60 British phrases that will confuse anybody who didn’t grow up in the UK
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From “chockablock” to a “full Monty,” the Brits have a variety of attention-grabbing phrases.
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You do not wish to be described as “dim,” “a mug,” or “a couple of sandwiches wanting a picnic.”
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Should you’re “zonked” or “cream crackered,” you would possibly wish to take a nap.
An earlier model of this story was written by Bobbie Edsor.
“A couple of sandwiches wanting a picnic” means somebody who lacks frequent sense.
The phrase was first documented within the BBC’s “Lenny Henry Christmas Particular” in 1987.
“She’s nice enjoyable, however she’s a couple of sandwiches wanting a picnic.”
“Anorak” refers to somebody who’s a bit of bit geeky, with sturdy pursuits or experience in a distinct segment space.
Though it is extra usually used as a synonym for raincoat, an anorak is one thing barely totally different in playground slang. This phrase in all probability originates from the “uncool” look of anorak coats and the individuals carrying them.
“Thomas is such an anorak in terms of prepare trivia.”
“Bagsy” is the equal of calling “shotgun” or “dibs” when one thing, just like the entrance seat of the automotive or meals, is obtainable as much as a bunch.
Faculty youngsters would possibly name “bagsy” on objects of their mates’ pack lunches, like an apple or a cereal bar, that the pal is not going to eat.
“Does anybody need thi—”
“Bagsy!”
“Bee’s knees” refers to one thing on the “peak of cool.”
This phrase grew to become mainstream within the USA within the Twenties regardless of its British origins, however its reputation within the States has dwindled because the flip of the century.
The “bee’s knees” referred to small or insignificant particulars when it was first documented within the 18th century. Since then, the phrase has advanced and refers to one thing well-liked or cool.
“The Beatles are the bee’s knees.”
A “bender” is an prolonged interval of consuming, often in extra.
Somebody on a spree of extreme consuming and mischief is “on a bender.” Benders can final over 24 hours, and so that you would possibly say that somebody is on “a weekend bender,” or a “three-day bender.”
“I ran into him in direction of the tip of his four-day bender. He was a wreck.”
A “fowl” is a casual phrase for a woman or younger lady.
Whereas the phrase is misogynistic in nature, it is nonetheless generally used. It is often used to explain a girl between the ages of 18 and 50, significantly one who’s enticing.
“Take a look at that fowl over there. She’s match.”
To “pull a blinder” entails attaining one thing troublesome faultlessly and elegantly.
The phrase is most generally used when the person has been fortunate and the individual saying it’s in disbelief that the primary individual has managed to tug it off.
“And did you see that equalizing aim within the final minute of damage time? He pulled a blinder there.”
“Bloody” or “bleeding” is used so as to add emphasis to adjectives, just like how “depraved” is utilized in New England.
The origins of the phrase are extensively disputed. Some consider it is derived from the Dutch phrase “blute,” that means “naked.” Others consider the phrase is a contraction of the Seventeenth-century phrase “by our girl,” and is blasphemous.
This second concept has been disproved, nonetheless, by the slang’s first documentation predating the widespread use of the phrase “by our girl.”
These days, “bloody” is used extensively — it is even utilized in kids’s movies equivalent to “Harry Potter” — and is arguably one of the crucial quintessentially British phrases on the record.
“That was bloody good.”
“Bob’s your uncle” is the very British equal to “hey presto!” or “et voilá!”
This phrase is usually used to explain a course of that appears harder than it really is.
“Press down the clutch, put it into gear, then slowly ease off the clutch once more. Bob’s your uncle — you are driving!”
One thing that’s “bog-standard” is totally unusual with no frills, elaborations, or add-ons.
Its origins are considerably unclear, however a “bathroom” is one other phrase for a bathroom in British slang, including to the connotations that one thing “bog-standard” is unglamorous and unspecial.
“How was the hostel?” “Oh, nothing thrilling to report. Simply your bog-standard dorm, actually.”
The “boot” of a automotive is the trunk in American English.
A preferred pastime in the UK is attending or having your individual “automotive boot sale,” wherein individuals often promote knick-knacks and outdated private objects out of the again of their vehicles.
“Shove the buying within the boot.”
A “botch job” is a restore job that is been accomplished in a rush and can in all probability collapse moderately quickly.
A “botch job” also can discuss with something that is been performed haphazardly, like a piece project.
“Sam did a botch job on these cabinets — they’re wonky!”
