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Mar 13, 2024 · Learn about the origins, regional variations and examples of British slang terms and phrases. Discover the differences between Queen's English, Cockney, Geordie and other dialects of British English.
- Arse. What a great way to start the list. An arse is your rear end (not to be confused with an ass, which is a donkey). But it can also be a reference to an annoying person: “Stop being such an arse”.
- Banter. Making jokes, often at the expense of others in your company. British people love to banter, and someone with good banter is likely to be popular.
- Bare. Used mostly in London to mean "a lot of". “There were bare man at the rave”. Note the use of “man” in the singular to mean “men” or even “people”.
- Barmy. Crazy. “That’s a barmy idea”.
- Ace
- Any Road
- A Load of Tosh
- A Kent Face
- Bees Knees
- Bite Your Arm Off
- Brassed Off
- Bits ‘N Bobs
- Bob’s Your Uncle
- Cheerio
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– is used to describe something that is awesome. A word that is popular in the north and amongst youngsters.
– when you hear this, the person isn’t asking you to pick a road! They are most likely substituting it for “anyway” and the context could be “any road are you from China or Japan.”
– is used to describe something that is not very good. For example, your lecturer might describe your essay “as a load of tosh” …. harsh!
– commonly used in Scotland when a person has seen a person they know, such as “I saw a few Kent faces in the library”. This idiom has nothing to do with the surname or the place. It is taken from an old English word that means “to know”.
– the phrase does not relate to bees or knees but is an idiom for excellent. It became popular in the 1920s along with “cat’s whiskers.”
– don’t be alarmed if someone says this. No one is about to literally bite off any part of your anatomy. It is used to describe willingness. For example someone might say to you ”they will bite your arm off if you offer to write their essay.”
– considering the Brits are good at hiding their emotions we still have plenty of words to describe when we are not happy with something. One of which is “brassed off”.
– is used these days when you want to say you have an odd selection of things for example you could say “I have a few bits’n bobs in the fridge. I’ll see what I can make”. However, it was originally used to describe loose change in your pocket.
– the origins of this saying and how it is used today differ. The saying originally meant you could get anything or do anything if you had the right connections because it came about after the 20th British Prime Minister, Lord Salisbury, famously appointed a nephew into an important political post for which he didn’t have the relevant experience. T...
– No it is not just a breakfast cereal but also one of the many words used to say goodbye in the UK. “Ta ta” is popular in the North of England and you will also hear “laters” and “see ya”.
Learn popular British slang words and phrases that you might hear in the UK and will help you with your own spoken English. From ace to zonked, discover the meanings and origins of hundreds of expressions with examples and explanations.
Apr 12, 2023 · Life. These 75 British Slang Words From Across the Pond Are Bloody Brilliant. Learn more about the meaning of this UK slang. Maryn Liles. Updated: Apr 12, 2023. iStock. If you've ever...
- Chuffed. When someone is chuffed, they are very pleased or happy about something. “I’m absolutely chuffed with my birthday present. Thanks!”
- Knackered. If someone says they are knackered (or sometimes, “ready for the knackers yard”), it means that they are extremely tired. This comes from “knacker,” which is an older word for a person who slaughters old worn-out horses who can no longer work.
- Bants. “Bants” is an abbreviation (shortened version) of “banter.” “Banter” means to joke or to exchange witty (quick and fun) remarks with others. “I’m going to Nando’s for some bants with the lads.”
- Cheeky. When someone is cheeky, it means that they are being a little rude or disrespectful, but usually in a way that is funny and endearing (cute). “That is a cheeky smile…are you up to something?”
Aug 3, 2021 · 100+ Smashing British Slang Words and Terms to Know. By. Mary Gormandy White, M.A. , Staff Writer. Updated August 3, 2021. Image Credits. If you're heading off on a holiday to the United Kingdom, it'll be handy to have certain British slang definitions down pat.
Jan 9, 2024 · British slang is a fun way to get a glimpse into British culture, offering a window into the wit, humour and unique expressions that make the Brits, well, brilliantly British. Read on to learn about the origins of British slang and add some new phrases to your vocabulary as we journey through the whimsical and wacky world of slang! Advertisement.
