Getty Images. In the 1960s, someone that was unfashionable might be nicknamed a "wally," according to dictionary.com. The origins of the word are widely disputed. 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. "Don't get caught, or you'll end up in the Nick!". In the 1960s, someone who was unfashionable might be nicknamed a "wally," according to dictionary.com. "What are you up to this weekend? Editor's note: An earlier version of this story was published on November 3, 2017, on Business Insider UK. Every language has a few phrases that don't always translate well and the British English has some absolute corkers. ", If you get a promotion or meet someone special, you might describe yourself as "chuffed. Using fun and zany British slang phrases is not always appropriate when you have a formal conversation. "This week's done me in already, and it's only Tuesday. "I'm trying to flog my old sofa. Someone on a spree of excessive drinking and mischief is "on a bender." Before going deeper into your exploration of British slang words, take the time to discover some slang phrases commonly used in the U.K. Fortunately, . "Is it just me or is that painting a bit skew-whiff? This colloquialism might be said by someone that has the situation under control. The phrase is most often used to describe heavy road traffic. Lacking in energy; usually after a long period of exertion. "We get it you've injured yourself. Since then, the phrase has evolved and refers to something popular or cool. "Over-egging the pudding" means embellishing or over-doing something to the extent that it's detrimental to the finished product. The phrase goes back to Victorian public toilets, which required users to insert a single penny in order to operate the lock. Wangle - means to get or do something that is a bit devious. Some people consider"bloody" offensive (the origins of the word are widely disputed, so we can't be sure why) and it was considered a profanity until the mid-20th century. He's absolutely gutted.' 26. I'm cream crackered. "Did you hear what happened to John's old man? The smogs were compared to pea soup due to their colour and density. 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.". ", An act which could be deemed as impolite or shameless, but for some reason comes across asfunny or endearing to others, would be described as "cheeky. Just your bog-standard dorm, really.". The smogs werecompared to pea soup due to their colour and density. ", Someone short-tempered or irritated might be described as "shirty.". I'm slumped. "Grab your brolly, it's drizzling outside. This is probably how the term came about. Someone silly or incompetent might be described as a wally. ", "Miffed" possibly derives from the German "muffen," meaning "to sulk. On a rainy day in London, you would definitely want a brolly on hand. The phrase goes back to Victorian public toilets, which required users to insert a single penny in order to operate the lock. Congratulations! It's most often used to say something is unsatisfactory, like "blows" or "reeks," rather than actual trash. He's turned into such a swot! "I'm trying to flog my old sofa. Next up is a British slang word that most people around the world would have heard of and one that's frequently used in everyday life. That's minging.". "Pinch punch, first of the month. ", 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. If you're "winding someone up," you're making them tense or irritated in the same way you wind up a Jack-in-the-box before it pops. INNIT: One of the most often used UK slang is this. "Would you take a butchers at this broken bike for me?". Do you know anyone that might be interested?". Codswallop - nonsense. Although its origins are largely debated, the term's meaning has evolved over the last 50 years alone. ", "He's obsessed with anything that happens on this street. Bladdered: drunk. That's minging.". Bob's your uncle you're driving!". However, there is no proof for this theory. "He handles a screwdriver very cack-handedly. ", Someone that lacks common knowledge might be described as "dim," whilst someone that's intelligent might be described as "bright.". "Goodness, you're full of beans this morning!". 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." However, there is no proof for this theory. Privacy Policy. "Don't get caught, or you'll end up in the Nick!". The word could be a variation of "toddle" -- like a young child's first steps. ", "He's obsessed with anything that happens on this street. Someone that's a little bit geeky, with strong interests or expertise in a niche area, might be referred to as an "anorak." Not to be confused with literally being disembowelled, someone that says they're "gutted" is devastated or extremely upset. I just threw in an extra slang term for free. ", "Miffed" possibly derives from the German "muffen," meaning "to sulk. Preferably with more than one female. Others believe the word is a contraction of the 17th-century phrase "by our lady," and is blasphemous. He's turned into such a swot! Bender. ", 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.". 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. 4. 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.. "Faff" comes from the 17th-century word "faffle," which means to flap about in the wind. ", "I haven't seen Tom since he started revising for his exams. The meaning of this slang has been debated at length. If you've "wangled" something, you've accomplished or attained something through cunning means. 