3. Andean Spanish is a dialect of Spanish spoken in the central Andes, from southern Colombia, with influence as far south as northern Chile and Northwestern Argentina, passing through Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. Bob's your uncle you're driving!". Eg. ", "We should've taken the other route. Daft afriendly term that is not offensive and used to describe something that is a little stupid or silly. Fancy a pint after work?, 10. Used either to show sympathy, or to soften an insult. ", Interpretation: Wanting, liking, or thinkingIn use: "Fancy a cuppa?" Derived from the Newcastle sociolect, "mortal" was made widely known across the country in 2011 by reality TV show "Geordie Shore.". Are you going to the footy?. Daft }, {informal} To bring success in doing something; have a desired result. Ill have a bacon butty please. a term used to describe an assortment or collection of different items that do not have any real connection to each other. Something that is "tickety-boo" is satisfactory and in good order. 77. This probably originates from the "uncool" appearance of anorak coats and the people wearing them. From ends one who is "from the streets" and so knows what's going on.. n event that disrupts your plans. A phrase is whispered around a circleand the last person to hear the phrase has to guess what the initial phrase was. Dodgy. If you find yourself confused when speaking to a native Brit or if you'd like to boost your vocabulary and sound more native when you speak, then these 42 es. Nowadays, "bloody" is used widely it's even used in children's films such as "Harry Potter" andis arguably one of the most quintessentially British words on the list. I'll Give You What For! 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. "In use: "That was a tidy bit of fun. ", Interpretation: To be bitterly disappointed about something.In use: "Alice was absolutely gutted when the book ended the way it did. 48. You were absolutely sloshed!. In use: "I thought I'd finish the project sooner, but Susan really threw a spanner in the works with that data. That was naff. 11. No matter, British slang has crossed the pond in more than one way. What I mean is that this once mighty British Empire that more or less covered a quarter of the world's land surface could not ever have imagined that English would evolve to almost a million words - and almost every single one of them would be . There aren't a lot of people so whenever you see somebody you always have to stop to say hi. Gormless anegative term used to describe someone who is incredibly foolish or lacking in intelligence. "Don't you worry, Alan, I'm on it like a car bonnet.". This guide to British sayings, funny British phrases, dirty expressions, slang words, and more will not only help you understand what the people of England, Wales, and . ", Examples include "trollied," "smashed," and "gazeboed. Sailors would blow down a pipe to their recipient, where a whistle at the end of the pipe would sound to spark attention. Its brass monkeys out there!, 89. No other language in the world has been as bastardised as this one! Yucky refers to a food or drink item that does not taste nice or has gone off. Blatant refers to something that is very obvious. ", "Sam did a botch job on these shelves they're wonky! Im absolutely gutted. "I'm absolutely gutted". Our mission. 2. ", A situation which has quickly evolved into an accident waiting to happen might be described as "gone pear-shaped.". Coming in a variety of flavours, this is the British equivalent of a packet of potato chips. Powered by our not-for-profit foundation, TreadRight, Were probably all familiar with something being smashing at this point. However, it does mean kiss, also known as French kissing or making out. Penis. A widely applicable descriptor of negative connotation; a nuisance. Here are our top, easy-to-implement, practical tips: TV shows such as The Crown on Netflix are very captivating and can be extremely helpful to put in perspective the more old-school Queens English and modern British English (or Received Pronunciation). Although the origins of this phrase are largely unknown, a gaff in the 18th-century was a music hall or theatre, and so it's believed to derive from this. Check out the fine ass sho-tee rockin' all dat ice. ", Benders often last over 24 hours, and so you might say that someone is on "a weekend bender," or a "three-day bender. phrase used in the north of the country that is typically used as a replacement for the term nothing. This could be due to the lengths that the person will have to go to in order to complete the task. 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. Protect your vacation with travel insurance. You could say, I guess, mate, I saw this purple dragon the other day. sed to describe a feeling of being hungry or craving something that is not quite a full meal. Afternoon Tea - A Formal meal where one sits down with cucumber sandwiches, pastries, and fine tea. You must be chuffed.". Offer excludes Edinburgh Tattoo and Floriade departures. Im going to nick that coat. Ace. 5. If someone's "caught the lurgy," they're suffering from cold or flu-like symptoms. 16 6 Stop talking waffle and get to the point. 6. ", "I heard you got the promotion. 24. While it mostly refers to something diminutive, it's also a descriptive word to add to a phrase to mean you're fond of it.In use: "Sam loves to take his wee dog to the park to watch the blokes play footie.". ", "Of course my toast had to land on the floor butter-side-down. Im going to the bog, be back in a minute. Oh, the Brits. It's unclear why Britsappear to favour analogue time-telling while Americans go for the digital format. GET is owned by The Travel Corporation, a fourth-generation family business driven by the pursuit or excellence and an unrelenting commitment to customer care. 