Click here to get a copy. See also, Another London term, for someone or something that is attractive or desirable. Not a wonderfully melodic word, chunder is part and parcel of British slang terms. Boy and girl twins. 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. Cheers doesnt quite have the same meaning that it does in other counties of course, it still means celebrations when toasting a drink with some friends, but in British slang, it also means thanks or thank you. KSWL. Cuppa 7. adjective British Slang. It's the equivalent to an arm and a leg in English, which realistically sound much more expensive than sweets. on Mar 13 2002. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. can take anywhere. To be gutted about a situation means to be devastated and saddened. Geezer 10. Brap! A - Z Slang. A person can be peng, but so can food. Lovely. Best British Slang Terms and Phrases. Cor blimey, did you see that? For more usage examples, check out, London street slang for sneakers (which British people call, An exclamation of surprise. Youve got to keep the punters happy. For example, Dont do that, its not proper! However such a usage is becoming less common. Snog Meaning: A kiss or to kiss. For example, The birthday party went all to pot when the clown turned up drunk and everyone was sick from that cheap barbecue stuff.. Mostly heard in London to mean a "lot of effort" or "annoying". Last edited on Mar 10 2018. Used when you are talking to a close friend, and is often easily substituted for the American buddy, pal, or dude. Submitted by Mark E from BC, Canada This word was popularized by the British artist Lethal Bizzle. You probably dont need me to describe this, out of all British slang, this is by far the most popular and most commonly used. Feet whips: Can be used to refer to any type of shoe. Did I miss any of your favorite British slang off the list? "I BET THAT COST A BOMB". Of course, there also have to be slang options to describe actions and behaviors people engage in on a regular basis. But, remember that this is not normal spending. To inform on someone to the authorities. f you hear a word that's not on this list, give a Cockney translator a try. There's an ocean of difference between the way people speak English in the US vs. the UK. Bants This is an abbreviation of the term "banter". 23 Brilliant British Expressions to Blend in with the Brits. For some reason, you dont go to the localyou go/are down the local. Normally used together with "a bit". It is used to describe someone who is so surprised that it looks like someone hit them. Can mean either "crazy" or "angry" depending on the context. Want to Practice Speaking English with a Native Speaker? Usually, this expression is used without the verb be. This means that people do not generally add the phrase I am before the expression. Submitted by Natalie L. from Thousand Oaks, CA, USA Unlike most rhyming slang expressions, it is still in semi-popular use both in London and outside. Fresher. Sneakers: Another word for running shoes, or "trainers" - light weight shoes having . Short for "of course" and normally followed by a word like "mate" or "bruv". Cockney rhyming slang definitely already has two other meanings for the word "tom", namely jewellery (from tomfoolery) and **** (from Tom Tit), which just goes to show that context is everything when trying to understand a Cockney. 'Oh bollocks'; it can also be used to express derision and mocking disbelief, e.g. Ace. Some of these clothing names are used in the U.S., but not in the same way:Anorak: Usually describes a pull-over outwear item (often with a kangaroo pocket in the front) that's made of nylon, GoreTex, etc., and usually rain-proof. For even more fun, take a look at these common U.K. expressions. Example: "How about I skive off during lunch? Muck is a substitute for dirt however, in many ways I find it a superior word. Excuse me for a moment; I just need to spend a penny. Speaking of underwear, while many Americans understand the meaning of this entry, it is nonetheless not widely used in the U.S. Moving on to baby fashion, this is one of the more well-known U.K./U.S. 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. Any road - when you hear this, the person isn't asking you to pick a road! In the case of the first meaning, the word anorak didn't in fact enter the English language until 1924. Last edited on Jan 22 2000. Let us know in the comments below. A person who is not very intelligent or is not very good at his or her job is called a wally. This expression is used as an insult. 1. noun Definition of prostitute as in hooker a woman who engages in sexual activities for money was caught procuring the services of a prostitute Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance hooker whore courtesan madam streetwalker madame bawd tart hustler drab sex worker cocotte call girl woman of the street floozy tramp floozie siren hussy chippy temptress London's infamous roadmen have their . Dench 7. Learn the lingo and you'll soon be conversing like a true Brit. Gobsmacked a truly British expression meaning to be shocked and surprised beyond belief. Follow our writing guidelines and make your words COUNT! I'm just going for a quick slash. Seldom seen these days. The art of British slang. Another London term, for someone or something that is attractive or desirable. of extreme high quality, expensive to a point that it becomes unattainable. Wanker fits the closest fit by jerk or asshole, but to a slightly higher value. This is a polite or indirect way to tell someone that you need to use the toilet. A word that is popular in the north and amongst youngsters. For example, You got the job? Generally, posh denotes the English upper classes. To bodge something is to make a mistake or do something badly. In this