Cockwomble - foolish or obnoxious person. ", 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. This is probablyhow the term came about. 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! "Thomas is such an anorak when it comes to train trivia.". 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. A bender can last a significant amount of time, and involves large amounts of alcohol or drugs. "I don't mean this as a par, but did you remember to wash this morning? and Something that is "tickety-boo" is satisfactory and in good order. GOBSMACKED: A quintessentially British slang term that refers to being stunned and surprised beyond belief. 7 British slang phrases to spice up your conversation There are two basic types of conversations - formal and informal. The smogs were compared to pea soup due to their color and density. 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. "Take the Mickey" is an abbreviation of "taking the Mickey Bliss," which is Cockney rhyming slang for "take the p***. It's usually used to describe a woman between the ages of 18 and 50, particularly one who is attractive. 50 Must-Know British Slang Words and Phrases. Privacy Policy. "He handles a screwdriver very cack-handedly. The word could be a variation of "toddle" like a young child's first steps. "What a long day. The word "shirt" is derived from the Norse for "short," hence short-tempered. 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. Something that is "tickety-boo" is satisfactory and in good order. In the US, buzzard denotes vultures, but also a contemptible or rapacious person to use definition 3 from the online Merriam-Webster.The most common phrase I'm personally familiar with is to say you old buzzard, usually said to some old guy who you are half-jokingly saying is lecherous or a cheater or some other un-good thing.. This phrase could be a reference to coffee beans, although these claims have been disputed. If you're traveling between various regions, keep your ears open and try to notice the differences. In the 1960s, someone who was unfashionable might be nicknamed a "wally," according to dictionary.com. That's minging.". 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. While the phrase is misogynistic in nature, it's still commonly used. Some believe it's derived from the Dutch word "blute," meaning "bare." ", 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. Getty Images. 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. Bird. Unrelatedly, "Clangers" was also a children's TV show from the 1970s about pink mouse-like creatures that lived on the moon. Another word for screw something up: to twist out of shape or distort | Collins English Thesaurus "The full Monty" historically refers to an old tailor called Sir Montague Burton. "If it all works out as planned, he'll be quids in.". You can use it to refer to a person or an object. He was mortal.". ", 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. When in doubt, refer to this list so you can carry on conversations with ease, even with the locals. "You look nice. 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." Something untrue often made up for dramatic effect. I'm Hank Marvin.". British slang & colloquialisms: see an A-Z listing of British slang, colloquialisms and dialect words and phrases including Cockney rhyming phrases. 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. ", "Miffed" possibly derives from the German "muffen," meaning "to sulk.". I want to receive exclusive email updates from YourDictionary. three up Indulging In sexual congress Involving more than two and less than 4 peoples . "Stop being such a wind-up merchant and be serious for one second! He pulled a blinder there.". "The full Monty" historically refers to an old tailor called Sir Montague Burton. "We get it -- you've injured yourself. ", 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. The "boot" is the compartment at the back of the car known as the "trunk" in American English. Do you know anyone that might be interested?". Derived from "mint condition," which refers to something pre-owned that retains its pristine condition, although something that's just "mint" doesn't have to be pre-owned. Wonky - is another word for shaky or unstable. ", "Yeah, he's been swotting like mad for his Spanish exam. He popped his clogs, didn't he", Something that is nonsense, rubbish, or simply untrue might be described as "poppycock. ", "Par" can also be used as a verb, eg, "You just got parred.". Don't over-egg the pudding. ", "Sod's law" is often used to explain bad luck or freakish acts of misfortune. To "spend a penny" is a polite euphemism for going to the toilet. " shift your leg love Its Interfering with me spam " by El Cholo June 3, 2004 Get the three up mug. Check out these British slang words and phrases from England, Scotland and Wales. A "geezer" is a man that could be described as "suave" or "dapper," and is often suited and booted. "Quid" is British slang for "pounds." 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. "I wangled some first-class seats by being nice to the cabin crew!". All right? "Don't you worry, Alan, I'm on it like a car bonnet.". "Pull" can also be used as a verb. ", "Don't trust him he's a smarmy geezer. Blimey. "When are we going to eat? He was mortal.". It may originate from subcultures, criminals during the 16th century in saloons and gambling houses, or the codes certain vulnerable communities use to survive. ", A task performed in an awkward or uncomfortable fashion, usually clumsily, would be described as "cack-handed.". ", Similar to "nerd" or "geek" but less derogatory -- someone that takes academic study very seriously might be described as a "swot. ", Someone that's energetic, lively, or enthusiastic might be described as "full of beans.". ", 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. