Ace. To be gutted about a situation means to be devastated and saddened. The word relates to the way a goose (a male goose is called a gander) cranes its neck to look at something. Bobs your uncle is used at the end of a set of instructions that are very easy to follow. Lets go into town tonight mate, itll be jokes. Answer (1 of 44): This word was often used in my childhood in Birmingham by adults when they were giving you a sweet or pocket money. He got merked last week. Like American English, British English has many unique slang phrases and expressions that you'll commonly hear on the street. on Sep 15 2011. 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, in a British slang dictionary, there are quite a few informal phrases commonly used as slang. Nice one, really.. Press the power button, type the password and Bobs your uncle, you can use the computer now. Sunnies - sunglasses Furphy - a strongly believed untrue story or rumour Billy - a teapot for boiling water Cossie - a swimming suit Prezzy - a present Brekkie - a breakfast Chrissie - Christmas Bikkie - a biscuit To cost big bikkies - to be too expensive Exy - shorter variant of "expensive" Footy - Australian football Lippy - lipstick The origin of the expression is unknown, and is quite old, but is still in general use. The Hitchhiker's Guide has this to say about John Rabon: When not pretending to travel in time and space, eating bananas, and claiming that things are "fantastic", John lives in North Carolina. Last edited on Oct 06 2016. Another fun ironic way to say this is "It cost a few bob!". In the end, we decided to splash out on a pub lunch. In this way posh can be used in the following two ways: This has two different meanings depending on location or social classes. Perhaps the most interesting slang you'll hear in England is the infamous Cockney Rhyming Slang. British Accents: Tips on Understanding Brits! Stop faffing around and start doing your homework. It ultimately harms the end result. Gob is the informal word for mouth, and smack means to hit something with your hand. It is similar to the American word fancy, however it has a much more entrenched class basis. Usually used in conjunction with mate. I had three pieces., This is a relatively newer entry to the lexicon of British Slang, most often used by youth. One of the more delightful British slang terms in this list, scrummy is used as a wonderfully effusive term for when something is truly delicious and mouth-wateringly good. Usually used together with "completely", this means to be drunk. Fortnight a British slang term more commonly used by virtually everyone in the UK to mean a group of two weeks. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Scroll down to continue reading article , The Ultimate Productivity Guide on Taking Charge of Time, Why am I so Tired and How to Boost My Energy, 51 Slang Terms You May Not Be Familiar With, 12 Top Internet Slang Terms You Should Know About, How to Become a Productivity Ninja by Graham Allcott, How to Make Time Work For You The Time Mastery Framework, The Impact of Procrastination on Productivity, The Forgotten Emotional Aspects of Productivity, How to Calm Your Mind For Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey, 8 Misconceptions of Time That Make You Less Productive. Submitted by Derek D. from Astoria, NY, USA If youre in London you may overhear many other terms for money and many of these will come from cockney rhyming slang. Can be combined with other slang for extra effect: Check out that peng ting over there fam. al. He created the word while playing video games with his cousin. One of the best things about summer is firing up the barbecue and sipping some brews on a hot, sunny day. A little bit more affectionate than calling someone a pillock. FluentU is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. For example, Cheers for getting me that drink, Steve. 4. Top UK English Slang Terms 1. These include, Laurence Brown is a British man writing his way through the truly bizarre world of America - a place he sometimes accidentally calls home and a place he still hasn't quite figured out after seven years, . If a British person tells you theyre off to spend a penny and then they promptly disappear, its because theyre actually going to the toilet. "Oh he doesn't float my boat " 10. Extremely tired. Blud/Blad - brother, friend. For ex: My neighbour has his own business and hes got heaps of dosh. Some of these clothing names are used in the U.S., but not in the same way:Anorak: Usually describes a pull-over outwear item (often with a kangaroo pocket in the front) that's made of nylon, GoreTex, etc., and usually rain-proof. These extremely informal words and expressions are known as 'slang'. A beer. The origin of this phrase is disputed, but the most likely candidate for inspiring the expression is an eccentric wealthy newspaper owner named James Gordon Bennett Jr. 1,000. Bare - a lot of something. New Zealand slang. It can refer to your actual family but its often just how youll greet a friend. . Bob's your uncle 5. An arse is your rear end (not to be confused with an ass, which is a donkey). English slang, colloquial expressions, what's cool to say on the streets in English, get up to speed on what to say in English with our in depth slang pages. Submitted by Slinky