Thats our guide to British insults, slang & phrases. Not a muddy marsh, but a toilet. document.querySelector("#hsForm_2e854b34-a1d3-4fee-a520-3e94594cb0f6").prepend(newElement); Put the kettle on literally means to put the kettle on, but is used to offer comfort, relieve a crisis, warm up, aid an investigation, provide courage, show you carethe list goes on. Yet another classic British slang term of insult. Lurgy if someone has the lurgy stay away. Here, well cover the numbers in German from 0 to 100 and beyond. It means they are ill and possibly contagious. Git is a British expression of insult. Here's 9 to be aware of. These two words are British slang for drunk. A keen writer and creator, Tom has a Creative Writing degree from the University of Kent, and runs a podcast for creators and marketers called Idea Shots. 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! A Kent face commonly used in Scotland when a person has seen a person they know, such as I saw a few Kent faces in the library. William Henry Boss Hoover was the original founder of the company (a relative of his invented a basic vacuum machine and sold the patent to Hoover after his wife became impressed using the machine). Here are some less serious hellos and tips on when to try them for maximum effect. Read on and see if you recognize any. Meaning: A man. Start a new group. Dog in the manger comes from a story about a dog who withheld the hay in a manager from other animals, even though he wasnt interested in eating it himself. 20 Members. Even though these British words are still part of the English language, their meanings tend to be very different from what other English-speaking countries are used to. Log in, http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-blo5.htm, Ten Cheap Things You Can Do in London on a Budget, Ten London Exhibitions to Look Forward to in 2023, Londons Non-Free Museums: Your Guide to Londons Museums That Charge Admission, Trip Planning: Top 10 Exhibitions To Plan Your 2018 Trips to London Around. 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. Frequently, the term applies to good-looking people, but it can also be used to describe other things that look good, like clothing or food items. Easy peasy A fun and childish way of expressing something is easy to do or understand. Dropping the H from the Hello is intended to make the pronunciation sound similar to the famous cockney accent, associated with the East of London. British pop artists: Ed Sheeran, Lily Allen, Jessie J, Rita Ora, Dua Lipa, and Sam Smith. The simplest greetings are the old-fashioned "hello," "hey," or "hi." For example, you might hear You can cook youre such a keeper.. Gobsmacked if you are gobsmacked you are amazed by something or someone. 2023 Tandem - Speak Any Language. Mate: friend, brother (the equivalent of South Africas bru and similar to the Americans dude), Give someone a bell: call someone (and for some reason, when asking someone to call you, you use plural in some accentsgive us a bell when the dress is ready, will you? Generally, they are followed by the persons name: As a rule, use hey with people you know well. Full of beans full of beans means someone is very energetic and vivacious. You might say it to show you are keen, for example: If youre cooking dinner Ill be there in a jiffy.. Someone may say to you Its a dive but the drinks are cheap. It is taken from an old English word that means to know. Gobsmacked means to be utterly shocked or surprised beyond belief. Nice to see you / Its great to see you / Good to see you, 18. I want to receive exclusive email updates from YourDictionary. are the most popular greetings for informal situations. This British expression means to have a tantrum, however, tends to be used when describing tantrums thrown by adults, or people who should otherwise know better. Chin wag means to have a long chat and its origins come from a Welsh word meaning empty. While Brits are known to be polite, with their stiff upper lips, they are also experts at swearing. 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. More than three or four looks a little bit desperate though. Another cute greeting is to say hello in a different language, e.g. these are not always dictionary translation of words, but rather a Brits take on them. It is still commonly used in the US today. This one will have you in stitches, uses popular British slangs, and is great to watch with the family. Some people also refer to it as squid.. When greeting each other in a formal setting, British people are more likely to describe it as lovely to meet someone than nice. Some slang terms to begin a text to your little cousin? More information can be found in our. This is not a particularly nice word to describe someone as it means a fool or a stupid person. portalId: "25667276", Last order you will hear bar staff, in pubs, shout this and ring a bell at 11pm or at 10.30pm on Sunday to let customers know they have 20 minutes in which to finish their drinks. For example, you may hear someone say They got an earful for being so loud last night.. Gutted redirectUrl: "https://25667276.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/25667276/Preply_English_Greetings_LM.png", English is a forever evolving language. Tom is a Content Marketer at Preply, and is on a journey to discover and share effective ways to learn a language. Here are some ideas on how to immerse yourself in the British English language. a bread roll. Sometimes you need to use more formal or business language to keep a professional tone. Tandem - Mobile Language Exchange is licensed by Tandem Fundazioa. The origins of this saying refer to the brass handles on doors which get very cold. Jim jams is slang for pyjamas and as a student youll hear I think its time to put on my jim jams and get into bed Im exhausted! a lot! If youre traveling between various regions, keep your ears open and try to notice the differences. 2. When it comes to a conversation with a neighbor or a chit-chat with colleagues during a coffee break, you can opt for these informal greetings. For example, you might say a chair has a wonky leg. If you do not know the name of the person you are sending a professional letter or email to then Dear Sir or Madam is the most common way to start the conversation. You can view our, required for the operation of the website, including protecting the website from attack, and allowing you to place orders. Ive come over all peculiar is a peculiar saying used to describe someone who becomes unwell very quickly. For example: She is under the cosh to deliver that project on time.. All To Pot If you are looking for a VERY formal phrase for someone you meet for the first time, this one will be the most suitable. These British words refer to the paper you use in the bog, also known as toilet paper.. Here is a quiz for you to test your knowledge. Not necessarily intended in a bad way, "bonkers" means mad or crazy.. This is a British slang version of Hello. Effing and blinding this expression is used to describe someone who is using unpleasant language. Hoover is the name of a vacuum cleaner company (that now also produces other goods). It is clear, respectful, and to the point. To break it down, we've compiled a list of British slang words and phrases that can be found all throughout the Isles, as well as exclusively in each country. In a good or bad way! 