Very different to the bollocks of the previous suggestion, a bollocking is a telling-off or a severe or enthusiastic reprimand from a boss, co-worker, partner, or anyone you like, for a misdemeanour. Used as a verb to show desire for something or someone. British slang and dialect is rich and diverse. Submitted by Danny Dees 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). I think the plumber bodged the pipes in the sink. Bants This is an abbreviation of the term "banter". And so there's a fair bet that, in some way or another, clothes are going to come up quite routinely in conversation. They just want a cigarette, guys. Exorbitant - Unreasonably high This is another version of the phrase isnt it. It is commonly used to show agreement rather than to genuinely ask a question. New words come and go like fashions. I really fancy her is a profession of a love interest, but you could also ask someone: Do you fancy some lunch?. Submitted by Moo from Santa Cruz, CA, USA Quids in 14. We also participate in other affiliate advertising programs for products and services we believe in. You do write capitals when you use the internationally recognised abbreviations, therefore GBP for pounds, EUR for euros, USD for dollars and CNY for Chinese yuan etc. An exclamation of surprise. 13. lush: [adjective] great; amazing. A cock up is a mistake, a failure of large or epic proportions. Perhaps the most interesting slang you'll hear in England is the infamous Cockney Rhyming Slang. For example, I left my car in the car park this morning.. To be arrested. One of the best things about summer is firing up the barbecue and sipping some brews on a hot, sunny day. This expression is generally used in the context of trying to repair something. It is a descriptive word, used to describe someone who is extremely lucky for something, without putting in much effort for it. The origins of this word are disputed, but all British people will know what you mean if you tell them Im just popping to the loo. Also used as an adjective in parts of northern England to mean "fantastic": Thats grand. The British population most definitely has an island mentality and this was never more apparent than when the euro was introduced on January 1st 1999. on Oct 23 2012. In Scottish English, wally means something that is pleasing or strong. Don't be such a plonker. Gutted Meaning: Being heartbroken or upset over something. We want to make sure youre leaving a professional image of yourself. Calling someone a tosser to their face wont normally go down well. Those curtains are a bit naff, dont you think?. It's used in the same way "egghead" is used in North America. Mate one of the commonly used terms of endearment and affection in British slang terms. 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. U.K. slang includes some interesting insults. I dont drink coffee but I do like a nice cuppa! In the dialogue, we were choosing between a cheap cafe or a more expensive pub. Last edited on Jan 22 2000. Last edited on Mar 13 2002. FluentU brings English to life with real-world videos. In this way posh can be used in the following two ways: This has two different meanings depending on location or social classes. In the end, we decided to splash out on a pub lunch. Imported from Jamaica to the streets of London, this reduced form of "whats going on" is used as a greeting between friends. A crude term for urinating. Generally, posh denotes the English upper classes. Sometimes brilliant can be shortened to just brill to give it a more casual feel. on Mar 03 2002. 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. A word that is popular in the north and amongst youngsters. See also mandem. To over-egg the pudding is to overdo something with the intent of making it better. Think twice before you ask someone if they know a good place to get some food A slang term for the national sportfootball. 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. But sometimes, the slang word is a reused word with a new meaning. When someone spends a lot of time doing very little work, it is called faffing. I was gobsmacked when she told me she was pregnant with triplets.. Originally a reference to gambling but can be used in a broader context now. To bodge something is to make a mistake or do something badly. General British Slang Bloke Meaning: A man. British people love to banter, and someone with good banter is likely to be popular. A working knowledge of a few important slang words, phrases used in local dialects and colloquialisms will help your understanding of what's really going on in any conversation in the British Isles. If a British person tells you theyre off to spend a penny and then they promptly disappear, its because theyre actually going to the toilet. A Scottish classic which is also popular in Northern Ireland. In context, I cant come in, my shoes are all mucky.. See REI, L.L. . 'Ace' - a British slang term that means something that is brilliant or excellent. We use this expression a lot. More common, and common in the north and southwest England. Can also be used as an adjective to describe something from Newcastle. 2. a socially inept person. Knackered a great word and phrase used by Britons to describe their tiredness and exhaustion, in any given situation. Do not talk to him again; he looks smarmy. To pay through the nose - To pay an excessive amount for something Example - These days one has to pay through nose to eat out in a fancy restaurant. Rob is the only one on the team who does not faff around in the office. This word is used when some place or thing is extremely crowded or full. Who are these so-called experts?Professional editors who have passed our ridiculously stringent recruitment test. Thats a lovely wee doggie youve got there. Shortened form of luscious. to expose an inappropriate part of one's body. Cockney Rhyming Slang. It is considered Cockney slang and uses rhyming words to create a unique expression. on Sep 15 2018. alternative spellings or pronunciations (list of). The origin of this one is related to *ahem* morning wood. Another university-related cool British slang word is fresher which means a first-year student. 