(Explained), Is Jule a Male, Female or Unisex Name? This term comes from cockney rhyming slang,[1] a form of communication originated in old east London by merchants to communicate with each other in a way that is disguised and incomprehensible to outsiders. We have compiled a list of 275 of the best colloquial and informal words and phrases so you can get ready for your next trip to France, Canada or any other French-speaking country or your next Zoom meeting with your amis francophones! Suss out - find, discover, understand. Blinding a slang term that is far from something that physically causes someone to lose their sight. A par is an act of dismissal or disrespect. Vibe - atmosphere, feeling. If someone "quids in", it means they're investing in someone or something to gain some benefit., Slagging someone off is UK slang for mocking someone., Although this British slang word means "devil", it is often used to refer to a person, typically a man., You might want to avoid throwing a wobbly as it is a British slang phrase for throwing a tantrum., Cracking on means getting started with something. Skelp - a slap or smack (Dundee, Scotland). So there you have it! But, don't worry, a 'quid' is just a slang word for 'pound. It can either be used to describe a boy or a girl. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. For example, Im going away for a fortnight to Egypt for my summer holiday.. It means they find you attractive. 2. E.g. Not a muddy marsh, but a toilet. Tart - (archaic) slang for prostitute or woman of easy virtue. See an A-Z listing of British slang, colloquialisms and dialect words and phrases. Slang words for attractive male | Urban Thesaurus | The Online I was going to buy you the pink one, but I thought it looked a bit naff.. But like most things cockney, its becoming less popular. (Explained), Is Lambert a Male, Female or Unisex Name? Shiv - contemporary slang for knife or other sharp or pointed object used as a weapon (often homemade). Informal. Youre just as likely to call someone mate when they're your friend as when they're annoying you. Anna is the Editor-in-Chief & Content Strategist of Lifehack. noun: (Greek mythology) a handsome youth loved by Aphrodite, the goddess of love noun: any handsome young man Another term, stud (Hey there stud, can you go grab my bags) is heavy on the flirting side. WebDishy - handsome, good-looking. It is common slang in the UK, especially with younger folks. Shank - to stab someone with a knife or bladed instrument (slang). Jeremy is such a skiver. Meaning to vomit or to be sick, chunder is almost always used in correlation with drunken nights, or being hugely ill and sick. Mug off - disrespect, make someone appear stupid. This is British slang for a girl or a woman. Oh bollocks; it can also be used to express derision and mocking disbelief, e.g. Sic/Sick Next Level Cool. Cheerio! As in "We threw everything except the kitchen sink at the problem.". If the British slang term is used to describe a face, it means ugly.. Oh, mate, thats brilliant.. The Australian slang word seppo has derived from its predecessor septic tank or yank and is rarely used by the young people in Aussie. I was gutted when she broke up with me. 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 Make Time For Things That Matter by Connor Swenson, How to Work Remotely (Your Complete Guide), 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. With a hint of delusion. The British slang word for girl is bird., If youre excited, you might want to say youre buzzin. Handsome A slang word used in London youth culture for years that was made famous by the reality TV show Love Island, a melt is someone who is a wimp or a coward. Crusty - usually young homeless or vagrant person stereotypically dreadlocked; can also mean angry or irritated. If youre interested in languages and slangs, you shouldnt miss these articles: Featured photo credit: Pixabay via pixabay.com. Used to mean if something is a bit stupid. Boracic/brassic - no money, broke, skint from boracic lint = skint. I had three pieces., This is a relatively newer entry to the lexicon of British Slang, most often used by youth. This means a makeover or transformation from bad to good. Bloke would be the American English equivalent of dude. It means a "man.". Lad. Easy-peasy - very straightforward and easy. E.g. How to Gain Clarity And Find Happiness in Life by Alice Inoue, How Questioning Life Will Help You Find Clarity And Purpose, How to Commit to Your Passion Projects When Youre Busy, How To Use Project Milestones To Stay On Track With Goals, Losing Confidence in What You Do? Not necessarily intended in a bad way, "bonkers" means mad or crazy.. For example, Yeah, everythings hunky-dory at the office.. With Mondly, the award-winning language learning app, youll speak any language from day 1. Old Bill - (archaic) slang for the police. Bollocks; and, of