", Someone that comes across as scheming or untrustworthy might be described as "smarmy. For example, you might say a chair has a wonky leg. "You look nice. ", "I'm going to make us spaghetti carbonara for dinner. The term probably came about due to the fact that it rhymes with "knacker." A "botch job" can also refer to anything that's been done haphazardly, like a work assignment. "And did you see that equalizing goal in the last minute of injury time? Others believe the word is a contraction of the 17th century phrase "by our lady," and is blasphemous. U.K. slang is nothing if not interesting! Something that is "long" is probably also annoying or aggravating. "Skiving" is theact of avoiding work or school, often by pretending to be ill. "Skive" is derived from the French "esquiver," meaning "to slink away. 4. Barmy. "I wangled some first-class seats by being nice to the cabin crew!". If you're heading off on a holiday to the United Kingdom, it'll be handy to have certain British slang definitions down pat. Unrelatedly, "Clangers" was also a children's TV show from the 1970s about pink mouse-like creatures that lived on the moon. Dodgy: Suspicious, dubious. When they were working on the factory floor, employees had to wear hard clogs to protect their feet. "Shhh, he's on the dog and bone.". Some believe it's derived from the Dutch word "blute," meaning "bare." I'm cream crackered.". The action of chatting away with thejaw bobbing up and down resembles a chin "wagging" like a dog's tail. ", "She's come down with the dreaded lurgy. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. "Don't get caught, or you'll end up in the Nick!". Afghanistan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq took three wickets as Lucknow Super Giants restricted Royal Challengers Bangalore to 126/9 in IPL 2023. I want to receive exclusive email updates from YourDictionary. Others believe the word is a contraction of the 17th century phrase "by our lady," and is blasphemous. The word could be a variation of "toddle" like a young child's first steps. "Do we have to go to the dinner party tonight? Although this sounds like an analogy about the chemistry of baking, or putting too many eggs in a cake batter, "egg" actually comes from the Anglo Saxon "eggian," meaning to "excite." 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. 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. Don't over-egg the pudding. Budge up and make some room for us, too!". However, other people believe that "shirty" has connotations of being disheveled. He popped his clogs, didn't he", Not referring to actual poppies, this quintessentially British idiom derives from the Dutch "pap" and "kak," which translate as "soft" and "dung.". The meaning of this slang has been debated at length. . "Tinkle" refers to a phone's ring, while "blower" is slang or telephone and refers to the device that predated phones on Naval ships. Something that is "bog-standard" is completely ordinary with no frills, embellishments, or add-ons. To "faff" is to waste time doing very little. This probably originates from the "uncool" appearance of anorak coats and the people wearing them. Men's urinals were free of charge. "Cack" isold-fashioned slang for faeces. IPL 2023: LSG's Naveen-ul-Haq registers his career-best IPL figures 56 Delightful Victorian Slang Terms You Should Be Using Just your bog-standard dorm, really.". "He really cocked up his job interview when he mentioned that he'd shagged the boss's daughter." Collywobbles: Nervousness; butterflies in the stomach. This is more commonly known in the US as "Murphy's law. Another word for screw something up: to twist out of shape or distort | Collins English Thesaurus "Skiving" is the act of avoiding work or school, often by pretending to be ill. "Skive" is derived from the French "esquiver," meaning "to slink away. 47 British Slang Words And Phrases To Read Over A Cuppa - Scary Mommy Benders can last over 24 hours, and so you might say that someone is on "a weekend bender," or a "three-day bender. "Over-egging the pudding" means embellishing or over-doing something to the extent that it's detrimental to the finished product. Bird. Do you know anyone that might be interested?". Kecks: a bread rolhang on, no, trousers. Synonyms miss, mistake, slip, fault, Guide To British Slang: 40+ Common British Phrases and Words As an English speaker, it's nice to travel to countries where you can understand the language, like England, Scotland or Ireland. "Thomasis suchan anorak when it comes to train trivia.". This slang term could be a British abbreviation of the French "faux pas," meaning an embarrassing or tactless remark in a social situation. A "good old chinwag" is a good chat, catch-up, or gossip with someone. After "The Full Monty" film was released in 1997, there was some international confusion over the phrase in which it was taken as aeuphemism for stripping. ", Someone that lacks common knowledge might be described as "dim," whilst someone that's intelligent might be described as "bright.". If you're "splashing out," it's implied that you're spending money on a treat to mark a special occasion or celebration. A "good old chinwag" is a good chat,catch up, or gossip with someone. 11. ", "Give me a call" or "ring me." Something that is "tickety-boo" is satisfactory and in good order. If you've "wangled" something, you've accomplished or attained something through cunning means. 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. 100+ Smashing British Slang Words and Terms to Know So, if you're "ready for the knacker's yard," you're exhausted beyond relief. However, "the full Monty" actually refers to pursuing something to the absolute limits. Its reported creator, British rapper Lethal Bizzle, elusivelytold the Guardian that the word "means anything you want. You must be chuffed.". 