case something being sick is actually a good thing. Used mostly in London to mean "a lot of". With FluentU, for example, you can create a personalized flashcard deck based on the words that pop up in the programs English media clips, like movie trailers and interviews. Can also mean to pass something with flying colors. What I like about this term and its two/three usages is that the following sentence, Nick got nicked for nicking somethingmakes grammatical sense. Beef - a hostility between two people that usually results in violence. He created the word while playing video games with his cousin. Perennially on a quest to uncover all of the memos that Britain and America lost in the Pond, something he tackles with reckless abandon over on his. A black eye. Last edited on Nov 26 2011. To take the piss means to mock something, parody something, or generally be sarcastic and derisive towards something. Its uncountable, so wed say: For ex: My son just bought a new house for three hundred thousand grand. on Sep 15 2018. alternative spellings or pronunciations (list of). British people love to banter, and someone with good banter is likely to be popular. Submitted by Josh from NJ, USA An exclamation of surprise. "I bet that cost a lot of money!". The Welsh clearly place a high value on tidiness. A brief essay outlining the parameters of this dictionary and information on slang can be read in the slang introduction which, to avoid disappointment, I'd recommend reading before . The first form of this is far more common, and is sometimes used internationally. on Feb 23 2002. - representing oneself, bigging yourself up. Gutted a British slang term that is one of the saddest on the lists in terms of pure contextual emotion. Free English Learning Apps That Make ESL Practice Convenient and Cheap, Learn English Through Movies and Film: The Complete Guide, How to Speak English Fluently: 27 Simple Tips for Reaching Your Language Goals. Slang can vary a lot throughout England. Skive (Pronounced sky-ve)a British slang term used to indicate when someone has failed to turn up for work or an obligation due to pretending to fake illness. Knackered a great word and phrase used by Britons to describe their tiredness and exhaustion, in any given situation. When youve made a pigs ear of something, youve really messed it up. 1. Butchers hook is just another way to tell someone to look. Bloke. 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. This is a slightly politer way to say our next expression: To mock or laugh at someone or something. When someone is smarmy, he or she is being insincere or fake. Originally a reference to gambling but can be used in a broader context now. British slang and dialect is rich and diverse. Minging (pronounced: ming-ing) is a lovely alternative to the word disgusting or gross. Oh bollocks; it can also be used to express derision and mocking disbelief, e.g. One of the best things about summer is firing up the barbecue and sipping some brews on a hot, sunny day. 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. Gutted 11. Anorak: A person who knows a lot about a particular . From "bourgeois." These English slang words have made every language have its unique fascinations that are understood only by native speakers. Stop slagging him off behind his back. Submitted by Slinky from Paris, France Click words for definitions. Gobsmacked 11. - Bumpkin: A term used to describe someone from . London slang for the area youre from. We guide you through 100+ words and phrases from the English dictionary that may well have an entirely different meaning to what you first imagined. A shortened version of "family", this is used mostly in London. Example: Jack is my best mate, we've been friends since we were kids. Mental!) Therefore one quid, five quid, fifty quid. Bean, Eastern Mountain Sports and the like for examples. 75 British Slang Words 1. on Sep 15 2011. Gaff 9. 2. However, in informal American English, geezer means odd or crazy and is usually used to refer to old men. Dont talk rubbish.. Bodge something 6. Can also mean to pass something with flying colors. No collection of slang would be complete without casual terminology used for nouns that are common among those who speak the language or dialect. on May 17 2002. on Mar 03 2002. It's important to represent your ends. on Sep 21 2009. Bob's your uncle means like, I thought it was gonna rain. I will have a butchers hook around the market and see if I can find some nice curtains. I dont drink coffee but I do like a nice cuppa! Lets go into town tonight mate, itll be jokes. I will not be going out today; it is a pea-souper out there. Do not over-egg your pudding by using too many big words in your essay. Im buzzin for this. The expression is a synonym for lies. on Jul 11 1997. Before this time, coats of this nature may have been referred to as a parkaa word still used in both British and American English. any expensive, flashy, or shiny jewelry, usually gold or silver, esp. Short for public house, these are the default places for British people to meet and drink pints, and they are everywhere. Blinding is a positive term meaning excellent, great, or superb. Submitted by Anonymous from Tennessee, USA You can also talk bollocks (speak nonsense, or lie) and if something is a load of bollocks, its not true. What I mean is that this once mighty British Empire that more or less covered a quarter of the world's land surface could not ever have imagined that English would evolve to almost a million words - and almost every single one of them would be . Bloody. See also galdem. Never get lost again by checking out these fun expressions. bog-standard - nothing special bonkers - crazy botched - something going wrong cack-handed - clumsy camp - flamboyant cheeky - sassy chockablock - filled to the brim