"A bacon sandwich and a builder's tea. Dick: an idiot. 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 popped his clogs, didn't he", Something that is nonsense, rubbish, or simply untrue might be described as "poppycock. Geezer is thought to stem from the 15th century "guiser," which meant well-dressed. Historically, only women would announce they were going to "spend a penny," as only women's public toilets required a penny to lock. "Taking the biscuit" is the equivalent of taking the nonexistent medal for foolishness or incredulity. This classic phrase is another way of telling someone that their opinion is not appreciated in the given scenario. Each term is partnered with a description and example. The termcomes from the Scottish slang word "ming," meaning faeces. "What's in that sandwich? The very British equivalent to "Hey presto!" Someone that lacks common sense might be described as "a few sandwiches short of a picnic.". INNIT: One of the most often used UK slang is this. "She's great fun, but she's a few sandwiches short of a picnic.". Since then, the phrase hasevolved and refers to something at the "height of cool. "Is it just me or is that painting a bit skew-whiff?". However,"the full Monty" actually refers topursuing something to the absolute limits. A "dog's dinner" is a mess or fiasco -- sometimes also referred to as a "dog's breakfast.". This probably originates from the "uncool" appearance of anorak coats and the people wearing them. ", A task performed in an awkward or uncomfortable fashion, usually clumsily, would be described as "cack-handed.". ", "I bumped into him towards the end of his four-day bender. The name of a strongly-brewed cup of English breakfast tea with milk the way that tea is most commonly drunk in the UK. Lacking in energy; usually after a long period of exertion. "I don't mean this as a par, but did you remember to wash this morning? Codswallop. Now that's a proper breakfast.". 2017. "Ha! Historically, "fags" were the cheaper cigarettes made of lower grade tobacco, however, the slang has spread to encompass all cigarettes. "If it all works out as planned, he'll be quids in.". ", Someone on a spree of excessive drinking and mischief is "on a bender. ", "He skived off school so we could all go to Thorpe Park on a weekday. This classic phrase is another way of telling someone that their opinion is not appreciated in the given scenario. Phrases that might confuse anyone who isn't British, The Government's Brexit negotiations seem to be going just swimmingly, SkyCam saved the day as the Patriots beat Atlanta in Foxborough, Moaning Myrtle from the Harry Potter films, Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in, Please refresh your browser to be logged in, The 30 most misused phrases in the English language, The one phrase you should never have on your dating app bio, 'Your call is valued' voted most irritating phone phrase, 88 British phrases that will confuse anybody who didn't grow up in UK, How much the best paid workers in 20 professions earn, Seven outdated mens style rules that you can now ignore, 16 skills that are hard to learn but will pay off forever, 20% or more off in the AO fridge freezers sale + Next day delivery, Extra 20% off selected fashion and sportswear at Very, At least 10% less than RRP across all departments at TK Maxx, 20% off all orders over 100 with this Soak & Sleep discount code, 20% off full-price orders with this Cox and Cox discount code, Compare broadband packages side by side to find the best deal for you, Compare cheap broadband deals from providers with fastest speed in your area, All you need to know about fibre broadband, Best Apple iPhone Deals in the UK April 2023, Compare iPhone contract deals and get the best offer this April, Compare the best mobile phone deals from the top networks and brands. or "Et voila!". Don't over-egg the pudding. We've got a party at our gaff, if you fancy it?". 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. Derived from "mint condition," which refers to something pre-owned that retains its pristine condition, although something that's just "mint" doesn't have to be pre-owned. Derived from the Newcastle sociolect, "mortal" was made widely known across the country in 2011 by reality TV show "Geordie Shore.". From "chockablock" to a "full Monty," the Brits have a wide range of interesting phrases. To "faff" is to waste time doing very little. Therefore, if you're "having a butchers," you're having a look at something. Budge up and make some room for us, too!". "What are you up to this weekend? ", Something full to the brim, or rammed, could be described as "chockalock. "I could just about deal with the dog barking at 5:30a.m., but the lawnmower at 3 a.m. really takes the biscuit.". Bloody is an adverb used to show anger or surprise. Meaning: A pair of sneakers. This word probably originates from the "uncool" appearance of anorak coats and the people wearing them. "Thomasis suchan anorak when it comes to train trivia.". 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. 40 Quirky British Slang Words - Meanings of Popular Britishisms "Don't you worry, Alan, I'm on it like a car bonnet.". The smogs were compared to pea soup due to their colour and density. It's Sod's law. British Slang Words and Phrases - Tandem "Don't put down a leaking mug on top of the newspaper, you wally!". "Did you see Scott last night? You'll have a blast and learn more than a few new words that might be ripe for importation when you come back home. ", Someone that comes across as scheming or untrustworthy might be described as "smarmy. ", Someone on a spree of excessive drinking and mischief is "on a bender. A repair job that's been completed in a hurry and will probably fall apart reasonably soon is considered a "botch job. To "flog" means to sell something -- usually quickly and cheaply. If you're traveling between various regions, keep your ears open and try to notice the differences. "Mint" might be used when referring to something of the highest calibre. 