", A British axiom that boils down to the idea that: "If anything can go wrong, then it definitely will go wrong. Open yourself up to the delights of the English language, especially the variety that's spoken where English got its start. He's turned into such a swot! "By getting pregnant, Mary threw a spanner in the works.". ", "What's happened here? 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. British slang refers to "unconventional words or phrases" the Brits use to express either something new or something old in a new way. The "bee's knees" referred to small or insignificant details when it was first documented in the 18th century. The first type is the one you have with your boss, teacher, and other official discussions. 60 British phrases that will confuse anybody who didn't grow up in the UK. 05. "If it all works out as planned, he'll be quids in.". However, "the full Monty" now usually refers to taking something as far as it can go, similar to "the whole nine yards.". Meaning: An adjective used to describe someone who is mad or odd. Whether you think this list is the "bee's knees" or if it's enough to make you want to "pop your clogs," scroll on to discover 88 very Britishphrases in alphabetical order that will confuse anybody who didn't grow up in the UK. Someone that's a little bit geeky, with strong interests or expertise in a niche area, might be referred to as an "anorak." Dog and Bone = Phone. Although no one is completely sure of the word's origins, it could derive from thewords "cod" and "wallop," which historically meant "imitation" and "beer" respectively implying that "codswallop" is the kind of rubbish you make up when drunk. It's another slang word that's been around for a while with uses found in the 1600s, and it was even considered a swear word until the 1900s. "And did you see that equalizing goal in the last minute of injury time? ", "I heard you got the promotion. In his stand-up show, British comedian Michael MacIntyre said: "You can actually use any word in the English language and substitute it to mean drunk. This classic British idiom may seem stereotypically twee, however, some sources believe that "tickety-boo" in fact derives from theHindu phrase "hk hai, bb," meaning "it's alright, sir. In the 1960s, someone who was unfashionable might be nicknamed a "wally," according to dictionary.com. ", A British axiom that boils down to the idea that: "If anythingcan go wrong, then it definitelywill go wrong. ", "Yeah, he's been swotting like mad for his Spanish exam. 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. That's minging.". The "bee's knees" referred to small or insignificant details when it was first documented in the 18th century. Some believe it's derived from the Dutch word "blute," meaning "bare." Others believe the word is a contraction of the 17th century phrase "by our. "Joe's children are absolute rascals they tied my shoelaces together last week!". Blimey. ", An event that disrupts the natural, pre-planned order of events could be described as a "spanner in the works.". Still, in an unfamiliar country, there's bound to be informal lingo that's you don't recognize. While the phrase is misogynistic in nature, it's still commonly used. Let's take a look at the seven most useful slang words to know in English. "Our Christmas dinner had everything from sprouts to Yorkshire puddings. Meaning: A pair of sneakers. "Look at that bird over there. Check out these British slang words and phrases from England, Scotland and Wales. You must be chuffed.". However, there is no proof for this theory. ", "He's obsessed with anything that happens on this street. Although its origins are largely debated, the term's meaning has evolved over the last 50 years alone. Do you know anyone who might be interested? "We should've taken the other route. To "splash out" means spending significant amounts of money on a particular item or event. "Did you hear what happened to John's old man? In the 17th century, to "waff" went to yelp, and quickly evolved to mean to talk foolishly or indecisively. You can use it to refer to a person or an object. Although no one is completely sure of the word's origins, it could derive from the words "cod" and "wallop," which historically meant "imitation" and "beer" respectively -- implying that "codswallop" is the kind of rubbish you make up when drunk. "Be careful when you're driving it's a pea-souper out there.". U.K. slang includes some interesting insults. He pulled a blinder there.". Calling "bagsy" is the equivalent of calling "shotgun" or "dibs" when something, like the front seat of the car, is offered up to a group. That's minging.". Whether you're keeping up with all the drama surrounding the royal family or binging shows like Fleabag and Peaky Blinders, you've undoubtedly run across the weird and . "Pull" can also be used as a verb. " shift your leg love Its Interfering with me spam " by El Cholo June 3, 2004 Get the three up mug. This is probably how the term came about. Some believe it's derived from the Dutch word "blute," meaning "bare." Finally, explore a few U.K. slang terms that are helpful when it comes to describing a person's attitude or expressions of emotion. To "gallivant" means to roam, or to set off on an expedition, with the sole intention of having some light-hearted fun. "How was the hostel?" "Press down the clutch, put it into gear, then slowly ease off the clutch again. "The Nick" can refer to prison, while "to nick" also means to steal. The origins of the word are widely disputed. Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq took three wickets as Lucknow Super Giants restricted Royal Challengers Bangalore to 126/9 in IPL 2023. Others believe the word is a contraction of the 17th century phrase "by our lady," and is blasphemous. If you want to tell someone to not concern themselves with issues that don't directly affect them, you might tell them to "wind their neck in.". Others believe the word is a contraction of the 17th century phrase "by our lady," and is blasphemous. Knackered is British slang for "very tired.". Synonyms miss, mistake, slip, fault, Someone that's "on the pull" has gone out, usually on a night out, with the intention of attracting a sexual partner. "I wangled some first-class seats by being nice to the cabin crew!". "Goodness, you're full of beans this morning!". "What are you up to this weekend? ", Brits are known for favouring a drink or two, so much so thatalmost any noun can be used as a substitute for "drunk. 6. Knackered: tired, but very. Nowadays, "bloody" is used widely -- it's even used in children's films such as "Harry Potter" -- and is arguably one of the most quintessentially British words on the list. The name of a strongly-brewed cup of English breakfast tea with milk -- the way that tea is most commonly drunk in the UK. Although it might sound quite similar to gaffe, its meaning is completely different. Next up is a British slang word that most people around the world would have heard of and one that's frequently used in everyday life. "Don't put down a leaking mug on top of the newspaper, you wally!". If you're going to have a roast, have the full Monty! However, there is no proof for this theory. Derived from "mint condition," which refers to something pre-owned that retains its pristine condition, although something that's just "mint" doesn't have to be pre-owned. Derived from "mint condition," which refers to something pre-owned that retains its pristine condition, although something that's just "mint" doesn't have to be pre-owned. ", "I haven't seen Tom since he started revising for his exams. ", "Joe's children are so cheeky -- they tied my shoelaces together last week!". Codswallop. It may originate from subcultures, criminals during the 16th century in saloons and gambling houses, or the codes certain vulnerable communities use to survive. British Compliments Think about the elegant British phrases you have heard and see if you recognize any in our list below. The very British equivalent to "Hey presto!" If you're "splashing out," it's implied that you're spending money on a treat to mark a special occasion or celebration. This is more commonly known in the US as "Murphy's law. However,"the full Monty" actually refers topursuing something to the absolute limits. Its origins are somewhat unclear, but a "bog" is another word for a toilet in British slang, adding to the connotations that something "bog-standard" is unglamorous and unspecial. For even more fun, take a look at these common U.K. expressions. "Mortal" describes someone highly intoxicated or drunk in a sloppy manner. Bugger off: go away; run along. "Well, this has all gone a bit pear-shaped.". ", This quintessentially British idiom derives from the Dutch "pap" and "kak," which translate as "soft" and "dung.". Each term is partnered with a description and example. For example, 'His girlfriend broke up with him. It can also mean worn-out or damaged. "He handles a screwdriver very cack-handedly. ", "Miffed" possibly derives from the German "muffen," meaning "to sulk. ", "Hey, there's loads of room on that bench. It must have been Chinese Whispers.". Going "the fully Monty" meant purchasing a full three-piece suit, a shirt, and all of the trimmings. Something that is "tickety-boo" is satisfactory and in good order. ", Although the adjective's origins remain largely unknown, early documented uses seem to use the word as synonymous with "smear," further suggesting that someone who is "smarmy" is also "slick" or "slippery. as well as other partner offers and accept our, Martin Rler/EyeEm/ master1305/Getty Images, Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures, Bildagentur-online/Universal Images Group via Getty Images, Andrew Francis Wallace/Toronto Star via Getty Images, no one is completely sure of the word's origins. The word "shirt" is derived from the Norse for "short," hence short-tempered. The phrase is mostcommonly used when the individual has been lucky and the person saying it is in disbelief thatthe first person has managed to pull it off. Luckily, the meaning today is much less shocking. I'm Hank Marvin.". It's common courtesy to offer a laborer or builder working on your house a builder's tea while they're working especially if they're working out in the cold. The team at the Business Insider UK office have compiled a list of the best British slang and idioms that define the weird and wonderful British dialect we grew up with. "How was the hostel?" "Thomasis suchan anorak when it comes to train trivia.". Derived from the Newcastle sociolect, "mortal" was made widely known across the country in 2011 by reality TV show "Geordie Shore.". Someone who's "quids in" has invested in an opportunity that is probably going to benefit them massively. The term is usually used to refer to a nap, but it can also mean a long sleep. This is still used in English in the phrase "egging someone on" to do something. Do you know anyone that might be interested?". Cockwomble - foolish or obnoxious person. It's unclear why Britsappear to favour analogue time-telling while Americans go for the digital format. Something that is "bog-standard" is completely ordinary with no frills, embellishments, or add-ons. ", "I was going to go out tonight but when I finished work I was absolutely zonked. To "splash out" means spending significant amounts of money on a particular item or event. "When are we going to eat? "Do we have to go to the dinner party tonight? It's most often used to say something is unsatisfactory, like "blows" or "reeks," rather than actual trash. If the joker forgets to say "no returns of any kind," the recipient can say "a slap and a kick for being so quick," accompanied by a slap and a kick. It's unclear why Brits appear to favour analogue time-telling while Americans go for the digital format. This probably originates from the "uncool" appearance of anorak coats and the people wearing them. Men from east London are also commonly referred to as "geezers.". ", "What's happened here? "Don't get caught, or you'll end up in the Nick!". "Hank Marvin" is Cockney rhyming slang for "starving. You'll have a blast and learn more than a few new words that might be ripe for importation when you come back home. Marvin played guitar in Cliff Richard's backing band in the 1960s. 1. This slang term could be a British abbreviation of the French "faux pas," meaning an embarrassing or tactless remark in a social situation. Something untrue often made up for dramatic effect. 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. The meaning of this slang has been debated at length. Historically, "gallant" described someone brave or valiant, so "gallivanting" is a carefree and confident act. Some entries also feature surprising facts about the phrase's origins, with a few quintessentially British idioms not actually coming from British roots at all. To "spend a penny" is a polite euphemism for going to the toilet. Bloody is an adverb used to show anger or surprise. "That's when all of the lights came on, and so we legged it. The term probably came about due to the fact that it rhymes with "knacker." He was a wreck.". ", "Miffed" possibly derives from the German "muffen," meaning "to sulk.". Bob's your uncle you're driving!". So, let's crack on and get to the list of British slang words innit! Lacking in energy; usually after a long period of exertion. The origins of the word are widely disputed. A "good old chinwag" is a good chat,catch up, or gossip with someone. A slap and a kick for being so quick!". Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets screencap, no one is completely sure of the word's origins, Britsappear to favour analogue time-telling, Wikimedia Commons/Sabine Crossen/Puzzle Productions, reportedly old slang from the Royal Air Force, only women would announce they were going to "spend a penny,". Bollocks - One of the more well-known British terms, it actually has a multitude of meanings. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? The name of a strongly-brewed cup of English breakfast tea with milk the way that tea is most commonly drunk in the UK. "The dreaded lurgy" originates from 1950s British TV show "The Goon Show," in which one character has to deal with a national epidemic of an unidentified illness. After "The Full Monty" film was released in 1997, there was some international confusion over the phrase in which it was taken as a euphemism for stripping. This second theory has been disproved, however, by the slang's documentation predating the popularity of the phrase "by our lady.". "I could just about deal with the dog barking at 5:30a.m., but the lawnmower at 3 a.m. really takes the biscuit.". Leg it. ", Although the adjective's origins remain largely unknown, early documented uses seem to use the word as synonymous with "smear," further suggesting that someone who is "smarmy" is also "slick" or "slippery. Not to be confused with literallybeing disembowelled, someonethat says they're "gutted" is devastated or extremely upset. 11. Having made such a big impact following his arrival from Porto in January 2022, there was a real expectation that the 26-year-old could help propel to another Premier League title this season. If someone has done something highly irritating or surprisingin an exasperating fashion, you might say that they've "taken the biscuit. Therefore, if you're "having a butchers," you're having a look at something. "Press down the clutch, put it into gear, then slowly ease off the clutch again. ", "Oh. No collection of slang would be complete without casual terminology used for nouns that are common among those who speak the language or dialect. GOBSMACKED: A quintessentially British slang term that refers to being stunned and surprised beyond belief. From our linguistic research, we've confirmed that above all, British people aresarcastic, unsympathetic, and often rather drunk. 