cobblers - nonsense Cockney is slang from a certain neighborhood in London. All rights reserved. Cost an arm and leg - Something which is very expensive. The way these words are used in my neck of the woods (East Coast) is:Anorak - a parka with an entirely useless drawstring waist.Jumper - a collarless, sleeveless woman's dress meant to be worn with a blouse or shirt. Most commonly used with schoolchildren trying to get out of school, or dissatisfied office workers trying to pull a sick day. Just popping out 2. One of the most productive terms of the war was strafe. Try it for free! Butcher's hook 22. However, here are a few examples: Safe, sorted, sound, cool or wicked all mean That's good or I understand. Wix has got your covered with thousands of design features, built-in SEO and marketing tools, that will allow you to scale your content, your brand and your business. This expression has negative connotations, so filthy lucre would refer to money that has been illegally acquired. One of the more delightful British slang terms in this list, scrummy is used as a wonderfully effusive term for when something is truly delicious and mouth-wateringly good. This word is used when something is brilliant or someone performs very well, usually on a test or evaluation. In the earlier 20th century, the word "bit" was slang for a coin, and the word "bob" was slang for a shilling. You can find out more about that in this, Pavarotti he was a famous tenor so a Pavarotti is a tenner (10), If you want to read more about cockney rhyming slang and money, read this. For those unaware, the expression essentially used in the end of a series of basic instructions. This is commonly used as a greeting that doesn't always need a response. Chockablock 13. The origin of this one is related to *ahem* morning wood. Submitted by Rob H. from Newton, MA, USA Trollied 13. To run away. Sam was quids in after he sold his software to Microsoft. Now youre definitely ready to stream that new British TV show or blend in with the locals on your next trip to the UK. Master a variety of British insults and you'll be prepared to reply with some snarky put-downs. 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. For example, you can use it as a mild expletive to express frustration or exasperation: "Oh bloody hell, not again." This word is used when some place or thing is extremely crowded or full. "Oh he doesn't float my boat " 10. A cock up is a mistake, a failure of large or epic proportions. 4. Submitted by The Last Don Looking to create a blog? In context, I cant come in, my shoes are all mucky.. It includes quite a few fun and unique ways for people to express that they are happy or otherwise share positive sentiments. Submitted by Anthony from Hazlet, NJ, USA New Zealand slang. Were mad about English. A not so delicate way to refer to sexual intercourse. I want to receive exclusive email updates from YourDictionary. Exorbitant - Unreasonably high A British slang term for money. He got a new job.. 10. differences; what people in the U.K. call a, The same equivalents used in entry number 8 could also be applied here. Also used as an adjective in parts of northern England to mean "fantastic": Thats grand. Course bruv. Shortened form of luscious. An exclamation of surprise. Mate one of the commonly used terms of endearment and affection in British slang terms. Last edited on Mar 03 2002. Last edited on Oct 28 2001. exy ( comparative more exy, superlative most exy ) ( Australia, colloquial, slang) Expensive . Bugger all a British slang term used to be a more vulgar synonym for nothing at all. 3. Bare - a lot of something. Our British slang translator tells us that this is the equivalent of the American English slang words "shotgun" or "dibs". 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! Hes a complete nutter. Trainersthose shoes one might wear to go runningare usually known in the U.S. as, Staying on the subject of footwear, it is perhaps hardly surprising that, Those rather old fashioned form of underpantsrecognisable from the presence of an inverted y-shape on the frontare known by several names in the U.S. Another fun ironic way to say this is "It cost a few bob!". We say a heap of dosh or heaps of dosh. Used to mean "very", particularly in the north of England. Bowler - used to refer to the type of hat worn by Chaplin or John Steed.Cagoule - never heard of this but, unless it looks like a blanket with a slit in the center, it's probably not the equivalent of a poncho. Jammy Meaning: To be lucky. In British English, the phrase is used to describe the feeling of having had a few too many lagers down the pub, and the resulting struggle to walk in a straight line. London street slang for money, from a shortening of "pounds". Home. Don't be such a plonker. Let us know in the comments. Stop faffing around and start doing your homework. We could see a movie." Taking the Piss To mock or ridicule. on Jan 18 2000. You alright bruv?. In use, I just brought some new trainers.. This place is much better than the last one, innit? A do is essentially a party, to my knowledge it doesnt refer to a particular form of party, so feel free to use it as you like. Do you want to come round my gaff?. But wait before you tighten your seat belts, there is a catch. Used as a verb to show desire for something or someone. Ten Very British Behaviours "Brolly" Abbreviation of "umbrella." "Grab your brolly, it's drizzling outside." Pixabay "Budge up" An informal way of asking someone to make room where they are. 2. These include, Laurence Brown is a British man writing his way through the truly bizarre world of America - a place he sometimes accidentally calls home and a place he still hasn't quite figured out after seven years, . So, the word gobsmacked literally means to be hit in the mouth. However it's been surmised that bonbon isn't meant as candy, but something much better: genitals. It's mostly used by CP (which we saw above) while they are watching their favourite couple in a Chinese drama etc. Againa lot of words for drunk. Whether 1 grand or 20 grandnever put an "s" on the end. Come over to my gaff; we are having a party there. For example, I left when Darren threw a wobbly.. So you're basically claiming something, like the passenger seat of a car. fancy. It stands for kswle which is used to talk about a couple who are being so cute and sweet it's killing you. Perhaps the most interesting slang you'll hear in England is the infamous Cockney Rhyming Slang. Kerfuffle describes a skirmish or a fight or an argument caused by differing views. Last edited on Oct 10 2015. Submitted by Danny Dees Dont say soccer to a British person. 