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. Barm: a bread roll. The phrase is mostcommonly used when the individual has been lucky and the person saying it is in disbelief thatthe first person has managed to pull it off. Dench is the equivalent of "solid" or "cool" when used in response to someone else. Gaff is just a synonym for "home.". This could be due to the lengths that the person will have to go to in order to complete the task. Gaff. Its reported creator, British rapper Lethal Bizzle, elusively told the Guardian that the word "means anything you want. This road is chocka! "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. "That guy's got such swagger -- he's a proper geezer. 3 see PISS ON v ["to treat contemptuously"]. This word probably originates from the "uncool" appearance of anorak coats and the people wearing them. "When are we going to eat? "He handles a screwdriver very cack-handedly. "The Nick" can refer to a prison. Dog and Bone = Phone. "She's great fun, but she's a few sandwiches short of a picnic.". ", "What's happened here? Budge up and make some room for us, too!". Its reported creator, British rapper Lethal Bizzle, elusivelytold the Guardian that the word "means anything you want. If you're "zonked" or "cream crackered," you might want to take a nap. "Mortal" describes someone highly intoxicated or drunk in a sloppy manner. "Faff" comes from the 17th century word "faffle," which means to flap about in the wind. 3. 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. "Mint" might be used when referring to something of the highest calibre. Crumpet: A sexually desirable person. Eg, "half past seven," and "ten to six.". However, there is no proof for this theory. 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. If you're going to have a roast, have the full Monty!". Start your Independent Premium subscription today. The word could be a variation of "toddle" like a young child's first steps. 8. Bloody. "Faff" comes from the 17th century word "faffle," which means to flap about in the wind. Cockney rhyming slang for "knackered," if you're "cream crackered" then you're incredibly tired. ", Someone that lacks common knowledge might be described as "dim," whilst someone that's intelligent might be described as "bright.". I feel so mugged off right now.". sarcastic, unsympathetic, and often rather drunk. "Wow -- you've really splashed out on this party! "She's great fun, but she's a few sandwiches short of a picnic.". 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. Although it's more often used as a synonym for raincoat, an anorak is something slightly different in playground slang. A "botch job" can also refer to anything that's been done haphazardly, like a work assignment. However, in the UK, someone that's "pissed" is most probably drunk. ", "I heard you got the promotion. "This week's done me in already, and it's only Tuesday. As a result, "pinch punch, first of the month" was a way of warding off witches and bad luck for the near future. 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. ", "Sam did a botch job on these shelves they're wonky! 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.". ", "Miffed" possibly derives from the German "muffen," meaning "to sulk. 75 British Slang Words 1. 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." 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. A slap and a kick for being so quick!". Meaning: To screw something up. The origins of the word are widely disputed. "Is it just me or is that painting a bit skew-whiff? "Did you see Scott last night? ", "Did you see Scott last night? It's derived from "mint condition," which refers to something pre-owned that retains its pristine condition although something that's just "mint" doesn't have to be pre-owned. Nowadays, it's mostly a way for kids to pull pranks on their friends. Historically, "fags" were the cheaper cigarettes made of lower grade tobacco, however, the slang has spread to encompass all cigarettes. It's unclear why Brits appear to favour analogue time-telling while Americans go for the digital format. 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. This classic phrase is another way of telling someone that their opinion is not appreciated in the given scenario. "And did you see that equalising goal in the last minute of injury time? Hank Marvin is a British musician from the 1960s and 1970s, and is a pretty obscure reference nowadays. "Take the Mickey" is an abbreviation of "taking the Mickey Bliss," which is Cockney rhyming slang for "take the p***.". He pulled a blinder there.". A "geezer" is a man that could be described as "suave" or "dapper," and is often suited and booted. "We get it you've injured yourself. 3. "What are you up to this weekend? Cock up: Make a mess of something. In the 17th century, to "waff" went to yelp, and quickly evolved to mean to talk foolishly or indecisively. "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. The "bee's knees" referred to small or insignificant details when it was first documented in the 18th century. ", A "par" breaches social and common courtesy, eg, a disrespectful comment could be seen as a "par. We've got a party at our gaff, if you fancy it?". Someone who's "quids in" has invested in an opportunity which is probably going to benefitthem massively. Benjo. "Don't get caught, or you'll end up in the Nick!". Bap: a bread roll. The idea is when someone popped, or cocked, their clogs, the toes of the clogs pointed up in the air as they lay down dead. ", An event that disrupts the natural, pre-planned order of events could be described as a "spanner in the works.". "I could just about deal with the dog barking at 5:30a.m., but the lawnmower at 3 a.m. really takes the biscuit.". 