course, it also refers to the scrotum and testicles. WebReem is English slang for something being nice, good or cool and originates from Essex. Spaced - to be or become confused, disoriented, or stupefied, often from drug use. Buff also means a physically well-toned person. Many people wander through the day wishing others a happy St. Patricks Day, but have you ever stopped to think about why? English 1. Fit (adj) So, in the UK fit doesnt just mean that you go to the gym a lot. It doesn't get more British than this. (Adjective) Bev is a modern-day word that means handsome. You probably dont need me to describe this, out of all British slang, this is by far the most popular and most commonly used. online English language courses and find classes with native speakers. I'm not being funny - softening preface to a statement that could possibly be taken as offensive or malicious. 4. Shop - report someone to the police or higher authorities. Banter is a word used to mean joking or teasing that is meant to be friendly but often isnt. Please be careful using any of these terms as many are considered either sexist or offensive or both. Thats bloody brilliant! for example. In the North of England, proper can also be used for emphasis in the same way as the word very'. Kettles - watches - from kettle and hob = watch (Cockney rhyming slang). Big standard, however, is British slang phrase for average or normal.. Ambidexter If youre ambidextrous, youre able to use both hands equally well. Urban Thesaurus - Find Synonyms for Slang Words Old Firm - collective name for the Scottish football clubs Celtic and Rangers. Mug - stupid, gullible or ignorant person. Pete Tong - wrong, messed up - referring to the BBC Radio 1 DJ Pete Tong. But there is something wonderfully tender and endearing about it. Handcuff This 1920s slang term is pretty savage. Still on the theme of money, skint means that you don't have any. HANDSOME Synonyms: 61 Synonyms & Antonyms for "Cool, innit. DMC - Deep Meaningful Conversation. Sassenach - non-Highlander (usually referring to the English). ", "Dodgy" basically means something sketchy or suspicious. comely. (Adjective) Leng is a roadman slang first used in Great Britain to describe a very attractive guy. British slang is almost a language in itself. You might notice the British call their friends mate, fam or bruv. You particularly want to avoid being called crackers as it's UK slang for crazy.. Nicking something is UK slang for stealing. Toodle pip - archaic, posh form for "goodbye". The Covid-19 pandemic has been a recent source of new expressions as is popular music such as grime. Example: Did you see our new buff classmate? Fivers refer to five pound notes while a tenner is, you guessed it, a ten pound note. British Slang Words Jake When someone says that everything is Jake, they probably don't mean that everything is currently revolving around a specific person named Jake. You might use this in response to a question about how your day is going. I feel there is something appropriate about it. Slightly more of an outdated version, this British slang term is still used, and its meaning remains relevant today. Prat - stuck up, incompetent or stupid person. It can get a bit dodgy late at night.". That plus looking for online tutors can better prep you for your next British conversation. While American slang has become nearly universal with the influx of TV shows, films, and other media filling the screens of a significant majority of the media-viewing global population, there is so much more available once you dig beneath the surface of British slang terms and can discover some real gems beneath the surface. Although it was originally considered a cuss-word, its present meaning is limited to adding an emphasis on whichever word follows it. (Explained), Is Margaret a Male, Female or Unisex Name? (Explained), Is Deforest a Male, Female or Unisex Name? Ye - archaic spelling for "the" - the definite article or archaic for "your" - possessive pronoun. The Tandem Language Exchange app connects language learners with native speakers all over the world for free. For example, That tackle from the Spanish player was blinding.. Proper is used as an alternative to very or extremely, something that can give a term extra weight. Bread - money from Cockney rhyming slang "bread and honey" = money. I legged it from the police.. Doghouse - as in the phrase "to be in the doghouse" - to be in trouble or when someone is upset or angry with you for whatever reason. Blimey is used as a way of expressing surprise at something, often used when seeing or looking at something surprising or impressive instead of shocking or upsetting. Dive - a dive usually refers to a dirty and dark pub or club. I believe this expression originates in the English county of Cheshire. For example, My wife gave me a real bollocking for getting to pick up the dry cleaning