2. Menu. I'm Hank Marvin.". Barmy. A "good old chinwag" is a good chat, catch-up, or gossip with someone. "Don't you worry, Alan, I'm on it like a car bonnet.". To be 'gutted' about a situation means to be devastated and saddened. It's Sod's law. The "wind-up merchant" will often claim to be making their comments as a light-hearted jest when the recipients start becoming irritated. Although this sounds like an analogy about the chemistry of baking, or putting too many eggs in a cake batter, "egg" actually comes from the Anglo Saxon "eggian," meaning to "excite." This phrase became mainstream in the USA in the 1920s despite its British origins,but its popularity in the Stateshas dwindled since the turn of the century. ", Someone that's energetic, lively, or enthusiastic might be described as "full of beans.". ", An informal way of asking someone to make room where they are sitting for you to sit down, too, would be asking them to "budge up. An earlier version of this story was written by Bobbie Edsor. Men's urinals were free of charge. If you're heading off on a holiday to the United Kingdom, it'll be handy to have certain British slang definitions down pat. "Don't get caught, or you'll end up in the Nick!". If you've "pulled," you've kissed someone. The action of chatting away -- with the jaw bobbing up and down -- resembles a chin "wagging" like a dog's tail. School kids might call "bagsy" on items in their friends' pack lunches, like an apple or a cereal bar, that the friend isn't going to eat. Budge up and make some room for us, too!". Unrelatedly, "Clangers" was also a children's TV show from the 1970s about pink mouse-like creatures that lived on the moon. Kecks: a bread rolhang on, no, trousers. "You signed that contract? ", Someone that comes across as scheming or untrustworthy might be described as "smarmy. If you're going to have a roast, have the full Monty! ", "Give me a call" or "ring me." "And did you see thatequalising goal in the last minute of injury time? Three sheets to the wind - drunk. I feel so mugged off right now.". "Goodness, you're full of beans this morning!". This slang term could be a British abbreviation of the French "faux pas," meaning an embarrassing or tactless remark in a social situation. 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. If you want to tell someone to not concern themselves with issues that don't directly affect them, you might tell them to "wind their neck in.". The origins of the phrase are largely debated online, however, it's believed that "to nick" as in to steal influenced the slang term for prison, as being imprisoned is similar to being "stolen" away. This phrase became mainstream in the USA in the 1920s despite its British origins, but its popularity in the States has dwindled since the turn of the century. Something that takes a lot of effort and probably isn't going to be worth all of the effort, either, could be described as "long." Now that's a proper breakfast.". ", "Don't trust him he's a smarmy geezer. This could be due to the lengths that the person will have to go to in order to complete the task. "Stop being such a wind-up merchant and be serious for one second! He was a wreck.". It can also refer to someone already asleep or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you're "winding someone up," you're making them tense or irritated in the same way you wind up a Jack-in-the-box before it pops. ", "Hey, there's loads of room on that bench. "Tinkle" refers to a phone's ring, while "blower" is slang or telephone and refers to the device that predated phones on Naval ships. He's absolutely gutted.' 26. "Faff" comes from the 17th century word "faffle," which means to flap about in the wind. ", "I bumped into him towards the end of his four-day bender. Have a gander I believe this expression originates in the English county of Cheshire. The origins of the word are widely disputed. Someone silly or incompetent might be described as a wally. ", An act which could be deemed as impolite or shameless, but for some reason comes across asfunny or endearing to others, would be described as "cheeky. This could be due to the lengths that the person will have to go to in order to complete the task. The word could be a variation of "toddle" like a young child's first steps. 50 Must-Know British Slang Words and Phrases. Although no one is completely sure of the word's origins, it could derive from thewords "cod" and "wallop," which historically meant "imitation" and "beer" respectively implying that "codswallop" is the kind of rubbish you make up when drunk. The phrase describes the mayhem caused when something is recklessly thrown into the intricate gears and workings of a machine. Cock up - a mistake, as a verb "to cock up" is to make a mistake. To "pull a blinder"involves achieving something difficult faultlessly and skilfully. 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, . We've got a party at our gaff, if you fancy it?". Is that ham and tuna? Eg, "half past seven," and "ten to six.". Congratulations! "Pissed" usually means "angry" in the US. The team at the Business Insider UK office have compiled a list of the best British slang and idioms that define the weird and wonderful British dialect we grew up with. Read the original article on Business Insider UK. This is commonly used as a greeting that doesn't always need a response. This classic phrase is another way of telling someone that their opinion is not appreciated in the given scenario. When we get home, I'm going to take a quick kip.". ", A situation which has quickly evolved into an accident waiting to happen might be described as "gone pear-shaped.". "If it all works out as planned, he'll be quids in.". To "take the Mickey" means to take liberties at the expense of others and can be used in both a lighthearted and an irritated fashion. Someone who's "quids in" has invested in an opportunity which is probably going to benefit them massively. This phrase is used to confirm or agree with something that another person has just said. Bob's your uncle -- you're driving!". Used to