. ", "I heard you got the promotion. If you've "pulled," you've kissed someone. 15 Current British Slang Terms To Learn | Dictionary.com Like a local: 11 bits of London slang you should know ", If you see someone you find attractive, you would call them "fit.". Open yourself up to the delights of British slang words and talk like a local in no time. On a rainy day in London, you would definitely want a brolly on hand. 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. 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. Sailors would blow down a pipe to their recipient, where a whistle at the end of the pipe would sound to spark attention. All The Threes. Meaning: To screw something up. "Press down the clutch, put it into gear, then slowly ease off the clutch again. A "knacker" was the person that slaughtered worn-out horses in the 19th and 20th centuries for their meat, hoofs, and hide. "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. It's common courtesy to offer a labourer or builder working on your house a builder's tea while they're working especially if they're working out in the cold. If you're going to have a roast, have the full Monty!". Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq took three wickets as Lucknow Super Giants restricted Royal Challengers Bangalore to 126/9 in IPL 2023. A "pea-souper" is a thick fog, often with a yellow or black tinge, caused by air pollution. Since then, the phrase has evolved and refers to something popular or cool. A "dog's dinner" is a mess or fiasco -- sometimes also referred to as a "dog's breakfast.". 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. Codswallop. "Press down the clutch, put it into gear, then slowly ease off the clutch again. To "flog" means to sell something usually quickly and cheaply. 88 very British phrases that will confuse anybody who didn't grow up in This word probably originates from the "uncool" appearance of anorak coats and the people wearing them. He was a wreck.". If you're heading off on a holiday to the United Kingdom, it'll be handy to have certain British slang definitions down pat. This is a shambles! 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. Others believe the word is a contraction of the 17th century phrase "by our lady," and is blasphemous. This is still used in English in the phrase "egging someone on" to do something. Meaning: Taxi. "Is it just me or is that painting a bit skew-whiff?". A "knacker" was the person that slaughtered worn-out horses in the 19th and 20th centuries for their meat, hoofs, and hide. "Goodness, you're full of beans this morning!". Although its origins are largely debated, the term's meaning has evolved over the last 50 years alone. The word could be a variation of "toddle" -- like a young child's first steps. ", Benders often last over 24 hours, and so you might say that someone is on "a weekend bender," or a "three-day bender. ", "Miffed" possibly derives from the German "muffen," meaning "to sulk.". So, if you're "ready for the knacker's yard," you're exhausted beyond relief. Leg it. Someone who's "quids in" has invested in an opportunity which is probably going to benefitthem massively. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. 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. Bob's your uncle you're driving!". 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. This road is chocka! ", Someone that lacks common knowledge might be described as "dim," whilst someone that's intelligent might be described as "bright.". ", Atask performed in an awkward or uncomfortable fashion, usually clumsily, would be described as "cack-handed.". 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. "What are you up to this weekend? ", "Yeah, he's been swotting like mad for his Spanish exam. A "botch job" can also refer to anything that's been done haphazardly, like a work assignment. The "wind-up merchant" will often claim to be making their comments as a light-hearted jest when the recipients start becoming irritated. 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. Going "the fully Monty" meant purchasing a full three-piece suit, a shirt, and all of the trimmings. "Thomasis suchan anorak when it comes to train trivia.". ", Similar to "nerd" or "geek" but less derogatory -- someone that takes academic study very seriously might be described as a "swot. Although its origins are largely debated, the term's meaning has evolved over the last 50 years alone. ", "I'm going to make us spaghetti carbonara for dinner. A "good old chinwag" is a good chat,catch up, or gossip with someone. ", A "par" breaches social and common courtesy, eg, a disrespectful comment could be seen as a "par. ", "Don't trust him he's a smarmy geezer. ", "What's happened here? "Wind your neck in and stop being so nosy! This is sometimes shortened to "chocka." The phrase is sometimes shortened to "give me atinkle.". 