Synonyms fool jerk (slang, mainly US, Canadian) ass plank (British, slang) charlie (British, informal, old-fashioned) berk (British, slang) prick (taboo, slang) wally (slang) prat (slang) plonker (slang, old-fashioned) twit (informal, mainly British) chump oaf (old-fashioned) The origin of this phrase is disputed, but the most likely candidate for inspiring the expression is an eccentric wealthy newspaper owner named James Gordon Bennett Jr. 1,000. As such when you hear it in use, even if you arent familiar with expression you can often tell what is being said by the rhyme and the context it is being used in. Another university-related cool British slang word is fresher which means a first-year student. on Apr 07 1998. To be gutted about a situation means to be devastated and saddened. - representing oneself, bigging yourself up. Check out some, This classic British insult literally means that someone masturbates, but is used much like. This is one of the most popular slang words among students. All rights reserved. New Zealand slang. Cor blimey, its bloody hot today, innit!. Cockney Rhyming Slang. Our British slang translator tells us that this is the equivalent of the American English slang words "shotgun" or "dibs". For example, That guy just cut me up in traffic what a wanker.. on May 01 2014. 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. See REI, L.L. Bloke. If you want to read more about cockney rhyming slang and money, read this BBC article. on Feb 23 2002. One of the more boring and technical terms on this list, a car park is in effect, the place outside or attached to a building where people park their cars. To be arrested. Submitted by The Last Don And, as with everything else, practice makes perfect! al. Improve your writing by downloading our English Editing Tips. Answer (1 of 44): This word was often used in my childhood in Birmingham by adults when they were giving you a sweet or pocket money. A not so delicate way to refer to sexual intercourse. I'm just going for a quick slash. Money. Brap! Submitted by Walter Rader (Editor) from Sacramento, CA, USA Stop faffing around and start doing your homework. This word is used when something is brilliant or someone performs very well, usually on a test or evaluation. When in doubt, refer to this list so you can carry on conversations with ease, even with the locals. I got completely wankered last night. Best done at a distance as there may be repercussions. Snog Meaning: A kiss or to kiss. Used to mean "very", particularly in the north of England. Learn the lingo and you'll soon be conversing like a true Brit. Sometimes brilliant can be shortened to just brill to give it a more casual feel. Ace. We live it, we breathe it, we make our living from it. In British slang terms, dodgy refers to something wrong, illegal, or just plain off, in one way or another. Sam was quids in after he sold his software to Microsoft. The most commonly used form is as an alternative to steal. It also has a speaking feature so you can test your pronunciation. A do is essentially a party, to my knowledge it doesnt refer to a particular form of party, so feel free to use it as you like. Grandparents might use it to better communicate with their grandchildren. American life. It is used for emphasis. Seldom seen these days. To inform on someone to the authorities. Oh, the Brits. For example, I left my car in the car park this morning.. 2023 Enux Education Limited. Oh, wanker. He got a new job.. Gob is the informal word for mouth, and smack means to hit something with your hand. Bog-standard - To be plain, or run-of-the-mill. on Mar 02 1999. on Oct 28 2001. It's like being bi-lingual, and forgetting at times which language you are meant to be using. For example, I dont go over there anymore its full of grockels these days.. Submitted by TYI I. from Manhattan, NY, USA Do not talk to him again; he looks smarmy. In context, I cant come in, my shoes are all mucky.. Most commonly people use the word minging to describe something that smells bad. One of the best things about summer is firing up the barbecue and sipping some brews on a hot, sunny day. Any road - when you hear this, the person isn't asking you to pick a road! We use the symbol G when we want to write thousands in shorthand. Though it may seem strange at first, its pretty simple, it is constructed out of the expressions second word, in this case the way hook rhymes directly with look however, perhaps contrary to expectations, the word hook is often removed, so you may hear someone say have a butchers at this.. Hes making loads of moolah. It comes from the older English word faffle, which means to flap around in the wind. Distractions: Understanding the Biggest Productivity Killer, How to Deal With Work Stress in a Healthy Way, How Sleep Meditation Can Calm Your Nighttime Anxiety, 30 Meaningful Non-Toy Gifts for Kids This Christmas, The Power of Leverage in Leading the Life You Want, 6 Practical Ways to Boost Your Mental Fitness, Time Poverty: What To Do If You Feel Time Poor, How to Live a Full Life (Without Compromising on What Truly Matters), Achieving Goals: The Ultimate Guide to Goal Achieving & Goal Setting in 2022, What Is Motivation And How To Get Motivated (Your Ultimate Guide), How to Increase Mental Focus and Stay Sharp, How To Get Fit If You Have a Busy Schedule, What Is Motivation And How To Get Motivated, What Is Procrastination And How To Stop It, Achieving Goals: The Ultimate Guide to Goal Achieving & Goal Setting in 2023, Why Am I So Tired And How To Boost My Energy. The first form of this is far more