from Paris, France We also participate in other affiliate advertising programs for products and services we believe in. Since the subway is totally underground in London, it looks like a network of tubes. Chuffed is used more or less all over the UK, it seems to be decreasing in popularity, but is still in relatively common usage. Best British Slang Terms and Phrases. meaning: beautiful; attractive. A person can be peng, but so can food. Let us know in the comments below. A gaffe is another word for mistake or blunder.. Did you know that the UK has around 40 different dialects of English, each with their own accents and slang? . To pay through the nose - To pay an excessive amount for something Example - These days one has to pay through nose to eat out in a fancy restaurant. As each generation comes of age, it adds new and creative slang to the culture. These will help you know how to react to what others say, how to express appreciation or end a conversation appropriately. We also refer to a ten pound note as a tenner. Yes, British people have a lot of slang words for money. Perennially on a quest to uncover all of the memos that Britain and America lost in the Pond, something he tackles with reckless abandon over on his. It is used as a derogatory word for tourists. She sought work as an "agony aunt." FluentU brings English to life with real-world videos. Example in written form: In my new job Ill be earning 75K a year. Sometimes brilliant can be shortened to just brill to give it a more casual feel. Last edited on Mar 13 2002. % buffered 00:01 3. on Oct 23 2012. It means "little", but can be added to almost everything. A mouth. Bang up to the elephant This phrase originated in London in 1882, and means "perfect, complete, unapproachable." 6. QUIZ. on Dec 10 2000. Its important to represent your ends. Boy and girl twins. Untrustworthy. Submitted by Kathy Wilson from University of Mississippi, USA Hes a good bloke. Were mad about English. However it's been surmised that bonbon isn't meant as candy, but something much better: genitals. A short period of time. on Aug 30 2011. For example, The guys on TV last night were taking the piss out of the government again.. Often used with good attached. Last edited on Mar 03 2002. Fluke 15. Used in the north of England to mean "thirsty". used to relate something to money; "wow, that's fancy!". Used mostly in London to mean "a lot of". Look at that!. meaning fancy, stunning or anything that looks extraordinarily good. Submitted by Moo from Santa Cruz, CA, USA Sneakers might be a simple Classic Keds shoe; Tennis Shoes are "improved" sneakers with strategically placed enforcement in the sole and upper, designed for the specialized purpose of playing tennis and more expensive than sneakers (see also Running Shoes, Basketball Shoes, et. A 'knees up' is a more old-fashioned term for a . For example, Dont it that mate it looks minging.. Last edited on Apr 08 2013. Where It Gets Twisted: American And British Slang Words Download: ), For example, it can be used respectively, in, Can you take the rubbish out please?, and What? Fortunately, these English Slang words are easy to learn. 9. That's not my cup of tea. 24. In formal English, gaff can also mean a stick with a hook that is used to kill large fish. For example, Ive had bugger all to do all day., This is the cockney rhyming slang version of having a gander, to look at something. Stop slagging him off behind his back. Whether 1 grand or 20 grandnever put an "s" on the end. Similarly, a 5 note is sometimes referred to as a "fiver". A word that is popular in the north and amongst youngsters. For those unaware, the expression essentially used in the end of a series of basic instructions. Bean, Eastern Mountain Sports and the like for examples. More of an usual term, a damp squib in British slang terms refers to something which fails on all accounts, coming from the squib (an explosive), and the propensity for them to fail when wet. Submitted by Scott McNabney from Richmond Hill, ON, Canada Finally, explore a few U.K. slang terms that are helpful when it comes to describing a person's attitude or expressions of emotion. In context it works like this, Come here and have a gander at what hes doing.. Submitted by Walter Rader (Editor) from Sacramento, CA, USA Rugby, another popular sport which the British invented only for everyone else to beat them at it. To criticize. Cuppa 7. London street slang for someone untrustworthy. For example, She thinks Barrys the bees knees. Cockney Rhyming Slang. This is a slightly politer way to say our next expression: To mock or laugh at someone or something. Our British slang translator tells us that this is the equivalent of the American English slang words "shotgun" or "dibs". Gutted a British slang term that is one of the saddest on the lists in terms of pure contextual emotion. Bog ( slang) - This is a slang term for a toilet, and has spun off several related terms, such as bog brush (toilet brush) and bog roll (toilet paper). British slang is a niche of its own, evolving and transforming and adapting from city to city and from year to year, just as the English language itself has done. Wally 17. Gutted Meaning: Being heartbroken or upset over something. For example, You got the job? It is not considered appropriate for use in polite company. You