"Pinch punch, first of the month. Unrelatedly, "Clangers" was also a children's TV show from the 1970s about pink mouse-like creatures that lived on the moon. If you're "winding someone up," you're making them tense or irritated in the same way you wind up a Jack-in-the-box before it pops. A "knacker" was the person that slaughtered worn-out horses in the 19th and 20th centuries for their meat, hoofs, and hide. 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. "Do we have to go to the dinner party tonight? U.K. slang includes some interesting insults. "Would you take a butchers at this broken bike for me? Benders can last over 24 hours, and so you might say that someone is on "a weekend bender," or a "three-day bender. "Innit" is an abbreviation of "isn't it" most commonly used amongst teenagers and young people. ", When someone makes a great speech while skirting around a subject or saying little of any value, you might say that they're talking "waffle," or that they're "waffling.". To run away. ", Someone on a spree of excessive drinking and mischief is "on a bender. ", "When I got home, he was already zonked.". When they were working on the factory floor, employees had to wear hard clogs to protect their feet. He was mortal.". You don't want to be described as "dim," "a mug," or "a few sandwiches short of a picnic." The phrase describes the mayhem caused when something is recklesslythrown into the intricate gears and workings of a machine. "A bacon sandwich and a builder's tea. Dick: an idiot. It's used most commonly when you're trying to get out of a situation by physically running away. I'm slumped. ", "What's happened here? 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. "Quid" is British slang for "pounds." Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. I'm cream crackered.". Wangle - means to get or do something that is a bit devious. The origins of the word are widely disputed. Historically, "gallant" described someone brave or valiant, so "gallivanting" is a carefree and confident act. If you're "splashing out," it's implied that you're spending money on a treat to mark a special occasion or celebration. Sign up for our weekly newsletters and get: By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions It includes quite a few fun and unique ways for people to express that they are happy or otherwise share positive sentiments. "Would you take a butchers at this broken bike for me?". When we get home, I'm going to take a quick kip.". Do you know anyone that might be interested?". "You look nice. If the joker forgets to say "no returns of any kind," the recipient can say "a slap and a kick for being so quick," accompanied by a slap and a kick. ", An informal way of asking someone to make room where they are sitting for you to sit down, too, would be asking them to "budge up. 50+ Common British Phrases to Impress your British Mates On a rainy day in London, you would definitely want a brolly on hand. "Wow you've really splashed out on this party! "Mortal" describes someone highly intoxicated or drunk in a sloppy manner. To "gallivant" means to roam, or to set off on an expedition, with the sole intention of having some light-hearted fun. 11. The phrase was first documented in the BBC's "Lenny Henry Christmas Special" in 1987. Cockwomble - foolish or obnoxious person. ", "I bumped into him towards the end of his four-day bender. ", "He skived off school so we could all go to Thorpe Park on a weekday.". The origins of the word are widely disputed. "Be careful when you're driving -- it's a pea-souper out there.". ", "What's happened here? He popped his clogs, didn't he", Something that is nonsense, rubbish, or simply untrue might be described as "poppycock. ", "Joe's children are absolute rascals they tied my shoelaces together last week!". RCB, who were 62/0 at one stage, suffered a batting collapse. 40 Slides. "That guy's got such swagger -- he's a proper geezer. This road is chocka! If you're heading off on a holiday to the United Kingdom, it'll be handy to have certain British slang definitions down pat. Its origins are somewhat unclear, but a "bog" is another word for a toilet in British slang, adding to the connotations that something "bog-standard" is unglamorous and unspecial. To "splash out" means spending significant amounts of money on a particular item or event. Don't fret about understanding their shorthand - this list is ace! Used to describe someone physically attractive, usually referring to their physique. Therefore, if you're "having a butchers," you're having a look at something. However, there is no proof for this theory. ", "Yeah, he's been swotting like mad for his Spanish exam. It's related to an earlier sense of knacker that meant "to kill.". Yes! Bladdered: drunk. 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. It's usually used to describe a woman between the ages of 18 and 50, particularly one who is attractive. This phrase could be a reference to coffee beans, although these claims have been disputed. As a result, "pinch punch, first of the month" was a way of warding off witches and bad luck for the near future. 2. It must have been Chinese Whispers.". ", "I'm going to make us spaghetti carbonara for dinner. Unrelatedly, "Clangers" was also a children's TV show from the 1970s about pink mouse-like creatures that lived on the moon. Some people consider"bloody" offensive (the origins of the word are widely disputed, so we can't be sure why) and it was considered a profanity until the mid-20th century. "Flogging" also refers to whipping a racehorse in order to make it move faster, so there is some speculation into whether you flog goods in order to make them shift faster, too. Insert any . and Others believe the word is a contraction of the 17th century phrase "by our lady," and is blasphemous. "What a long day. "Look at that bird over there. 