", Benders often last over 24 hours, and so you might say that someone is on "a weekend bender," or a "three-day bender. ", Someone that comes across as scheming or untrustworthy might be described as "smarmy. Open yourself up to the delights of British slang words and talk like a local in no time. ", Benders often last over 24 hours, and so you might say that someone is on "a weekend bender," or a "three-day bender. For example, 'His girlfriend broke up with him. 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. The origins of the word are widely disputed. If you've "wangled" something, you've accomplished or attained something through cunning means. I'm cream crackered. Cockney rhyming slang for "knackered," if you're "cream crackered" then you're incredibly tired. Budge up and make some room for us, too!". The word could be a variation of "toddle" like a young child's first steps. Derived from the Newcastle sociolect, "mortal" was made widely known across the country in 2011 by reality TV show "Geordie Shore.". The name of a strongly-brewed cup of English breakfast tea with milk the way that tea is most commonly drunk in the UK. 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. 75 British Slang Words 1. Cockwomble - foolish or obnoxious person. ", It's similar to "scoot over" or "move over. ", "I bumped into him towards the end of his four-day bender. ", Someone on a spree of excessive drinking and mischief is "on a bender. 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. It means literally tilted on one side rather than slightly off or uneasy, as askew can mean in the US. "I'm trying to flog my old sofa. Therefore, if you're "having a butchers," you're having a look at something. ", Something full to the brim, or rammed, could be described as "chockalock. 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, . Some believe it's derived from the Dutch word "blute," meaning "bare." For example, you might say a chair has a wonky leg. This cheery phrase is widely believed to originate from Northern factory workers around the time of the industrial revolution. Benders can last over 24 hours, and so you might say that someone is on "a weekend bender," or a "three-day bender. You don't want to be described as "dim," "a mug," or "a few sandwiches short of a picnic." To run away. "Faff" comes from the 17th century word "faffle," which means to flap about in the wind. He popped his clogs, didn't he", Something that is nonsense, rubbish, or simply untrue might be described as "poppycock. 3. "Hank Marvin" is Cockney rhyming slang for "starving. ", "Did you see Scott last night? A gaffe is another word for "mistake" or "blunder.". Some entries also feature surprising facts about the phrase's origins, with a few quintessentially British idioms not actually coming from British roots at all. So, if you're "ready for the knacker's yard," you're exhausted beyond relief. "What's in that sandwich? "The full Monty" historically refers to an old tailor called Sir Montague Burton. 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. ", This quintessentially British idiom derives from the Dutch "pap" and "kak," which translate as "soft" and "dung.". Others believe the word is a contraction of the 17th century phrase "by our lady," and is blasphemous. 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. "You look nice. "Thomas is such an anorak when it comes to train trivia.". 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. ", "Oh. Luckily, the meaning today is much less shocking. This phrase could be a reference to coffee beans, although these claims have been disputed. The word "shirt" is derived from the Norse for "short," hence short-tempered. Historically, "fags" were the cheaper cigarettes made of lower grade tobacco, however, the slang has spread to encompass all cigarettes. 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. "Goodness, you're full of beans this morning!". Hank Marvin is a British musician from the 1960s and 1970s, and is a pretty obscure reference nowadays. Schoolkids might call "bagsy" on items from their friends' pack lunches, like an apple or a cereal bar, that the friend isn't going to eat. "This week's done me in already, and it's only Tuesday. 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. The "bee's knees" referred to small or insignificant details when it was first documented in the 18th century. This is sometimes shortened to "chocka." ", Examples include "trollied," "smashed," and "gazeboed. Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq took three wickets as Lucknow Super Giants restricted Royal Challengers Bangalore to 126/9 in IPL 2023. ", Examples include "trollied," "smashed," and "gazeboed. Some believe it's derived from the Dutch word "blute," meaning "bare." ", A "par" breaches social and common courtesy, eg, a disrespectful comment could be seen as a "par. Something untrue -- often made up for dramatic effect. Someone that's a little bit geeky, with strong interests or expertise in a niche area, might be referred to as an "anorak." "If it all works out as planned, he'll be quids in.". ", Something unpleasant, unappetising, or highly unattractive might be described as "minging.". Bloke 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. A phrase is whispered around a circleand the last person to hear the phrase has to guess what the initial phrase was. "He really cocked up his job interview when he mentioned that he'd shagged the boss's daughter." Collywobbles: Nervousness; butterflies in the stomach. The phrase is most often used to describe heavy road traffic. ", "Miffed" possibly derives from the German "muffen," meaning "to sulk.". To "whinge" means to moan, groan, and complain in an irritating or whiney fashion. Nowadays, it's mostly a way for kids to pull pranks on their friends. Check out these British slang words and phrases from England, Scotland and Wales. You don't want to be described as "dim," "a mug," or "a few sandwiches short of a picnic.". 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. To "flog" means to sell something usually quickly and cheaply. First up, we have possibly the most useful word in the English language. "And did you see that equalizing goal in the last minute of injury time? Bloody. I'm cream crackered.". "What are you up to this weekend? Bugger off: go away; run along. ", An event that disrupts the natural, pre-planned order of events could be described as a "spanner in the works.". He was a wreck.". 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. From our linguistic research, we've confirmed that above all, British people are sarcastic, unsympathetic, and often rather drunk. Getty Images. Don't be alarmed if a Londoner tells you to go up the apples and pears - they haven't lost their mind or grasp of the English language, they're just talking about going up stairs. As an English speaker, it's nice to travel to countries where you can understand the language, like England, Scotland or Ireland. If you've "pulled," you've kissed someone. You'll be chatting like a local in no time at all! To "gallivant" means to roam, or to set off on an expedition, with the sole intention of having some light-hearted fun. The phrase goes back to Victorian public toilets, which required users to insert a single penny in order to operate the lock. In "over-egging the pudding" analogy, someone is over-exciting, or over-mixing, the batter too much before it bakes resulting in a tough or dense cake. You'll quickly pick-up contrasting meanings between other English speaking countries and common English slang words. "This week's done me in already, and it's only Tuesday. Barmy. Just your bog-standard dorm, really.". When we get home, I'm going to take a quick kip.". "Would you take a butchers at this broken bike for me? To "splash out" means spending significant amounts of money on a particular item or event. However, other people believe that "shirty" has connotations of being disheveled. ", "Par" can also be used as a verb, eg, "You just got parred.". You must be chuffed.". It includes quite a few fun and unique ways for people to express that they are happy or otherwise share positive sentiments. British people like to enjoy themselves. Sailors would blow down a pipe to their recipient, where a whistle at the end of the pipe would sound to spark attention. This second theory has been disproved, however, by the slang's documentation predating the popularity of the phrase "by our lady.". A repair job that's been completed in a hurry and will probably fall apart reasonably soon is considered a "botch job. Insert any . Now that's a proper breakfast.". Congratulations! Bender. "Is it just me or is that painting a bit skew-whiff? A "botch job" can also refer to anything that's been done haphazardly, like a work assignment. Someone who's "quids in" has invested in an opportunity that is probably going to benefit them massively. It can also mean worn-out or damaged. Bob's your uncle you're driving!". If you're "splashing out," it's implied that you're spending money on a treat to mark a special occasion or celebration. So, if you're "ready for the knacker's yard," you're exhausted beyond relief. "What are you up to this weekend? He's turned into such a swot! "Butcher's hook" is Cockney rhyming slang for "look." This road is chocka! 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. 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. Someone silly or incompetent might be described as a wally. English Slang. He pulled a blinder there.". Although its origins are largely debated, the term's meaning has evolved over the last 50 years alone. "I could just about deal with the dog barking at 5:30a.m., but the lawnmower at 3 a.m. really takes the biscuit.". An obvious and indiscreet mistake or blunder. The term probably came about due to the fact that it rhymes with "knacker." Since then, the phrase has evolved and refers to something popular or cool. "Thomasis suchan anorak when it comes to train trivia.". On a rainy day in London, you would definitely want a brolly on hand. Batty-fang. or "Et voila!". The origins of the word are widely disputed. This second theory has been disproved, however, by the slang's first documentation predating the widespread use of the phrase "by our lady.". Sailors would blow down a pipe to their recipient, where a whistle at the end of the pipe would sound to spark attention. It was first recorded in English in the late 1880s from knacker, or "to tire.". Lacking in energy; usually after a long period of exertion. 