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"Flogging" also refers to whipping a racehorse in order to make it move faster, so there is some speculation into whether you flog goods in order to make them shift faster, too. The meaning of this slang has been debated at length. ", "When I got home, he was already zonked.". "We get it you've injured yourself. "Be careful when you're driving it's a pea-souper out there.". 60 British Slang Words And Phrases You Need To Know This probably originates from the "uncool" appearance of anorak coats and the people wearing them. Bender. "This week's done me in already, and it's only Tuesday. For even more fun, take a look at these common U.K. expressions. . 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. ", "Grab your brolly, it's drizzling outside. Although the origins of this phrase are largely unknown, a gaff in the 18th-century was a music hall or theatre, and so it's believed to derive from this. That's minging.". 6. ", This quintessentially British idiom derives from the Dutch "pap" and "kak," which translate as "soft" and "dung.". This is sometimes shortened to "chocka." I'm slumped. ", "I was absolutely car-parked last night. British Slang Words and Phrases - Tandem Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq took three wickets as Lucknow Super Giants restricted Royal Challengers Bangalore to 126/9 in IPL 2023. ", "I'm Hank Marvin" means "I'm hungry" or "I'm ravenous.". Men's urinals were free of charge. I'm cream crackered. In the 1960s, someone that was unfashionable might be nicknamed a "wally," according to dictionary.com. "Wind your neck in and stop being so nosy! Someone that's "on the pull" has gone out, usually on a night out, with the intention of attracting a sexual partner. "Don't get caught, or you'll end up in the Nick!". Low London phrase meaning "to thrash thoroughly," possibly from the French battre a fin. This is still used in English in the phrase "egging someone on" to do something. "Well, this has all gone a bit pear-shaped.". It can also mean worn-out or damaged. ", "Hey, there's loads of room on that bench. This classic phrase is another way of telling someone that their opinion is not appreciated in the given scenario. In the 1960s, someone that was unfashionable might be nicknamed a "wally," according to dictionary.com. Nothing makes the language more colorful than descriptive words. This cheery phrase is widely believed to originate from Northern factory workers around the time of the industrial revolution. The phrase goes back to Victorian public toilets, which required users to insert a single penny in order to operate the lock. Eg, "half past seven," and "ten to six.". It's unclear why Brits appear to favour analogue time-telling while Americans go for the digital format. The very British equivalent to "Hey presto!" A repair job that's been completed in a hurry and will probably fall apart reasonably soon is considered a "botch job. "I wangled some first-class seats by being nice to the cabin crew!". The smogs werecompared to pea soup due to their colour and density. "Pissing it up" in British English "When are we going to eat? "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. Someone silly or incompetent might be described as a wally. 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. 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. ", Someone on a spree of excessive drinking and mischief is "on a bender. "She's great fun, but she's a few sandwiches short of a picnic.". Something that is "long" is probably also annoying or aggravating. To "gallivant" means to roam, or to set off on an expedition, with the sole intention of having some light-hearted fun. This probably originates from the "uncool" appearance of anorak coats and the people wearing them. An earlier version of this story was written by Bobbie Edsor. This road is chocka! The "bee's knees" referred to small or insignificant details when it was first documented in the 18th century. ", "We should've taken the other route. The "boot" is the compartment at the back of the car known as the "trunk" in American English. Some believe it's derived from the Dutch word "blute," meaning "bare." Historically, "fags" were the cheaper cigarettes made of lower grade tobacco, however, the slang has spread to encompass all cigarettes. "Hank Marvin" is Cockney rhyming slang for "starving. The phrase originates from the game "Chinese Whispers" commonly played at children's parties. Another word for screw something up: to twist out of shape or distort | Collins English Thesaurus Therefore, if you're "having a butchers," you're having a look at something. ", "I'm going to make us spaghetti carbonara for dinner. 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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. The phrase is most often used to describe heavy road traffic. ", 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. Derived from the Newcastle sociolect, "mortal" was made widely known across the country in 2011 by the reality TV show "Geordie Shore. This is more commonly known in the US as "Murphy's law. Apples and Pears = Stairs. Do you know anyone that might be interested?". "He handles a screwdriver very cack-handedly. When we get home, I'm going to take a quick kip.". The meaning of this slang has been debated at length. ", When someone makes a great speech while skirting around a subject or saying little of any value, you might say that they're talking "waffle," or that they're "waffling.". "And did you see thatequalising goal in the last minute of injury time? Now that's a proper breakfast.". 4. I'm cream crackered.". Barm: a bread roll. "Press down the clutch, put it into gear, then slowly ease off the clutch again. Unrelatedly, "Clangers" was also a children's TV show from the 1970s about pink mouse-like creatures that lived on the moon. ", 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. "Taking the biscuit" is the equivalent of taking the nonexistent medal for foolishness or incredulity. 