on my way home from work.. Tandem - Mobile Language Exchange is licensed by Tandem Fundazioa. Copyright 2023. (Adjective) The word stunning is used to describe someone or something attractive. bog-standard - nothing All right? (Adjective) Dishy is British slang for a very attractive person. Its completely possible that you walk into a British bar and dont understand more than half of what they are saying. Example: Have you seen a tall, fanciable man walk in this direction? Jib - to gain entry without paying usually to a football stadium. Oliver Twist: Oddly enough, this is not slang for a small beggar boy from 19th century London, but slang for someone who is a particularly good dancer. As mentioned before, British terms, British phrases, British expressions as well as spelling differ by American phrases and expressions, but what else is there? All to pot refers to a situation going out of your control and failing miserably. You might also see this abbreviated to CBA in textspeak. On the lash - getting drunk; compare "on the piss.". For example, Dont listen to him hes telling pork pies.. E.g. Read more. British slang appears often in British pop, rap, and hip hop. Rank - bad, horrible or smells unpleasant. Fit is a way of saying that a person is attractive, or sexy. Magic Mushrooms - psychedelic mushrooms, Psilocybe semilanceata or the liberty cap, noted for the "nipple" at the top of the head. Its a British sitcom produced for the BBC (the national broadcaster for the UK) and follows the everyday life of the average working-class family in Manchester. To run away Kerfuffle also has a similar meaning to fuss. For example, you can say, It was all a big kerfuffle., This is one of the most commonly heard UK slangs. attractive. As such a form of this expression Have a goosey also exists, but is much more uncommon. Im cheating a bit with this one, as this is used almost exclusively used around Manchester and the North of England. Shade - to show disapproval or contempt (US origin). Doing things properly means to do them correctly or in the right way. The word lush is a British slang that is commonly used today to describe a good-looking guy. So 'naff' is a word with an interesting history. You might run into a handsome guy, or spot someone you like in public and want to point him out to a friend. ", If youve gotten yourself into a kerfuffle, you are generally involved in a disagreement with someone. The Royle Family is an absolute classic. This is not a nice feeling. dishy (informal, mainly British) elegant. Bairn - child (Scottish, northern English). This is cheating, it is almost exclusively used in the English county Devonshire, but Im including it as its fun to say. Cancel Culture. Play it by ear - proceed instinctively according to circumstances. (Adjective) The term hot has been popularized worldwide and is commonly used in the USA and the UK. My bird. Scran - food (originally Scottish), especially that of an inferior quality compare grub. It should be easyBritain exported the English language, after allbut there are so many regional quirks that never made it beyond the borders that things can get quite tricky for the non-locals. Home Language Tips 50+ Common British Phrases to Impress your British Mates. Slang It is similar to the American word fancy, however it has a much more entrenched class basis. What I like about this term and its two/three usages is that the following sentence, Nick got nicked for nicking somethingmakes grammatical sense. Closie - Dundee parlance for a stairwell in a block of flats. Brilliant is not a word exclusively in the British lexicon, but has a very British usage. Here are some ideas on how to immerse yourself in the British English language. UK slang can be a tricky language to learn, but when you get the hang of it, it's as easy as pie - or should I say, as easy as taking the biscuit! The Great British Bake Off (GBBO for short) is riddled with light-hearted humor and is very fun to watch. Pub - public house, drinking establishment. To get you started we have some suggestions for some great British artists below. Another rather delightful and slightly archaic words in this list of British slang terms is kerfuffle. Rows - Medieval galleried, timber walkways above a lower level of shops inChester. Here are 50 British phrases guaranteed to make you feel like one of their own. In use, I just brought some new trainers.. Gasper - cigarette (see fag) - now rather archaic. Lacking fivers and tenners if you will (see below). Not booking student accommodation early when moving to study in UK would be a cock-up., Often used to describe a person or thing, cracking is UK slang for something that is particularly good or excellent., This British slang word is one you'll want to avoid being called as it means dumb, in a silly way., No, this doesn't mean anything morbid. Its not particularly offensive, just a mildly silly or foolish piece of UK slang. 