slept with Kate Upton last night? For example, I cant believe you won that, proper jammy.. Last edited on Mar 19 2011. Slang Is Always Evolving. In this post we share the official and unofficial ways Brits refer to money. A customer. In the past it was regarded as a swearword but now, due to its common usage, it is generally acceptable. (Download). Possibly the best British insult on the list, it fits a certain niche for a single-worded insult to lobbied out in a moment of frustration, anger, provocation, or, of course, as a jest amongst friends. One of the most useful swear words in English. The Welsh clearly place a high value on tidiness. Its uncountable, so wed say: For ex: My son just bought a new house for three hundred thousand grand. Her Majesty's Pleasure - HMP, which is Her Majesty's Prison. Used as a signifier for preference. Short for public house, these are the default places for British people to meet and drink pints, and they are everywhere. The origin of this phrase is disputed, but the most likely candidate for inspiring the expression is an eccentric wealthy newspaper owner named, Mostly heard in London, this means "men". Used as a verb to show desire for something or someone. KSWL. This slang word for a cigarette has no pejorative associations in the UK, but causes all sorts of problems for Brits visiting the US. Kerfuffle describes a skirmish or a fight or an argument caused by differing views. While all of these expressions may sound fun and interesting, learners should always be careful when using them. Those curtains are a bit naff, dont you think?. Submitted by Walter Rader (Editor) from Sacramento, CA, USA For example, Im going away for a fortnight to Egypt for my summer holiday.. The slang words in this thesaurus category appear below the table of contents. Bugger all a British slang term used to be a more vulgar synonym for nothing at all. Mate 9. Our currency is officially known as the "pound sterling", but many more informal terms exist to describe money in the UK. Also used as an adjective in parts of northern England to mean "fantastic": Thats grand. Cor blimey, its bloody hot today, innit!. The expression comes from baking, where if you put too many eggs in a pudding, it will be ruined. In the nineteenth century, people needed to give a penny to use public washrooms in England. It comes from the older English word faffle, which means to flap around in the wind. So, sit back and enjoy the ride! Im pretty chuffed with my results on that exam. If someone goes mental, it means that they got very angry. For evidence of this, subscribe to his popular, 4 Ways British and American Houses Are Very Different, 11 U.S. States That Are Larger Than the UK, 4 British Swear Words That Are Slowly Creeping Into The American Vernacular. Often referred to as "The Gaffer". Used as an adjective, to mean funny or just fun. Alcohol and words relating to pubs and being drunk feature prominently in British slang. 13. Nevertheless, it has a wide range of uses and applicable contexts. However it can be used to describe anything flashy or needlessly classy or expensive. Did I miss any of your favorite British slang off the list? There's an ocean of difference between the way people speak English in the US vs. the UK. You may well be invited to a 'do', 'bash', or 'get-together', which are all other words for a party or group gathering. Coming originally from Caribbean English, its most prevalent in London. If you're heading off on a holiday to the United Kingdom, it'll be handy to have certain British slang definitions down pat. Minging (pronounced: ming-ing) is a lovely alternative to the word disgusting or gross. No other language in the world has been as bastardised as this one! Sam was quids in after he sold his software to Microsoft. Arguably one of the most hilarious British Slang insults we've heard! Brolly 3. Trollied 13. To take a chance on something. Knackered 3. Essentially, it is an expression of pride at your own actions or achievements. Im cheating a bit with this one, as this is used almost exclusively used around Manchester and the North of England. For those not in-the-know, kecks is an informal word for. In context, Get the food, put in the microwave, heat it up, then bobs your uncle, ready to eat.. In the case of the first meaning, the word anorak didn't in fact enter the English language until 1924. British tradesman slang As inventors of the English language, Brits are constantly looking for new ways to keep conversations fresh and exciting. For example, You need to wear a coat today, its brass monkeys outside.. And today'post is about where it all started - British Slang! For ex: I spent over a hundred quid last weekend without even realising it! Testicles. For example, His girlfriend broke up with him. Cost an arm and leg - Something which is very expensive. The term comes from the old English word guiser.. Click words for definitions. A not so delicate way to refer to sexual intercourse. Apparently we imported the word grand, which means a thousand, from the States. Im buzzin for this. How are you, mate?. Submitted by The Last Don Grandparents might use it to better communicate with their grandchildren. [orchestral music] Bob's your uncle, I never really know what this one means. Its like a stronger form of cool, For example, .Yeah