7 British slang phrases to spice up your conversation There are two basic types of conversations - formal and informal. "Simon heard from John that youwere fired. Ten Brilliant British Idioms and Their Meanings - Anglotopia.net After "The Full Monty" film was released in 1997, there was some international confusion over the phrase in which it was taken as aeuphemism for stripping. "The Nick" can refer to a prison. 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. "I could just about deal with the dog barking at 5:30a.m., but the lawnmower at 3 a.m. really takes the biscuit.". Something that is "long" is probably also annoying or aggravating. 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. Something untrue -- often made up for dramatic effect. Meaning: To screw something up. ", "We should've taken the other route. 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. . If you're heading off on a holiday to the United Kingdom, it'll be handy to have certain British slang definitions down pat. Historically, "gallant" described someone brave or valiant, so "gallivanting" is a carefree and confident act. To "spend a penny" is a polite euphemism for going to the toilet. "A bacon sandwich and a builder's tea. 100+ Smashing British Slang Words and Terms to Know Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. ", Someone that makes comments just to spark controversy or argument might be labelled a "wind-up merchant.". Wangle - means to get or do something that is a bit devious. Schoolkidsmight call "bagsy" on items from their friends' pack lunches, like an apple or a cereal bar, thatthe friend isn't going to eat. I'm cream crackered. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in, Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile, [This article was originally published in 2018]. 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." "Pull" can also be used as a verb. "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. "We should've taken the other route. ", "Grab your brolly, it's drizzling outside. I'm slumped. Now that's a proper breakfast.". It is often deemed as unnecessary or over-the-top. Something that is "bog-standard" is completely ordinary with no frills, embellishments, or add-ons. Botch Synonyms | Collins English Thesaurus Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? I'm cream crackered. Insert any . "Do we have to go to the dinner party tonight? The origins of the word are widely disputed. If you've "pulled," you've kissed someone. "And did you see thatequalising goal in the last minute of injury time? A "dog's dinner" is a mess or fiasco sometimes also referred to as a "dog's breakfast.". 2017. We've got a party at our gaff, if you fancy it?". Every language has a few phrases that don't always translate well and the British English has some absolute corkers. It works. "He really cocked up his job interview when he mentioned that he'd shagged the boss's daughter." Collywobbles: Nervousness; butterflies in the stomach. "Cack" isold-fashioned slang for faeces. Each term is partnered with a description and example. "Don't you worry, Alan, I'm on it like a car bonnet.". In the 17th century, to "waff" went to yelp, and quickly evolved to mean to talk foolishly or indecisively. Congratulations! If you're "splashing out," it's implied that you're spending money on a treatto mark a special occasion or celebration. 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. The word "shirt" is derived from the Norse for "short," hence short-tempered. Someone silly or incompetent might be described as a wally. This is a shambles! "How was the hostel?" ", "He skived off school so we could all go to Thorpe Park on a weekday.". Codswallop - nonsense. Not to be confused with literally being disembowelled, someone that says they're "gutted" is devastated or extremely upset. 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. 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. "Gob" is slang for mouth, so if you're gobsmacked, you're shocked to the point of clasping your jaw in disbelief. "Oh, nothing exciting to report. In the US, buzzard denotes vultures, but also a contemptible or rapacious person to use definition 3 from the online Merriam-Webster.The most common phrase I'm personally familiar with is to say you old buzzard, usually said to some old guy who you are half-jokingly saying is lecherous or a cheater or some other un-good thing.. It could be used to symbolize disbelief, or just to talk about a man's private parts. ", "She's come down with the dreaded lurgy. To "faff" is to waste time doing very little. I feel so mugged off right now.". Someone that lacks common sense might be described as "a few sandwiches short of a picnic.". ", "You've made a dog's dinner of that paint job.". However, "the full Monty" now usually refers to taking something as far as it can go, similar to "the whole nine yards.". The name of a strongly-brewed cup of English breakfast tea with milk the way that tea is most commonly drunk in the UK. Just your bog-standard dorm, really.". To "flog" means to sell something usually quickly and cheaply. However, in the UK, someone that's "pissed" is most probably drunk. ", "I heard you got the promotion. 