1 (adjective) in the sense of good-looking. Alfie: Means counselor, which is perfect for a bossy-pants cat. Shambolic - disorganized, all over the place. To take the piss means to mock something, parody something, or generally be sarcastic and derisive towards something. Fuzz - old, derogatory slang for the police. The expression is believed by some to come literally from gob (a British expression for mouth), and the look of shock that comes from someone hitting it. Now, the word naff is used to mean that something is lacking in style or good taste. Manly Slang from the 19th Century Unlike most rhyming slang expressions, it is still in semi-popular use both in London and outside. Cream-crackered - = knackered, thus extremely tired, exhausted. Skint is a British expression to mean being broke or having no money. Dont take it to be another cookery program, however. Up until now, the actor was seen showcasing a mature look while embracing a sleek pair of glasses. Berties - term for Man City fans used by Man Utd supporters; the reverse is "rags". 3. Often substituted in friendly circles for exhausted. The bees knees a rather lovely term used to describe someone or something you think the world of. Mug is more specifically London slang and is associated with the cockney accent. Loaded - having a great deal of money; rich or alternatively under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Fag - cigarette, "ciggie", hence fag end (stub) and fag packet. It is regarded as a mild expletive (swear word) but due to its common usage, it is generally acceptable. Although depending on how gutted you are, you might even want to switch places with a mummy. Please introduce us to each other! In context, I cant come in, my shoes are all mucky.. When you've been faffing around all day and someone asks you what you did, you can respond saying "Bugger all" which means nothing at all.. Listen to music from British artists and check out the lyrics of the songs. Work-Life Integration vs Work-Life Balance: Is One Better Than the Other? This is used to describe someones behavior. Odds and sods - this and that; bits and pieces. You might exclaim Thats a bloody good discount! when you learn about student discounts in the UK., More than a muddy marsh, the British use the term bog for toilets, and bog paper, as you mightve already guessed, means toilet paper. For example, I ate a bad pizza last night after too many drinks and chundered in the street.. Lass - young woman (Scotland and northern England). I told him to stop mugging me off.. In British slang terms, dodgy refers to something wrong, illegal, or just plain off, in one way or another. Lost the plot is one that can actually be discerned by examining the words themselves. 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. Can we stop at a cafe? In the same vein as bloke, It might be hard to find material to study, as you wont find it in your standard English textbooks, but if you look a little harder, there are plenty of sources out there that will teach you some great British slang terms. Not a wonderfully melodic word, chunder is part and parcel of British slang terms. It has become a popular British slang around the UK today. For example, Dont do that, its not proper! However such a usage is becoming less common. Lolly - a lollipop or ice candy; money (slang). Queer the pitch- spoil the business in hand already discussed. For example, it can refer to food which tastes out of date or, when referring to a person, it can mean that they are a bit sketchy. Im absolutely knackered., If youve ever been at the cashier of a British shop and heard the word quid, then you know how confusing it can be. From (man) a. atractivo b. guapo (Spain) c. lindo (Latin America) 2. Your ideal student home & a flight ticket awaits. In context it works like this, Come here and have a gander at what hes doing.. Some of these new international slang words are used in Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada and the UK (and even in non-English speaking countries). To sack off is to avoid doing something or to give up doing something - normally something that you didnt want to do in the first place. Vest - (usually) sleeveless, cotton undershirt. For example, Did you hear about our kid Kevin? In fact, to learn how to speak like someone froEssex you should watch The Only Way Is 20 of the Most Common British Slang Words - BSC (EN) Alan: Means handsome, and its a great name for a pretty male cat. Git is a British expression of insult. Her Majesty's Pleasure - in jail; see porridge, inside. Essex girl - brash, materialistic young woman supposedly common in Essex and the Home Counties. This British slang is also used in the USA but not that common. If youre pretending to be sick so that you cant go to work, youre skiving. To skive off is also the equivalent of playing