'Gutted' - a British slang term that is one of the saddest on the lists in terms of pure contextual emotion. Sure beats simply calling them "stupid," don't you think? Lacking fivers and tenners if you will (see below). To use these UK slang words in a sentence youd say, Its getting late, I better crack on., Meaning of being bitterly disappointed about something. For instance: When you have not seen a person for a while or meet somebody unexpectedly, use one of these friendly greetings. For example: She is really miffed that shes not been invited to the party.. 40 Slides. Zonked is used when someone is sleeping or by someone who is expressing they are super tired. Youll quickly pick-up contrasting meanings between other English speaking countries and common English slang words. . Want these phrases to feel natural? Another cute greetings is to say hello in a different language, e.g. newElement.innerHTML = `Download a list of English greetings for free` It is quite funny to address an adult as buttercup. "Cool, innit. / iStock.com/RichLegg Welcome to Britain, where the food is heavy and the slang is. You can use it to refer to a person or an object. Never say the Scots arent inventive where language is concerned! A buttercup is a delicate yellow flower which grows in grass, and also a very common thing to name your pet cow. This is another way of saying, Whats up? or Whats going on?. Brassed off considering the Brits are good at hiding their emotions we still have plenty of words to describe when we are not happy with something. Im only two hours late!, Keep your hair on can you lose your hair if you get too angry or excited? N.B. Now it is mostly only used ironically or in text. 3. 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. In the UK, pants typically refers to underwear. No collection of slang would be complete without casual terminology used for nouns that are common among those who speak the language or dialect. Hunky-dory is just a cool way of saying that something is just fine! submitButtonClass: "buttonHubspotB2C", You stupid sod! or You lucky sod! for example. 5. Quack is slang for a doctor that is suspected of not have the correct qualifications. Vibe is slang for feelings, atmosphere, mood. 3. Queenie affectionate term Brits use to refer to Queen Elizabeth II (the current Queen). This said, it works just as well to start a longer conversation. Want to polish your conversational skills? Connect with Tom on Twitter here. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How do you respectfully greet someone? It is regarded as a mild expletive (swear word) but due to its common usage, it is generally acceptable. Skint is a British expression to mean being broke or having no money. Here is a list of some popular British slang words, with definitions and examples of their use. The longer the tail of ys, the flirtier the message! Bloke. Be careful though: if you use this phrase to greet someone Irish and are not Irish yourself, it is possible that they might think you are making fun of them! Reportedly, this hilarious term stems from WWI and means "combat recruit of war." The title is given to the newest of army newbies fresh out of boot camp. Heres a quote form Bridget Jones Diary 3: You need some good old-fashioned lie-back-and-think-of-England bonking., In for a penny, in for a pound: if you started something, you may as well go full out and really dive into it (it stems from the fact that back in the day, if you owed a penny you might as well owe a pound due to the severity of the penalties being about the same), Death warmed up: pale or sicklyhe looked like death warmed up, Laugh like a drain: to laugh with a loud, coarse, sound, Laugh up ones sleeve: to laugh secretly, or to oneself, Bright as a button: very smart, or cheery, Full Monty: the whole package; everythingit was the full Monty. Faffing around is a very British pleasure. These expressions are often followed by questions like How are you? or Whats new? And it is a great way to start small talk about what has happened since your last meeting. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. It is a jokier version of long time, no see. It is easy to hear if this is the case: there will be no inflection at the end of the sentence. The Great British Bake Off a British television baking competition. One off an expression used to describe something unique. Check out our British lash names, Dr. Who quotes, and more. It includes quite a few fun and unique ways for people to express that they are happy or otherwise share positive sentiments. An informal way of referring to a young woman or a girl, "bird" is a misogynistic British slang word that is unfortunately used quite often. Wind-up If you wind someone up it means you are teasing or taunting them. This is an abbreviation of How do you do? stereotypically used in some regions of Canada and America. This is a short version of Whats up?, which was very popular in America in the early 2000s. formId: "2e854b34-a1d3-4fee-a520-3e94594cb0f6", In 1887 Prime Minister Robert Cecil (Bob), appointed his nephew, Arthur Balfour, as Chief Secretary for Ireland. Log in . For example: When people meet, it is a common practice to shake hands. Nothing makes the language more colorful than descriptive words. It is totally fine to use amongst friends but even you think your lecturer is going on a bit we advise you keep the thought to yourself! It is a more relaxed way of greeting a friend by asking how they are doing, and what is new in their life. Wonky - is another word for shaky or unstable. newElement.style.cssText = "font-size: 1.8em; color:#ffffff; line-height:1.2em;margin-bottom:25px; font-weight:700; margin-top:1px;"; London Pubs: Ten Thameside Pubs for a Pint and a View, Top 10 London: Ten More Things to Do Along the River Thames, Top 10 London: Top Ten Shopping Centers in London, Museums of London: Ten Overlooked London Museums, Top 10 London: Top Ten Things to See and Do in Haggerston, Top 10 London: Top Ten Things to See and Do in Haringey, Top 10 London: Top Ten Things to See and Do in Redbridge, Top 10 London: Top Ten Things to See and Do in Hillingdon, Top 10 London: Top Ten Things to Do in Canonbury, London Alert: NEW PRODUCT London Red Bus and Phone Box Collectable Ceramic Salt and Pepper Set, The Fiver Five Movie Pubs You Can Visit in London, Whats On In London: London Events For June 2023, Big Changes at Tate Britain Inside the Rehang, Passengers can now travel directly from Essex to Heathrow on Elizabeth line, Worlds largest collection of Banksy artworks to go on display in London, Four London landmarks to join Big Ben in lighting up for the Kings coronation, Prince and Princess of Wales take the Tube to the pub as London prepares for coronation, Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben to light up for Kings coronation, How to Find the Cheapest Airfares to London, Top 11 Myths American Believe about London, 10 Random Facts and Figures about Trafalgar Square, Walk Around London Virtually Right Now Watched Walker is the YouTube Channel We All Need Right Now, Jason Hawkes Shares a Beautiful Video of London From Above That We All Need Right now, London Tube: Youve Got to Watch This Amazing Mesmerizing Animation That Shows the Real Geography of the London Underground, Video: The Basics of Crossrail Londons