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- informal uk / ˈwæŋ.ɡ ə l / us / ˈwæŋ.ɡ ə l / to succeed in getting or doing something by persuading someone or by being clever in some way:
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Our guide to British slang words, lingo & expressions includes regional variations from the Queen's English, Cockney, to Welsh colloquialisms.
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Oct 26, 2018 · The OED‘s definition for the transitive verb “wangle” is “To accomplish (something) in an irregular way by scheming or contrivance; to bring about or obtain by indirect or insidious means (something not obtainable openly).”
Aug 9, 2023 · Navigate the myriad of British slang terms and idioms that offer a unique window into UK culture. The British Isles have a rich linguistic history with colloquial expressions like 'bloke', 'cheeky', 'mate', and 'blimey'.
- Pissed.
- Nowt.
- Us.
- Trainers.
- Wanker.
- Hunky-Dory.
- Cheers.
- Bugger all.
- Bollocks.
- Bloody.
This doesn't mean angry or frustrated in the way Americans use it– rather, it means to be blind drunk.
Coming originally from Northern England, this word has recently entered the mainstream British slang and means 'nothing'.
This one is interesting and can be a bit confusing at first. In British slang, some people use the word "us" rather than 'me' when talking about themselves. For instance, instead of 'come with me', one might say 'come with us'.
Trainers are the American equivalent of "sneakers". If you think about it, it makes more sense– athletes train in shoes, they don't sneak.
Possibly the best single-worded British insult on the list, wanker fits closest by 'jerk' or 'a-hole'.
A fun little piece of British slang that means a situation is cool, okay, or normal. Related: 300 Words to Describe Yourself
While most people associate this word with a toast, it can also mean a quick 'thanks' or 'thank you'.
This is slang used for 'nothing at all'. When you've sat on the couch all day watching Netflix, you've done bugger all.
While it has a multitude of meanings, bullocks is most commonly used to describe dismay or disbelief.
You probably don't need a definition, as this is by far the most popular British slang. Historically, it was seen a cuss word– it's now so commonly used that it is generally acceptable.
verb [ T ] informal uk / ˈwæŋ.ɡ ə l / us / ˈwæŋ.ɡ ə l /. to succeed in getting or doing something by persuading someone or by being clever in some way: I'll be so jealous if you manage to wangle an invitation to his house.
This dictionary of British slang includes popular words and phrases that you might hear in the UK and will help you with your own spoken English.
(transitive) to use devious or illicit methods to get or achieve (something) for (oneself or another): he wangled himself a salary increase; to manipulate or falsify (a situation, action, etc) n. the act or an instance of wangling