50 Must-Know British Slang Words and Phrases. Each term is partneredwith a description and example. ", Although the adjective's origins remain largely unknown, early documented uses seem to use the word as synonymous with "smear," further suggesting that someone who is "smarmy" is also "slick" or "slippery. From our linguistic research, we've confirmed that above all, British people are sarcastic, unsympathetic, and often rather drunk. ", An event that disrupts the natural, pre-planned order of events could be described as a "spanner in the works.". 100+ Smashing British Slang Words and Terms to Know Barmy. Liverpool rescue three points, chase top-four finish after surviving Knackered: tired, but very. ", Although the adjective's origins remain largely unknown, early documented uses seem to use the word as synonymous with "smear," further suggesting that someone who is "smarmy" is also "slick" or "slippery. ", "Yeah, he's been swotting like mad for his Spanish exam. 3. Still, in an unfamiliar country, there's bound to be informal lingo that's you don't recognize. This phrase is used to confirm or agree with something that another person has just said. "Don't you worry, Alan, I'm on it like a car bonnet.". A repair job that's beencompleted in a hurry and will probably fall apart reasonably soon is considered a "botch job. "Quid" is British slang for "pounds," eg, "five quid" means 5. ", An informal way of asking someone to make room where they are sitting for you to sit down, too, would be asking them to "budge up. Men's urinals were free of charge. ", Someone that comes across as scheming or untrustworthy might be described as "smarmy. Another word for screw something up: to twist out of shape or distort | Collins English Thesaurus ", "I heard you got the promotion. 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. "I could just about deal with the dog barking at 5:30a.m., but the lawnmower at 3 a.m. really takes the biscuit.". 27 Common British And Their Meaning - Bscholarly ", On the other hand, someone who's intelligent might be described as "bright.". "Goodness, you're full of beans this morning!". This probably originates from the "uncool" appearance of anorak coats and the people wearing them. "The Nick" can refer to prison, while "to nick" also means to steal. "What's in that sandwich? "She's great fun, but she's a few sandwiches short of a picnic.". 05. Dog and Bone = Phone. U.K. slang is nothing if not interesting! The meaning of this slang has been debated at length. We've got a party at our gaff, if you fancy it?". Meaning: Arguing or trash-talking. "Press down the clutch, put it into gear, then slowly ease off the clutch again. "Ha! The "bee's knees" referred to small or insignificant details when it was first documented in the 18th century. The word could be a variation of "toddle" -- like a young child's first steps. The meaning of this slang has been debated at length. "When are we going to eat? ", Similar to "nerd" or "geek" but less derogatory someone that takes academic study very seriously might be described as a "swot. 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. ", Similar to "nerd" or "geek" but less derogatory -- someone that takes academic study very seriously might be described as a "swot. Botch Synonyms | Collins English Thesaurus Not to be confused with literally being disembowelled, someone that says they're "gutted" is devastated or extremely upset. "He really cocked up his job interview when he mentioned that he'd shagged the boss's daughter." Collywobbles: Nervousness; butterflies in the stomach. Bob's your uncle you're driving!". Stop faffing around and start doing your homework. 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." To "whinge" means to moan, groan, and complain in an irritating or whiney fashion. You must be chuffed.". Meaning: An adjective used to describe someone who is mad or odd. "Is it just me or is that painting a bit skew-whiff?". " shift your leg love Its Interfering with me spam " by El Cholo June 3, 2004 Get the three up mug. Historically, "fags" were the cheaper cigarettes made of lower grade tobacco, however, the slang has spread to encompass all cigarettes. "Don't get caught, or you'll end up in the Nick!". Hank Marvin is a British musician from the 1960s and 1970s, and is a pretty obscure reference nowadays. "When are we going to eat? Budge up and make some room for us, too!". "Is it just me or is that painting a bit skew-whiff?". Barm: a bread roll. ", If you get a promotion or meet someone special, you might describe yourself as "chuffed. Nowadays, it's mostly a way for kids to pull pranks on their friends. To "flog" means to sell something -- usually quickly and cheaply. "How was the hostel?" Though it's an older word, knackered is still relevant and used frequently. Bird. A slap and a kick for being so quick!". 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. "Those two are having a proper chinwag -- I haven't been able to get a word in edgeways for half an hour! 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.". "Those twoare having a proper chinwag I haven't been able to get a word in edgeways for half an hour!". This phrase is used to describe a process which seems more difficult than it actually is. After a quick review, you'll be able to confidently go out there and build connections with new friends! 