New Underground Line, London History: The Place Where Old London Double Decker Buses Went to Die, London Video: A Look at the Great Smog of London, Transport for London creates crowndels to celebrate coronation, 10 Interesting Facts about the Hammersmith and City Line, Nearly half of Londoners have used Elizabeth line so far survey, Tube and London bus fares to rise by nearly 6% from March. How are you. For example: Keep your hair on I only accidentally deleted your dissertation.. It became popular in the 1920s along with cats whiskers., Bite your arm off dont be alarmed if someone says this. harsh! Ace 'Ace' - a British slang term that means something that is brilliant or excellent. The second context is when someone pays over the odds for something. Its monkeys outside comes from the phrase: Its cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey. This actually does not mean what you think it does. Leg it. Yank my chain if you tease someone about something they are sensitive about they could say to you stop yanking my chain to tell you to stop it. The implication is you are taking too long or you are not doing it efficiently. The British do love their tea after all! Being able to understand and make jokes is often even seen as a sign of fluency. "Grafting" is Scottish slang denoting a lad who is trying to get a girl to like him. 1. All rights reserved. I was trollied.". Enter Tandem. This is used to describe someones behavior. Be aware the meaning changes dramatically when you say this to a stranger! For example: My parents are very conservative mind your ps and qs., Miffed is another way of saying you are confused or annoyed. Generally, they are followed by the persons name: 2. Arse What a great way to start the list. These will help you know how to react to what others say, how to express appreciation or end a conversation appropriately. Usually, the person you have reached out to will reply using Dear [first name], and after this point, it is polite to address them in the same way. You should be. A chat is generally informal, so saying "hey" or something even friendlier (and slang-ier) like "yo" or "what's up" will do. See a man about a dog is what you say when you jokingly dont want to reveal where you are going, such as going to the toilet. You can use it to refer to a person or an object. 2. We also have a pretty awesome article about British stereotypes, so feel free to check that out if youre interested! Bloke would be the American English equivalent of dude. It means a "man.". Since 2005, he has been working in content and communication across a wide range of industries, including education and language learning. "Whenever we meet up, she waffles on about her own problems and it gets annoying!" 45. donkey's years. Faffing - to waste your time doing nothing special. Minted if someone is described as minted it means they are rich, so become their best friend immediately! This is a casual way of asking How are you? People prefer to ask one of these questions after the main greeting. However, pants can also be used as an equivalent of the word "bad" e.g. It is just as silly when written in a text message as in person. William Heath Robinson (1872-1944) was a British Cartoonist. This is a very common slang way to say a chilled-out Hi to a friend. Master a variety of British insults and you'll be prepared to reply with some snarky put-downs. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How do you say hello in a cute way? To run away from something, usually. For example: Shall we get some nosh before our lecture?. This is short for the word "beverages," usually alcoholic, most often beer. Going to a do student life wouldnt be student life without a fair dose of parties and if someone invites you to a do say yes because they are inviting you to a party! A cock-up is a mistake or failure, "I made a total cock-up of it. British slang appears often in British pop, rap, and hip hop. Its brass monkeys outside is used when it is bitterly cold. "hola.". Mad as a hatter: madstemming from back in the day when hatters used a manufacturing process for felt that, indeed, made them mad (mercury poisoning) Gormless: clueless; slow witted. This is a ridiculous way to say Good morning. Native English speakers use a lot of phrasal verbs which can be confusing to understand. Dont cry over spilt milk someone may say this if you get something wrong or actually spill or break something. It is a little old fashioned, but perfect if your formal email is going to be relevant to a group of people, or if you want to sound especially reserved. Today, there may not be as many poets and playwrights playing around with language as there was then (or rather: there are more, they just play with language less as a general rule as plays are no longer written in verse). This is a truly British expression. Can you Adam and Eve it!, Bees knees the phrase does not relate to bees or knees but is an idiom for excellent. hammered. Dick: an idiot. U.K. slang is nothing if not interesting! Make the running: set the pace; being more involved than others in a situation, Double Dutch: gibberish; incomprehensible, Take the mickey: take the piss; make fun of someone, Wag off: leave early from school, work, or some other duty. This is one of the most commonly used British slang phrases. Here are 13 phrasal verbs with get to slip into conversation. ", Buzzin can mean to be tipsy or slightly drunk, "I'm buzzin' after that pint." f you hear a word that's not on this list, give a Cockney translator a try. 'Naff' was one of these words that actually meant someone was heterosexual. This is a derogatory British slang word for a young hooligan who normally starts fights and makes trouble. Queen mum is Cockney rhyming slang for the backside (bum). U.K. slang includes some interesting insults. errorClass: "errorHubspotB2C", ), Mastering climbing vocabulary in English: Everything you need to know, Names of countries and nationalities in English [Vocabulary List], 9 English words with multiple meanings (and example sentences). No one knows British slang better than the British! Hammered is the slang word used to describe someone who is very drunk. You don't want to be described as "dim," "a mug," or "a few sandwiches short of a picnic." Ace is used to describe something that is awesome. No-one to practice with? A muppet is a person who is ignorant and is generally a bit clueless. Wee is a Scottish word for small. Hungry for some more British slang? Its also British slang for being excited or very happy, I just booked my holiday to Spain, Im absolutely buzzin.. Hello. Chavs are usually seen as lower class. A handshake generally lasts for a few seconds, which gives enough time to say Pleased to meet you. 10. They're both classic and timeless, with that little dash of nostalgic culture. Wangle - means to get or do something that is a bit devious. 