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. Others believe the word is a contraction of the 17th-century phrase "by our lady," and is blasphemous. ", 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. ", If you get a promotion or meet someone special, you might describe yourself as "chuffed. Is that ham and tuna? Open yourself up to the delights of British slang words and talk like a local in no time. "Pinch punch, first of the month. In the 17th century, to "waff" went to yelp, and that quickly evolved to mean to talk foolishly or indecisively. However, in the UK, someone that's "pissed" is most probably drunk. ", Examples include "trollied," "smashed," and "gazeboed. "How was the hostel?" "The Nick" can refer to prison, while "to nick" also means to steal. ", "He's going on a date with Amber? "Goodness, you're full of beans this morning!". Chopsing. ", 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.". "Those twoare having a proper chinwag I haven't been able to get a word in edgeways for half an hour!". 1. This phrase is used to describe a process which seems more difficult than it actually is. "You signed that contract? In the 1960s, someone who was unfashionable might be nicknamed a "wally," according to dictionary.com. This could be due to the lengths that the person will have to go to in order to complete the task. This road is chocka! Crease up: To laugh heartily (so one's face creases up). "We get it -- you've injured yourself. Bob's your uncle you're driving!". "Goodness, you're full of beans this morning!". ", "Miffed" possibly derives from the German "muffen," meaning "to sulk. Don't fret about understanding their shorthand - this list is ace! Bloke. "Thomas is such an anorak when it comes to train trivia.". "Oh, nothing exciting to report. ", "I'm going to make us spaghetti carbonara for dinner. You might buy a "round" of drinks for your friends at the pub, in the understanding that they will each buy you a drink as part of their "rounds" later on. "I'm going up the apples to bed.". He's turned into such a swot! . 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.". He popped his clogs, didn't he", Something that is nonsense, rubbish, or simply untrue might be described as "poppycock. ", "She's come down with the dreaded lurgy. 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. 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." ", A situation which has quickly evolved into an accident waiting to happen might be described as "gone pear-shaped.". ", Something unpleasant, unappetising, or highly unattractive might be described as "minging.". Knackered: tired, but very. If someone's "caught the lurgy," they're suffering from cold or flu-like symptoms. ", Something unpleasant, unappetising, or highly unattractive might be described as "minging.". Having made such a big impact following his arrival from Porto in January 2022, there was a real expectation that the 26-year-old could help propel to another Premier League title this season. ", "Joe's children are so cheeky -- they tied my shoelaces together last week!". It's unclear why Britsappear to favour analogue time-telling while Americans go for the digital format. The phrase describes the mayhem caused when something is recklesslythrown into the intricate gears and workings of a machine. Sign up for our weekly newsletters and get: By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions It's Sod's law. Around the same time, the word "cod" was a little-known slang term for a . You'll be chatting like a local in no time at all! "Quid" is British slang for "pounds." "I don't mean this as a par, but did you remember to wash this morning? ", Someone that's energetic, lively, or enthusiastic might be described as "full of beans.". Derived from the Newcastle sociolect, "mortal" was made widely known across the country in 2011 by the reality TV show "Geordie Shore. "By getting pregnant, Mary threw a spanner in the works.". "A bacon sandwich and a builder's tea. Whether you're keeping up with all the drama surrounding the royal family or binging shows like Fleabag and Peaky Blinders, you've undoubtedly run across the weird and . "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. or "Et voila!". The smogs were compared to pea soup due to their color and density. Some people think the expression actually derives from the British term for mouth, "gob," and the shock-inducing sight that results from someone hitting it. 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 word "shirt" is derived from the Norse for "short," hence short-tempered. This is a shambles! Bugger off: go away; run along. RCB, who were 62/0 at one stage, suffered a batting collapse. It's unclear why Brits appear to favour analogue time-telling while Americans go for the digital format. ", This quintessentially British idiom derives from the Dutch "pap" and "kak," which translate as "soft" and "dung.". Someone that's a little bit geeky, with strong interests or expertise in a niche area, might be referred to as an "anorak." So, let's crack on and get to the list of British slang words innit! ", 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. Something untrue -- often made up for dramatic effect. Three-up To marry and have three kids as soon as possible, in spite of the environmental impact However, in the UK, someone that's "pissed" is most probably drunk. A British slang word for "nonsense," codswallop came about because of Hiram Codd, a soda salesman who developed a bottle with a glass marble stopper in it and when the bottle was shaken, the carbonation pushed the marble into the neck and formed a seal. "I'm trying to flog my old sofa. Let's take a look at the seven most useful slang words to know in English. 