40 Quirky British Slang Words - Meanings of Popular Britishisms "This week's done me in already, and it's only Tuesday. However, "the full Monty" now usually refers to taking something as far as it can go, similar to "the whole nine yards.". For example, "five quid" means 5. 88 very British phrases that will confuse anybody who didn't grow up in Gaff is just a synonym for "home.". This phrase could be a reference to coffee beans, although these claims have been disputed. Someone silly or incompetent might be described as a wally. ", "Grab your brolly, it's drizzling outside. Just your bog-standard dorm, really.". Whether you're keeping up with all the drama surrounding the royal family or binging shows like Fleabag and Peaky Blinders, you've undoubtedly run across the weird and . A "good old chinwag" is a good chat, catch up, or gossip with someone. Historically, "gallant" described someone brave or valiant, so "gallivanting" is a carefree and confident act. Oxford Language Club This intensifier can be added to practically any sentence in order to demonstrate incredulity or anger. "He handles a screwdriver very cack-handedly. The idiom was first used to describe the thick, choking smogs that settled over London, caused by lots of people burning fossil fuels in a close vicinity, as early as 1200. Low London phrase meaning "to thrash thoroughly," possibly from the French battre a fin. Bender. No returns of any kind" is a school playground rhyme often exchanged between friends on the first day of a new calendar month, accompanied by a pinch and a punch to the recipient. The smogs were compared to pea soup due to their color and density. "Did you hear what happened to John's old man? He was mortal.". Read the original article on Business Insider UK. Meaning: Taxi. However, other people believe that "shirty" has connotations of being dishevelled. ", If your favorite football team were to lose, you'd be "gutted.". "Don't put down a leaking mug on top of the newspaper, you wally!". The smogs werecompared to pea soup due to their colour and density. The phrase is most often used to describe heavy road traffic. It was first recorded in English in the late 1880s from knacker, or "to tire.". Meaning: To screw something up. The name of a strongly-brewed cup of English breakfast tea with milk the way that tea is most commonly drunk in the UK. That's minging.". Something that is "long" is probably also annoying or aggravating. ", "Give me a call" or "ring me." Meaning: A pair of sneakers. 3 see PISS ON v ["to treat contemptuously"]. All right? If someone's "caught the lurgy," they're suffering from cold or flu-like symptoms. Someone that's "on the pull" has gone out, usually on a night out, with the intention of attracting a sexual partner. ", Men from east London are also commonly referred to as "geezers," where the term is more interchangeable with "lad.". Just your bog-standard dorm, really.". Are you going on the pull?". 60 British Slang Words And Phrases You Need To Know 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. In the 17th century, to "waff" went to yelp, and that quickly evolved to mean to talk foolishly or indecisively. . 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. "I'm trying to flog my old sofa. Some entries also feature surprising facts aboutthe phrase's origins, with a few quintessentially British idiomsnot actually coming from British roots at all. "Sam did a botch job on these shelves they're wonky!". To "gallivant" means to roam, or to set off on an expedition, with the sole intention of having some light-hearted fun. Although it's more often used as a synonym for raincoat, an anorak is something slightly different in playground slang. Although it's more often used as a synonym for raincoat, an anorak is something slightly different in playground slang. "Hank Marvin" is Cockney rhyming slang for "starving. "I don't mean this as a par, but did you remember to wash this morning? Cheers. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider ", 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. You'll have a blast and learn more than a few new words that might be ripe for importation when you come back home. You'll be chatting like a local in no time at all! "Mint" might be used when referring to something of the highest calibre. This classic British idiom may seem stereotypically twee, however, some sources believe that "tickety-boo" in fact derives from the Hindu phrase "hk hai, bb," meaning "it's alright, sir. "A bacon sandwich and a builder's tea. Luckily, the meaning today is much less shocking. 28 British Slang Terms You Should Know | Mental Floss Bob's your uncle you're driving!". If you're "zonked" or "cream crackered," you might want to take a nap. The word "shirt" is derived from the Norse for "short," hence short-tempered. ", "Miffed" possibly derives from the German "muffen," meaning "to sulk. ", "She's come down with the dreaded lurgy. The "wind-up merchant" will often claim to be making their comments as a light-hearted jest when the recipients start becoming irritated. "Don't get caught, or you'll end up in the Nick!". Cockney rhyming slang for "knackered," if you're "cream crackered" then you're incredibly tired. "Gob" is slang for mouth, so if you're gobsmacked, you're shocked to the point of clasping your jaw in disbelief. "You look nice. Therefore, if you're "having a butchers," you're having a look at something. "Well, this has all gone a bit pear-shaped.". While Americans are more likely to say "seven thirty" or "five fifty," Brits will more often than not refer to times in "minutes past" the hour. 