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Mar 13, 2024 · The Queen’s English is spoken in London and Southern England. Here are some of the most common slang words and phrases used by people from those regions. Slang word/phrase. Meaning. Example sentence. Bloke. A man or guy. I saw that bloke you were talking to yesterday. Bloody.
- Bobbie Edsor
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- "A few sandwiches short of a picnic" (PA. (PA) Someone that lacks common sense might be described as "a few sandwiches short of a picnic." The phrase was first documented in the BBC's "Lenny Henry Christmas Special" in 1987.
- "Anorak" Although it's more often used as a synonym for raincoat, an anorak is something slightly different in playground slang. Someone that's a little bit geeky, with strong interests or expertise in a niche area, might be referred to as an "anorak."
- "Bagsy" 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. Schoolkids might call "bagsy" on items from their friends' pack lunches, like an apple or a cereal bar, that the friend isn't going to eat.
- "Bee's knees" This phrase became mainstream in the USA in the 1920s despite its British origins, but its popularity in the States has dwindled since the turn of the century.
- Pissed.
- Nowt.
- Us.
- Trainers.
- Wanker.
- Hunky-Dory.
- Cheers.
- Bugger all.
- Bollocks.
- Bloody.
This doesn't mean angry or frustrated in the way Americans use it– rather, it means to be blind drunk.
Coming originally from Northern England, this word has recently entered the mainstream British slang and means 'nothing'.
This one is interesting and can be a bit confusing at first. In British slang, some people use the word "us" rather than 'me' when talking about themselves. For instance, instead of 'come with me', one might say 'come with us'.
Trainers are the American equivalent of "sneakers". If you think about it, it makes more sense– athletes train in shoes, they don't sneak.
Possibly the best single-worded British insult on the list, wanker fits closest by 'jerk' or 'a-hole'.
A fun little piece of British slang that means a situation is cool, okay, or normal. Related: 300 Words to Describe Yourself
While most people associate this word with a toast, it can also mean a quick 'thanks' or 'thank you'.
This is slang used for 'nothing at all'. When you've sat on the couch all day watching Netflix, you've done bugger all.
While it has a multitude of meanings, bullocks is most commonly used to describe dismay or disbelief.
You probably don't need a definition, as this is by far the most popular British slang. Historically, it was seen a cuss word– it's now so commonly used that it is generally acceptable.
Aug 9, 2023 · Meaning: To steal; or a state of disrepair; or a police station. Origin: Possibly derived from Old English “hnecan” meaning to slay or take someone’s life. Usage: “Someone nicked my bike.” or “My phone’s in the nick.” or “He’s down at the nick.”.
- Arse. What a great way to start the list. An arse is your rear end (not to be confused with an ass, which is a donkey). But it can also be a reference to an annoying person: “Stop being such an arse”.
- Banter. Making jokes, often at the expense of others in your company. British people love to banter, and someone with good banter is likely to be popular.
- Bare. Used mostly in London to mean "a lot of". “There were bare man at the rave”. Note the use of “man” in the singular to mean “men” or even “people”.
- Barmy. Crazy. “That’s a barmy idea”.
May 30, 2024 · Example sentence: “Let’s have a chinwag over coffee.”. Chippy: Fish and chip shop or a restaurant. Specifically, a place that sells traditional British fish and chips. Example sentence: “I’m in the mood for some chippy.”. Chuffed: Pleased or delighted. Expresses a sense of happiness or contentment.
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Jan 9, 2024 · Some examples of modern-day British slang terms include: “No cap” – Meaning ‘for real’ or ‘no lie’ – something that is genuine. “Drip” – In previous generations, this was a negative word used to describe someone as unattractive or boring. But now, it has evolved to mean a good thing and refers to someone’s look or style ...