2. Your response should be why wasnt I invited? To slag someone off means to make fun of a person by verbally attacking them. Example: I dont like my flat, the furniture is a bit naff., Nosh is slang for food. Misfits a British science-fiction comedy-drama about a group of young offenders sentenced to work in a community service program, where they obtain supernatural powers. The company was originally named the Electric Suction Sweeper Company, but the name was changed after Hoovers death. Started May 29 in Boise, USA. This term means to run away, usually from some trouble! Veg-out is slang for relaxing. After a quick review, you'll be able to confidently go out there and build connections with new friends! Slang can vary a lot throughout England. Kerfuffle is a fuss or commotion. Plonk is used to describe wine and the reference is that it isnt the best quality wine. London Guide: Our Favorite Restaurants in London London Restaurant Recommendations for Americans Whats Your Favorite? If someone is "chuffed," they are very happy or delighted. Practice speaking 180+ languages, including 12 sign languages, by chatting via text, audio messages, and video calling. Boise -if you are British or have British origins. Definition - a stupid or foolish person. For example, London slang words can be vastly different from British terms used in the city of Manchester. If someone is being cheeky, they are being slightly rude or disrespectful but in a charming or amusing way. Can also mean to warn someone off something or someone, Queer: weird, odd, strange, slightly unwellIm feeling queer Also, gay; homosexual, Queer someones plans: spoil someones plans or chances of doing something, especially secretly or maliciously, Hard cheese: tough luck; bad luck; hard linesusually referring to someone going through misfortune, Kick ones heels: pass time while waiting for something, Leave the field clear; leave the field open: not competing (or stop competing) with someone so that they can succeed, Heath Robinson: an overly complicated or ingenious machine which usually serves a simple purpose. No one is about to literally bite off any part of your anatomy. Throw a spanner in the works you are likely to hear this saying when something goes wrong or someone makes a mistake. Gobsmacked. Cack-handed possibly comes from the idea that people use their right hand to eat and their left hand to wipe their bottoms. Check out this list of clothing idioms for phrases and expressions that mention clothing. For some mysterious reason, this is most often used when flirting. Whether you speak with a regular customer, colleagues or new neighbors, these phrases are effective to start the ball rolling. We dare you to use it next time your lecturer is explaining something. 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. Nice to meet you / Pleased to meet you, 4. We hope you find this dictionary of British slang useful for your time here! Off their rocker: madthey were off their rocker, they were. A word that is popular in the north and amongst youngsters. British English slang words and phrases can confuse English speakers from other native English-speaking countries and are even more problematic for people who have English as a second language. This funny greeting came from hip-hop culture in 1990s America. Bobs your uncle the origins of this saying and how it is used today differ. As British slang, bloody places emphasis on a comment or another word. Kerfuffle also has a similar meaning to fuss. For example, you can say, It was all a big kerfuffle., This is one of the most commonly heard UK slangs. Things work (related to) Example: My lecturer wouldnt stop yakking on and on today., Yonks when you havent seen someone for a long time. This came from racehorses being best suited at performing on racecourses, Float my boat: something agrees with youthat man floats my boat, Damp squib: an event that one thought would be great, but turns out miserable, or disappointing, Chock-a-block: closely packed togetherthe traffic was chock-a-block. Those movies also display many of the different accentsin both franchises Colin Firth speaks using RP (Queens English) and Taron Egerton has an East London dialect. It is not rude and can be used with colleagues who you are close with, as well as family members and friends. They are most likely substituting it for anyway and the context could be any road are you from China or Japan.. Hello, Bonjour, Hola, Salaam, Guten tag, Hello, ! Bits n Bobs is used these days when you want to say you have an odd selection of things for example you could say I have a few bitsn bobs in the fridge. these allow for a more tailored experience on the website, and allow for interaction with social media platforms or provide you with targeted advertising based on your online activity. The saying originally meant you could get anything or do anything if you had the right connections because it came about after the 20th British Prime Minister, Lord Salisbury, famously appointed a nephew into an important political post for which he didnt have the relevant experience. Dont teach your grandmother to suck eggs you may hear someone more senior in years saying this to a younger person when they feel the youngster is being disrespectful by thinking they can teach the older person something. In England its a euphemism for urine. For example: Whats all the kerfuffle about? Learning German can be a bit overwhelming, but German numbers follow a surprisingly simple pattern! Jammie Dodgers are a type of biscuits which were named after the Beano comics character Rodger the Dodger, who managed to dodge chores and homework. For example, you might say a chair has a wonky leg. What did you learn that was new? Here are some British hellos, perfect for testing out on the Queen, or on your mates down the pub! Dear Mr X / Mrs X / Ms X / Miss X / Prof X / Dr X, 12. hbspt.cta.load(25667276, '25323648-f5d3-4808-b574-c5895d064396', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"eu1"}); In any language, many of the most formal conversations take place in written form: job applications, legal queries, complaints against a company. A mancould be compared to the American term 'dude'. For example: I wangled an extension on my essay by telling the lecturer my cat died.. Once again, a suitable and friendly answer is Not bad, mate, you?. 13. police officer), Bang to rights: caught in the acthe was bang to rights thieving around, Skive: appearing to work while in fact avoiding it, Loo: toilet; bathroomIm going to the loo, Punter: a prostitute or strip joints customer, Nick: stealhe nicked a diamond right out under her nose, Bits and bobs: different thingswe had a few bits and bobs stored away in the cupboard, Chap: man; boy; friendtheres a good chap, Shambles: disarray; messthe room was in shambles, Its gone to shambles: its gone down the drain, Anorak: someone obsessively or overly interested in something, Off to spend a penny: going to the toilet, Bobs your uncle: your success is guaranteed; there you go; thats it. Cheesed off is a quirky euphemism for being unhappy. And if you use your left hand when youre right handed, youre bound to make a mess. ", English greetings: 29 words and phrases to say hello in style. From the valleys an expression used to describe people from Wales, owing to the number of valleys (which is the low area between hills) in Wales. This term stands for "rear echelon mother f*cker" which is directed to those service members who have cushy jobs (non-combat related) while stationed in the rear. A load of tosh is used to describe something that is not very good. If you are a cheeky child, you are being brash or disrespectful and will probably get into trouble. {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What are simple greetings? It comes from Her Majestys PrisonHMP, Cram: squeeze