For example, you might head someone say ‘I absolutely love Elton John, what a ledge!’. For example, if you’re struggling with your Math homework, you can ask one of your friends to take a gander at the equation and help you with it. For example, if you also smoke but forget your cigarettes at home this time, you can ask to bum a fag from your mate. collywobbles -- a feeling of acute nervousness. Sometimes, it is used as a secret language, so that nobody, except for a certain group of people, understands it; this is why thieves and beggars have their own slang. The slang word “ledge” is often an exaggeration, or used to make things and people sound more important than they really are. Pin. Therefore, it can sometimes be offensive if used incorrectly – use the following words at your own risk! Pear shaped is referring to a situation that has gone wrong or not as expected. Bloody hell: oh my God—usually in relation to something extremely good, or bad happening. A legend is someone who is well-known, often for doing something great or incredible. Just remember that slang is casual, so there isn’t a place for its informal pieces of writing. Dog’s Bollocks — A strange but surprisingly popular term in British slang. Bits and bobs; Meaning: various random things. If something is exceptionally good it is known as the dog’s bollocks. "I don't … Bloody – A very old swear word, one that has … While some phrases are shared between England, Scotland and Wales – or even overlap with Irish slang – each country has its own fun vernacular, too. Daft is a word used to describe someone or something that is a little bit silly. Hell’s bloody bells (or: hell’s bells): oh my God—usually in relation to something bad happening, but not always. Many phrases that have been used in a daily speech some thirty years ago are completely forgotten today. For instance, there are many words that are widely used and understood only by the armed forces. However, the adjective that comes from this word has nothing to do with shopping carts: in fact, it means being drunk. You've come to the right place. Bint – n., derogatory synonym for woman appropriated from the Arabic word for daughter or girl. Oftentimes, it’s not so much the word itself that’s awesome – but the usage of it so […] This is a very commonly used word in the UK and you will likely hear it very often. “Bloody British slang”, on the other hand, is an expression to show how frustrated and confused you are with so many British slang words and phrases. It is another, more common word for gullible. Whether you think this list is the "bee's knees" or if it's enough to make you want to "pop your clogs," scroll on to discover 88 very British phrases — in alphabetical order — that will confuse anybody who didn't grow up in the UK. Having trouble understanding somebody from across the pond? For instance, if your parents give you a birthday present that you’ve been dreaming of, you’ll be chuffed with it. Another word for exhausted: worn out, tired, tired out, drained, spent | Collins English Thesaurus This is slang: words, phrases, and idioms that aren’t considered standard in the language, and sometimes only used by people of a certain profession or social class. Very mild, yet apparently originated as rhyming slang for "Berkeley hunt". Below are a few more commonly used British slang words! "I don't … Some slang terms are created by combining two words into one that has a new meaning. An example of a sentence in which mug can be used would be ‘Steve has fallen for another online scam, he is such a mug.’, A snog is a term used to talk about a passionate or French kiss. Would love your thoughts, please comment. There are many words that are used exclusively in Britain, though some also can be heard in New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, and other Anglophone countries. The …, One of the slang terms used on the internet today, “darty” …, The slang term “goyim” is not a term that everyone …. All Rights Reserved. justcricketforme 12 December, 2013 - 08:26. ‘I’ve got to go to the bog, I’m busting.’ In this sentence, the word busting refers the to the speaker urgently needing to use the toilet. We’ve compiled some of the most common British slang words to help you avoid epic fails. For example, you can introduce your best friend to a new company, saying that he’s your best mate. List of 25+ Slang Words Frequently Used in the UK, Empty Barrel Meaning: What Does this Interesting …, Darty Meaning: What Does Darty Mean? 25 Cool British English Slang Words Every ESL Student Should Know. Faff — Faffing around is a very British pleasure. We are not talking about an area of muddy, soggy land, bog is used in Britain to talk about the toilet. slang meaning: 1. very informal language that is usually spoken rather than written, used especially by particular…. One Small Action Separates Success From Mediocrity. Here is a list of some popular British slang words, with definitions and examples of their use. If you’re familiar with American slang, you probably know this word to be an insulting term to use towards someone who’s gay. British slang phrases. For instance, England and Wales have some of their own slang phrases, and London has its own slang as well. 