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. ", Examples include "trollied," "smashed," and "gazeboed. sarcastic, unsympathetic, and often rather drunk. Although it sounds crude, the phrase is actually considered a polite way of announcing that you are going to visit the bathroom. 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, . You don't want to be described as "dim," "a mug," or "a few sandwiches short of a picnic." IPL 2023: LSG's Naveen-ul-Haq registers his career-best IPL figures Bob's your uncle -- you're driving!". "Quid" is British slang for "pounds." If you're "splashing out," it's implied that you're spending money on a treat to mark a special occasion or celebration. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider . However, in the UK, someone that's "pissed" is most probably drunk. To "pull a blinder" involves achieving something difficult faultlessly and skilfully. This phrase is used to describe a process which seems more difficult than it actually is. Since then, the phrase hasevolved and refers to something at the "height of cool. However, there is no proof for this theory. Guide To British Slang: 40+ Common British Phrases and Words This is still used in English in the phrase "egging someone on" to do something. This second theory has been disproved, however, by the slang's first documentation predating the widespread use of the phrase "by our lady.". As a result, "pinch punch, first of the month" was a way of warding off witches and bad luck for the near future. 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. Do you know anyone that might be interested?". I just threw in an extra slang term for free. ", If someone has done something highly irritating or surprising in an exasperating fashion, you might say that they've "taken the biscuit.". 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. The meaning of this slang has been debated at length. He's a bloody curtain twitcher, but he still won't sign for our packages.". Are you going on the pull?". Someone who's "quids in" has invested in an opportunity that is probably going to benefit them massively. "Don't get caught, or you'll end up in the Nick!". ", If you see someone you find attractive, you would call them "fit.". Yes! It's used most commonly when you're trying to get out of a situation by physically running away. I want to receive exclusive email updates from YourDictionary. Historically, only women would announce they were going to "spend a penny," as only women's public toilets required a penny to lock. 2. It can be used in both a lighthearted and an irritated fashion. So, if you're "ready for the knacker's yard," you're exhausted beyond relief. ", 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. "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. 75 British Slang Words And Their Meanings - Parade "Goodness, you're full of beans this morning!". An earlier version of this story was written by Bobbie Edsor. ", Something unpleasant, unappetising, or highly unattractive might be described as "minging.". "Well, this has all gone a bit pear-shaped.". This probably originates from the "uncool" appearance of anorak coats and the people wearing them. To "pull a blinder"involves achieving something difficult faultlessly and skilfully. "Taking the biscuit" is the equivalent of taking the nonexistent medal for foolishness or incredulity. However,"the full Monty" actually refers topursuing something to the absolute limits. ", "Sod's law" is often used to explain bad luck or freakish acts of misfortune. ", A British axiom that boils down to the idea that: "If anything can go wrong, then it definitely will go wrong. 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.". "This week's done me in already, and it's only Tuesday. 2. Still, in an unfamiliar country, there's bound to be informal lingo that's you don't recognize. 2. Blimey. 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. Derived from the Newcastle sociolect, "mortal" was made widely known across the country in 2011 by the reality TV show "Geordie Shore. British Slang That Will Confuse Anybody Who Didn't Grow up in the UK Slang can vary a lot throughout England. 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. Since then, the phrase has evolved and refers to something at the "height of cool. Dick: an idiot. All The Threes. If someone's "caught the lurgy," they're suffering from cold or flu-like symptoms. "Pull" can also be used as a verb. 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. "Tinkle" refers to a phone's ring, while "blower" is slang or telephone and refers to the device that predated phones on Naval ships. "That's when all of the lights came on, and so we legged it.". Although it sounds crude, the phrase is actually considered a polite way of announcing that you are going to visit the bathroom. The origins of the word are widely disputed. The origins of the word are widely disputed. Dench is the equivalent of "solid" or "cool" when used in response to someone else. ", 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. "Don't put down a leaking mug on top of the newspaper, you wally!". "Would you take a butchers at this broken bike for me? The origins of the word are widely disputed. A "knacker" was the person that slaughtered worn-out horses in the 19th and 20th centuries for their meat, hoofs, and hide. Benjo. I'm cream crackered.". Some believe it's derived from the Dutch word "blute," meaning "bare." 