100 Brilliantly British Slang Words and Phrases, Used in Scotland, this word means "pretty" or "beautiful", and is normally used in reference to a woman. Submitted by Walter Rader (Editor) from Sacramento, CA, USA It is used to emphasize almost anything! Unlike bars, they open in the morning, often serve food, and normally have at least one resident drunk. This term comes from cockney rhyming slang,[1] a form of communication originated in old east London by merchants to communicate with each other in a way that is disguised and incomprehensible to outsiders. To criticize. 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. This is a shorter form of the word umbrella.. Origin: The slang term "whip" refers to an expensive car. Translate any file to any language in one click. It is a descriptive word, used to describe someone who is extremely lucky for something, without putting in much effort for it. We had a bit of a knees-up last night. While American slang has become nearly universal with the influx of TV shows, films, and other media filling the screens of a significant majority of the media-viewing global population, there is so much more available once you dig beneath the surface of British slang terms and can discover some real gems beneath the surface. But there is something wonderfully tender and endearing about it. This is another version of the phrase isnt it. It is commonly used to show agreement rather than to genuinely ask a question. For those not in-the-know, kecks is an informal word for. For ex: Wheres my share of the filthy lucre then? A pound. A pub that may be your closest or just your regular favorite. A mouth. Another university-related cool British slang word is fresher which means a first-year student. For example, you might say Im going to Steves birthday do tonight.. Used with toddlers, teenagers and adults alike. fancy, impressive, cool, showy. Specifically, when something is exciting or wonderful, particularly when something is good news, brilliant can mean as such. A pejorative term for someone from the upper classes of British society. Oh, the Brits. Bants 4. on Dec 06 2002. He got merked last week. Taking the piss out of your friends can be done as part of banter. Shes pretty posh. Last edited on Mar 13 2002. However it can be used to describe anything flashy or needlessly classy or expensive. bracelets, chains, earrings. In other words, butchers hook is used as an expression for look because the word hook rhymes with look.. Gob is the informal word for mouth, and smack means to hit something with your hand. Often referred to as "The Gaffer". Meaning: to make fun of someone, to tease them a lot. Did you know that the UK has around 40 different dialects of English, each with their own accents and slang? All Rights Reserved. Anna is the Editor-in-Chief & Content Strategist of Lifehack. Last edited on Sep 15 2018. The expression is believed by some to come literally from gob (a British expression for mouth), and the look of shock that comes from someone hitting it. Blinding a slang term that is far from something that physically causes someone to lose their sight. Used as a signifier for preference. Bollocks; and, of course, it also refers to the scrotum and testicles. You can find out more about rhyming Cockney slang by checking out this video by YouTuber iswearenglish: It means that something is unpleasant. Last edited on Oct 23 2012. Rob is the only one on the team who does not faff around in the office. So then, the extension of that is forgetting which term is used HERE, because I'm willing to wager that most people who have transfixed themselves on the British Isles all these years (speaking from experience here) think in "BRITISH". Popular during the Victorian age and popularised further by Charlie Chaplin, the, This is one of those words I truly took for granted when I first moved to the U.S.; never in a million years did I imagine that the word, This word, on the other hand, is one of those I intuitively reconciled would not have much of a presence in the U.S.mainly because of its identity as a slang expression. It can also generally mean that someone is in a position of advantage in a situation. - Cargasm: A euphoric feeling of joy associated with buying or receiving something expensive or desirable. A nifty little British term that means rubbish or crap. Submitted by Walter Rader (Editor) from Sacramento, CA, USA 25. Nevertheless, it has a wide range of uses and applicable contexts. When someone in England, especially in London, takes the subway train to go somewhere, they usually use this expression. Arguably one of the most hilarious British Slang insults we've heard! Have you ever overheard some rather strange terms for money? 13. A grand is used when talking in thousands. Yes, British people have a lot of slang words for money. . (Download). We use K (from kilo) when we write with digits but we also say it when speaking, so that phonetically it would sound like kay.