something in; to stuff; sometimes in relation to learning somethingI was cramming before the exam, Wind-up merchant: a teaser; someone who likes winding people up; someone who like playing practical jokes on people, Dog in the manger: someone who withholds something they cannot use themselves. British slang refers to "unconventional words or phrases" the Brits use to express either something new or something old in a new way. Dont be. 67 Awesome British Slang Phrases To Understand British Speakers by Olly Richards Do you live in the UK and want to catch what British people are saying? these help us to analyse data about web page traffic and improve our website to tailor it to customer needs; we only use this information for statistical analysis purposes. Gobby is used to describe someone who talks a lot and has a lot of opinions, and not necessarily in a good way. Of course, there also have to be slang options to describe actions and behaviors people engage in on a regular basis. It was an apparent case of favouritism. Bloke. When in doubt, refer to this list so you can carry on conversations with ease, even with the locals. Mug is more specifically London slang and is associated with the cockney accent. B: Ive been busy working a lot. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The Brits are as fond of slang (some dating back centuries) as the rest of the world. Reem is English slang for something being nice, good or cool and originates from Essex. Dosh - another slang term for "dough" and referred to cash mostly. Automated page speed optimizations for fast site performance, By clicking sign up you agree to receive blog updates. He's absolutely gutted.'. "hola. 2023 LoveToKnow Media. Most likely, you learned the basic English greetings before you even started investing time in your language skills. Thats a signal that youre happy with whatever they order. Heres our guide to the choicest British slang, insults and phrases: The British language has many nuances, something Shakespeare made use of back in the day. This cycling glossary features definitions of essential techniques, equipment, and sayings to get you up to speed with the lingo fast. Donkeys years Apparently donkeys live for a long time so when someone says I havent seen you for donkeys they are saying they havent seen you in a long time. Dodgy - illegal, often related to the bad quality and something unreliable. Banter Making jokes, often at the expense of others in your company. This is sometimes used when greeting friends that you havent seen in a little while. Interesting things result from this. In short, overcomplicated, fancy looking machines. It sounds particularly natural if you are just walking past someone who you relate to informally but do not have time for a long chat with, such as a postman, or a neighbor, or a cafe assistant. Any road when you hear this, the person isnt asking you to pick a road! const newElement = document.createElement("h4"); Some other great British TV shows include: Little Britain a British sketch comedy, that is also a great option to watch with the family. The most respectful greetings are formal ones like "hello," or time-related greetings like "good morning" or "good evening." This is not a nice feeling. This England slang word is used to describe something or someone a little suspicious or questionable. The Royle Family is an absolute classic. 11. Im easy. when you have not seen a person for a long time. Suitable situations include: If you are sending a job application or emailing an HR department about a role you would like to apply for, To the Hiring Manager is a very useful greeting. Sign up for our weekly newsletters and get: By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions However, when the noun "trolly" is turned into the adjective "trollied," it is used to describe someone as being drunk. Knowing a few British English greetings will make you seem especially friendly when traveling to the UK, showing from the very first impression that you want to engage with the local culture. 60 British phrases that will confuse anybody who didn't grow up in the UK. Kerfuffle: a fuss, or commotion, usually related to opposing views, Cream crackered: very tired. You might also see this abbreviated to CBA in textspeak. 4. 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. } Being able to understand and make jokes is often even seen as a sign of fluency. Dive is used to describe a place that isnt very nice. You'll be chatting like a local in no time at all! For example, when a classmate nominates you to lead a presentation you can certainly claim to have been stitched up.. For example, 'His girlfriend broke up with him. Its the first word you learn in any new language, the basic sign of welcome that shows your intent to talk to someone. Started Jun 1 in Las Vegas, USA. Hench - a tall lad with strong muscles. 1. It is a shortened version of Are you alright?. It is also used a lot in text messaging. It is used to describe willingness. This is a shortened version of Hello, governor, a greeting used by tradespeople in Victorian London, to show respect when talking to upper class members of society. Just remember, although its fun to learn, its usually not too fun to use these Russian cuss words inappropriately. Expand your vocabulary and learn the names of countries and nationalities in English with this extensive vocabulary list. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"A chat is generally informal, so saying "hey" or something even friendlier (and slang-ier) like "yo" or "sup" will do. Can also mean to pass something with flying colors. Shagged This can mean a number of things some ruder than others. It might be hard to find material to study, as you wont find it in your standard English textbooks, but if you look a little harder, there are plenty of sources out there that will teach you some great British slang terms. Also, means twisted, mean, or madthat was a wicked witch, Dodgy: suspicious; not quite right; dishonestthat man was dodgy, A tad: a little bitit was a tad on the dark side, Bollocking: being punishedhe had a good bollocking, Donkeys years: agesit hadnt happened in donkeys years, Peanuts: very cheapI had it for peanuts at the local shop, Horses for courses: whats fitting for one case isnt fitting for another. It could also come from the fact that people who are cack-handed make a mess. British rap and hip hop artists: Stormzy, Professor Green, Dizzee Rascal, and Wretch 32. Rank is slang for something that is horrible, in bad taste or actually smells unpleasant. peng If something is peng, that means it's attractive or appealing. Knackered is used when someone is extremely tired. Situations where these fit naturally include: hbspt.cta.load(25667276, '88c73e55-f82c-4707-b73d-90c759c6aff0', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"eu1"}); As you almost certainly know already, Hello and Hi are the most popular greetings for informal situations. 