Being nicked refers to being caught by the police and arrested. It was blatant that they were cheating. 1. In American English, you'd probably hear a "wow" instead.In use: "Blimey, it's late! phrase often used in the South and London regions that describes a big party, packed with drinking and dancing. common British slang term used to describe bartering someone down or negotiating a particular price. 60 British phrases that will confuse anybody who didn't grow up in the UK. 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. "Thomasis suchan anorak when it comes to train trivia.". The second highest definition in Urban Dictionary is the London one: High Tea - Less formal than afternoon Tea - usually a late afternoon . For example if you are telling someone how to make that fabulous banoffee pie you just served them, you would tell them to boil the condensed milk for three hours, spread it onto a basic cheesecake base, slice bananas on top, add some whipped double cream, another layer of banana and Bob's your uncle! Do it that way, and Bobs your uncle!. 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,". British slang refers to "unconventional words or phrases" the Brits use to express either something new or something old in a new way. ", "We should've taken the other route. 84. UK Slang Words Every Student Should Know - Casita Invented by market traders and street merchants, Cockney Rhyming Slang was probably first used to disguise what was being said by passers-by. 86. Lived in England (2005-2009) 11 mo. 30. Other conditions may apply. I cant be arsed to go to work today. 10. "He handles a screwdriver very cack-handedly. Do it that way, and Bobs your uncle!. word used to describe something that was truly exceptional. Around the same time, the word "cod" was a little-known slang term for a . Someone silly or incompetent might be described as a wally. slightly negative term used for someone who repeatedly makes mistakes or is particularly gullible and will believe anything. Im absolutely gutted. GET reserves the right to validate bookings and will remove any additional offers added online that are not combinable. 62. Andes Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com Rubbishmulti-use term that can either describe your household waste or something that was very bad or below expectations. "In use: "Wash your face& brush your Newtons because it's time for bed. "Be careful when you're driving it's a pea-souper out there.". Nick aBritish term used to steal something. From ends one who is "from the streets" and so knows what's going on.. 3. The very British equivalent to "Hey presto!" you were legless last night!. Splash out and treat yourself, you only live once!. I do think that most Americans cottoned on this word a while ago as being very British. term used to describe something that is not very good. Schoolkidsmight call "bagsy" on items from their friends' pack lunches, like an apple or a cereal bar, thatthe friend isn't going to eat. The bees knees a British slangterm used to describe something that is better than anything else or is the pinnacle of their profession. Some believe it's derived from the Dutch word "blute," meaning "bare." "Faff" comes from the 17th century word "faffle," which means to flap about in the wind. Dude, the party was lit last night. his is a term used to describe something that is a guaranteed success. Hitting the bullseye was such a fluke!. Fancy a pint after work?, 10. That was a right spanner in the works that I didnt see coming., common British term used to describe spending more money than you should have to treat yourself or a loved one. For example, 'Jenny is ace at the lab experiments', or, for the latter definition, 'I think I aced that exam'. friendly term used to describe someone who is incessantly talking and mentioning things that are not relevant. phrase commonly used to describe having a friendly chat or gossip with close friends and family. Visit the UK and keep your ears open for new phrases to add to your list. n old English phrase used when someone is beginning to push their luck or push their boundaries. "The full Monty" historically refers to an old tailor called Sir Montague Burton. The name of a strongly-brewed cup of English breakfast tea with milk the way that tea is most commonly drunk in the UK. Spanner in the works an event that disrupts your plans. light-hearted British term referring to someone who does something stupid or says something that is incorrect. 40. 5 Must Know British Slang Terms | British Council Foundation Indonesia Waffle afriendly term used to describe someone who is incessantly talking and mentioning things that are not relevant. Although its origins are largely debated, the term's meaning has evolved over the last 50 years alone. Stag Night this is the name given to the boys-only night out for a groom to be. That was wicked!. Minted is a British term typically used to describe someone who is wealthy and has a large amount of money, Theyre minted. Ive got no time for your pork pies. So, when youve completely tired out or just cant go on, youre knackered!In use: "Sorry I'm late, Tom and I flew in last night, and I'm knackered! 