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. Usually used together with "completely", this means to be drunk. To criticize. El cheapo- He bought the el cheapo model and now he's back to the shop within 3 months to buy a new one. Trollied 13. the British slang, please tell me what is happening here. Bare - a lot of something. Need your document in perfect English? From "dishy" to "cheesed off," the comedian takes you through some "bog-standard" British words and phras. Stop faffing around and start doing your homework. Open yourself up to the delights of the English language, especially the variety that's spoken where English got its start. In the United States, people from all walks of life use slang. Can also be used sarcastically in this same sense. Hes dead gorgeous. Learning directly from native speakers is the best way to become an advanced English speaker. He created the word while playing video games with his cousin. on May 01 2014. all from a British perspective, with new slang added every month. The British equivalent to the American parking lot or parking garage. Cost an arm and leg - Something which is very expensive. Bloody. 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. These English slang words have made every language have its unique fascinations that are understood only by native speakers. It means "little", but can be added to almost everything. Ends London slang for the area you're from. 75 British Slang Words 1. fancy. Slang words and colloquial (informal) expressions are how English speakers talk to each other in daily life. British Accents: Tips on Understanding Brits! 1. A monster online slang dictionary of the rich colourful language we call slang. This project was a really hard slog. Can also mean to pass something with flying colors. Last edited on Oct 06 2016. Submitted by Anonymous from Tennessee, USA Bog ( slang) - This is a slang term for a toilet, and has spun off several related terms, such as bog brush (toilet brush) and bog roll (toilet paper). A gaffe is another word for mistake or blunder.. He went on a week-long bender. You are a lush . Most commonly people use the word minging to describe something that smells bad. An arse is your rear end (not to be confused with an ass, which is a donkey). Your written English leaves a trace of you: your ideas, your expertise, your brand. Used mostly in Manchester to mean "very excited/happy". Last edited on Dec 06 2002. For those not in-the-know, kecks is an informal word for. For example, you can use it as a mild expletive to express frustration or exasperation: "Oh bloody hell, not again." To take a chance on something. No collection of slang would be complete without casual terminology used for nouns that are common among those who speak the language or dialect. Why you need to know American slang. This is a shorter form of the word umbrella.. Dench 7. Mate - this is an interchangeable word that is a commonly used term for a friend or as a greeting to a male you are unacquainted with. Spend more than five minutes around any British woman over the age of 40, and you are very likely to hear the word "lovely." A bender can last a significant amount of time, and involves large amounts of alcohol or drugs. Cockney rhyming slang: pork pies = lies. 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. Best done at a distance as there may be repercussions. The slang words in this thesaurus category appear below the table of contents. She sought work as an "agony aunt." For example, I ate a bad pizza last night after too many drinks and chundered in the street.. 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. If something is very expensive, it's apparently as costly as candy. For example, Yeah, everythings hunky-dory at the office.. Last edited on Apr 08 2013. Another London term to mean the area you come from. Fortnight a British slang term more commonly used by virtually everyone in the UK to mean a group of two weeks. But like most things cockney, its becoming less popular. Like grand, quid only ever appears in the singular. Did I miss any of your favorite British slang off the list? Pea-souper 18. These men usually wear suits and are quite fashion-conscious. You can refer to a person who grassed you up as a "grass". The German phrase "Gott strafe England!" ("God punish England!") was widely used in German propaganda, and jocularly modified by English . I forgot to bring my brolly to the office today and now I will get wet in the rain when I leave. Look at that!. Ace 20. We had a bit of a knees-up last night. Before this time, coats of this nature may have been referred to as a parkaa word still used in both British and American English. It is similar to expressions like cool and awesome.. Gaff is just a synonym for home. Although it might sound quite similar to gaffe, its meaning is completely different. Not used in polite company. We also use the term smackers instead of pounds but rarely in the singular form. on Jul 11 1997. Think rockstars, mid-90s footballers and Prince Harry. So, if your bill comes to 10, that may well be referred to as "ten quid". Lets go to another club. There's no getting around itclothes are just an important part of everyday life. British slang for money A quid The most commonly used slang term for a pound is a quid and it doesn't have a plural. Specifically, when something is exciting or wonderful, particularly when something is good news, brilliant can mean as such. Gutted - is a British term you use to describe feeling devastated or upset. Normally used together with "a bit". 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. For example, She thinks Barrys the bees knees. 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. While from the outside it may look like were insulting each other, it's actually a sign of affection. We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe. 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. A - Z Slang. on Feb 23 2002. This is cheating, it is almost exclusively used in the English county Devonshire, but Im including it as its fun to say. For example, That guy just cut me up in traffic what a wanker.. Chockablock 13. Did you take care of that thing? Course bruv. Baccy Meaning: Tobacco. al. Ricky Gervais tests his knowledge of British slang. For example, I dont go over there anymore its full of grockels these days.. Fortunately, there are quite a few descriptive British slang terms that paint quite a vivid picture to anyone who knows what the informal words mean. Click words for definitions. Last edited on Sep 15 2018. The expression is a synonym for lies. 