A “brolly” is a shortened phrase for an umbrella.
On a wet day in London, you’d undoubtedly need a brolly available.
“Seize your brolly, it is drizzling exterior.”
“Budge up” is just like “scoot over” or “transfer over.”
A casual manner of asking somebody to make room the place they’re sitting so that you can sit down, too, can be asking them to “budge up.”
“Hey, there’s a great deal of room on that bench. Budge up and make some room for us, too!”
“Builder’s tea” is the title of a strongly brewed cup of English breakfast tea with milk and sugar.
It’s normal courtesy to supply a laborer or builder engaged on your home a builder’s tea whereas they’re working — particularly in the event that they’re understanding within the chilly. That is in all probability how the time period took place.
“A bacon sandwich and a builder’s tea. Now that is a correct breakfast.”
“Butcher’s hook” is Cockney rhyming slang for “look.”
Subsequently, should you’re “having a butchers,” you are taking a look at one thing.
“Would you’re taking a butchers at this damaged bike for me?”
“Cheeky” refers to an act that could possibly be deemed as rude or shameless, however for some purpose comes throughout as humorous or endearing to others.
“Being cheeky” means being humorous or humorous, however barely mischievous on the identical time.
“Joe’s kids are absolute rascals — they tied my shoelaces collectively final week!”
“These cheeky monkeys.”
A “chinwag” is a chat or dialog.
A “good outdated chinwag” is an efficient chat, catch-up, or gossip with somebody.
The motion of chatting away — with the jaw arising and down — resembles a chin “wagging” like a canine’s tail.
“These two are having a correct chinwag — I have never been capable of get a phrase in edgeways for half an hour!”
“Chockablock” could possibly be used to explain one thing that is full to the brim or rammed.
That is generally shortened to “chocka.” The phrase is most frequently used to explain heavy street site visitors.
“We must always’ve taken the opposite route. This street is chocka!”
“Happy” means overjoyed and stuffed with satisfaction.
Should you get a promotion or meet somebody particular, you would possibly describe your self as “happy.”
“I heard you bought the promotion. Congratulations! You have to be happy.”
“Codswallop” means one thing unfaithful, usually made up for dramatic impact.
Though nobody is totally certain of the phrase’s origins, it may derive from the phrases “cod” and “wallop,” which traditionally meant “imitation” and “beer” respectively — implying that “codswallop” is the type of garbage you make up when drunk.
“Oh, what a load of codswallop!“
“Cream crackered” is Cockney rhyming slang for “knackered,” or extremely drained.
The time period in all probability took place attributable to the truth that it rhymes with “knacker.” A “knacker” was the one that slaughtered worn-out horses within the nineteenth and twentieth centuries for his or her meat, hoofs, and conceal. So, should you’re “prepared for the knacker’s yard,” you are exhausted past aid.
“This week’s performed me in already, and it is solely Tuesday. I am cream crackered.”
“Dench” is an adjective used to advocate one thing that’s spectacular or agreeable.
Dench is the equal of “strong” or “cool” when utilized in response to another person.
Its reported creator, British rapper Deadly Bizzle, elusively instructed the Guardian that the phrase “means something you need.”
“I will make us spaghetti carbonara for dinner.”
“Dench.”
“Dim” refers to somebody who lacks frequent information.
Alternatively, somebody who’s clever is likely to be described as “vibrant.”
“She’s a bit dim.”
A “doddle” is a straightforward job.
The phrase could possibly be a variation of “toddle” — like a younger kid’s first steps.
“This will likely be a doddle.”
A “canine’s dinner” is a multitude or fiasco.
Additionally it is generally known as a “canine’s breakfast.”
“You have made a canine’s dinner of that paint job.”
To “faff” or “faff about” is to waste time doing little or no.
“Faff” comes from the Seventeenth-century phrase “faffle,” which implies to flap about within the wind.
“What did you do in your time without work from work?”
“We have been simply faffing about.”
“Match” is used to explain somebody bodily enticing, often referring to their physique.
Should you see somebody you discover enticing, you’d name them “match.”
“He is match.”
To “flog” means to promote one thing, often shortly and cheaply.
“Flogging” additionally refers to whipping a racehorse with a view to make it transfer quicker, so there may be some hypothesis into whether or not you flog items with a view to make them shift quicker, too. Nonetheless, there isn’t any proof for this concept.
“I am making an attempt to flog my outdated couch. Have you learnt anybody who is likely to be ?”