1. This phrase could be a reference to coffee beans, although these claims have been disputed. This classic phrase is another way of telling someone that their opinion is not appreciated in the given scenario. Sailors would blow down a pipe to their recipient, where a whistle at the end of the pipe would sound to spark attention. This is commonly used as a greeting that doesn't always need a response. ", This quintessentially British idiom derives from the Dutch "pap" and "kak," which translate as "soft" and "dung.". "Press down the clutch, put it into gear, then slowly ease off the clutch again. The phrase describes the mayhem caused when something is recklessly thrown into the intricate gears and workings of a machine. It's usually used to describe a woman between the ages of 18 and 50, particularly one who is attractive. Historically, "gallant" described someone brave or valiant, so "gallivanting" is a carefree and confident act. 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. To "gallivant" means to roam, or to set off on an expedition, with the sole intention of having some light-hearted fun. 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. This is probably how the term came about. GOBSMACKED: A quintessentially British slang term that refers to being stunned and surprised beyond belief. Something that is "bog-standard" is completely ordinary with no frills, embellishments, or add-ons. British Slang & Colloquialisms - Travel Guide To Britain ", "I haven't seen Tom since he started revising for his exams. Kecks: a bread rolhang on, no, trousers. Using fun and zany British slang phrases is not always appropriate when you have a formal conversation. "Mint" might be used when referring to something of the highest calibre. A repair job that's been completed in a hurry and will probably fall apart reasonably soon is considered a "botch job. Unrelatedly, "Clangers" was also a children's TV show from the 1970s about pink mouse-like creatures that lived on the moon. 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. "Faff" comes from the 17th-century word "faffle," which means to flap about in the wind. All right? This cheery phrase is widely believed to originate from Northern factory workers around the time of the industrial revolution. Someone that lacks common sense might be described as "a few sandwiches short of a picnic.". You can use it to refer to a person or an object. Codswallop - nonsense. It's most often used to say something is unsatisfactory, like "blows" or "reeks," rather than actual trash. "Do we have to go to the dinner party tonight? He was a wreck.". 2023 LoveToKnow Media. The "boot" is the compartment at the back of the car known as the "trunk" in American English. "Taking the biscuit" is the equivalent of taking the nonexistent medal for foolishness or incredulity. Editor's note: An earlier version of this story was published on November 3, 2017, on Business Insider UK. Barmy. This is probably how the term came about. Congratulations! By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Someone that's "on the pull" has gone out, usually on a night out, with the intention of attracting a sexual partner. "Taking the biscuit" is the equivalent of taking the nonexistent medal for foolishness or incredulity. 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. ", "Yeah, he's been swotting like mad for his Spanish exam. Cock up: Make a mess of something. U.K. slang is nothing if not interesting! Eg, "half past seven," and "ten to six.". He was a wreck.". The action of chatting away with thejaw bobbing up and down resembles a chin "wagging" like a dog's tail. To "whinge" means to moan, groan, and complain in an irritating or whiney fashion. The "bee's knees" referred to small or insignificant details when it was first documented in the 18th century. ", Someone that makes comments just to spark controversy or argument might be labelled a "wind-up merchant.". ", Examples include "trollied," "smashed," and "gazeboed. ", "I'm going to make us spaghetti carbonara for dinner. IPL 2023: LSG's Naveen-ul-Haq registers his career-best IPL figures 27 Common British And Their Meaning - Bscholarly 2017. I'm cream crackered. However, other people believe that "shirty" has connotations of being dishevelled. 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." Men's urinals were free of charge. "Goodness, you're full of beans this morning!". Geezer is thought to stem from the 15th century "guiser," which meant well-dressed. Bob's your uncle -- you're driving!". ", Someone that comes across as scheming or untrustworthy might be described as "smarmy. From our linguistic research, we've confirmed that above all, British people aresarcastic, unsympathetic, and often rather drunk. Bladdered: drunk. 7 British slang phrases to spice up your conversation There are two basic types of conversations - formal and informal. Lacking in energy; usually after a long period of exertion. ", It's similar to "scoot over" or "move over. Something that is "long" is probably also annoying or aggravating. For even more fun, take a look at these common U.K. expressions. Cockney rhyming slang for "knackered," if you're "cream crackered" then you're incredibly tired. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. ", An event that disrupts the natural, pre-planned order of events could be described as a "spanner in the works.". ", "Of course my toast had to land on the floor butter-side-down. ", A situation which has quickly evolved into an accident waiting to happen might be described as "gone pear-shaped.". English Slang. It's trousers. ", "Sam did a botch job on these shelves -- they're wonky! Knackered: tired, but very. In the UK, the word buzzard denotes to the genus Buteo, generally . This road is chocka! 