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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.
Our team has compiled a list of the best British slang and idioms that define the weird and wonderful British dialect we grew up with.
Aug 9, 2023 · The British Isles have a rich linguistic history with colloquial expressions like 'bloke', 'cheeky', 'mate', and 'blimey'. Navigate the myriad of British slang terms and idioms that offer a unique window into UK culture.
- MIA. This term originated from military jargon and refers to someone who is missing or cannot be found. It is often used to describe someone who is absent or has disappeared without explanation.
- AWOL. This term is also derived from military jargon and describes someone who is absent without permission or authorization. It is often used to describe someone who has left or disappeared without notifying anyone.
- Ghosted. This term is commonly used in dating or relationship contexts to describe when someone suddenly stops all communication and cuts off contact without any explanation or warning.
- Disappeared into thin air. This phrase is often used figuratively to describe someone who has disappeared without leaving any trace or explanation. It emphasizes the suddenness and mysteriousness of the disappearance.
- 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.
Mar 4, 2024 · Experiencing a loss can be tough, but knowing the right slang to express those feelings can make it a bit easier. Join us as we uncover the top slang terms used to describe loss in today’s language landscape.
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Slang is the use of informal words and expressions that are not considered standard in the speaker's dialect or language. Slang is often to be found in areas of the lexicon that refer to things considered taboo (see euphemism).