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. 38. ", Interpretation: A problem that prevents something from happening the way that it was planned, similar to the phrase throw a wrench in the plans. 35. Loo acommon term used to describe going to the toilet or bathroom, Im just going to the loo. Moreish this is a phrase used to describe something that is very tasty and addictive. It's British slang for "toilet", and dates from the 19th century. Dont be daft!, 11. So, we've come up with a list of British slang to help you get by, blend in and banter like a true Londoner while travelling. P*ssed "P*ssed" usually means "angry" in the US. Pinch Another word for stealing, or purchasing something at a heavily discounted rate. Slang The ever-evolving bastardization of the written and spoken language as a result of social and cultural idolization of uneducated, unitelligable celebrities. In use: "She's a bonnie lass.". Rough this is commonly used to describe a feeling of being sick or unwell. 79. In American English, you'd probably hear a "wow" instead.In use: "Blimey, it's late! word that every Brit knows! There were bare people in the club last night. 5. In British slang, bog-standard is used to talk about something ordinary, basic, without any special features added; it carries a slightly dismissive and derogatory tone. Take a gander at the beautiful woman wearing the expensive jewels. ", Interpretation: When youre having a very good chat with friends, more than likely with some gossip involved.In use: "I just got off the phone with Sarah. Theres nowt wrong with that. Have a butchers this is a phrase that is used when you want someone to take a look at something closely. For more than 40 years, Grand European Travel has been providing a wonderfully simple, and genuinely personal, way to travel. Received Pronunciation is by far the most sought after English accent in the world and thats why many people wish to learn it. Even simple words like 'twas', which nows means 'it was' have changed slowly over time. 17. In use: "Taylor paid 50 quid for that shirt. British Slang Here's a list of 60 commonly used British slang words and phrases that you will hear when visiting England. This second theory has been disproved, however, by the slang's documentation predating the popularity of the phrase "by our lady.". ", Atask performed in an awkward or uncomfortable fashion, usually clumsily, would be described as "cack-handed.". For example, busted can mean "broken" or "ugly," sick can mean "ill" or "very cool," and hip can mean "trendy" or "fashionably un-trendy.". 94. General British Slang Bloke Meaning: A man. 78. used to describe something that has been repaired or completed in a quick time without any care or attention. 32. 91. The people are the nicest in the world. phrase used to describe a situation that is particularly surreal and unexpected. Its all hunky-dory!. 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. "I wangled some first-class seats by being nice to the cabin crew!". "In use: "Blimey, Luise tells some real porkies now and then! How's it going? 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. a British term taken from the game of the same name, this term refers to a situation where there is no clear or obvious route of escape. Although no one is completely sure of the word's origins, it could derive from thewords "cod" and "wallop," which historically meant "imitation" and "beer" respectively implying that "codswallop" is the kind of rubbish you make up when drunk. Fluke something that is very lucky or caused by complete chance. Therefore, if you're "having a butchers," you're having a look at something. 83. 59. 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." I'm cream crackered. The phrase is sometimes shortened to "give me atinkle.". This colloquialism might be said by someone that has the situation under control. Pork pies another Cockney rhyming slang phrase that refers to someone who is lying. 21. Put a sock in it this is a fairly firm and rude way of telling someone to stop talking and to be quiet. Cheesed off afeeling of being angry or depressed at the actions of someone you care for. ", It's similar to "scoot over" or "move over. For example, 'Cheers for getting me that drink, Steve'. Recently I conducted an activity at my school to spread a bit of information about common British slang. That was a bit of a botch job. Available now from major retailers in prints and eBook form. 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. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. The average Brit would just reply 'good, you?' even if they were in the middle of a pandemic and ready to take a long walk off a short cliff. 95. ", This quintessentially British idiom derives from the Dutch "pap" and "kak," which translate as "soft" and "dung.". An obvious and indiscreet mistake or blunder. Im a bit cheesed off they never called me on my birthday. ", "Hey, there's loads of room on that bench. 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. Fancy a pint after work?, friendly term that is not offensive and used to describe something that is a little stupid or silly. 50 Must-Know British Slang Words and Phrases 1. "Well, this has all gone a bit pear-shaped.". That was bonkers!. Best Valentine's Day Restaurant Specials 2023. I'm knackered! You can feel fully confident retaining your travel arrangements and monies with Grand European Travel and The Travel Corporation, 100 years of travel experience and industry partnerships, A global business, owned and led by the Tollman family, TTC is debt-free, financially responsible and fully accredited, Sign up to order your FREE travel brochure subscription and get exclusive offers only available to our subscribers, Brochures can only be mailed to United States addresses.