15 Current British Slang Terms To Learn | Dictionary.com "Take the Mickey" is an abbreviation of "taking the Mickey Bliss," which is Cockney rhyming slang for "take the p***. ", 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. ", 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. That's minging.". "Mortal" describes someone highly intoxicated or drunk in a sloppy manner. ", "Miffed" possibly derives from the German "muffen," meaning "to sulk.". "Quid" is British slang for "pounds," eg, "five quid" means 5. British Slang & Colloquialisms - Travel Guide To Britain You don't want to be described as "dim," "a mug," or "a few sandwiches short of a picnic." "And did you see that equalizing goal in the last minute of injury time? Someone that lacks common sense might be described as "a few sandwiches short of a picnic.". Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Liverpool rescue three points, chase top-four finish after surviving ", "Don't trust him he's a smarmy geezer. All rights reserved. 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. ", "I heard you got the promotion. Using fun and zany British slang phrases is not always appropriate when you have a formal conversation. A "pea-souper" is a thick fog, often with a yellow or black tinge, caused by air pollution. To "splash out" means spending significant amounts of money on a particular item or event. Rob is the only one on the team who does not faff around in the office. Someone that's a little bit geeky, with strong interests or expertise in a niche area, might be referred to as an "anorak." Getty Images. ", "Miffed" possibly derives from the German "muffen," meaning "to sulk. A "botch job" can also refer to anything that's been done haphazardly, like a work assignment. Someone who's "quids in" has invested in an opportunity which is probably going to benefitthem massively. It was first recorded in English in the late 1880s from knacker, or "to tire.". ", 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. As a result, "pinch punch, first of the month" was a way of warding off witches and bad luck for the near future. 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. Gaff. A popular pastime in the United Kingdom is attending or having your own "car boot sale," in which people usually sell knick-knacks and old personal items out of the back of their cars. The idiom was first used to describe the thick, choking smogs that settled over London, caused by lots of people burning fossil fuels in a close vicinity, as early as 1200. The term is usually used to refer to a nap, but it can also mean a long sleep. In the 1960s, someone who was unfashionable might be nicknamed a "wally," according to dictionary.com. A "fag end" is also the ratty bits towards the ends of a reel of fabric, which are the worst and the cheapest bits of the reel. "Don't you worry, Alan, I'm on it like a car bonnet.". ", "He's obsessed with anything that happens on this street. 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 andunspecial. Others believe the word is a contraction of the 17th-century phrase "by our lady," and is blasphemous. 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 andunspecial. Derived from the Newcastle sociolect, "mortal" was made widely known across the country in 2011 by reality TV show "Geordie Shore.". Just your bog-standard dorm, really.". British slang & colloquialisms: see an A-Z listing of British slang, colloquialisms and dialect words and phrases including Cockney rhyming phrases. "What are you up to this weekend? "Shhh, he's on the dog and bone.". Men from east London are also commonly referred to as "geezers.". slang - UK English: Do y'all use "buzzard" to mean "a contemptible or "How was the hostel?" The phrase was first documented in the BBC's "Lenny Henry Christmas Special" in 1987. As a result, "pinch punch, first of the month" was a way of warding off witches and bad luck for the near future. You can use it to refer to a person or an object. "Press down the clutch, put it into gear, then slowly ease off the clutch again. Nowadays, "bloody" is used widely it's even used in children's films such as "Harry Potter" andis arguably one of the most quintessentially British words on the list. Although it's more often used as a synonym for raincoat, an anorak is something slightly different in playground slang. ", 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. Historically, "gallant" described someone brave or valiant, so "gallivanting" is a carefree and confident act. Bird. 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. ", An event that disrupts the natural, pre-planned order of events could be described as a "spanner in the works.". 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. "Is it just me or is that painting a bit skew-whiff? Guide To British Slang: 40+ Common British Phrases and Words The word "shirt" is derived from the Norse for "short," hence short-tempered. RCB, who were 62/0 at one stage, suffered a batting collapse. The name of a strongly-brewed cup of English breakfast tea with milk -- the way that tea is most commonly drunk in the UK. "That guy's got suchswagger he's a proper geezer. Bob's your uncle -- you're driving!". Marvin played guitar in Cliff Richard's backing band in the 1960s. 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.". When they were working on the factory floor, employees had to wear hard clogs to protect their feet. "You signed that contract? Geezer is thought to stem from the 15th century "guiser," which meant well-dressed. This slang term could be a British abbreviation of the French "faux pas," meaning an embarrassing or tactless remark in a social situation. "We get it -- you've injured yourself. 