common, and is sometimes used internationally. Want to Practice Speaking English with a Native Speaker? In the nineteenth century, people needed to give a penny to use public washrooms in England. Chockablock 13. For example, You messed up the Rutherford order? Bodge something 6. FluentU is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Pea-souper 18. And the best place to get some is in your local chippy. See also, Another London term, for someone or something that is attractive or desirable. You can find out more about rhyming Cockney slang by checking out this video by YouTuber iswearenglish: It means that something is unpleasant. Shes absolutely minted, mate. When someone in England, especially in London, takes the subway train to go somewhere, they usually use this expression. But wait before you tighten your seat belts, there is a catch. A crude term for urinating. Do you want to come round my gaff?. "I'm absolutely gutted". This place is much better than the last one, innit? An arse is your rear end (not to be confused with an ass, which is a donkey). Normally used together with "a bit". Submitted by Derek D. from Astoria, NY, USA London slang for the area youre from. For example, Mrs Walkers pie was absolutely scrummy. Someone who is a bit stupid or annoying. on Mar 13 2002. To be happy or satisfied with something. 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. Submitted by Walter Rader (Editor) from Sacramento, CA, USA Anorak: A person who knows a lot about a particular . It's mostly used by CP (which we saw above) while they are watching their favourite couple in a Chinese drama etc. A mancould be compared to the American term 'dude'. 2. For example, His girlfriend broke up with him. A not so polite way to ask someone to go away. From "bourgeois." Bugger all a British slang term used to be a more vulgar synonym for nothing at all. General British Slang Bloke Meaning: A man. Ledge 10. A word that is popular in the north and amongst youngsters. This expression refers to that time. Bants 4. Example in written form: In my new job Ill be earning 75K a year. ALL IN FAVO(U)R OF THIS BRITISH VS. AMERICAN ENGLISH QUIZ. Submitted by Rob H. from Newton, MA, USA 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. Gutted a British slang term that is one of the saddest on the lists in terms of pure contextual emotion. 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. Sign up for our weekly newsletters and get: By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions A black eye. Another rather delightful and slightly archaic words in this list of British slang terms is kerfuffle. Yes, British people have a lot of slang words for money. Butchers hook is just another way to tell someone to look. Possibly caused by telling someone to shut their gob. It can refer to your actual family but its often just how youll greet a friend. It is used to emphasize almost anything! Thus "feet whips" refers to expensive shoes (the "cars" of your feet). Rugby, another popular sport which the British invented only for everyone else to beat them at it. Ill be with you in a jiffy. "Oh he doesn't float my boat " 10. Lost in the Pond | British accent. 14 Online English Speaking Courses to Become a Confident English Speaker, How to Greatly Improve Your English Pronunciation in 15 Steps, Improve Your English Listening Skills: 19 Tips for Getting Better Faster. When someone spends a lot of time doing very little work, it is called faffing. So, sit back and enjoy the ride! It is believed these terms were imported from India by returning servicemen. Blimey is used to show excitement, surprise or shock. Crazy. I prefer taking the Tube to go to work every day. Last edited on Jul 11 1997. For example, The birthday party went all to pot when the clown turned up drunk and everyone was sick from that cheap barbecue stuff.. The most commonly used slang term for a pound is a, This expression has negative connotations, so, If youre in London you may overhear many other terms for money and many of these will come from, Some of the London slang for money is based on animals thought to have originally appeared on ruppe banknotes. See also galdem. Skive (Pronounced sky-ve)a British slang term used to indicate when someone has failed to turn up for work or an obligation due to pretending to fake illness. The slow way to perfection is years of study and practice; the fast way is to put it into the hands of our professional editors! Look at that!. Unlike most rhyming slang expressions, it is still in semi-popular use both in London and outside. A British slang term for money. Coming originally from Caribbean English, its most prevalent in London. It's the equivalent to an arm and a leg in English, which realistically sound much more expensive than sweets. Have you ever overheard some rather strange terms for money? 