3 see PISS ON v ["to treat contemptuously"]. 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"]. He's absolutely gutted.' 26. "Hank Marvin" is Cockney rhyming slang for "starving. ", 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. The origins of the word are widely disputed. It was first recorded in English in the late 1880s from knacker, or "to tire.". This second theory has been disproved, however, by the slang's documentation predating the popularity of the phrase "by our lady.". "Did you see Scott last night? Someone silly or incompetent might be described as a wally. It's unclear why Brits appear to favour analogue time-telling while Americans go for the digital format. An adjective used to advocate something that is impressive or agreeable, dench is the equivalent of "solid" or "cool" when used in response to someone else. "Pull" can also be used as a verb. ", 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. Nothing makes the language more colorful than descriptive words. It may originate from subcultures, criminals during the 16th century in saloons and gambling houses, or the codes certain vulnerable communities use to survive. Although it's more often used as a synonym for raincoat, an anorak is something slightly different in playground slang. That's minging.". The action of chatting away with thejaw bobbing up and down resembles a chin "wagging" like a dog's tail. 4. 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. ", 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. It's Sod's law. So, if you're "ready for the knacker's yard," you're exhausted beyond relief. Bloody is an adverb used to show anger or surprise. 40 Quirky British Slang Words - Meanings of Popular Britishisms ", Something full to the brim, or rammed, could be described as "chockalock. The word could be a variation of "toddle" like a young child's first steps. ", "She's come down with the dreaded lurgy. ", 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. Stop faffing around and start doing your homework. For example, you might say a chair has a wonky leg. "A bacon sandwich and a builder's tea. "Don't get caught, or you'll end up in the Nick!". "Innit" is an abbreviation of "isn't it" most commonly used amongst teenagers and young people. Bender. ", 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. This phrase could be a reference to coffee beans, although these claims have been disputed. "Don't put down a leaking mug on top of the newspaper, you wally!". The phrase is most commonly used when the individual has been lucky and the person saying it is in disbelief that the first person has managed to pull it off. "Tinkle" refers to a phone's ring, while "blower" is slang or telephone and refers to the device that predated phones on Naval ships. The phrase describes the mayhem caused when something is recklesslythrown into the intricate gears and workings of a machine. ", On the other hand, someone who's intelligent might be described as "bright.". "The Nick" can refer to prison, while "to nick" also means to steal. Derived from the Newcastle sociolect, "mortal" was made widely known across the country in 2011 by reality TV show "Geordie Shore.". "Ha! To "flog" means to sell something -- usually quickly and cheaply. "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 a barmy idea". Dick: an idiot. The "wind-up merchant" will often claim to be making their comments as a light-hearted jest when the recipients start becoming irritated. I'm cream crackered.". A repair job that's beencompleted in a hurry and will probably fall apart reasonably soon is considered a "botch job. Although it sounds crude, the phrase is actually considered a polite way of announcing that you are going to visit the bathroom. The phrase goes back to Victorian public toilets, which required users to insert a single penny in order to operate the lock. "Thomas is such an anorak when it comes to train trivia.". Daps. This is still used in English in the phrase "egging someone on" to do something. Crazy. Now that's a proper breakfast.". "And did you see that equalizing goal in the last minute of injury time? The meaning of this slang has been debated at length. This is a shambles! However, there is no proof for this theory. I just threw in an extra slang term for free. 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. 56 Delightful Victorian Slang Terms You Should Be Using 50 Awesome British Slang Terms You Should Start Using - Lifehack 100+ Smashing British Slang Words and Terms to Know A mancould be compared to the American term 'dude'. However,"the full Monty" actually refers topursuing something to the absolute limits. ", "Miffed" possibly derives from the German "muffen," meaning "to sulk. Cock Up. 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. "Quid" is British slang for "pounds," eg, "five quid" means 5. . 3. We've got a party at our gaff, if you fancy it? 