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. The "boot" is the compartment at the back of the car known as the "trunk" in American English. "Those twoare having a proper chinwag I haven't been able to get a word in edgeways for half an hour! ", If someone has done something highly irritating or surprisingin an exasperating fashion, you might say that they've "taken the biscuit.". 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. 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. He pulled a blinder there.". ", "I was absolutely car-parked last night. If you're taking a trip to the UK, however, there are a few key slang phrases that it's difficult to survive without. 23 Brilliant British Expressions to Blend in with the Brits 2. Hank Marvin is a British musician from the 1960s and 1970s, and is a pretty obscure reference nowadays. 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]. "Our Christmas dinner had everything from sprouts to Yorkshire puddings. However, there is no proof for this theory. The phrase was first documented in the BBC's "Lenny Henry Christmas Special" in 1987. "Shhh, he's on the dog and bone.". Historically, "gallant" described someone brave or valiant, so "gallivanting" is a carefree and confident act. "Don't put down a leaking mug on top of the newspaper, you wally!". ", "Did you see Scott last night? The origins of the word are widely disputed. He was mortal.". 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. Luckily, the meaning today is much less shocking. ", "I heard you got the promotion. "If it all works out as planned, he'll be quids in.". Whether you think this list is the "bee's knees" or if it's enough to make you want to "pop your clogs," scroll on to discover 88 very Britishphrases in alphabetical order that will confuse anybody who didn't grow up in the UK. "Ha! The action of chatting away with thejaw bobbing up and down resembles a chin "wagging" like a dog's tail. The phrase goes back to Victorian public toilets, which required users to insert a single penny in order to operate the lock. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. ", A British axiom that boils down to the idea that: "If anything can go wrong, then it definitely will go wrong. For example, "five quid" means 5. "Press down the clutch, put it into gear, then slowly ease off the clutch again. It could be used to symbolize disbelief, or just to talk about a man's private parts. Bender. ", Someone that makes comments just to spark controversy or argument might be labelled a "wind-up merchant.". 2. Therefore, if you're "having a butchers," you're having a look at something. It works. Going "the full Monty" meant purchasing a full three-piece suit, a shirt, and all of the trimmings. Going "the fully Monty" meant purchasing a full three-piece suit, a shirt, and all of the trimmings. ", A "par" breaches social and common courtesy, eg, a disrespectful comment could be seen as a "par. "Don't put down a leaking mug on top of the newspaper, you wally!". "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. "Did you hear what happened to John's old man? ", "Hey, there's loads of room on that bench. ", "I was going to go out tonight but when I finished work I was absolutely zonked. Editor's note: An earlier version of this story was published on November 3, 2017, on Business Insider UK. This second theory has been disproved, however, by the slang's documentation predating the popularity of the phrase "by our lady.". I'm slumped. "Wind your neck in and stop being so nosy! I feel so mugged off right now.". 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. The meaning of this slang has been debated at length. "Cack" isold-fashioned slang for faeces. It includes quite a few fun and unique ways for people to express that they are happy or otherwise share positive sentiments. Marvin played guitar in Cliff Richard's backing band in the 1960s. 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. "Simon heard from John that youwere fired. It is often deemed as unnecessary or over-the-top. Cock Up 'Cock up' - a British slang term that is far from the lewdness its name suggests. "The full Monty" historically refers to an old tailor called Sir Montague Burton. He's turned into such a swot! "Be careful when you're driving it's a pea-souper out there.". ", The phrase is common on the hit British reality show "Love Island. "What a long day. 100 Brilliantly British Slang Words and Phrases - Content-Writing Do you know anyone who might be interested? He's a bloody curtain twitcher, but he still won't sign for our packages.". Stop faffing around and start doing your homework. 6. Its reported creator, British rapper Lethal Bizzle, elusivelytold the Guardian that the word "means anything you want. This is a shambles! "Pinch punch, first of the month. Privacy Policy. Congratulations! You don't want to be called a few sandwiches short of a picnic." From "chockablock" to a "full Monty," the Brits have a wide range of interesting phrases. This probably originates from the "uncool" appearance of anorak coats and the people wearing them. ", Brits are known for favouring a drink or two, so much so thatalmost any noun can be used as a substitute for "drunk. "Pull" can also be used as a verb. It is also sometimes referred to as a "dog's breakfast. Although its origins are largely debated, the term's meaning has evolved over the last 50 years alone. ", Someone short-tempered or irritated might be described as "shirty.". You must be chuffed.". When they were working on the factory floor, employees had to wear hard clogs to protect their feet. 