Id love to do that, it sounds sick.. American life. Try it for free! Whats more British than fish and chips? Submitted by bob from New York, NY, USA We use this expression a lot. Though, to make things slightly more confusing, that could also be called a "tenner". When someone in England, especially in London, takes the subway train to go somewhere, they usually use this expression. So, you can actually say the phrase "that ace was ace, Ace!" to your tennis partner! Arsed 16. Of course, there also have to be slang options to describe actions and behaviors people engage in on a regular basis. Last edited on Mar 15 2011. Someone can be completely bonkers or can go bonkers (the latter can also mean losing your temper). Master a variety of British insults and you'll be prepared to reply with some snarky put-downs. 15. A British slang term for money. Shortened form of luscious. I really fancy her is a profession of a love interest, but you could also ask someone: Do you fancy some lunch?. There are no categories underneath this one. See REI, L.L. To bodge something is to make a mistake or do something badly. For example, 'Jenny is ace at the lab experiments', or, for the latter definition, 'I think I aced that exam'. Alright? Cockney is slang from a certain neighborhood in London. Mate is what you call someone, usually a friend and often male but it's also expanded to use between females in recent times. Mostly heard in London to mean a "lot of effort" or "annoying". You can find out more about that in this, Pavarotti he was a famous tenor so a Pavarotti is a tenner (10), If you want to read more about cockney rhyming slang and money, read this. As such, you can use it like this, That bob is a good bloke.. Nappies is starting to pick up over here, though. It is a descriptive word, used to describe someone who is extremely lucky for something, without putting in much effort for it. For example, Jenny is ace at the lab experiments, or, for the latter definition, I think I aced that exam. Used in Wales to mean "fantastic". For example, Mrs Walkers pie was absolutely scrummy. 2023 LoveToKnow Media. And if you would like to speak like a native English speaker, it is a good idea to get to know some of these colorful inventions. U.K. slang includes some interesting insults. 1. Thats the game you play with your feet, hence the name. Calling someone a tosser to their face wont normally go down well. A shortened form of isnt it, this can be added onto the end of sentences for emphasis. I got completely wankered last night. 1. I just threw in an extra slang term for free. Mate one of the commonly used terms of endearment and affection in British slang terms. If you want to read more about cockney rhyming slang and money, read this BBC article. on Dec 06 2002. For even more fun, take a look at these common U.K. expressions. Given the British tendency to mock and satirise anything and everything possible, taking the piss is in fact one of the most popular and widely-used British slang terms. London slang for the area youre from. See more words with the same meaning: good, okay, cool, awesome, fun . You can refer to a person who grassed you up as a "grass". Last edited on Oct 28 2001. The British population most definitely has an island mentality and this was never more apparent than when the euro was introduced on January 1st 1999. Answer (1 of 6): As other answers have said "quid" is the British equivalent of "bucks", but there are a few slang terms for specific sums of money or denominations of banknote. For some reason, you dont go to the localyou go/are down the local. Seriously?Sneakers, Tennis Shoes, Trainers - all three are used depending on the type of rubber soled shoe we're talking about. In this case something being sick is actually a good thing. There are slang terms for larger amounts of money, such as a 'ton' for 100 or a 'grand' for 1000. You know, one problem we terminal Anglophiles have is that we mostly know these terms because we're freaks of Nature who glom onto any tidbit of British culture, language, television, literature, etc, that we possibly can. Blinding is a positive term meaning excellent, great, or superb. So, the English phrase just popping out usually refers to leaving a place or a room with the intention of quickly returning. Generally, posh denotes the English upper classes. A pub that may be your closest or just your regular favorite. This quiz will be the center of your attention when you discover all the different British slang. of extreme high quality, expensive to a point that it becomes unattainable. We opted not to join the Europe-wide currency and have stubbornly kept our pounds and pence. 3. Ill be with you in a jiffy. This expression is generally used in the context of trying to repair something. on Sep 21 2009. Dont talk rubbish.. (That's not to my liking.) For example, I ate a bad pizza last night after too many drinks and chundered in the street.. Therefore one quid, five quid, fifty quid. They just want a cigarette, guys. Hes absolutely gutted.. Bob's your uncle means like, I thought it was gonna rain. So then, the extension of that is forgetting which term is used HERE, because I'm willing to wager that most people who have transfixed themselves on the British Isles all these years (speaking from experience here) think in "BRITISH".