55. ", Interpretation: In the UK, the word "pants" typically refers to underwear. It works. plonker. Are you going to the footy?. Noshrefers to a hearty plate of food that is very tasty. 35. I'll Give You What For! Penis. Its all hunky-dory!. is a British term typically used to describe someone who is wealthy and has a large amount of money, Theyre minted. 85. ", Interpretation: A beer. 9 British slang words you need to know GO Blog | EF United States Shambles this is a term used to refer to something that is in disarray or in a mess. I was plastered last night!, 72. ", "I was absolutely car-parked last night. 29. ", "Sod's law" is often used to explain bad luck or freakish acts of misfortune. Thanks Hugh and Martine. "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. "She's great fun, but she's a few sandwiches short of a picnic.". 5 British slang words to know - The Gymglish blog A phrase is whispered around a circleand the last person to hear the phrase has to guess what the initial phrase was. 92. trendy, stylish, fashionable among young people honky a derogatory term in black American slang for a white person hood (1) a neighbourhood, especially in a poor, urban area hoops the game of basketball pimp (2) | pimp out to customize or renovate something; to make something flashier or more appealing rap (2) to recite lyrics over a rhythmic beat 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. British Slang That Will Confuse Anybody Who Didn't Grow up in the UK 2. ", Interpretation: Short for public house, apub is a place to meet and drink pints and grab some nosh. Plastered Another British slang term for being drunk. Im a bit cheesed off they never called me on my birthday. One of the most effective ways to learn British slang and to pick up those phrases and terms to make you sound like a modern British person is to spend time with English speakers. Im cream crackered!. So, if you're "ready for the knacker's yard," you're exhausted beyond relief. ", "Hey, there's loads of room on that bench. 12. It's British slang for "toilet", and dates from the 19th century. ", 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. translates to Im starving and apples and pears to stairs. Tinker - Wikipedia Chuffed this is used to describe feeling very pleased and proud of something either you did, or a close friend accomplished. Afternoon Tea - A Formal meal where one sits down with cucumber sandwiches, pastries, and fine tea. A cockney rhyming phrase that is typically used to describe being worn out and extremely tired mentally and physically. Although Merriam-Webster is a dictionary of American English, it contains a range of words rarely heard outside Britain. If you're really delighted about something you can even be chuffed to bits. phrase used to describe something that was truly excellent and superior to anything else. i.e. Think twice before you ask someone if they know a good place to get some food. British term used to refer to the money used to describe bribing someone. Even different parts of the same city can use diverse terms and accents. Categories: add yours British noun. 12 Famous British Slang Words and Expressions to Learn Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. It could be a person that foils the plans or the lost wallet right before a road trip, regardless, its best to keep spanners out of the works. 40 Quirky British Slang Words - Meanings of Popular Britishisms. Bagsy the front seat of the car. A "chav" is a young hooligan, particularly of lower socioeconomic status, who acts aggressively. (As in, this article is smashing.). Although it sounds crude, the phrase is actually considered a polite way of announcing that you are going to visit the bathroom. Banging acommon phrase that is used to describe something very good or of high quality. That was a bit of a botch job. Butty this is a phrase typically used in the south of the country and refers to a sandwich. 31. ", 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. Cockney rhyming slang for "knackered," if you're "cream crackered" then you're incredibly tired. On your bike, mate. ", Interpretation: An alternative to "very" or "extremely. 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 Britishphrases in alphabetical order that will confuse anybody who didn't grow up in the UK. British Sayings Guide: Slang, Funny Idioms, and Phrases - Matador Network 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. common abbreviation for Isnt it. Typically used in London, it has expanded to other regions of the country. PANTS as British slang can be used in a couple of ways. That was a complete shambles. However, over time words have gradually been made simpler and easier to say (because human's got lazy).