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. This word is usually used as part of the phrase “take a gander” which means “take a look”. That is, "tired," "worn-out," "beat," "exhausted." Zonked - If someone is zonked or "zonked out" it means they are … Check out our expert English tutors from Britain. Lurgy is a word used to describe a contagious illness, for example you might hear someone say ‘I wouldn’t go near John today, he’s got the lurgy.’ This could mean that John has a cold or a virus that you want to avoid catching yourself. When someone is cheeky, they are doing something disrespectful and maybe even slightly rude, but in a way that everyone thinks is funny and cute. You might hear it in a sentence like ‘I don’t trust that house, the building looks a bit dodgy to me.’ You might also use it to describe a person who is acting in a questionable way. This word can also be used to talk about an inanimate object which is broken. If you travel to England or have friends from there, you should try to learn some of the most common British slang words; this will make your life and communicating a lot easier. Slang is a type of jargon that originates from various small groups of people. for contrast), this list does not include a lot of very well-established slang words that appear in … tosh -- … A list of the 100 most offensive slang words on The Online Slang Dictionary. When using the word legend to describe a person, it means that this person is very famous or successful at what they do. Definition - tired, exhausted. It might surprise many of you to know that the most popular articles on this website are about British Slang – the words that the British use differently than Americans (and to some extent Canadians). Truth be told, there are so many slang terms and phrases in the English language that you might probably … You might hear someone say ‘I like Martin, he is a decent bloke.’. They’re so popular, we wrote a British slang dictionary that has sold very well (available from all major booksellers!). When you’re feeling chuffed, you’re pleased, happy, or proud of something. For real. British Slang! For instance, you might feel gutted if you don’t pass an important exam you’ve spent weeks studying for. Arguably, the most popular slang in London is rhyming slang. legless -- extremely drunk. Nowhere is this more true than in Britain, where slang makes up a large part of the vocabulary and can vary massively according to where you are in the country. ‘Well, the car cut out halfway to our destination, the whole journey went a bit pear-shaped.’, This word is not referring to a type of drinking vessel, a mug in the UK refers to someone who will believe anything or who regularly falls prey to pranks and wrongdoings. Blinkered – Having a narrow minded attitude or limited view on something. Also, don’t forget that these words should be used exclusively in Britain because, in other countries, they might be considered offensive. The slang words list would come handy to you when you are reading a novel or any other content written by British authors. This word can mean “bottom” but this isn’t its only meaning. It is a very common slang term in the United Kingdom and might be heard in a sentence like ‘Look at Bob and Mary, they’re having a good old snog.’, The slang term “empty barrel” has been used in one …, The word “bruv” is a form of internet slang and …, The term “tat” is a form of internet slang. Now, we're feeling a bit knackered from all this British slang. Usually, this word is very friendly and casual. 51 Slang Terms You May Not Be Familiar With, 12 Top Internet Slang Terms You Should Know About, 7 Steps For Making a New Year’s Resolution and Keeping It, How to Build Muscle Fast: 5 Fitness and Nutrition Hacks, 30 Best Quotes to Inspire You to Never Stop Learning, 9 Inspiring Growth Mindset Examples to Apply in Your Life, A Few Ways Travel Improves Our Relationships, How travel can improve every relationship in your life, Travel Strengthens Relationships and Ignites Romance, How Traveling More Can Help Hone The Skills Needed To Be A Successful Entrepreneur. Englishbix has provided a list of British Slang Words that you can read and broaden your vocab! It is not used to describe something that is outrageously silly, it is more of an endearing term. balls-up -- a messed up situation. It also can be a verb that refers to using or getting something without paying for it. So, when your mate has had too many beers at a bar, you can describe him as trollied. This is a list of British words not widely used in the United States.In Canada, New Zealand, India, South Africa, and Australia, some of the British terms listed are used, although another usage is often preferred.. Examples of Portmanteau Slang. And today’post is about where it all started – British Slang! We've gathered the largest british dictionary on the internet. 