1. It is another way of saying that you will be back soon. "I BET THAT COST A BOMB". Gagging 17. Cheers. Cockney Slang uses language in one of the most interesting ways, by rhyming with . Example: Jack is my best mate, we've been friends since we were kids. U.K. slang is nothing if not interesting! A major effort. Also used as an adjective in parts of northern England to mean "fantastic": Thats grand. The term comes from the old English word guiser.. Don't be such a plonker. An informal term that stands for or means something else than its literal meaning; a shorter way to say a word or phrase May imply that the person is showing off. Its a bit nippy out, isnt it!. Press the power button, type the password and Bobs your uncle, you can use the computer now. To take a chance on something. For example, that meal was proper tasty or sometimes that was proper., One of the most commonly-used British phrases, rubbish is used to mean both general waste and trash, and to also express disbelief in something to the point of ridicule (in this sense it is a much-more PG-friendly version of bollocks. Bowler It's important to represent your ends. Excuse me for a moment; I just need to spend a penny. No-one can snark quite like they do, and there are certain turns of phrase that are so utterly delightful, the rest of the world really should sit up and take note. To make instant noodles, just add hot water and Bobs your uncle, they are ready. Unlike bars, they open in the morning, often serve food, and normally have at least one resident drunk. 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. Ahhh, English. Citation from "Episode 3", Little Britain (TV, 2004), Season 2 Episode 3 blacked out to resolve Google's penalty against this site . 1. The minister has over-egged the pudding by talking about too many things at once in his speech. More common, and common in the north and southwest England. Thats a lovely wee doggie youve got there. This expression has negative connotations, so filthy lucre would refer to money that has been illegally acquired. 2. Some have claimed that "tom" meaning a prostitute derives from "Thomas More" equalling "w h o r e". Submitted by Anthony from Hazlet, NJ, USA Can also mean to pass something with flying colors. No other language in the world has been as bastardised as this one! "Quid" is British slang for "pound". This classic British insult literally means that someone masturbates, but is used much like pillock and tosser. The phrase comes from the expression, its cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey. If youre interested in languages and slangs, you shouldnt miss these articles: Featured photo credit: Pixabay via pixabay.com. Cor blimey, did you see that? For more usage examples, check out this instructive video by British rapper Bigz. However, here are a few examples: Safe, sorted, sound, cool or wicked all mean That's good or I understand. Oh, sod off, wont you?. Meaning to vomit or to be sick, chunder is almost always used in correlation with drunken nights, or being hugely ill and sick. 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. on Mar 08 2002. A multi-purpose word which can be used as a toast, to thank someone or even say goodbye. This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you Over-egg the pudding 21. I avoid the morning traffic that way. If a British person tells you theyre off to spend a penny and then they promptly disappear, its because theyre actually going to the toilet. Baccy Meaning: Tobacco. The word relates to the way a goose (a male goose is called a gander) cranes its neck to look at something. Fancy The Beatles were Scousers, for example. Similar to a pillock, a tosser is someone who is annoying or a bit of an idiot. Mostly heard in London, this means "men". Hell be down the local. For example, busted can mean "broken" or "ugly," sick can mean "ill" or "very cool," and hip can mean "trendy" or "fashionably un-trendy.". on May 17 2002. meaning: beautiful; attractive. You probably dont need me to describe this, out of all British slang, this is by far the most popular and most commonly used. In anger you might say, oh bloody hell!, Or to use it as emphasis, thats bloody cool!. We use K (from kilo) when we write with digits but we also say it when speaking, so that phonetically it would sound like kay. 2. This means that something is incredibly expensive. Very wealthy. Our currency is officially known as the "pound sterling", but many more informal terms exist to describe money in the UK. on Oct 23 2012. Nice one, really.. What I mean is that this once mighty British Empire that more or less covered a quarter of the world's land surface could not ever have imagined that English would evolve to almost a million words - and almost every single one of them would be . A crazy person. on Dec 06 2002. The definitions of these slang words appear below the list. A more obscure British term, brass monkeys is used to refer to extremely cold weather. Best British Slang Terms and Phrases. a foolish or senseless person I knew I'd been an idiot to stay there. This is because, as you might have guessed from the title, there are a number of U.K. clothing words that are either not used stateside or are, at the very least, not very common. Mate You know you're living the UK when you hear this used like a comma. Stop slagging him off behind his back. But don't worry, we're going to help. Dench 7. A bender can last a significant amount of time, and involves large amounts of alcohol or drugs. Her Majesty's Pleasure - HMP, which is Her Majesty's Prison. QUIZ. Most commonly used with schoolchildren trying to get out of school, or dissatisfied office workers trying to pull a sick day. Last edited on Sep 15 2018. In this post we share the official and unofficial ways Brits refer to money. Fag This slang word for a cigarette has no pejorative associations in the UK, but causes all sorts of problems for Brits visiting the US. For example. And so there's a fair bet that, in some way or another, clothes are going to come up quite routinely in conversation. If someone is annoying you, you can tell them: "shut your gob". The difference is that people from the UK also use "cheers" to mean "thank you". So, quids in means that someone has made moneyusually more than what they expectedfrom something.