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. Barm: a bread roll. A "dog's dinner" is a mess or fiasco sometimes also referred to as a "dog's breakfast.". Its reported creator, British rapper Lethal Bizzle, elusivelytold the Guardian that the word "means anything you want. 75 Simple British Slang Phrases You Should Probably Start Using "Be careful when you're driving it's a pea-souper out there.". sarcastic, unsympathetic, and often rather drunk. "Faff" comes from the 17th century word "faffle," which means to flap about in the wind. "Be careful when you're driving it's a pea-souper out there.". ", Similar to "nerd" or "geek" but less derogatory someone that takes academic study very seriously might be described as a "swot. 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." Although it's more often used as a synonym for raincoat, an anorak is something slightly different in playground slang. ", Something unpleasant, unappetising, or highly unattractive might be described as "minging.". . ", "Oh. 3. "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. "Oh, nothing exciting to report. "A bacon sandwich and a builder's tea. "Over-egging the pudding" means embellishing or over-doing something to the extent that it's detrimental to the finished product. 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. Have a gander I believe this expression originates in the English county of Cheshire. Although no one is completely sure of the word's origins, it could derive from the words "cod" and "wallop," which historically meant "imitation" and "beer" respectively -- implying that "codswallop" is the kind of rubbish you make up when drunk. The origins of the word are widely disputed. Meaning: An adjective used to describe someone who is mad or odd. Cheers. Your grasp of the slang portion of British English won't be complete unless you master a few of the most common U.K. slang exclamations and expressions. Dench is the equivalent of "solid" or "cool" when used in response to someone else. 50 Must-Know British Slang Words and Phrases. "Grab your brolly, it's drizzling outside. However, other people believe that "shirty" has connotations of being dishevelled. 23 Brilliant British Expressions to Blend in with the Brits ", Benders often last over 24 hours, and so you might say that someone is on "a weekend bender," or a "three-day bender. Therefore, if you're "having a butchers," you're having a look at something. "Don't you worry, Alan, I'm on it like a car bonnet.". "Wind your neck in and stop being so nosy! ", "What's happened here? Screw something up Synonyms | Collins English Thesaurus This is an England expression for something that takes you by surprise and is something you might often hear on Doctor Who. An adjective used to advocate something that is impressive or agreeable, dench is the equivalent of "solid" or "cool" when used in response to someone else. Bloody is an adverb used to show anger or surprise. The action of chatting away with thejaw bobbing up and down resembles a chin "wagging" like a dog's tail. It's nice to know what the locals are saying, and it makes it a lot easier to have a conversation without looking (and feeling) like a dolt! Knackered: tired, but very. ", "Hey, there's loads of room on that bench. Some entries also feature surprising facts aboutthe phrase's origins, with a few quintessentially British idiomsnot actually coming from British roots at all. "You signed that contract? 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. I'm slumped. To "faff" is to waste time doing very little. Historically, only women would announce they were going to "spend a penny," as only women's public toilets required a penny to lock. Historically, "gallant" described someone brave or valiant, so "gallivanting" is a carefree and confident act. It can also refer to someone already asleep or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. "When are we going to eat? When they were working on the factory floor, employees had to wear hard clogs to protect their feet. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. "The dreaded lurgy" originates from 1950s British TV show "The Goon Show," in which one character has to deal with a national epidemic of an unidentified illness. A 'cock up' is a mistake, a failure of large or epic proportions. However, there is no proof for this theory. "Pinch punch, first of the month. Nowadays, it's mostly a way for kids to pull pranks on their friends. 2. Open yourself up to the delights of the English language, especially the variety that's spoken where English got its start. ", Making random words past-tense to mean drunk, Brits are known for favouring a drink or two, so much so that almost any noun can be used as a substitute for "drunk. Jonathon Green, Chambers Slang Dictionary (2008) provides three meanings for the verb phrase piss up, none of them very similar to Ayto & Simpson's definition: piss up v. 1 {1960s-1970s} ( U.S.) to vomit 2 see PISS OFF v. (2) ["to annoy"]. If you're going to have a roast, have the full Monty! Someone that's "on the pull" has gone out, usually on a night out, with the intention of attracting a sexual partner. Someone silly or incompetent might be described as a wally. 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. ", "He's going on a date with Amber? Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter. Check out these British slang words and phrases from England, Scotland and Wales. To "gallivant" means to roam, or to set off on an expedition, with the sole intention of having some light-hearted fun. RCB, who were 62/0 at one stage, suffered a batting collapse. Now that's a proper breakfast.". Mad as a hatter: madstemming from back in the day when hatters used a manufacturing process for felt that, indeed, made them mad (mercury poisoning) Gormless: clueless; slow witted. This is still used in English in the phrase "egging someone on" to do something. In the 17th century, to "waff" went to yelp, and that quickly evolved to mean to talk foolishly or indecisively. It's usually used to describe a woman between the ages of 18 and 50, particularly one who is attractive. An adjective used to advocate something that is impressive or agreeable, dench is the equivalent of "solid" or "cool" when used in response to someone else. Some believe it's derived from the Dutch word "blute," meaning "bare." "What did you do on your day off from work? ", "Miffed" possibly derives from the German "muffen," meaning "to sulk. If someone has done something highly irritating or surprisingin an exasperating fashion, you might say that they've "taken the biscuit. Do you know anyone who might be interested? This cheery phrase is widely believed to originate from Northern factory workers around the time of the industrial revolution. This is a shambles! ", 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. If you've "wangled" something, you've accomplished or attained something through cunning means. "I'm trying to flog my old sofa. Geezer is thought to stem from the 15th century "guiser," which meant well-dressed. "Innit" is an abbreviation of "isn't it" most commonly used amongst teenagers and young people. as well as other partner offers and accept our, Martin Rler/EyeEm/ master1305/Getty Images, Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures, Bildagentur-online/Universal Images Group via Getty Images, Andrew Francis Wallace/Toronto Star via Getty Images, no one is completely sure of the word's origins. Every language has a few phrases that don't always translate well and the British English has some absolute corkers. However, other people believe that "shirty" has connotations of being dishevelled. mess up, cock up (British, slang), mishandle, fuck up (offensive, taboo, slang), mismanage, muff, make a hash of (informal), make a nonsense of, bodge (informal), misfield, crool or cruel (Australian, slang) in the sense of fumble Definition the act of fumbling Fans cheered a fumble by the home team's star. Someone silly or incompetent might be described as a wally. Not to be confused with literallybeing disembowelled, someonethat says they're "gutted" is devastated or extremely upset. Is that ham and tuna? A British slang word for "nonsense," codswallop came about because of Hiram Codd, a soda salesman who developed a bottle with a glass marble stopper in it and when the bottle was shaken, the carbonation pushed the marble into the neck and formed a seal. This phrase could be a reference to coffee beans, although these claims have been disputed. 2023 LoveToKnow Media. Some people think the expression actually derives from the British term for mouth, "gob," and the shock-inducing sight that results from someone hitting it. "Mortal" describes someone highly intoxicated or drunk in a sloppy manner. ", An act which could be deemed as impolite or shameless, but for some reason comes across as funny or endearing to others, would be described as "cheeky. Now that's a proper breakfast.". Each term is partnered with a description and example. ", 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. Talk Like a Brit With Our Favorite British Slang Words ", "Par" can also be used as a verb, eg, "You just got parred.". In the 1960s, someone that was unfashionable might be nicknamed a "wally," according to dictionary.com. "Quid" is British slang for "pounds," eg, "five quid" means 5. "Mortal" describes someone highly intoxicated or drunk in a sloppy manner. Men's urinals were free of charge. Bender. ", Brits are known for favouring a drink or two, so much so thatalmost any noun can be used as a substitute for "drunk. Crumpet: A sexually desirable person. "Faff" comes from the 17th century word "faffle," which means to flap about in the wind. Privacy Policy. ", 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. The first type is the one you have with your boss, teacher, and other official discussions. So, if you're "ready for the knacker's yard," you're exhausted beyond relief. "Don't put down a leaking mug on top of the newspaper, you wally!". Like a local: 11 bits of London slang you should know Schoolkidsmight call "bagsy" on items from their friends' pack lunches, like an apple or a cereal bar, thatthe friend isn't going to eat. Others believe the word is a contraction of the 17th-century phrase "by our lady," and is blasphemous. To "take the Mickey" means to take liberties at the expense of others -- and can be used in both a lighthearted and an irritated fashion. "By getting pregnant, Mary threw a spanner in the works.". ", If someone has done something highly irritating or surprising in an exasperating fashion, you might say that they've "taken the biscuit.". By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider 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 andunspecial. 