectedfrom something. In British slang, "bloody" is a bit like the word "very," which adds stress or importance to the word that comes after it. It can also generally mean that someone is in a position of advantage in a situation. She sought work as an "agony aunt." 5. Can also mean to pass something with flying colors. Nappies is starting to pick up over here, though. Ponchos have neither hoods nor sleeves. Sneakers: Another word for running shoes, or "trainers" - light weight shoes having . Last edited on Oct 06 2016. Ten Very British Behaviours "Brolly" Abbreviation of "umbrella." "Grab your brolly, it's drizzling outside." Pixabay "Budge up" An informal way of asking someone to make room where they are. 11. Fortnight a British slang term more commonly used by virtually everyone in the UK to mean a group of two weeks. Often used with good attached. It's the equivalent to an arm and a leg in English, which realistically sound much more expensive than sweets. Submitted by Walter Rader (Editor) from Sacramento, CA, USA Tom Scocca, Gawker.com. Bovvered - verb describing a lack of interest. Can be combined with "hard" for emphasis. Bodge something 6. Bloke. The origin of this one is related to *ahem* morning wood. Finally, explore a few U.K. slang terms that are helpful when it comes to describing a person's attitude or expressions of emotion. Chuffed 2. Hes dead gorgeous. As each generation comes of age, it adds new and creative slang to the culture. In the dialogue, we were choosing between a cheap cafe or a more expensive pub. Imported from Jamaica to the streets of London, this reduced form of "whats going on" is used as a greeting between friends. The tradesmen in our country are certainly no exception, and have invented plenty of words for the techniques and materials they encounter on-site. But like most things cockney, its becoming less popular. Most commonly people use the word minging to describe something that smells bad. Bloke is an extremely common term denoting a man, usually it is used in reference to an ordinary man, akin to the US average joe, but it it not uncommon to hear it used to describe a man generally. Our British slang translator tells us that this is the equivalent of the American English slang words "shotgun" or "dibs". Some slang words have many uses, while others can sound quite similar to each other but have completely different meanings. Let us know in the comments below. Bloody. Her Majesty's Pleasure - HMP, which is Her Majesty's Prison. For example, I left my car in the car park this morning.. One of the most productive terms of the war was strafe. Here the top 80 most used Irish slang phrases. Not a wonderfully melodic word, chunder is part and parcel of British slang terms. It includes quite a few fun and unique ways for people to express that they are happy or otherwise share positive sentiments. Similarly, a 5 note is sometimes referred to as a "fiver". You get a bollocking when youve done something you shouldnt have. Course bruv. Minging (pronounced: ming-ing) is a lovely alternative to the word disgusting or gross. Those curtains are a bit naff, dont you think?. Example: Jack is my best mate, we've been friends since we were kids. Used in the north of England to mean "thirsty". We put them on when we wake up, we change into new ones before a night out and sometimes, when we're desperate, we even wear them to bed (just me then). To be gutted about a situation means to be devastated and saddened. Often referred to as "The Gaffer". Boy and girl twins. exhausted; very tired: He is really knackered after work. on Mar 13 2002. Seriously?Sneakers, Tennis Shoes, Trainers - all three are used depending on the type of rubber soled shoe we're talking about. fancy. Although it might sound quite confusing, it means the same thing as other common phrases like as easy as a pie or you are done.. A face, or an idiot, depending on context. differences; what people in the U.K. call a, The same equivalents used in entry number 8 could also be applied here. . One pound is subdivided into 100 pence, the singular of which is one penny. Why Do Americans Pronounce It "Aluminum"? Never get lost again by checking out these fun expressions. on Apr 07 1998. I was gobsmacked when she told me she was pregnant with triplets.. Alright? New words come and go like fashions. The slang words in this thesaurus category appear below the table of contents. Batty-fang Low. A Ace - is used to describe something that is awesome. This word was popularized by the British artist Lethal Bizzle. However it can be used to describe anything flashy or needlessly classy or expensive. Making jokes, often at the expense of others in your company. In this post, we will teach you some common British expressions you can use in casual conversation! Blinkered. It comes from the expression God blind me. So, blimey is used when something so extreme happens that a person wishes that they did not see it. This expression has negative connotations, so filthy lucre would refer to money that has been illegally acquired. How are you, mate?. So, as a way of easing you in, here are some of my favorite slang words, phrases and expressions from around the British Isles. Take the Tube 4. . Submitted by Walter Rader (Editor) from Sacramento, CA, USA Any road - when you hear this, the person isn't asking you to pick a road! General British Slang Bloke Meaning: A man. A more obscure British term, brass monkeys is used to refer to extremely cold weather. A mancould be compared to the American term 'dude'. 2023 LoveToKnow Media. For example, I cant believe you won that, proper jammy.. British tradesman slang As inventors of the English language, Brits are constantly looking for new ways to keep conversations fresh and exciting. Hes a complete nutter. . 9. A not so delicate way to refer to sexual intercourse. 1. Last edited on Mar 19 2011. In the United States, people from all walks of life use slang. Smarmy 15. 