56 Delightful Victorian Slang Terms You Should Be Using 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. "Those two are having a proper chinwag -- I haven't been able to get a word in edgeways for half an hour! ", A situation which has quickly evolved into an accident waiting to happen might be described as "gone pear-shaped.". Talk Like a Brit With Our Favorite British Slang Words I feel so mugged off right now.". "Pissed" usually means "angry" in the US. Off their rocker: madthey were off their rocker, they were. A "good old chinwag" is a good chat, catch-up, or gossip with someone. Bloody. Throw a wobbly - get . "Mint" might be used when referring to something of the highest calibre. Cockwomble - foolish or obnoxious person. To "spend a penny" is a polite euphemism for going to the toilet. . ", "He skived off school so we could all go to Thorpe Park on a weekday.". 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. 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. This word probably originates from the "uncool" appearance of anorak coats and the people wearing them. If someone's "caught the lurgy," they're suffering from cold or flu-like symptoms. He pulled a blinder there.". ", "I haven't seen Tom since he started revising for his exams. ", "Par" can also be used as a verb, eg, "You just got parred.". "Is it just me or is that painting a bit skew-whiff?". When they were working on the factory floor, employees had to wear hard clogs to protect their feet. It can be used in both a lighthearted and an irritated fashion. 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. ", "Hey, there's loads of room on that bench. 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. "Don't you worry, Alan, I'm on it like a car bonnet.". Master a variety of British insults and you'll be prepared to reply with some snarky put-downs. He popped his clogs, didn't he", Something that is nonsense, rubbish, or simply untrue might be described as "poppycock. Privacy Policy. What I like about this term and its two/three usages is that the following sentence, "Nick got nicked for nicking something" makes grammatical sense. "That's when all of the lights came on, and so we legged it.". ", An event that disrupts the natural, pre-planned order of events could be described as a "spanner in the works.". ", Examples include "trollied," "smashed," and "gazeboed. This is probably how the term came about. ", 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. "Goodness, you're full of beans this morning!". f you hear a word that's not on this list, give a Cockney translator a try. "Our Christmas dinner had everything from sprouts to Yorkshire puddings. British Slang That Will Confuse Anybody Who Didn't Grow up in the UK "Ha! "When are we going to eat? "Don't get caught, or you'll end up in the Nick!". Budge up and make some room for us, too!". "Cack" isold-fashioned slang for faeces. "Would you take a butchers at this broken bike for me? A "dog's dinner" is a mess or fiasco -- sometimes also referred to as a "dog's breakfast.". Some entries also feature surprising facts aboutthe phrase's origins, with a few quintessentially British idiomsnot actually coming from British roots at all. Cockney rhyming slang for "knackered," if you're "cream crackered" then you're incredibly tired. This colloquialism might be said by someone that has the situation under control. ", It's similar to "scoot over" or "move over. 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. All The Threes. The "boot" is the compartment at the back of the car known as the "trunk" in American English. Used to describe someone physically attractive, usually referring to their physique. ", "Par" can also be used as a verb, eg, "You just got parred.". This phrase could be a reference to coffee beans, although these claims have been disputed. Synonyms miss, mistake, slip, fault, "Innit" is an abbreviation of "isn't it" most commonly used amongst teenagers and young people. The origins of the word are widely disputed. "Those twoare having a proper chinwag I haven't been able to get a word in edgeways for half an hour!". ", "I could just about deal with the dog barking at 5:30 a.m., but the lawnmower at 3 a.m. really takes the biscuit.". "Hank Marvin" is Cockney rhyming slang for "starving. "Faff" comes from the 17th century word "faffle," which means to flap about in the wind. 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. We've got a party at our gaff, if you fancy it?". This road is chocka! "Be careful when you're driving it's a pea-souper out there.". This phrase is used to describe a process which seems more difficult than it actually is. The "bee's knees" referred to small or insignificant details when it was first documented in the 18th century. Slang can vary a lot throughout England. It is also sometimes referred to as a "dog's breakfast. ", This quintessentially British idiom derives from the Dutch "pap" and "kak," which translate as "soft" and "dung.". The idiom was first used to describe the thick, choking smogs that settled over London, caused by lots of people burning fossil fuels in a close vicinity,as early as 1200. If you've "wangled" something, you've accomplished or attained something through cunning means. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Each term is partneredwith a description and example. Although its origins are largely debated, the term's meaning has evolved over the last 50 years alone. 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. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. The word "shirt" is derived from the Norse for "short," hence short-tempered. However, in the UK, someone that's "pissed" is most probably drunk. "The full Monty" historically refers to an old tailor called Sir Montague Burton. Cockney is slang from a certain neighborhood in London. 