'You slept with Kate Upton last night? Someone who is blinkered is narrow-minded or narrow sighted - they only see one view on a subject. Learning English becomes fun and easy when you learn with movie trailers, music videos, news and inspiring talks. Her Majesty's Pleasure - HMP, which is Her Majesty's Prison. . Contents 1. 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. In British slang, "bloody" is a bit like the word "very," which adds stress or importance to the word that comes after it. We also refer to a ten pound note as a tenner. Ponchos have neither hoods nor sleeves. Other British slang words for attractive include fit, lush, a sort, piff, buff, leng. Extremely tired. It should be easyBritain exported the English language, after allbut there are so many regional quirks that never made it beyond the borders that things can get quite tricky for the non-locals. Someone who is a bit stupid or annoying. The origin of this phrase is disputed, but the most likely candidate for inspiring the expression is an eccentric wealthy newspaper owner named, Mostly heard in London, this means "men". These extremely informal words and expressions are known as 'slang'. A not so delicate way to refer to sexual intercourse. Looking to create a blog? In some ways, trainers is the more appropriate term, after all, athletes tend to wear them while training, not sneaking. 3. 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. The difference is that people from the UK also use "cheers" to mean "thank you". Nice one used almost always sarcastically in common British lexicon, although it can be used sincerely depending on the context. Hes got an ugly mug would be the former, do you take me for a mug?, the latter. Often substituted in friendly circles for exhausted. Still, in an unfamiliar country, there's bound to be informal lingo that's you don't recognize. Used in the north of England to mean "thirsty". Knickers - short pants that button below the knee; usually seen on young boys in turn-of-the-century photos.Nappies, plimsolls, y-fronts - words known to us through British television programs.Klecks - did you make this up? Mostly heard in London to mean a "lot of effort" or "annoying". A little bit coldas if the cold air was nipping at your skin. A nifty little British term that means rubbish or crap. A mouth. Butcher's hook 22. Bob's your uncle means like, I thought it was gonna rain. British slang is a niche of its own, evolving and transforming and adapting from city to city and from year to year, just as the English language itself has done. For those unaware, the expression essentially used in the end of a series of basic instructions. Gaff 9. To have a tantrum or go into a rage. A London street insult which seemingly is derived from the idea of someone who is wasting their lives or is a waste of space. To run away. This word is used when something is brilliant or someone performs very well, usually on a test or evaluation. "THAT LOOKS LIKE A DOG'S DINNER". Insulting. Jammy is in semi-common use in the north west and south west of England. 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. What I like about this term and its two/three usages is that the following sentence, Nick got nicked for nicking somethingmakes grammatical sense. bog-standard - nothing special bonkers - crazy botched - something going wrong cack-handed - clumsy camp - flamboyant cheeky - sassy chockablock - filled to the brim cobblers - nonsense Therefore one quid, five quid, fifty quid. See more words with the same meaning: good, okay, cool, awesome, fun . For even more fun, take a look at these common U.K. expressions. To lose the plot can mean either to become angry and/or exasperated to a fault, or in a derogatory if slightly outdated sense to mean someone who has become irrational and/or acting ridiculously. Mostly heard in London, this means "men". . You slept with Kate Upton last night? Git is a type of version control system that is used for coding and software development, and is popular among software developers all around the world. ), For example, it can be used respectively, in, Can you take the rubbish out please?, and What? After a quick review, you'll be able to confidently go out there and build connections with new friends! . All rights reserved. For example, you might say Im going to Steves birthday do tonight.. Leg it. Some of the London slang for money is based on animals thought to have originally appeared on ruppe banknotes. This is an adjective that is used when something is seen as good or agreeable. Cuppa is just another way of saying a cup of tea. Its a Southern English slang that came from the phrase cup of and was shortened to eventually just cuppa.. Gob is the informal word for mouth, and smack means to hit something with your hand. The first form of this is far more common, and is sometimes used internationally. Did you see that bloke? Scroll down to continue reading article , The Ultimate Productivity Guide on Taking Charge of Time, Why am I so Tired and How to Boost My Energy, 51 Slang Terms You May Not Be Familiar With, 12 Top Internet Slang Terms You Should Know About, How to Become a Productivity Ninja by Graham Allcott, How to Make Time Work For You The Time Mastery Framework, The Impact of Procrastination on Productivity, The Forgotten Emotional Aspects of Productivity, How to Calm Your Mind For Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey, 8 Misconceptions of Time That Make You Less Productive. Mostly heard in London, this means "ladies". This is a slightly politer way to say our next expression: To mock or laugh at someone or something. A multi-purpose word which can be used as a toast, to thank someone or even say goodbye. Used to be standard wear for young boys until WW2 (getting "long pants" was a rite of passage). However, here are a few examples: Safe, sorted, sound, cool or wicked all mean That's good or I understand. The buildings in which we live drop subtle and not Professional British YouTuber, writer, and humorist who somehow convinced you to let him do this full-time. Market reasoning is deeply, essentially smarmy. For example, The party was a bit of a damp squib because only Richard turned up.. Kerfuffle describes a skirmish or a fight or an argument caused by differing views. Yes! It is used when someone is wasting their time or only pretending to work. Sherbets 12. Fortunately, there are quite a few descriptive British slang terms that paint quite a vivid picture to anyone who knows what the informal words mean. Bugger all a British slang term used to be a more vulgar synonym for nothing at all.