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. Cheers. Bob's your uncle you're driving!". Wangle - means to get or do something that is a bit devious. The name of a strongly-brewed cup of English breakfast tea with milk -- the way that tea is most commonly drunk in the UK. If you're heading off on a holiday to the United Kingdom, it'll be handy to have certain British slang definitions down pat. A "knacker" was the person who slaughtered worn-out horses in the 19th and 20th centuries for their meat, hoofs, and hide. 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. You don't want to be described as "dim," "a mug," or "a few sandwiches short of a picnic.". To "pull a blinder"involves achieving something difficult faultlessly and skilfully. ", "Don't trust him he's a smarmy geezer.". "Pissed" usually means "angry" in the US. "I wangled some first-class seats by being nice to the cabin crew!". 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.". "Did you hear what happened to John's old man? Some entries also feature surprising facts aboutthe phrase's origins, with a few quintessentially British idiomsnot actually coming from British roots at all. British Insults, Slang & Phrases: The Ultimate Guide - englandexplore I'm slumped. This intensifier can be added to practically any sentence in order to demonstrate incredulity or anger. "Wow -- you've really splashed out on this party! However, other people believe that "shirty" has connotations of being dishevelled. Your grasp of the slang portion of British English won't be complete unless you master a few of the most common U.K. slang exclamations and expressions. "Well, this has all gone a bit pear-shaped.". From our linguistic research, we've confirmed that above all, British people are sarcastic, unsympathetic, and often rather drunk. Budge up and make some room for us, too!". Geezer is thought to stem from the 15th century "guiser," which meant well-dressed. To "flog" means to sell something usually quickly and cheaply. "He handles a screwdriver very cack-handedly. According to the Metro, the playground ritual originates from the medieval times, when a "pinch" of salt was believing to make witches weak, and the "punch" resembled banishing the witches entirely. The action of chatting away with thejaw bobbing up and down resembles a chin "wagging" like a dog's tail. Daps. Something that is "long" is probably also annoying or aggravating. You might buy a "round" of drinks for your friends at the pub, in the understanding that they will each buy you a drink as part of their "rounds" later on. "That's when all of the lights came on, and so we legged it. ", A British axiom that boils down to the idea that: "If anythingcan go wrong, then it definitelywill go wrong. "Tinkle" refers to a phone's ring, while "blower" is slang or telephone and refers to the device that predated phones on Naval ships. While the phrase is misogynistic in nature, it's still commonly used. Whether you think this list is the "bee's knees" or if it's enough to make you want to "pop your clogs," scroll on to discover 88 very British phrases -- in alphabetical order -- that will confuse anybody who didn't grow up in the UK. Synonyms miss, mistake, slip, fault, This colloquialism might be said by someone that has the situation under control. To "pull a blinder" involves achieving something difficult faultlessly and skilfully. Bap: a bread roll. A "pea-souper" is a thick fog, often with a yellow or black tinge, caused by air pollution. A "good old chinwag" is a good chat, catch up, or gossip with someone. Botch Synonyms | Collins English Thesaurus "Faff" comes from the 17th century word "faffle," which means to flap about in the wind. 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,". Congratulations! Benders can last over 24 hours, and so you might say that someone is on "a weekend bender," or a "three-day bender. This phrase is often used to describe a process that seems more difficult than it actually is. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? "That's when all of the lights came on, and so we legged it.". ", "We should've taken the other route. It must have been Chinese Whispers.". 56 Delightful Victorian Slang Terms You Should Be Using Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq took three wickets as Lucknow Super Giants restricted Royal Challengers Bangalore to 126/9 in IPL 2023. ", "Of course my toast had to land on the floor butter-side-down. You must be chuffed.". ", 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. No returns of any kind" is a school playground rhyme often exchanged between friends on the first day of a new calendar month, accompanied by a pinch and a punch to the recipient. An obvious and indiscreet mistake or blunder. Some believe it's derived from the Dutch word "blute," meaning "bare." Others believe the word is a contraction of the 17th century phrase "by our. ", Someone that comes across as scheming or untrustworthy might be described as "smarmy. 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. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider For example, you might say a chair has a wonky leg. This phrase could be a reference to coffee beans, although these claims have been disputed. Although no one is completely sure of the word's origins, it could derive from the words "cod" and "wallop," which historically meant "imitation" and "beer" respectively -- implying that "codswallop" is the kind of rubbish you make up when drunk. Off their rocker: madthey were off their rocker, they were. A disorganised mess or chaotic environment might be described as a "shambles.