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. Codswallop. If you've "wangled" something, you've accomplished or attained something through cunning means. 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. "Lurgy" is probably based on a mispronunciation of the word "allergy. School kids might call "bagsy" on items in their friends' pack lunches, like an apple or a cereal bar, that the friend isn't going to eat. The origins of the word are widely disputed. Like a local: 11 bits of London slang you should know He's a bloody curtain twitcher, but he still won't sign for our packages.". 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. "Did you see Scott last night? In his stand-up show, British comedian Michael MacIntyre said: "You can actually use any word in the English language and substitute it to mean drunk. ", A "par" breaches social and common courtesy, eg, a disrespectful comment could be seen as a "par. Bugger off: go away; run along. An obvious and indiscreet mistake or blunder. You might buy a "round" of drinks for your friends at the pub, in the understanding that they will each buy you a drink as part of their "rounds" later on. The team at the Business Insider UK office have compiled a list of the best British slang and idioms that define the weird and wonderful British dialect we grew up with. I'm Hank Marvin.". ", "I'm going to make us spaghetti carbonara for dinner. . When in doubt, refer to this list so you can carry on conversations with ease, even with the locals. "Wow -- you've really splashed out on this party! The term probably came about due to the fact that it rhymes with "knacker." This is probably how the term came about. Fortunately, there are quite a few descriptive British slang terms that paint quite a vivid picture to anyone who knows what the informal words mean. This phrase is often used to describe a process that seems more difficult than it actually is. ", "I'm going to make us spaghetti carbonara for dinner. "Goodness, you're full of beans this morning!". ", Brits are known for favouring a drink or two, so much so thatalmost any noun can be used as a substitute for "drunk. 75 British Slang Words And Their Meanings - Parade Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets screencap, no one is completely sure of the word's origins, Britsappear to favour analogue time-telling, Wikimedia Commons/Sabine Crossen/Puzzle Productions, reportedly old slang from the Royal Air Force, only women would announce they were going to "spend a penny,". Finally, explore a few U.K. slang terms that are helpful when it comes to describing a person's attitude or expressions of emotion. Someone that lacks common sense might be described as "a few sandwiches short of a picnic.". "By getting pregnant, Mary threw a spanner in the works.". A "dog's dinner" is a mess or fiasco sometimes also referred to as a "dog's breakfast.". ", "Oh. ", "I'm Hank Marvin" means "I'm hungry" or "I'm ravenous.". "The full Monty" historically refers to an old tailor called Sir Montague Burton. Someone that's a little bit geeky, with strong interests or expertise in a niche area, might be referred to as an "anorak." 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. This is still used in English in the phrase "egging someone on" to do something. However, in the UK, someone that's "pissed" is most probably drunk. ", When someone makes a great speech while skirting around a subject or saying little of any value, you might say that they're talking "waffle," or that they're "waffling.". "Gob" is slang for mouth, so if you're gobsmacked, you're shocked to the point of clasping your jaw in disbelief. This classic British idiom may seem stereotypically twee, however, some sources believe that "tickety-boo" in fact derives from theHindu phrase "hk hai, bb," meaning "it's alright, sir. ", "I heard you got the promotion. ", Benders often last over 24 hours, and so you might say that someone is on "a weekend bender," or a "three-day bender. Eg, "half past seven," and "ten to six.". 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. Cock up - a mistake, as a verb "to cock up" is to make a mistake. If you're "splashing out," it's implied that you're spending money on a treatto mark a special occasion or celebration. He was a wreck.". The phrase is reportedly old slang from the Royal Air Force and was used to described awry expeditions and flights. Let's take a look at the seven most useful slang words to know in English. 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. Three-up To marry and have three kids as soon as possible, in spite of the environmental impact Men from east London are also commonly referred to as "geezers.". ", A nosey neighbour, often caught peering out on their street's activities from a curtained window, might be referred to as a "curtain twitcher. Someone who's "quids in" has invested in an opportunity which is probably going to benefitthem massively. Cockney is slang from a certain neighborhood in London. Marvin played guitar in Cliff Richard's backing band in the 1960s. "Being cheeky" means being funny or humorous, but slightly mischievous at the same time. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. "Wind your neck in and stop being so nosy! So, let's crack on and get to the list of British slang words innit! ", "Hey, there's loads of room on that bench. "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. ", "Sod's law" is often used to explain bad luck or freakish acts of misfortune. Someone silly or incompetent might be described as a wally. Have a gander I believe this expression originates in the English county of Cheshire.
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