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. It's most often used to say something is unsatisfactory, like "blows" or "reeks," rather than actual trash. ", "Yeah, he's been swotting like mad for his Spanish exam. ", Examples include "trollied," "smashed," and "gazeboed. ", Someone short-tempered or irritated might be described as "shirty.". "Is it just me or is that painting a bit skew-whiff?". An earlier version of this story was written by Bobbie Edsor. The term is usually used to refer to a nap, but it can also mean a long sleep. "Those twoare having a proper chinwag I haven't been able to get a word in edgeways for half an hour!". Stop faffing around and start doing your homework. ", "I heard you got the promotion. A gaffe is another word for "mistake" or "blunder.". "Would you take a butchers at this broken bike for me? Nowadays, "bloody" is used widely it's even used in children's films such as "Harry Potter" andis arguably one of the most quintessentially British words on the list. The phrase describes the mayhem caused when something is recklessly thrown into the intricate gears and workings of a machine. Something that is "long" is probably also annoying or aggravating. "Be careful when you're driving -- it's a pea-souper out there.". However, there is no proof for this theory. "What are you up to this weekend? A phrase is whispered around a circleand the last person to hear the phrase has to guess what the initial phrase was. We've got a party at our gaff, if you fancy it?". "What are you up to this weekend? From our linguistic research, we've confirmed that above all, British people are sarcastic, unsympathetic, and often rather drunk. 100 Brilliantly British Slang Words and Phrases - Content-Writing It's Sod's law. Cock up - a mistake, as a verb "to cock up" is to make a mistake. This is more commonly known in the US as "Murphy's law. . "The Nick" can refer to prison, while "to nick" also means to steal. Don't be alarmed if a Londoner tells you to go up the apples and pears - they haven't lost their mind or grasp of the English language, they're just talking about going up stairs. 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. Geezer is thought to stem from the 15th century "guiser," which meant well-dressed. Bob's your uncle you're driving!". Oxford Language Club "We should've taken the other route. 3. To run away. ", "He's obsessed with anything that happens on this street. Nowadays, it's mostly a way for kids to pull pranks on their friends. "Did you see Scott last night? No collection of slang would be complete without casual terminology used for nouns that are common among those who speak the language or dialect. 7 essential British slang words to know before your trip - Evan Evans Tours ", Someone that comes across as scheming or untrustworthy might be described as "smarmy. 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. An obvious and indiscreet mistake or blunder. This classic phrase is another way of telling someone that their opinion is not appreciated in the given scenario. "Those two are having a proper chinwag -- I haven't been able to get a word in edgeways for half an hour! Since then, the phrase has evolved and refers to something at the "height of cool. A slap and a kick for being so quick!". "Our Christmas dinner had everything from sprouts to Yorkshire puddings. 8. "We get it you've injured yourself. 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. "Taking the biscuit" is the equivalent of taking the nonexistent medal for foolishness or incredulity. To "take the Mickey" means to take liberties at the expense of others and can be used in both a lighthearted and an irritated fashion. It works. "And did you see thatequalising goal in the last minute of injury time? ", Someone on a spree of excessive drinking and mischief is "on a bender. A "pea-souper" is a thick fog, often with a yellow or black tinge, caused by air pollution. It works." It works." Examples include . " shift your leg love Its Interfering with me spam " by El Cholo June 3, 2004 Get the three up mug. "That's when all of the lights came on, and so we legged it.". "Goodness, you're full of beans this morning!". Bloke "The dreaded lurgy" originates from 1950s British TV show "The Goon Show," in which one character has to deal with a national epidemic of an unidentified illness. The phrase was first documented in the BBC's "Lenny Henry Christmas Special" in 1987. 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. According to the Metro, the playground ritual originates from the medieval times, when a "pinch" of salt was believing to make witches weak, and the "punch" resembled banishing the witches entirely. Someone that lacks common sense might be described as "a few sandwiches short of a picnic.". 27 Common British And Their Meaning - Bscholarly "Pinch punch, first of the month. A "knacker" was the person that slaughtered worn-out horses in the 19th and 20th centuries for their meat, hoofs, and hide. "That guy's got suchswagger he's a proper geezer. Although it's more often used as a synonym for raincoat, an anorak is something slightly different in playground slang. Marvin played guitar in Cliff Richard's backing band in the 1960s. 40 Slides. To "whinge" means to moan, groan, and complain in an irritating or whiney fashion. ", "I heard you got the promotion. "We get it -- you've injured yourself. 6. British Slang Words and Phrases - Tandem "Thomas is such an anorak when it comes to train trivia.". Although it sounds crude, the phrase is actually considered a polite way of announcing that you are going to visit the bathroom. ", "Give me a call" or "ring me." "Don't put down a leaking mug on top of the newspaper, you wally!". The origins of the word are widely disputed. The phrase is sometimes shortened to "give me a tinkle.". Barmy. It's used most commonly when you're trying to get out of a situation by physically running away. According to the Metro, the playground ritual originates from the medieval times, when a "pinch" of salt was believing to make witches weak, and the "punch" resembled banishing the witches entirely. "That guy's got such swagger -- he's a proper geezer. "Hank Marvin" is Cockney rhyming slang for "starving. The word could be a variation of "toddle" -- like a young child's first steps. Yes! Something untrue -- often made up for dramatic effect. British Slang That Will Confuse Anybody Who Didn't Grow up in the UK 04. ", "I bumped into him towards the end of his four-day bender.