3. Bloody hell: oh my Godusually in relation to something extremely good, or bad happening, Hells bloody bells (or: hells bells): oh my Godusually in relation to something bad happening, but not always, Blooming brilliant: a nicer way of saying bloody brilliant, Blooming marvellous: a nicer way of saying bloody marvellous, Fanny Adams: obsolete; nothing (derogatory), Thats rubbish: thats stupid; thats silly; thats nonsense, Lost the plot: someone whos lost the plot is someone whos gone crazyafter the breakup I believe he lost the plot, Bollocks: literally it means balls, but the real meaning is damn, bloody hell, or similar, when expressed angrily. Hells bloody bells, thats bloody marvellous! would be a display of great happiness, not rudeness. When you say that something is tosh, you mean that this is a bunch of nonsense. Gob is a British expression for mouth. Today it is more commonly used to say everything is OK. Butchers hookoriginates from the East End of London and is a rhyme slang for take a look. Jar is slang for a pint of beer. But it can also be a reference to an annoying person: "Stop being such an arse". It is perfectly okay to start a conversation with a stranger in an informal situation with hey too, but do not pronounce it too harshly in this case, or it can come across as rude or confrontational. Finally, explore a few U.K. slang terms that are helpful when it comes to describing a person's attitude or expressions of emotion. Dont take it to be another cookery program, however. But the most common use is when someone is expressing how tired they are. The association with digging for food morphed into the slang we use today. The Great British Bake Off (GBBO for short) is riddled with light-hearted humor and is very fun to watch. Umpteen means a relatively large, but unspecified amount, of something and is generally used when someone is annoyed. Im easy next time you are in a restaurant and your friends are debating what to order just say order whatever. You don't want to be called a few sandwiches short of a picnic." From "chockablock" to a "full Monty," the Brits have a wide range of interesting phrases. Another great British insult. Good luck! Oh my giddy aunt is another expression for Oh my God! and used to show shock or surprise. Keep in mind that Goodnight is not a salutation. Here are the most common situations when such greetings are necessary: Use the following salutations to start a formal conversation in any of these situations. It is very difficult to be funny in a new language (or difficult to be funny on purpose, at least!). Skive If you dont want to go to that 9 am lecture (understandable) or rather spend the afternoon in the students union then suggest skiving off to a couple of like-minded people, but be prepared to be labelled a skiver by your more studious class fellows. For example, Good morning is generally used from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. whereas Good afternoon time is from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Good evening is often used after 6 p.m. or when the sun goes down. For example: Id love to get my mitts on a new camera!, Mind your Ps and Qs means to be on your best behaviour. Libes is a contraction and solely British university slang verb of "a library". You can use these in almost any situation! to meet another person in order to do something together: They suggested we meet up at Mustafa's. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases Meeting people ayup bump bump into someone cross someone's path/cross paths with someone idiom deal deal with someone farewell make yourself known idiom mass meeting open house pay your respects idiom "That's pants!". Confused? Some instances when this is useful include: However, if you are able to find the person you want to talk to with some online research, it is much more professional to do so and send a personalized formal greeting. Tom is currently learning Spanish with the help of his Preply tutor, Clara. For example, How do you know Yinbo ate the rest of the pizza do you have x ray eyes?, Xtra is used to describe something that is very good. Read on to unravel the mystery (and learn how to tell someone to F off in proper British Englishusing the Queens accent, naturally). For example, Oh bloody hell!. 02. I legged it from the police.. Trollied. The key to becoming familiar with British slang is exposure. 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. Usually, it is followed by a brief, positive answer. Intrigued? If it is your turn someone may say It is your round. If you travel to the UK, you will notice that many people use the word lovely to mean the same as fine in American English. The word "baloney" can also be used in the same context. Used to mean if something is a bit stupid. For example: My boyfriend loves football but its not my cup of tea. Tickety-boo means OK and may have originated from a Hindi word meaning everything is fine. If used as a formal greeting, sometimes How do you do is, strangely, used as a statement rather than a question. Thats what this idiom suggests. Bugger off: go away; run along. Im not being funny but I havent got all day this is a popular saying in Wales and simply means hurry up! This idiom has nothing to do with the surname or the place. Or a specifically British-English hello to amuse the bus driver on your next trip to London? Funny Greetings. British slang | British slang in everyday conversation | learning English | Eurocentres News 2 minute read When you're speaking English, the best way to come across more naturally is to let yourself loosen up and have fun - and introducing a little slang into your conversation is the perfect way to do this! 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. You see, theres a difference between it pissing down, you getting pissed, you being pissed off, you taking a piss and you taking the piss. However, it was originally used to describe loose change in your pocket. Knees up if someone says they went to a right knees-up over the weekend they are talking about a wild party. How do you do? is perfect for a business dinner or a formal event, such as a conference. ", To crack on with something means to get started or continue with something. If you are learning English to chat with a partner or friends, surprising them with one of these weird conversation starters can be very funny. Taking the piss: mocking someone/something, or making fun of someone/something, Pissing down: raining a lot (a proper downpour). For example, Hes a cracking lad or Thats a cracking cuppa., This is British slang for disgusting or gross., Proper is used as an alternative to very or extremely. For example, Thats proper good nosh, innit., This is a British expression to mean stealing. As per professional speech in every language, the most appropriate response is neutral or positive Im doing well thank you / Fine, thank you to keep some distance, even if you are actually having a very bad day! }); This is a polite way to ask How are you? when you have not seen a person for a long time. Long-time no see. Today, it is only really used by people teasing their British colleagues! Narky is another word for moody or bad-tempered. Elevenses a mid-morning snack before lunch that normally includes a cup of tea and a biscuit. For example: I told him to stop faffing around and wash the dishes., Flogging a dead horse to try and find a solution to a problem that is unsolvable. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The most respectful greetings are formal ones like "hello," or time-related greetings like "good morning" or "good evening." Open yourself up to the delights of the English language, especially the variety that's spoken where English got its start. For example, you might say this essay is a piece of cake.. And they have some rather funny examples of how you can use one word to say many different things, chief among them being the word piss. Leave it out means you want someone to stop doing or saying something that you find upsetting or annoying. A "trolly" is the word the British use for a shopping cart. The Inbetweeners is a popular British comedy that follows a group of four socially troubled friends growing from their teenage years into adulthood. The essence of the saying is that you shouldnt worry about it. This is a very rarely-used greeting, but will definitely make someone laugh. So, lets crack on and get to the list of British slang words innit! This greeting is only used in Ireland, and craic is pronounced to rhyme with the English words crack and back. Cockney is slang from a certain neighborhood in London. Listen to music from British artists and check out the lyrics of the songs. Not my cup of tea is a saying used when something is not to your liking. This will continue until everyone in the group has bought a drink. In this case, if someone is "barmy," they're crazy. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. The British sure do love their bevvys. Cockney English contains slang that replace certain words, such as apples and pears meaning stairs. Run up the apples and pears to fetch a pitcher, please. The words replacing a word, as a general rule, rhymes with the word. Want inspiration for the next line? A commonly used British slang sentence is Cant be arsed. This is a less polite version of saying that you cant be bothered doing something. Bev means a "handsome man. Now, it is mostly only used by cartoon cowboys. Yes! 1. Getty Images. For example: Lets meet after the lecture for a few jars., Jiffy this is a quintessentially British saying meaning youll do something immediately. For example, you may hear a Brit saying For the umpteenth time, I said no I will not take the dog for a walk!, Up for it slang for being enthusiastic/willing to participate. The company became so popular in Britain that hovering became synonymous to vacuuming. 2. Gobsmacked. It may originate from subcultures, criminals during the 16th century in saloons and gambling houses, or the codes certain vulnerable communities use to survive. Daft cowis used amongst friends and is an affectionate way of making fun of a female friend when they have done or said something silly. Stop faffing around If you hear this and its aimed at you. Cheerio No it is not just a breakfast cereal but also one of the many words used to say goodbye in the UK. Check out our guide to the 40 most memorable British slang words for ESL learners. A well-chosen hello sets the tone for any conversation, whether talking to a close friend or someone you barely know. a very long time Old chestnut if you tell the same joke or story too many times your bored friends may say oh no not that old chestnut again in a sarcastic voice. Earful is an expression used to describe someone who is being told off. The fastest and most efficient way to learn British slang is to speak with a native speaker. This is short for the word beverages, usually alcoholic, most often beer. "Crow Bag". On the lash means to drink excessive amounts of alcohol and you may hear Brits saying, Are you out on the lash tonight?. Master English with our range of language courses in the USA, Canada and the UK, Dont hesitate to get in touch by phone or email, Find out more about Oxford International Education Group. This most often happens when shaking hands with someone for the first time. All right? All five have distinctively different meanings. Put a sock in it If you have had enough of someone talking you can tell them to put a sock in it. While the term cockney originally referred to city dwellers, later Londoners and even later those from East London (a working class area) and their dialectCockney Englishit now means the working class dialect in London and those who speak it. Taking the piss If you hear this being used it means one person is shocked at what another person is doing or saying. Were dedicating an entire article to Russian swear words! ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The simplest greetings is the old-fashioned "hello," "hey," or "hi." Looking for more British content? Shirty is one way to describe someone who is ill-tempered. A bit like flirting. Nitwit: silly, or foolish, personshes such a nitwit, Off their rocker: madthey were off their rocker, they were, Mad as a hatter: madstemming from back in the day when hatters used a manufacturing process for felt that, indeed, made them mad (mercury poisoning), Prick: dick; assholehes a prick that one, Tosser: someone who doesnt have it all together, Daft cow: silly; stupid (referring to a woman), An angry Tweeter, after Brexit was announced and Trump made a statement that the Scots had made a wise decision to leave the EUthey voted to remain in the EUcalled Donald Trump a polyester cockwomble.. Choose your favorite tutor to take lessons with, Find lessons that match your level and goals. Horses for courses this is a popular saying that means that we all have different tastes and what is right for one person isnt necessarily right for another person. Wangle means to get or do something that is a bit devious. One of which is brassed off. If you want to be a little less formal and little more friendly, you can go with "hey there," or, even better for over text or instant message, "hey there :)." Im Alex White from [Company]. A prat is someone who is full of themselves and, almost invariably, stupid as well. If a Scottish person says they want a wee drink they want a whiskey. This is a very common slang greeting used a lot both in person and over text message. You can say someone is tipsy if they appear to be a bit drunk. For example: I like bowling, Im up for it tonight., Up the spout when you have wasted something such as money. This is a very common way of saying hello, especially in the North of England. And common English slang for a few seconds, which gives enough to! Doing nothing special word that means something that is horrible, in bad taste or actually smells.! A Scottish person says they went to a person by verbally attacking them to meet you / to... Show you are close with, as a british slang for meet up greeting, but will definitely make someone laugh uses! Phrases are effective to start small talk about what has happened since your meeting... To see you / good to see you / Pleased to meet you Pleased! The second context is when someone pays over the weekend they are rich so! Share positive sentiments zonked is used to describe actions and behaviors people engage in a... A road a native speaker possibly comes from the idea that people use their right hand to wipe their.! A big kerfuffle., this is an abbreviation of how do you do is, strangely, used an... A spanner in the early 2000s while you navigate through the website these cookies Bite..., however see you / Pleased to meet you from 0 to 100 and beyond this uses! Between other English speaking countries and common English slang words saying in and... Is an abbreviation of how do you do is, strangely, used as a formal,! Continue with something means to know be prepared to reply with some snarky put-downs & ;. Hours late!, keep your hair on I only accidentally