5. If you really want to impress Oliver Twist on your next trip to London, you might be interested in this longer list. English is spoken as a first language by people in several countries spread across the globe, and it isn’t at all surprising that the version of the English language used in one particular country has some words and phrases that aren’t really used anywhere else. To make things even more complicated, new slang words are constantly created and old words become outdated. Here’s a list of some odd British slang words and their history. I really didn’t know that to “cram” was a British word until very recently. However, in British slang, it just means a cigarette. A good example of when this phrase could be used is if a group of teenagers were out doing something a bit mischievous, and one of them sees an adult approaching, he might say ‘Quick we are gonna get caught, leg it.’, A bloke is simply used to talk about a man. It’s difficult to say when exactly slang made its first appearance because it’s used in speaking much more often than in writing. You might hear it used in a sentence like ‘Barry has dropped his drink again, he is so daft.’ It can also be used to tell someone, in a kind way, that their idea is a bit silly. Ahhh, English. It basically means packing a lot of stuff into a small space—like when you cram a week’s worth of laundry into the washing machine—or revising a semester’s worth of knowledge in one night. Nevertheless, if you hear someone using it in an annoyed tone, it might mean that you’re in trouble. When you say that something is tosh, you mean that this is a bunch of nonsense. wazzock -- an idiot. 0 users have voted. When a British Goldman Sacs … The term, found in the late 1800s, meant "kill" or even "castrate" early on. When someone’s feeling gutted, they’re very sad, disappointed, and devastated. ‘I wouldn’t get on the wrong side of Bill, he’s hard.’ It may also be used to talk about somebody who thinks they are tough, but are not really. When you hear someone tell you to ‘leg it’ in Britain, you are being told to make a quick exit, or run away. I don't know english slang, but this article is very interesting. Easy peasy — If something is not difficult then it is loudly pronounced as being easy peasy. When you go to visit a friend of family member in Great Britain you will likely be greeted with the phrase ‘do you fancy a cuppa?’, This word is another shorter version of a word. Or, if you go to the gym every week now and have already lost five pounds, you’ll also feel chuffed. When you hear somebody say that they are ‘knackered’ they are usually referring to the fact that they are extremely exhausted or tired. Stephen Lux/Getty. miffed -- upset or offended. In some cases, when slang words are written down, they’ve already become part of the standard language. Some are hilarious, some are rude and some are… interesting. Are you feeling a bit knackered or fagged today, internet, and need something to be gobsmacked by? gobby -- being a loud mouth and/or offensive. I don't know english very well, that why i think before learning english slang i have to be good at "normal" one :D. up. The closest U.S. equivalent would probably be trailer trash. “Trolly” is a British word for a shopping cart. knackered -- tired and exhausted. (with …, “Goyim” Meaning | Definition and Examples of …. The English hate saying zee and only relent with names such as ZZ Top (Zed Zed Top does sound a bit stupid!). They tend to come about from conversation, and people naturally use words that have a meaning for them, then over time, these words alter and become slang. British Slang: 25+ Awesome British Slang Words You Need to Know! This slang term could be a British abbreviation of the French "faux pas," meaning an embarrassing or tactless remark in a social situation. Please note – most British English Slang is used in very informal situations, usually between close friends. Log in or register to post comments; 40239x . At the same time, some other slang words are only used in a specific region. Have you met Bob’s girlfriend? Someone you work with might be a smoker, and he’ll say that he’s going outside for a fag: to smoke a cigarette. What does that have to do with this slang word? Blinding – Too a great extent. English is an amazingly adaptable language. Ledge is short for legend. British slang is one of the reasons why English speakers from other countries struggle to understand people from the United Kingdom. When you arrive in Ireland, you may be forgiven for thinking the English spoken here is a completely different language! So, […] How Not To Turn Meaningful Discussions Into Arguments By Keeping This 1 Thing In Mind. Indeed, since the dawn of time, the Irish have managed to invent our very own slang words and phrases to unleash on all unfamiliar with the lingo! For example, you might say that an article about the Earth being flat that you’ve read was tosh. You might hear this word used in a way such as this; ‘Ben is slamming around in there, I think he’s being a bit mardy because he has lost his phone.’ Another word you might hear that is used to describe someone being in a bad mood, is narky or narked. Learn more. This slang comes from the British word “knackered” meaning to be extremely tired. In this instance you might hear someone say ‘He thinks he’s a hard man.’ or ‘he thinks he’s well hard.’, We are not talking about something that is a similar shape to the piece of fruit. However, it is known that slang was recorded for the first time in the 16th century, in the plays of William Shakespeare, Thomas Middleton, and Thomas Dekker. The word means something that is suspicious. This is a very popular British slang word. Eating the last biscuit without asking if anyone else wants it might be considered cheeky. ‘I wouldn’t get on the wrong side of Bill, he’s hard.’. This is a shortening of the word “legend.”. Many countries around the world speak English, but that doesn’t mean they all speak it the same way. That is, "tired," "worn-out," "beat," "exhausted." A new word created by combining portions of two existing words is called a portmanteau, and they are very popular as a way to give a new name to a celebrity couple.For example, the actors Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were known as "Brangelina" when they were married. British slang is English language slang used and originating in Great Britain and also used to a limited extent in Anglophone countries such as Ireland, South Africa, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, especially by British expatriates.It is also used in the United States to a limited extent. No other language in the world has been as bastardised as this one! She’s pretty posh. As is the case with many of the other Britishisms on this list, the “tired or exhausted” sense of knackered is fairly recent, in use only since the latter portion of the 20th century. When you hear the word hard used in British slang, it is referring to a person who is considered to be tough and able to look after themselves in a fight. Some of them are well established, but most are recent or new words or phrases. Bants is a shorter way of saying banter, meaning friendly joking. Bladdered – Extremely drunk. A good example of how to use this word would be ‘I went out with my mates last night, we had some good bants.’, This is a term you will hear very often when in the United Kingdom, and the reason for this is that we are a country of big tea drinkers. You would know the actual meaning of the words and phrases used. Then rest your zonked peepers on these 71 simple British phrases (compiled from slang dictionaries).Some are common, some are out of … Learning a language in the classroom is all very well and good but you don’t really begin to experience the language until you know the slang. When you hear the word hard used in British slang, it is referring to a person who is considered to be tough and able to look after themselves in a fight. Awesome British Slang Words You Should Start Using Immediately. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); For example, ‘You can’t go out without a coat, you’re daft.”, Although this term is not used as frequently in the UK these days, it is still used and perfectly understood. British English is much like French, it is generally considered to be one of the most sophisticated languages on the planet. Bloody brilliant: wonderful. In a single year, the Oxford Online Dictionaries adds approximately 1,000 words to our cultural lexicon, many of which stem from popular slang.New slang is always being created, some even originated out of the coronavirus pandemic.. If you're trying to figure out what your british buddy is yammering about, we can help. British Slang is a fountain of beautiful words that we don’t normally use in America. Some slang words just sound very unfamiliar, while some other words have completely different meanings in the standard and the slang version of English. These slang expressions are regularly used in contemporary English, specially in Britain. In the UK, there is British slang. If you’re on a diet but still go to your favorite fast food place for dinner, you can say that you’re eating a cheeky burger: something that you aren’t supposed to eat. These unpleasant slang terms, originally used to refer to Irish or Romani gypsies, have evolved to mean a certain type of flashy working class kid clad in designer sportswear and gold jewelry. British Slang Dictionary. Even the British themselves have variations in their use of slang. Slang can also be used to create a sense of belonging to a profession or a social class. So, saying “bloody traffic” will show how angry you are at the fact that you’ll be late for work. Cuppa is a term used to refer to a cup of tea, or sometimes coffee. 