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! f you hear a word that's not on this list, give a Cockney translator a try. 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. Men from east London are also commonly referred to as "geezers.". To "splash out" means spending significant amounts of money on a particular item or event. Oxford Language Club "Look at that bird over there. If you're going to have a roast, have the full Monty! When they were working on the factory floor, employees had to wear hard clogs to protect their feet. Sailors would blow down a pipe to their recipient, where a whistle at the end of the pipe would sound to spark attention. ", "Par" can also be used as a verb, eg, "You just got parred.". "Don't get caught, or you'll end up in the Nick!". The idiom was first used to describe the thick, choking smog that settled over London, caused by lots of people burning fossil fuels in close vicinity, as early as 1200. 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. We've got a party at our gaff, if you fancy it?". 1. "I was going to go out tonight but when I finished work I was absolutely zonked. The very British equivalent to "Hey presto!" "Wow you've really splashed out on this party! 2023 LoveToKnow Media. Congratulations! 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. ", "Sam did a botch job on these shelves -- they're wonky! . Bender. Derived from the Newcastle sociolect, "mortal" was made widely known across the country in 2011 by reality TV show "Geordie Shore.". ", "We should've taken the other route. ", "I'm going to make us spaghetti carbonara for dinner. ", Brits are known for favouring a drink or two, so much so thatalmost any noun can be used as a substitute for "drunk. Barm: a bread roll. ", "He skived off school so we could all go to Thorpe Park on a weekday.". 6. Sailors would blow down a pipe to their recipient, where a whistle at the end of the pipe would sound to spark attention. 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,". ", "Par" can also be used as a verb, eg, "You just got parred.". The termcomes from the Scottish slang word "ming," meaning faeces. ", "I heard you got the promotion. The "wind-up merchant" will often claim to be making their comments as a light-hearted jest when the recipients start becoming irritated. "Cack" is old-fashioned slang for faeces. The phrase was first documented in the BBC's "Lenny Henry Christmas Special" in 1987. Knackered: tired, but very. Jonathon Green, Chambers Slang Dictionary (2008) provides three meanings for the verb phrase piss up, none of them very similar to Ayto & Simpson's definition: piss up v. 1 {1960s-1970s} ( U.S.) to vomit 2 see PISS OFF v. (2) ["to annoy"]. "This week's done me in already, and it's only Tuesday. This phrase is used to confirm or agree with something that another person has just said. 15 Current British Slang Terms To Learn | Dictionary.com 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." However, "the full Monty" actually refers to pursuing something to the absolute limits. A "knacker" was the person who slaughtered worn-out horses in the 19th and 20th centuries for their meat, hoofs, and hide. Nowadays, it's mostly a way for kids to pull pranks on their friends. "Wind your neck in and stop being so nosy!". Eg, "half past seven," and "ten to six.". It includes quite a few fun and unique ways for people to express that they are happy or otherwise share positive sentiments. Going "the fully Monty" meant purchasing a full three-piece suit, a shirt, and all of the trimmings. ", "Hey, there's loads of room on that bench. Privacy Policy. It can also refer to someone already asleep or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. He was a wreck.". Budge up and make some room for us, too!". ", "Yeah, he's been swotting like mad for his Spanish exam. ", This quintessentially British idiom derives from the Dutch "pap" and "kak," which translate as "soft" and "dung.". Going "the fully Monty" meant purchasing a full three-piece suit, a shirt, and all of the trimmings. ", This quintessentially British idiom derives from the Dutch "pap" and "kak," which translate as "soft" and "dung.". This intensifier can be added to practically any sentence in order to demonstrate incredulity or anger. ", Something unpleasant, unappetising, or highly unattractive might be described as "minging.". The phrase was first documented in the BBC's "Lenny Henry Christmas Special" in 1987. Every language has a few phrases that don't always translate well -- and the British English has some absolute corkers. He's turned into such a swot! "The full Monty" historically refers to an old tailor called Sir Montague Burton. ", Making random words past-tense to mean drunk, Brits are known for favouring a drink or two, so much so that almost any noun can be used as a substitute for "drunk. Crease up: To laugh heartily (so