A “full Monty” refers to pursuing one thing to absolutely the limits.
After “The Full Monty” movie was launched in 1997, there was some worldwide confusion over the phrase, which it was taken as a euphemism for stripping. Nonetheless, “the complete Monty” now often refers to taking one thing so far as it will probably go, just like “the entire 9 yards.”
“The total Monty” traditionally refers to an outdated tailor referred to as Sir Montague Burton. Going “the complete Monty” meant buying a full three-piece swimsuit, a shirt, and all the trimmings.
“Our Christmas dinner had every part from sprouts to Yorkshire puddings. If you are going to have a roast, have the complete Monty!”
“Filled with beans” can be utilized to explain somebody who’s energetic, energetic, or enthusiastic.
This phrase could possibly be a reference to espresso beans, though these claims have been disputed.
“Goodness, you are stuffed with beans this morning!”
“Gaff” is a casual phrase for “residence.”
Though the origins of this phrase are largely unknown, a gaff within the 18th-century was a music corridor or theater, and so it is believed to derive from this.
“What are you as much as this weekend? We have a celebration at our gaff, should you fancy it?”
A “geezer” is a person who could possibly be described as “suave” or “dapper,” and is usually suited and booted.
Males from east London are additionally generally known as “geezers,” the place the time period is extra interchangeable with “lad.”
Geezer is assumed to stem from the fifteenth century “guiser,” which meant well-dressed.
“That man’s acquired such swagger — he is a correct geezer.”
“Gutted” means devastated or extraordinarily upset.
In case your favourite soccer group have been to lose, you would be “gutted.”
“I used to be completely gutted.”
“Innit” is an abbreviation of “is not it,” mostly used amongst youngsters and younger individuals.
This phrase is used to substantiate or agree with one thing that one other individual has simply stated.
“It is actually chilly immediately.”
“Innit.”
A “kip” is slang for a brief sleep or nap.
The time period is often used to discuss with a nap, however it will probably additionally imply an extended sleep.
“What an extended day. After we get residence, I will take a fast kip.”
“Leg it” means to make a run for it, run away, or escape.
It is used mostly if you’re making an attempt to get out of a state of affairs by bodily working away.
“That is when all the lights got here on, and so we legged it.”
“Miffed” means barely irritated or irritated.
“Miffed” probably derives from the German “muffen,” that means “to sulk.”
“I used to be a bit miffed, I can not lie.”
“Mint” is likely to be used when referring to one thing of the best caliber.
It is derived from “mint situation,” which refers to one thing pre-owned that retains its pristine situation — though one thing that is simply “mint” does not must be pre-owned.
“These footwear are mint!”
“Mortal” describes somebody extremely intoxicated or drunk in a sloppy method.
Derived from the Newcastle sociolect, “mortal” was made extensively recognized throughout the nation in 2011 by the fact TV present “Geordie Shore.”
“Did you see Scott final night time? He was mortal.”
A “mug” is somebody who has been made a idiot of.
“Mug” seemingly originated in London with Cockney slang. It means a silly, usually gullible, one who is definitely taken benefit of.
“You signed that contract? You are such a mug.”
In the identical vein, to “mug off” somebody is to make a idiot of them, often by deceiving or dishonest on them.
The phrase is frequent on the hit British actuality present “Love Island.”
“He is happening a date with Amber? I really feel so mugged off proper now.”
“You are mugging me off.”
To “nick” one thing means to steal it.
“The Nick” can discuss with a jail. The origins of the phrase are largely debated on-line, nonetheless, it is believed that “to nick” as in to steal influenced the slang time period for jail, as being imprisoned is just like being “stolen” away.
“Did you simply nick that?”
“Do not get caught, otherwise you’ll find yourself within the Nick!”
Somebody who’s “on the pull” has gone out, often on an evening out, with the intention of attracting a sexual accomplice.
“Pull” may also be used as a verb. Should you’ve “pulled,” you have kissed somebody.
“You look good. Are you happening the pull?”
“Pants” means one thing is garbage, trash, or rubbish.
It is most frequently used to say one thing is unsatisfactory, like “blows” or “reeks,” somewhat than precise trash.
“That’s pants.”
A “pea-souper” is a thick fog, usually with a yellow or black tinge, attributable to air air pollution.
The idiom was first used to explain the thick, choking smog that settled over London, attributable to plenty of individuals burning fossil fuels in shut neighborhood, as early as 1200.