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.". No collection of slang would be complete without casual terminology used for nouns that are common among those who speak the language or dialect. "Don't get caught, or you'll end up in the Nick!". Off their rocker: madthey were off their rocker, they were. ", 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.". "Those two are having a proper chinwag -- I haven't been able to get a word in edgeways for half an hour! Open yourself up to the delights of British slang words and talk like a local in no time. "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. "He really cocked up his job interview when he mentioned that he'd shagged the boss's daughter." Collywobbles: Nervousness; butterflies in the stomach. Someone that's a little bit geeky, with strong interests or expertise in a niche area, might be referred to as an "anorak." ", It's similar to "scoot over" or "move over. The action of chatting away with thejaw bobbing up and down resembles a chin "wagging" like a dog's tail. You must be chuffed.". However, other people believe that "shirty" has connotations of being dishevelled. Bollocks - One of the more well-known British terms, it actually has a multitude of meanings. "Be careful when you're driving it's a pea-souper out there.". As an English speaker, it's nice to travel to countries where you can understand the language, like England, Scotland or Ireland. "The Nick" can refer to prison, while "to nick" also means to steal. 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. The term comes from the Scottish slang word "ming," meaning faeces. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? ", "Yeah, he's been swotting like mad for his Spanish exam. Although its origins are largely debated, the term's meaning has evolved over the last 50 years alone. To "splash out" means spending significant amounts of money on a particular item or event. ", "I'm going to make us spaghetti carbonara for dinner. "Gob" is slang for mouth, so if you're gobsmacked, you're shocked to the point of clasping your jaw in disbelief. ", If you get a promotion or meet someone special, you might describe yourself as "chuffed. ", Someone that makes comments just to spark controversy or argument might be labelled a "wind-up merchant.". "Would you take a butchers at this broken bike for me? Congratulations! Derived from "mint condition," which refers to something pre-owned that retains its pristine condition, although something that's just "mint" doesn't have to be pre-owned. It includes quite a few fun and unique ways for people to express that they are happy or otherwise share positive sentiments. ", Someone that's energetic, lively, or enthusiastic might be described as "full of beans.". An obvious and indiscreet mistake or blunder. The origins of the word are widely disputed. 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 means literally tilted on one side rather than slightly off or uneasy, as askew can mean in the US. Meaning: Arguing or trash-talking. "Wind your neck in and stop being so nosy!". A "knacker" was the person who slaughtered worn-out horses in the 19th and 20th centuries for their meat, hoofs, and hide. Some entries also feature surprising facts about the phrase's origins, with a few quintessentially British idioms not actually coming from British roots at all. "Simon heard from John that youwere fired. "A bacon sandwich and a builder's tea. The origins of the word are widely disputed. 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. f you hear a word that's not on this list, give a Cockney translator a try. She's fit.". This is sometimes shortened to "chocka." "What are you up to this weekend? "Well, this has all gone a bit pear-shaped.". 60 British phrases that will confuse anybody who didn't grow up in the UK. "Ha! This could be due to the lengths that the person will have to go to in order to complete the task. 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. ", After "The Full Monty" film was released in 1997, there was some international confusion over the phrase, which it was taken as a euphemism for stripping. "Goodness, you're full of beans this morning!". Derived from the Newcastle sociolect, "mortal" was made widely known across the country in 2011 by reality TV show "Geordie Shore.". To "gallivant" means to roam, or to set off on an expedition, with the sole intention of having some light-hearted fun. 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. This phrase is used to confirm or agree with something that another person has just said. . 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. ", 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.". U.K. slang is nothing if not interesting! Bloke 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. Although its origins are largely debated, the term's meaning has evolved over the last 50 years alone. The meaning of this slang has been debated at length. Therefore, if you're "having a butchers," you're having a look at something. Hank Marvin is a British musician from the 1960s and 1970s, and is a pretty obscure reference nowadays. ", "He skived off school so we could all go to Thorpe Park on a weekday.". We've got a party at our gaff, if you fancy it?". Apples and Pears = Stairs. 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.
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