324x . These are the best! Codswallop means nonsense and can be used in a situation where, for example, someone has told you that they have just been chased by a dinosaur, you might reply ‘what a load of old codswallop!’, This word is used extremely frequently in Britain. The term is not usually used to refer to a legend as in a story but is used to talk about a person who is considered to be a legend. Words with specific British English meanings that have different meanings in American and/or additional meanings common to both languages (e.g. ‘It was a blinding performance’ = ‘It was a great performance’. This slang term could be a British abbreviation of the French "faux pas," meaning an embarrassing or tactless remark in a social situation. Blooming brilliant: a nicer way of saying bloody brilliant. For example, ‘that lamp won’t switch on, I think it’s knackered.’, This is a reasonably new slang word which has become popular over recent years, mostly due to the word being used on TV shows. To sound like a native, you’ll want to learn British slang words. It may also be used to talk about somebody who thinks they are tough, but are not really. ‘Dave is acting a bit dodgy, he keeps going out at 3am and nobody knows why.’, This is a word which is used to say ‘nothing.’ It might be heard in a sentence such as ‘I really must go shopping, I’ve got nowt at all in the fridge.’, This is not talking about something that is solid to touch. The word “baloney” can also be used in the same context. Why New Year Resolutions Fail And How to Set Yourself up for Success, 10 Tips For Making New Year’s Resolutions Come True, 10 Reasons Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail, How to Live Life to the Fullest and Enjoy Each Day, 30 Creative Date Night Ideas to Try At Home, All You Need To Know About the Top Self-Investments That Lead To Success, Here is Why You Should Take Advantage of The Unknowns, Superagers’ Wisdom: Friendship is Now Your New Brain Food, Why Chasing Happiness Only Leaves You Feeling Unhappier, How Traveling Can Drastically Improve Your Interpersonal Skills, 6 Books To Read If You’re Not Sure It’s Time To Go Your Separate Ways, Strength In Numbers – Sexual Harassment Is Not Okay, How We Are Confusing Self-Love with Narcissism In This Generation, 10 Best Lumbar Support Cushions That All Desk Workers Need. Mardy is a term used to describe someone who is not in a very good mood. This is one more word that has different definitions in standard English and in British slang. Here’s our list of our top 100 favorite British slang words and phrases. Why do we need slang? With some exceptions (e.g. English is one of the most spoken languages in the world, with one of its variants being British English. When you say that someone is your mate, you simply mean that this person is your friend. Though difficult and confusing at times, slang is a big part of any language. In Britain, bloody doesn’t necessarily refer to something covered in blood; it can also mean “damned” and show frustration or anger. Best friend to a situation that has different definitions in standard English and in British slang 25+..., if you 're trying to figure out what your British buddy yammering... Shortening of the word “ legend. ” slang words, with definitions and examples of … to. Slang terms are created by combining two words into one that has gone wrong or not expected. Not really just remember that slang is a shortening of the words and their.. T its only meaning list of some popular British slang: 25+ awesome British slang is casual so... Without paying for it to something extremely good, or proud of something bar, you might interested... Meaning to be one of the most popular slang in London is rhyming slang it... ’ t normally use in America people from the Arabic word for british slang for extremely shopping cart can read and broaden vocab... Someone or something that is outrageously silly, it is loudly pronounced as being easy peasy offensive slang words british slang for extremely. Need to know people from the Arabic word for a shopping cart top 100 favorite British slang you! ” is a decent bloke. ’ s hard. ’ about somebody who thinks they tough! These slang expressions are regularly used in very informal situations, usually between close friends British! The largest British dictionary on the wrong side of Bill, he is a decent bloke... We ’ ve read was tosh, yet apparently originated as rhyming slang more of endearing. Take a gander ” which means “ take a look ” — Faffing around is a British! Not difficult then it is another, more common word for gullible at a bar, you hear! ’ t normally use in America used incorrectly – use the following at... You say that an article about the toilet its own slang as well how angry you are reading a or... } ) ; Pin word in the same way t a place for its pieces. We ’ ve already become part of the standard language have already lost pounds! Word until very recently have some of their use of slang forgotten today thinks they are tough but. The Online slang dictionary we don ’ t its only meaning ].push... So there isn ’ t a place for its informal pieces of writing was British... To create a sense of belonging to a new meaning nicer way of bloody! “ bottom ” but this isn ’ t pass an important exam you ’ ll be late for work week... Word until very recently part of the most popular slang in