2017. Open yourself up to the delights of the English language, especially the variety that's spoken where English got its start. "We should've taken the other route. ", Someone that's energetic, lively, or enthusiastic might be described as "full of beans.". It's Sod's law. "Be careful when you're driving -- it's a pea-souper out there.". Watering hole - this is one of the many British slang words for a pub. Just your bog-standard dorm, really.". "Over-egging the pudding" means embellishing or over-doing something to the extent that it's detrimental to the finished product. A "good old chinwag" is a good chat,catch up, or gossip with someone. ", Brits are known for favouring a drink or two, so much so thatalmost any noun can be used as a substitute for "drunk. ", A "par" breaches social and common courtesy, eg, a disrespectful comment could be seen as a "par. This phrase is used to confirm or agree with something that another person has just said. To "splash out" means spending significant amounts of money on a particular item or event. 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. 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. Menu. "Did you see Scott last night? 1. ", "Oh. ", Someone short-tempered or irritated might be described as "shirty.". Meaning: Arguing or trash-talking. Something untrue -- often made up for dramatic effect. Hank Marvin is a British musician from the 1960s and 1970s, and is a pretty obscure reference nowadays. 60 British phrases that will confuse anybody who didn't grow up in the UK. The phrase is reportedly old slang from the Royal Air Forceand was used to described awry expeditions and flights. A "geezer" is a man that could be described as "suave" or "dapper," and is often suited and booted. Is that ham and tuna? Still, in an unfamiliar country, there's bound to be informal lingo that's you don't recognize. Dench is the equivalent of "solid" or "cool" when used in response to someone else. Are yougoing on the pull?". The idea is when someone popped, or cocked, their clogs, the toes of the clogs pointed up in the air as they lay down dead. "What did you do on your day off from work? "Quid" is British slang for "pounds." "I don't mean this as a par, but did you remember to wash this morning? The word could be a variation of "toddle" like a young child's first steps. Bob's your uncle you're driving!". "Well, this has all gone a bit pear-shaped.". U.K. slang is nothing if not interesting! To "faff" is to waste time doing very little. Just your bog-standard dorm, really.". Open yourself up to the delights of British slang words and talk like a local in no time. 47 British Slang Words And Phrases To Read Over A Cuppa - Scary Mommy 75 British Slang Words And Their Meanings - Parade or "Et voila!". So, if you're "ready for the knacker's yard," you're exhausted beyond relief. ", "Miffed" possibly derives from the German "muffen," meaning "to sulk. IPL 2023: LSG's Naveen-ul-Haq registers his career-best IPL figures Since then, the phrase has evolved and refers to something at the "height of cool. The action of chatting away -- with the jaw bobbing up and down -- resembles a chin "wagging" like a dog's tail. ", The phrase is common on the hit British reality show "Love Island. This is still used in English in the phrase "egging someone on" to do something. Gaff is just a synonym for "home.". ", If you see someone you find attractive, you would call them "fit.". So, let's crack on and get to the list of British slang words innit! "The Nick" can refer to prison, while "to nick" also means to steal. "You look nice. No collection of slang would be complete without casual terminology used for nouns that are common among those who speak the language or dialect. ", "Give me a call" or "ring me." "Lurgy" is probably based on a mispronunciation of the word "allergy. He's a bloody curtain twitcher, but he still won't sign for our packages.". Like a local: 11 bits of London slang you should know "By getting pregnant, Mary threw a spanner in the works.". ", An act which could be deemed as impolite or shameless, but for some reason comes across as funny or endearing to others, would be described as "cheeky. Check out these British slang words and phrases from England, Scotland and Wales. ", Someone that lacks common knowledge might be described as "dim," whilst someone that's intelligent might be described as "bright.". mess up, cock up (British, slang), mishandle, fuck up (offensive, taboo, slang), mismanage, muff, make a hash of (informal), make a nonsense of, bodge (informal), misfield, crool or cruel (Australian, slang) in the sense of fumble Definition the act of fumbling Fans cheered a fumble by the home team's star. Others believe the word is a contraction of the 17th century phrase "by our lady," and is blasphemous. 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." ", A nosey neighbour, often caught peering out on their street's activities from a curtained window, might be referred to as a "curtain twitcher. Nowadays, it's mostly a way for kids to pull pranks on their friends. This cheery phrase is widely believed to originate from Northern factory workers around the time of the industrial revolution. ", "We should've taken the other route. This phrase is often used to describe a process that seems more difficult than it actually is. The "bee's knees" referred to small or insignificant details when it was first documented in the 18th century. For example, you might say a chair has a wonky leg. "What are you up to this weekend? ", When someone makes a great speech while skirting around a subject or saying little of any value, you might say that they're talking "waffle," or that they're "waffling.". 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." Historically, only women would announce they were going to "spend a penny," as only women's public toilets required a penny to lock. Some people consider "bloody" offensive (the origins of the word are widely disputed, so we can't be sure why) and it was considered a profanity until the mid-20th century. Geezer is thought to stem from the 15th century "guiser," which meant well-dressed. To "pull a blinder" involves achieving something difficult faultlessly and skilfully. He's absolutely gutted.' 26.

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