The smogs have been in comparison with pea soup attributable to their shade and density.
“Watch out if you’re driving — it is a pea-souper on the market.”
To “pop your clogs” means to die.
This cheery phrase is extensively believed to originate from Northern manufacturing facility employees across the time of the economic revolution. After they have been engaged on the manufacturing facility flooring, staff needed to put on arduous clogs to guard their ft.
The thought is when somebody popped, or cocked, their clogs, the toes of the clogs pointed up within the air as they lay down lifeless.
“Did you hear what occurred to John’s outdated man? He popped his clogs, did not he…”
“Poppycock” means one thing that’s nonsense, garbage, or just unfaithful.
Not referring to precise poppies, this quintessentially British idiom derives from the Dutch “pap” and “kak,” which translate as “gentle” and “dung.”
“What a load of poppycock!”
“Quids in” means invested in one thing, generally — however not at all times — financially.
Somebody who’s “quids in” has invested in a possibility that’s in all probability going to profit them massively.
“Quid” is British slang for “kilos.” For instance, “5 quid” means £5.
“If all of it works out as deliberate, he’ll be quids in.”
“Shirty” could possibly be used to explain somebody who’s short-tempered or irritated.
The that means of this slang has been debated at size.
The phrase “shirt” is derived from the Norse for “quick,” therefore short-tempered. Nonetheless, different individuals consider that “shirty” has connotations of being matted.
“Do not get shirty with me, mister.”
“Skew-whiff” means askew.
It means actually tilted on one facet somewhat than barely off or uneasy, as askew can imply within the US.
“Is it simply me or is that portray a bit skew-whiff?”
To “skive” is to keep away from work or college, usually by pretending to be sick.
“Skive” is derived from the French “esquiver,” that means “to slink away.”
“He skived off college so we may all go to Thorpe Park on a weekday.”
“Smarmy” is used to explain somebody who comes throughout as scheming or untrustworthy.
Though the adjective’s origins stay largely unknown, early documented makes use of appear to make use of the phrase as synonymous with “smear,” additional suggesting that somebody who’s “smarmy” can also be “slick” or “slippery.”
“Do not belief him — he is a smarmy geezer.”
“Take the biscuit” is used equally to “take the cake.”
“Taking the biscuit” is the equal of taking the nonexistent medal for foolishness or incredulity.
If somebody has performed one thing extremely irritating or stunning in an exasperating trend, you would possibly say that they’ve “taken the biscuit.”
“I may nearly take care of the canine barking at 5:30 a.m., however the lawnmower at 3 a.m. actually takes the biscuit.”
To “take the Mickey” means to take liberties on the expense of others.
It may be utilized in each a lighthearted and an irritated trend.
“Take the Mickey” is an abbreviation of “taking the Mickey Bliss,” which is Cockney rhyming slang for “take the p***.”
“Hey! Do not take the Mickey.”
To “waffle” means to speak at size whereas not attending to the purpose.
When somebody makes a fantastic speech whereas skirting round a topic or saying little of any worth, you would possibly say that they are speaking “waffle,” or that they are “waffling.”
Within the Seventeenth century, to “waff” went to yelp, and that shortly advanced to imply to speak foolishly or indecisively.
“I want he’d cease waffling on.”
“What a load of waffle!”
A “wally” is somebody foolish or incompetent.
Though its origins are largely debated, the time period’s that means has advanced over the past 50 years alone. Within the Nineteen Sixties, somebody who was retro is likely to be nicknamed a “wally,” based on dictionary.com.
“Do not put down a leaking mug on high of the newspaper, you wally!”
To “bitch” means to moan, groan, and complain in an irritating or whiny trend.
It’s usually deemed as pointless or over-the-top.
“Stop whinging.”
“Wind your neck in” means to thoughts your individual enterprise.
If you wish to inform somebody to not concern themselves with points that do not immediately have an effect on them, you would possibly inform them to “wind their neck in.”
This traditional phrase is one other manner of telling somebody that their opinion shouldn’t be appreciated within the given situation.
“Wind your neck in and cease being so nosy!”
“Zonked” means exhausted or drained.
It might additionally discuss with somebody already asleep or below the affect of medication or alcohol.
“I used to be going to exit tonight however after I completed work I used to be completely zonked.”
“After I acquired residence, he was already zonked.”
Editor’s be aware: An earlier model of this story was revealed on November 3, 2017, on Enterprise Insider UK.
Learn the unique article on Insider