13. When writing in English you put the currency symbol in front of the digits, so 10, 150 or $20. Getting a good sense of UK slang terms that describe everyday actions will help prepare you to understand what the locals mean when they're describing actions. Bob's your uncle 5. Blimey is used to show excitement, surprise or shock. In anger you might say, oh bloody hell!, Or to use it as emphasis, thats bloody cool!. For U.K. expats such as myself, this can be a source of confusion and hilarity when the conversation's other participant is American. Someone who is blinkered is narrow-minded or narrow sighted - they only see one view on a subject. The bees knees a rather lovely term used to describe someone or something you think the world of. All rights reserved. Used in Wales to mean "fantastic". Why you need to know American slang. Extremely tired. Want to Practice Speaking English with a Native Speaker? For example, Cheers for getting me that drink, Steve. meaning fancy, stunning or anything that looks extraordinarily good. Gobsmacked a truly British expression meaning to be shocked and surprised beyond belief. Last edited on Oct 28 2001. Yes, British people have a lot of slang words for money. A grand is used when talking in thousands. This is cheating, it is almost exclusively used in the English county Devonshire, but Im including it as its fun to say. Mental!) Last edited on Dec 10 2000. You'll have a blast and learn more than a few new words that might be ripe for importation when you come back home. Fivers and tenners If a British friend asks to borrow a fiver from you, he means a five pound note. It's mostly used by CP (which we saw above) while they are watching their favourite couple in a Chinese drama etc. on Feb 05 2002. So then, the extension of that is forgetting which term is used HERE, because I'm willing to wager that most people who have transfixed themselves on the British Isles all these years (speaking from experience here) think in "BRITISH". Brap! For ex: Wheres my share of the filthy lucre then? used to relate something to money; "wow, that's fancy!". Gutted - is a British term you use to describe feeling devastated or upset. One of the most useful swear words in English. Social slang. A - Z Slang. fancy, impressive, cool, showy. Used as an adjective, to mean funny or just fun. Rank Meaning: Disgusting. To make instant noodles, just add hot water and Bobs your uncle, they are ready. This expression is generally used in the context of trying to repair something. These extremely informal words and expressions are known as 'slang'. I think the plumber bodged the pipes in the sink. Rugby, another popular sport which the British invented only for everyone else to beat them at it. Need your document in perfect English? It ultimately harms the end result. Libes. Apparently we imported the word grand, which means a thousand, from the States. We also participate in other affiliate advertising programs for products and services we believe in. Sometimes brilliant can be shortened to just brill to give it a more casual feel. It is often used as an expression of anger or is used to emphasize a comment. A crazy person. You can find out more about rhyming Cockney slang by checking out this video by YouTuber iswearenglish: It means that something is unpleasant. For example, you can use it as a mild expletive to express frustration or exasperation: "Oh bloody hell, not again." Calling someone a tosser to their face wont normally go down well. Cockney is slang from a certain neighborhood in London. Brolly 3. Excuse me for a moment; I just need to spend a penny. Ill be with you in a jiffy. The most commonly used slang term for a pound is a, This expression has negative connotations, so, If youre in London you may overhear many other terms for money and many of these will come from, Some of the London slang for money is based on animals thought to have originally appeared on ruppe banknotes. Chockablock 13. Blinding a slang term that is far from something that physically causes someone to lose their sight. Fluke 15. I avoid the morning traffic that way. Make sure you do not bodge the car. We use this expression a lot. London slang for the area youre from. Bants This is an abbreviation of the term "banter". Hes absolutely gutted.. It is considered Cockney slang and uses rhyming words to create a unique expression. We opted not to join the Europe-wide currency and have stubbornly kept our pounds and pence. You can find out more about that in this, Pavarotti he was a famous tenor so a Pavarotti is a tenner (10), If you want to read more about cockney rhyming slang and money, read this. New Zealand slang. 2. This slang word for a cigarette has no pejorative associations in the UK, but causes all sorts of problems for Brits visiting the US. Follow our writing guidelines and make your words COUNT! I think he bodged the presentation while editing it. Gob is the informal word for mouth, and smack means to hit something with your hand. The origin of the expression is unknown, and is quite old, but is still in general use. Thats the game you play with your feet, hence the name. Slang words and colloquial (informal) expressions are how English speakers talk to each other in daily life. Trainers are the British equivalent of the American sneakers denoting athletic shoes. Mostly heard in Manchester to mean "great". Some of the London slang for money is based on animals thought to have originally appeared on ruppe banknotes. Cockney Rhyming Slang. al. 'Ace' - a British slang term that means something that is brilliant or excellent. This one is chockablock with people. In British English, the phrase is used to describe the feeling of having had a few too many lagers down the pub, and the resulting struggle to walk in a straight line. Mate 9. I dont drink coffee but I do like a nice cuppa! For example, He tried to skive off work but got caught by his manager.. Free English Learning Apps That Make ESL Practice Convenient and Cheap, Learn English Through Movies and Film: The Complete Guide, How to Speak English Fluently: 27 Simple Tips for Reaching Your Language Goals. Submitted by Anonymous from Tennessee, USA This is commonly used as a greeting that doesn't always need a response. In this post we share the official and unofficial ways Brits refer to money.