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, . This is probablyhow the term came about. 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. To "whinge" means to moan, groan, and complain in an irritating or whiney fashion. Bollocks - One of the more well-known British terms, it actually has a multitude of meanings. Derived from the Newcastle sociolect, "mortal" was made widely known across the country in 2011 by the reality TV show "Geordie Shore. "Did you see Scott last night? Nineteenth-century sailor slang for "A riotous holiday, a noisy day in the . "Be careful when you're driving it's a pea-souper out there.". While the phrase is misogynistic in nature, it's still commonly used. "I'm going up the apples to bed.". "If it all works out as planned, he'll be quids in.". Men from east London are also commonly referred to as "geezers.". sarcastic, unsympathetic, and often rather drunk. ", An event that disrupts the natural, pre-planned order of events could be described as a "spanner in the works.". "Wind your neck in and stop being so nosy! ", "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.". "And did you see that equalising goal in the last minute of injury time? "Those two are having a proper chinwag -- I haven't been able to get a word in edgeways for half an hour! 60 British Slang Words And Phrases You Need To Know He's turned into such a swot! The first type is the one you have with your boss, teacher, and other official discussions. 47 British Slang Words And Phrases To Read Over A Cuppa - Scary Mommy 60 British phrases that will confuse anybody who didn't grow up in the UK. However, there is no proof for this theory. 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! ", "Hey, there's loads of room on that bench. Someone silly or incompetent might be described as a wally. This intensifier can be added to practically any sentence in order to demonstrate incredulity or anger. Off their rocker: madthey were off their rocker, they were. This colloquialism might be said by someone that has the situation under control. 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. Derived from the Newcastle sociolect, "mortal" was made widely known across the country in 2011 by reality TV show "Geordie Shore.". Something untrue -- often made up for dramatic effect. This intensifier can be added to practically any sentence in order to demonstrate incredulity or anger. This phrase is often used to describe a process that seems more difficult than it actually is. "Stop being such a wind-up merchant and be serious for one second! "Is it just me or is that painting a bit skew-whiff?". "Pull" can also be used as a verb. It is also sometimes referred to as a "dog's breakfast. "Skiving" is the act of avoiding work or school, often by pretending to be ill. "Skive" is derived from the French "esquiver," meaning "to slink away. A 'cock up' is a mistake, a failure of large or epic proportions. "Hank Marvin" is Cockney rhyming slang for "starving. The phrase originates from the game "Chinese Whispers" commonly played at children's parties. This phrase is used to confirm or agree with something that another person has just said. However, in the UK, someone that's "pissed" is most probably drunk. British Slang That Will Confuse Anybody Who Didn't Grow up in the UK This slang term could be a British abbreviation of the French "faux pas," meaning an embarrassing or tactless remark in a social situation. 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. Others believe the word is a contraction of the 17th-century phrase "by our lady," and is blasphemous. It can also mean worn-out or damaged. 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. "Thomasis suchan anorak when it comes to train trivia.". It's Sod's law. Someone who's "quids in" has invested in an opportunity that is probably going to benefit them massively. Cockwomble - foolish or obnoxious person. The "boot" is the compartment at the back of the car known as the "trunk" in American English. To be 'gutted' about a situation means to be devastated and saddened. "Mint" might be used when referring to something of the highest calibre. However, other people believe that "shirty" has connotations of being dishevelled. ", 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. 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. He popped his clogs, didn't he", Something that is nonsense, rubbish, or simply untrue might be described as "poppycock. The very British equivalent to "Hey presto!" 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. He was mortal.". ", Brits are known for favouring a drink or two, so much so thatalmost any noun can be used as a substitute for "drunk. ", A nosey neighbour,often caught peering out on their street's activities from a curtained window, might be referred to as a "curtain twitcher. The phrase is reportedly old slang from the Royal Air Force and was used to described awry expeditions and flights. Liverpool rescue three points, chase top-four finish after surviving "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. Low London phrase meaning "to thrash thoroughly," possibly from the French battre a fin. "Pinch punch, first of the month.
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