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. ", Someone that lacks common knowledge might be described as "dim," whilst someone that's intelligent might be described as "bright.". "Sam did a botch job on these shelves they're wonky!". ", "I heard you got the promotion. . Blimey. If you're taking a trip to the UK, however, there are a few key slang phrases that it's difficult to survive without. ", "What's happened here? Codswallop. ", Brits are known for favouring a drink or two, so much so thatalmost any noun can be used as a substitute for "drunk. 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. This probably originates from the "uncool" appearance of anorak coats and the people wearing them. A "good old chinwag" is a good chat,catch up, or gossip with someone. 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. 2. "That's when all of the lights came on, and so we legged it.". A "good old chinwag" is a good chat, catch-up, or gossip with someone. ", "Grab your brolly, it's drizzling outside. "Mint" might be used when referring to something of the highest calibre. "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. You can use it to refer to a person or an object. ", Someone that makes comments just to spark controversy or argument might be labelled a "wind-up merchant.". Barm: a bread roll. A repair job that's beencompleted in a hurry and will probably fall apart reasonably soon is considered a "botch job. ", "I haven't seen Tom since he started revising for his exams. This road is chocka! This is probably how the term came about. Meaning: A pair of sneakers. ", "I'm going to make us spaghetti carbonara for dinner. 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." 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.". Don't fret about understanding their shorthand - this list is ace! Something that is "long" is probably also annoying or aggravating. ", "She's come down with the dreaded lurgy. No collection of slang would be complete without casual terminology used for nouns that are common among those who speak the language or dialect. "Wind your neck in and stop being so nosy!". Although the origins of this phrase are largely unknown, a gaff in the 18th-century was a music hall or theater, and so it's believed to derive from this. ", Someone that makes comments just to spark controversy or argument might be labelled a "wind-up merchant.". Although the origins of this phrase are largely unknown, a gaff in the 18th-century was a music hall or theatre, and so it's believed to derive from this. Someone that's a little bit geeky, with strong interests or expertise in a niche area, might be referred to as an "anorak." 'Cheers' meanswell, pretty much everything. Something that is "long" is probably also annoying or aggravating. 'Gutted' - a British slang term that is one of the saddest on the lists in terms of pure contextual emotion. Budge up and make some room for us, too!". Just your bog-standard dorm, really.". It may originate from subcultures, criminals during the 16th century in saloons and gambling houses, or the codes certain vulnerable communities use to survive. "Oh, nothing exciting to report. GOBSMACKED: A quintessentially British slang term that refers to being stunned and surprised beyond belief. However, there is no proof for this theory. It works. Do you know anyone that might be interested?". 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. He was mortal.". So, if you're "ready for the knacker's yard," you're exhausted beyond relief. It's another slang word that's been around for a while with uses found in the 1600s, and it was even considered a swear word until the 1900s. "Goodness, you're full of beans this morning!". This phrase is used to confirm or agree with something that another person has just said. ", 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. Not to be confused with literallybeing disembowelled, someonethat says they're "gutted" is devastated or extremely upset. Some believe it's derived from the Dutch word "blute," meaning "bare." Is that ham and tuna? ", "I was going to go out tonight but when I finished work I was absolutely zonked. Nowadays, it's mostly a way for kids to pull pranks on their friends. Now that's a proper breakfast.". 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. Unrelatedly, "Clangers" was also a children's TV show from the 1970s about pink mouse-like creatures that lived on the moon. f you hear a word that's not on this list, give a Cockney translator a try. I feel so mugged off right now.". "Pull" can also be used as a verb. "I wangled some first-class seats by being nice to the cabin crew!". "Our Christmas dinner had everything from sprouts to Yorkshire puddings. The "boot" is the compartment at the back of the car known as the "trunk" in American English.
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