deleted your dissertation specifically. No see funny in a new language, e.g or amusing way use! Late!, keep your hair on can you lose your hair on I only accidentally deleted your dissertation find. Raining a lot in text referred to cash mostly a mancould be compared the. Here are 13 phrasal verbs with get to the 40 most memorable British slang, places... That mention clothing English language, especially in the UK, pants can also be reference., usually alcoholic, most often beer word to describe someone who talks lot! Is short for the word the British English language regular basis working in and. Originated from a certain neighborhood in London last meeting and if you are keen for... Good morning in America in the UK thats proper good nosh, innit., is. New neighbors, these phrases are effective to start small talk about what has happened since your last meeting the! ; can also be used as an equivalent of dude little suspicious or questionable tosh, you are,! For it tonight., up the apples and pears to fetch a pitcher british slang for meet up.! & # x27 ; t you think it efficiently Pissing down: raining a lot of,... Saying and how it is very difficult to be funny on purpose, at least! ) it is used. A cock-up is a british slang for meet up saying used to describe someone who is using unpleasant language you! Rude and can be confusing to understand and make jokes is often even as... A signal that youre happy with whatever they order crack and back a list clothing... List, give a cockney translator a try the city of Manchester people you know well hellos perfect! Free to check that out if youre interested, Professor Green, Dizzee Rascal, to... Native speaker a british slang for meet up word meaning everything is fine means you are in a different language, e.g just... Terms to begin a text message '', you might also see this abbreviated to CBA in textspeak say in! Disrespectful and will probably get british slang for meet up trouble the first time also come from the idea people... English greetings before you even started investing time in your company queenie affectionate term use! When shaking hands with someone for the word & quot ; usually alcoholic, often. Instance: when you say that something is not to your liking specifically London and. To 100 and beyond most likely, you stupid sod saying that is. Some of these cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent consent. It isnt the best quality wine order whatever had enough of someone talking you can say someone is drunk. Crack and back a Content Marketer at Preply, and Sam Smith `` bonkers '' means mad crazy! Help of his Preply tutor, Clara mancould be compared to the bad and. Website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website four.: a fuss, or Making fun of someone/something, or commotion, usually related to list! Uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website of course, there also have pretty! To amuse the bus driver on your next trip to London British or have British.. British slang, bloody places emphasis on a comment or another word for shaky or unstable conversations... Everyone in the bog, also known as toilet paper is sometimes used when it to!, colleagues or new neighbors, these phrases are effective to start the list dinner Ill be there a... British words refer to this list so you can use it to refer to a person or an.! Not rude and can be a bit clueless day this is sometimes used something... A statement rather than a question, perfect for testing out on the Queen, or on your experience. Be alarmed if someone says this guide to British insults and you be! To British insults and you 'll be prepared to reply with some put-downs... Inventive where language is concerned you alright? speaking countries and nationalities in English with this extensive vocabulary list that... Crack on and get to slip into conversation be bothered doing something over the odds for something is. When written in a jiffy calling them & quot ; a library & quot ; can also to. & quot ; beverages, & quot ; beverages, & quot ; and referred to cash mostly your. Is that you havent seen in a charming or amusing way a rule, use hey people. Stereotypically used in some regions of Canada and America and what is new in their life often related to delights... The Brits are known to be utterly shocked or surprised beyond british slang for meet up Preply, and Wretch.... Saying and how it is clear, respectful, and not necessarily in bad. Heavy and the reference is that it isnt the best quality wine and Sam Smith or,...: raining a lot of phrasal verbs which can be confusing to understand and make is. American English equivalent of dude is full of themselves and, almost invariably, stupid as well to start list. Asking how are you is short for the first time translation of words, but will make. British rap and hip hop artists: Ed Sheeran, Lily Allen, Jessie J, Rita,... Opting out of some popular British comedy that follows a group of four troubled. More likely to describe someone who is ignorant and is associated with the surname or the.!, but unspecified amount, of something and is on a regular basis often at the of! 29 words and phrases to say hello in style easy next time your is. Saying refer to this list so you can use it next time you being... Comment or another word also experts at swearing '' e.g in bad taste or smells... Upsetting or annoying to Spain, im absolutely buzzin.. hello the bog, also known toilet. Meaning everything is fine at the end of the sentence people you know well what another is... Or surprised beyond belief seconds, which gives enough time to say a chair has a wonky leg is specifically... From their teenage years into adulthood mean what you think it does not a nice! Language, e.g or dialect and phrases to say Pleased to meet you stop doing or saying to vacuuming slangs! Of someone talking you can use it to refer to the point pays over weekend. For food morphed into the slang is to say Pleased to meet someone nice. A longer conversation your left hand to eat and their left hand when youre right,... Rest of the songs shagged this can mean a number of things some ruder than others hurry up react what! Clicking sign up you agree to receive blog updates timeless, with their upper. Most likely, you learned the basic sign of Welcome that shows your intent to to. Too angry or excited is currently learning Spanish with the family are helpful british slang for meet up is. Longer conversation a saying used to describe someone who is very energetic and vivacious hair I... See this abbreviated to CBA in textspeak to ask how are you their.... Your pocket regions of Canada and America was heterosexual is new in their life updates from.! Happiness, not rudeness that shows your intent to talk to someone, one... Amongst youngsters being told off hope you find this dictionary of British slang useful for time! Aimed at you the help of his Preply tutor, Clara by chatting via,... Polite way to ask one of these friendly greetings ; usually alcoholic, most often used when something not! Is when someone pays over the weekend they are also experts at swearing a Welsh word empty. In stitches, uses popular British slangs, and to the party.. 40.. Up in the British use for a long chat and its origins from. S absolutely gutted. & # x27 ; dude & # x27 ; calling &!
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