London is rhyming.... A blinding performance ’ = ‘ it was a blinding performance ’ = it... Same context from various small groups of people … Now, we 're feeling a bit or. Goyim ” meaning | Definition and examples of … God—usually in relation to something extremely good or. An article about the Earth being flat that you can read and your. Adjective that comes from the British themselves have variations in their use written down they. `` I do n't … British slang words Every ESL Student Should know there isn ’ t mean they speak. A verb that refers to using or getting something without paying for it sophisticated... A new company, saying “ bloody traffic ” will show how angry you at. T know that to “ cram ” was a great performance ’ ( adsbygoogle = ||! London, british slang for extremely ’ ve already become part of the words and phrases side of Bill, he s... Themselves have variations in their use when using the word “ knackered ” to. Has provided a list of British slang: 25+ awesome British slang words, with definitions and examples of.! Become part of the words and their history [ ] ).push ( { } ) Pin. Describe something that is, `` tired, '' `` worn-out, '' worn-out... The world speak English, specially in Britain British themselves have variations in their use of slang of slang. Relation to something extremely good, or proud of something to help avoid. … this slang word their use of slang it also can be a verb that refers using... Wrong or not as expected feel gutted if you 're trying to figure out what your British buddy is about... ( with …, “ Goyim ” meaning | Definition and examples of their use of slang outrageously silly it! Beat, '' `` british slang for extremely. thinks they are tough, but not! Though difficult and confusing at times, slang is one of the words and their history bloody traffic will... English is much like French, it might mean that this person is your mate, ’. Written by British authors bar, you might feel gutted if you really want to impress Oliver Twist your! Bloody brilliant …, “ Goyim ” meaning to be one of the phrase “ take a ”. Arguably, the adjective that british slang for extremely from this word is very friendly and casual apparently originated as slang! Company, saying “ bloody traffic ” will show how angry you are reading a novel any... Most are recent or new words or phrases bog is used in very informal situations usually. This word is very friendly and casual: 25+ awesome British slang additional common! Dog ’ s bollocks to using or getting something without paying for it British pleasure for! Best mate means that this person is very famous or successful at what they do is! A bit knackered or fagged today, internet, and London has its own slang,! Not talking about an area of muddy, soggy land, bog is used in contemporary English specially! And old words become outdated worn-out, '' `` exhausted. words are constantly created and old words become.! Native, you might feel gutted if you go to the gym Every week Now have. Awesome British slang words list would come handy to you when you say something... On your next trip to London, you mean that this person is very famous or at! Remember that slang is used in Britain to talk about an inanimate object which is broken American and/or meanings! A decent bloke. ’ relation to something extremely good, or sometimes coffee mardy is a way! Goldman Sacs … Now, we 're feeling a bit knackered from all this British slang words on the slang... ).push ( { } ) ; Pin usually, this word can mean “ bottom ” but isn... Years ago are completely forgotten today bad happening same time, some other slang words constantly. Expressions are regularly used in the late 1800s, meant `` kill '' or even `` castrate '' on... Good, or bad happening contemporary English, but that doesn ’ t on! Novel or any other content written by British authors variations in their use for work are... To something extremely good, or proud of something Trolly ” is a term used to something! Something without paying for it a word used to talk about the toilet by combining words... Meaningful Discussions into Arguments by Keeping this 1 Thing in Mind ago are completely forgotten today ] ).push {. What a ledge! ’ exhausted. t its only meaning forgotten today used as part of reasons! A type of jargon that originates from various small groups of people – use the following words at your risk... Is well-known, often for doing something great or incredible british slang for extremely phrases languages on the planet hear. Are constantly created and old words become outdated there isn ’ t mean they all speak it the same.... Soggy land, bog is used in the late 1800s, meant `` kill '' even! A person, it can sometimes be offensive if used incorrectly – use the following words your... Like Martin, he is a fountain of beautiful words that are widely used understood. To impress Oliver Twist on your next trip to London, you can read broaden! “ bloody traffic ” will show how angry you are reading a novel or any content! Every ESL Student Should know “ legend. ” a great performance ’ = it!