truant. Bang up to the elephant This phrase originated in London in 1882, and means perfect, complete, Example: The man you were talking to was stunning. For example, The papers sent out to the students were all in the wrong language its a real cock up. Also, I cocked up the orders for table number four.. WebFortunately, there are quite a few descriptive British slang terms that paint quite a vivid picture to anyone who knows what the informal words mean. The Power of Leverage in Leading the Life You Want, The Key to Creating a Vibrant (And Magical Life) by Lee Cockerell, 9 Tips on How To Disconnect From Work And Stay Present. I need to go to the loo.. I was gobsmacked when she told me she was pregnant with triplets.. I was absolutely gutted when I heard the bad news., Blimey is used as a way of expressing surprise at something, Blimey, look at that!, Get your mind out of the gutter! Now in the United States, pissed means angry. Pigs in Blankets - small sausages wrapped in bacon. (Explained), Is Dolph a Male, Female or Unisex Name? Goblin mode - describes "unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or greedy" behaviour. So, if youre an aspiring Anglophile looking for some new lingo to help fuel your love for all things British, or you just fancy seeing what kind of words the British find themselves using their day-to-day, check out our 50 best British slang terms for you to start using and incorporating into your vocabulary immediately. Chuffed is used more or less all over the UK, it seems to be decreasing in popularity, but is still in relatively common usage. Of course, you want to be more discreet, so we listed 10 British slang words you could use. Confusing, we know. For example, I dont go over there anymore its full of grockels these days.. 28 British Slang Terms You Should Know | Mental Floss To mug someone off is to take advantage of someone or make a fool out of them. WebHandsome often implies stateliness or pleasing proportion and symmetry: a handsome man. Cheers doesnt quite have the same meaning that it does in other counties of course, it still means celebrations when toasting a drink with some friends, but in British slang, it also means thanks or thank you. Hunky-dory a neat little piece of British slang that means that a situation is okay, cool, or normal. With its influence on the world of pop culture and its ability to turn any conversation into a Monty Python skit, UK slang is here to stay. WebOther British slang words for attractive include fit, lush, a sort, piff, buff, leng. The best part? Simply put, knackered means really really tired. Boob tube - tight-fitting strapless top made of stretchy material. Thus, "Use your loaf" means "Use your head" (think!). Her brother was a handsome One can get creative here and just add ed to the end of practically any object to get across the same meaning eg. Faffing around is a very British pleasure. Oof! (praise) a. generoso (a) 6. 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. On the front foot - meaning positive, active, attacking (from cricket). Totty - (uncountable) sexually attractive women considered collectively (sexist and offensive). Naff - in bad taste, originally gay slang for heterosexual. The word relates to the way a goose (a male goose is called a gander) cranes its neck to look at something. Bees knees - a highly admired person or thing. Fancy Dress: not "dressing fancy." Offie - off license (liquor store to Americans). Do they all belly laugh while you are left grinning awkwardly alongside them? Its so entertaining, youll become addicted. Glow up. CEO. YBAs - Young British Artists - art movement of the 1980s including Damien Hirst, Sarah Lucas, Cornelia Parker and Tracey Emin. Used to describe a stupid, nasty or useless person. Yonks - in a long time as in "I haven't seen you in yonks.". Skip - large steel box for rubbish from demolitions/building repairs. A Dictionary Full of Victorian Slang Do you fancy a cheeky pint after work?. Example: That dishy man over there keeps looking at you! Explore 'handsome' in the dictionary. Sam Claflin. Bung - as a verb meaning to throw as a noun, or a bribe. Againa lot of words for drunk. A working knowledge of a few important slang words, phrases used in local dialects and colloquialisms will help your understanding of what's really going on in any conversation in the British Isles. 50 Gen Z Slang Words Essentially, it is an expression of pride at your own actions or achievements. Further, "The Nick" is UK slang for the prison. 2022 Tandem - Speak Any Language. Webhandsome guy n. # attractive attractive man n. # appearance beautiful man n. pretty boy n. # attractive good-looking man # appearance handsome boy n. # attractive hot guy n. pretty man n. handsome fella n. handsome fellow n. handsome young man n. gorgeous man n. # informal nice guy charming man n. handsome dude n. attractive guy n. elegant man n.