describe someone physically attractive, usually referring to their physique. "Pull" can also be used as a verb. Sign up for our weekly newsletters and get: By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions U.K. slang is nothing if not interesting! Whether you think this list is the "bee's knees" or if it's enough to make you want to "pop your clogs," scroll on to discover 88 very British phrases -- in alphabetical order -- that will confuse anybody who didn't grow up in the UK. Gaff is just a synonym for "home.". "Wind your neck in and stop being so nosy! First up, we have possibly the most useful word in the English language. Watering hole - this is one of the many British slang words for a pub. According to the Metro, the playground ritual originates from the medieval times, when a "pinch" of salt was believing to make witches weak, and the "punch" resembled banishing the witches entirely. The "boot" is the compartment at the back of the car known as the "trunk" in American English. 2. Chopsing. "That guy's got such swagger -- he's a proper geezer. Throw a wobbly - get . It works." It works." Examples include . Crease up: To laugh heartily (so one's face creases up). "Cack" isold-fashioned slang for faeces. Although it's more often used as a synonym for raincoat, an anorak is something slightly different in playground slang. The phrase is reportedly old slang from the Royal Air Forceand was used to described awry expeditions and flights. Schoolkids might call "bagsy" on items from their friends' pack lunches, like an apple or a cereal bar, that the friend isn't going to eat. This is sometimes shortened to "chocka." Meaning: To screw something up. ", Benders often last over 24 hours, and so you might say that someone is on "a weekend bender," or a "three-day bender. 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"Wow -- you've really splashed out on this party! This phrase could be a reference to coffee beans, although these claims have been disputed. "Taking the biscuit" is the equivalent of taking the nonexistent medal for foolishness or incredulity. Schoolkidsmight call "bagsy" on items from their friends' pack lunches, like an apple or a cereal bar, thatthe friend isn't going to eat. This second theory has been disproved, however, by the slang's first documentation predating the widespread use of the phrase "by our lady.". This phrase is used to describe a process which seems more difficult than it actually is. "Ha! ", "Yeah, he's been swotting like mad for his Spanish exam. Something that takes a lot of effort and probably isn't going to be worth all of the effort, either, could be described as "long." It's Sod's law. ", The phrase is common on the hit British reality show "Love Island. Of course, there also have to be slang options to describe actions and behaviors people engage in on a regular basis. The very British equivalent to "Hey presto!" "Pop" has evolved from "cock," and when someone "cocked" their clogs, the toes of their clogs pointed up in the air as they lay down dead. "Did you see Scott last night? To "gallivant" means to roam, or to set off on an expedition, with the sole intention of having some light-hearted fun. It includes quite a few fun and unique ways for people to express that they are happy or otherwise share positive sentiments. ", "When I got home, he was already zonked.". When in doubt, refer to this list so you can carry on conversations with ease, even with the locals. Wonky - is another word for shaky or unstable. A "good old chinwag" is a good chat, catch up, or gossip with someone. ", "I was going to go out tonight but when I finished work I was absolutely zonked.". A disorganised mess or chaotic environment might be described as a "shambles. ", After "The Full Monty" film was released in 1997, there was some international confusion over the phrase, which it was taken as a euphemism for stripping. ", "She's come down with the dreaded lurgy. "What's in that sandwich? A repair job that's been completed in a hurry and will probably fall apart reasonably soon is considered a "botch job. Someone on a spree of excessive drinking and mischief is "on a bender." Around the same time, the word "cod" was a little-known slang term for a . Therefore, if you're "having a butchers," you're having a look at something. If you're going to have a roast, have the full Monty!". "I wangled some first-class seats by being nice to the cabin crew!". Cockney rhyming slang for "knackered," if you're "cream crackered" then you're incredibly tired. This is still used in English in the phrase "egging someone on" to do something. Yes! This cheery phrase is widely believed to originate from Northern factory workers around the time of the industrial revolution. I'm slumped. 2. After a quick review, you'll be able to confidently go out there and build connections with new friends! This classic British idiom may seem stereotypically twee, however, some sources believe that "tickety-boo" in fact derives from the Hindu phrase "hk hai, bb," meaning "it's alright, sir. Apples and Pears = Stairs. "Don't you worry, Alan, I'm on it like a car bonnet.". "The full Monty" historically refers to an old tailor called Sir Montague Burton. Privacy Policy. "Did you hear what happened to John's old man? He popped his clogs, didn't he", Not referring to actual poppies, this quintessentially British idiom derives from the Dutch "pap" and "kak," which translate as "soft" and "dung.".

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