one's face creases up). If you're "zonked" or "cream crackered," you might want to take a nap. ", Someone short-tempered or irritated might be described as "shirty.". The meaning of this slang has been debated at length. Are yougoing on the pull?". Although it might sound quite similar to gaffe, its meaning is completely different. ", Something full to the brim, or rammed, could be described as "chockalock. The phrase is sometimes shortened to "give me atinkle.". Men from east London are also commonly referred to as "geezers.". "What did you do on your day off from work? Don't be alarmed if a Londoner tells you to go up the apples and pears - they haven't lost their mind or grasp of the English language, they're just talking about going up stairs. While Americans are more likely to say "seven thirty" or "five fifty," Brits will more often than not refer to times in "minutes past" the hour. For even more fun, take a look at these common U.K. expressions. "If it all works out as planned, he'll be quids in.". ", Someone that's energetic, lively, or enthusiastic might be described as "full of beans.". ", "Sam did a botch job on these shelves they're wonky! Talk Like a Brit With Our Favorite British Slang Words 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. ", A situation which has quickly evolved into an accident waiting to happen might be described as "gone pear-shaped.". "By getting pregnant, Mary threw a spanner in the works.". Although the origins of this phrase are largely unknown, a gaff in the 18th-century was a music hall or theater, and so it's believed to derive from this. "Thomas is such an anorak when it comes to train trivia.". Barmy. Low London phrase meaning "to thrash thoroughly," possibly from the French battre a fin. When they were working on the factory floor, employees had to wear hard clogs to protect their feet. "Tinkle" refers to a phone's ring, while "blower" is slang or telephone and refers to the device that predated phones on Naval ships. It works. 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. Three-up To marry and have three kids as soon as possible, in spite of the environmental impact Historically, "fags" were the cheaper cigarettes made of lower grade tobacco, however, the slang has spread to encompass all cigarettes. If you're traveling between various regions, keep your ears open and try to notice the differences. The term is usually used to refer to a nap, but it can also mean a long sleep. 56 Delightful Victorian Slang Terms You Should Be Using "Butcher's hook" is Cockney rhyming slang for "look." It works." It works." Examples include . 75 Simple British Slang Phrases You Should Probably Start Using She's fit.". 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.". You don't want to be described as "dim," "a mug," or "a few sandwiches short of a picnic.". 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. ", "I was going to go out tonight but when I finished work I was absolutely zonked.". ", Similar to "nerd" or "geek" but less derogatory someone that takes academic study very seriously might be described as a "swot. Something that is "tickety-boo" is satisfactory and in good order. I'm Hank Marvin.". ", "She's come down with the dreaded lurgy. You'll quickly pick-up contrasting meanings between other English speaking countries and common English slang words. "Hank Marvin" is Cockney rhyming slang for "starving. Editor's note: An earlier version of this story was published on November 3, 2017, on Business Insider UK. This cheery phrase is widely believed to originate from Northern factory workers around the time of the industrial revolution. The "bee's knees" referred to small or insignificant details when it was first documented in the 18th century. Someone that's "on the pull" has gone out, usually on a night out, with the intention of attracting a sexual partner. Something untrue often made up for dramatic effect. "Joe's children are absolute rascals they tied my shoelaces together last week!". If you've "pulled," you've kissed someone. The "boot" is the compartment at the back of the car known as the "trunk" in American English. Around the same time, the word "cod" was a little-known slang term for a . However, other people believe that "shirty" has connotations of being dishevelled. ", "Skive" is derived from the French "esquiver," meaning "to slink away. "Goodness, you're full of beans this morning!". Men's urinals were free of charge. Someone that lacks common sense might be described as "a few sandwiches short of a picnic.". Like a local: 11 bits of London slang you should know Crazy. Not to be confused with literallybeing disembowelled, someonethat says they're "gutted" is devastated or extremely upset. In the 17th century, to "waff" went to yelp, and that quickly evolved to mean to talk foolishly or indecisively. or "Et voila!". 11. Cockney is slang from a certain neighborhood in London. This road is chocka! ", 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.". slang - UK English: Do y'all use "buzzard" to mean "a contemptible or 05. 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.

Breaking Ground Hegeman, How To Initialize A Char Array In C++, Articles T