'Cheers' meanswell, pretty much everything. "How was the hostel?" Although its origins are largely debated, the term's meaning has evolved over the last 50 years alone. This is sometimes shortened to "chocka." "That guy's got such swagger -- he's a proper geezer. ", "Yeah, he's been swotting like mad for his Spanish exam. 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. "Gob" is slang for mouth, so if you're gobsmacked, you're shocked to the point of clasping your jaw in disbelief. "What did you do on your day off from work? Each term is partneredwith a description and example. It means literally tilted on one side rather than slightly off or uneasy, as askew can mean in the US. Don't fret about understanding their shorthand - this list is ace! "When are we going to eat? "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. "Press down the clutch, put it into gear, then slowly ease off the clutch again. ", Examples include "trollied," "smashed," and "gazeboed. However, other people believe that "shirty" has connotations of being dishevelled. "I'm trying to flog my old sofa. To "faff" is to waste time doing very little. ", "Hey, there's loads of room on that bench. A gaffe is another word for "mistake" or "blunder.". He was a wreck.". Check out these British slang words and phrases from England, Scotland and Wales. This phrase is used to describe a process which seems more difficult than it actually is. Bird. Don't be alarmed if a Londoner tells you to go up the apples and pears - they haven't lost their mind or grasp of the English language, they're just talking about going up stairs. Mad as a hatter: madstemming from back in the day when hatters used a manufacturing process for felt that, indeed, made them mad (mercury poisoning) Gormless: clueless; slow witted. The smogs were compared to pea soup due to their color and density. "A bacon sandwich and a builder's tea. Codswallop. "Sam did a botch job on these shelves they're wonky!". Marvin played guitar in Cliff Richard's backing band in the 1960s. All right? Just your bog-standard dorm, really.". Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter. It can be used in both a lighthearted and an irritated fashion. "What's in that sandwich? Nineteenth-century sailor slang for "A riotous holiday, a noisy day in the . "Innit" is an abbreviation of "isn't it" most commonly used amongst teenagers and young people. ", "Of course my toast had to land on the floor butter-side-down. ", "I'm going to make us spaghetti carbonara for dinner. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. Leg it. Although it's more often used as a synonym for raincoat, an anorak is something slightly different in playground slang. 05. The phrase is most commonly used when the individual has been lucky and the person saying it is in disbelief that the first person has managed to pull it off. ", "Sam did a botch job on these shelves they're wonky! ", Someone that comes across as scheming or untrustworthy might be described as "smarmy. Schoolkidsmight call "bagsy" on items from their friends' pack lunches, like an apple or a cereal bar, thatthe friend isn't going to eat. ", Someone that comes across as scheming or untrustworthy might be described as "smarmy. This classic phrase is another way of telling someone that their opinion is not appreciated in the given scenario. "Pop" has evolved from "cock," and when someone "cocked" their clogs, the toes of their clogs pointed up in the air as they lay down dead. ", A task performed in an awkward or uncomfortable fashion, usually clumsily, would be described as "cack-handed.". ", "I bumped into him towards the end of his four-day bender. "Hank Marvin" is Cockney rhyming slang for "starving. "Cack" isold-fashioned slang for faeces. This classic British idiom may seem stereotypically twee, however, some sources believe that "tickety-boo" in fact derives from the Hindu phrase "hk hai, bb," meaning "it's alright, sir. ", On the other hand, someone who's intelligent might be described as "bright.". "Well, this has all gone a bit pear-shaped.". Do you know anyone that might be interested?". "Don't put down a leaking mug on top of the newspaper, you wally!". The term is usually used to refer to a nap, but it can also mean a long sleep. "Pull" can also be used as a verb. You don't want to be described as "dim," "a mug," or "a few sandwiches short of a picnic.". Barmy. This is still used in English in the phrase "egging someone on" to do something. This slang term could be a British abbreviation of the French "faux pas," meaning an embarrassing or tactless remark in a social situation. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? The action of chatting away -- with the jaw bobbing up and down -- resembles a chin "wagging" like a dog's tail. ", If you see someone you find attractive, you would call them "fit.". ", Something full to the brim, or rammed, could be described as "chockalock. 75 British Slang Words 1. "Thomas is such an anorak when it comes to train trivia.". The phrase was first documented in the BBC's "Lenny Henry Christmas Special" in 1987. "Simon heard from John that youwere fired. Someone that lacks common sense might be described as "a few sandwiches short of a picnic.". 2017. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in, Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile, [This article was originally published in 2018]. This cheery phrase is widely believed to originate from Northern factory workers around the time of the industrial revolution. The action of chatting away with thejaw bobbing up and down resembles a chin "wagging" like a dog's tail. However,"the full Monty" actually refers topursuing something to the absolute limits. "Shhh, he's on the dog and bone.". Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets screencap, no one is completely sure of the word's origins, Britsappear to favour analogue time-telling, Wikimedia Commons/Sabine Crossen/Puzzle Productions, reportedly old slang from the Royal Air Force, only women would announce they were going to "spend a penny,". This is more commonly known in the US as "Murphy's law. Bloody. ", "Sod's law" is often used to explain bad luck or freakish acts of misfortune. Derived from the Newcastle sociolect, "mortal" was made widely known across the country in 2011 by reality TV show "Geordie Shore.". This is a shambles! 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. If someone's "caught the lurgy," they're suffering from cold or flu-like symptoms. Gaff. However, other people believe that "shirty" has connotations of being dishevelled. A "pea-souper" is a thick fog, often with a yellow or black tinge, caused by air pollution. Its reported creator, British rapper Lethal Bizzle, elusivelytold the Guardian that the word "means anything you want. This colloquialism might be said by someone that has the situation under control. The word "shirt" is derived from the Norse for "short," hence short-tempered. 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. A "knacker" was the person who slaughtered worn-out horses in the 19th and 20th centuries for their meat, hoofs, and hide. This cheery phrase is widely believed to originate from Northern factory workers around the time of the industrial revolution. "Ha! ", Similar to "nerd" or "geek" but less derogatory -- someone that takes academic study very seriously might be described as a "swot. It means a stupid, often gullible, person who is easily taken advantage of. Apples and Pears = Stairs. "Hank Marvin" is Cockney rhyming slang for "starving. You'll have a blast and learn more than a few new words that might be ripe for importation when you come back home. He's a bloody curtain twitcher, but he still won't sign for our packages.". "That guy's got suchswagger he's a proper geezer. Are yougoing on the pull?". Some believe it's derived from the Dutch word "blute," meaning "bare." Nowadays, "bloody" is used widely -- it's even used in children's films such as "Harry Potter" -- and is arguably one of the most quintessentially British words on the list. "We get it -- you've injured yourself. ", "Sam did a botch job on these shelves -- they're wonky! Three sheets to the wind - drunk. "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. ", Similar to "nerd" or "geek" but less derogatory someone that takes academic study very seriously might be described as a "swot. "That's a barmy idea". ", If your favorite football team were to lose, you'd be "gutted.". Meaning: A pair of sneakers. ", "When I got home, he was already zonked.". Historically, "fags" were the cheaper cigarettes made of lower grade tobacco, however, the slang has spread to encompass all cigarettes. Meaning: Taxi. "Lurgy" is probably based on a mispronunciation of the word "allergy. "Press down the clutch, put it into gear, then slowly ease off the clutch again. Bloke 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. He popped his clogs, didn't he", Not referring to actual poppies, this quintessentially British idiom derives from the Dutch "pap" and "kak," which translate as "soft" and "dung.". Derived from the Newcastle sociolect, "mortal" was made widely known across the country in 2011 by the reality TV show "Geordie Shore. An obvious and indiscreet mistake or blunder. Something that is "tickety-boo" is satisfactory and in good order. ", "He's going on a date with Amber? It may originate from subcultures, criminals during the 16th century in saloons and gambling houses, or the codes certain vulnerable communities use to survive. The first type is the one you have with your boss, teacher, and other official discussions. Meaning: Arguing or trash-talking. ", "He skived off school so we could all go to Thorpe Park on a weekday.". ", Benders often last over 24 hours, and so you might say that someone is on "a weekend bender," or a "three-day bender. Daps. 60 British phrases that will confuse anybody who didn't grow up in the UK. You don't want to be described as "dim," "a mug," or "a few sandwiches short of a picnic." A "good old chinwag" is a good chat, catch-up, or gossip with someone. "The Nick" can refer to prison, while "to nick" also means to steal. Barm: a bread roll. He was mortal.". This road is chocka! ", "What's happened here? "Gob" is slang for mouth, so if you're gobsmacked, you're shocked to the point of clasping your jaw in disbelief. For example, 'His girlfriend broke up with him. Barmy. "Tinkle" refers to a phone's ring, while "blower" is slang or telephone and refers to the device that predated phones on Naval ships. Menu. While the phrase is misogynistic in nature, it's still commonly used. Watering hole - this is one of the many British slang words for a pub. "Wow -- you've really splashed out on this party! "Press down the clutch, put it into gear, then slowly ease off the clutch again. . 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. The termcomes from the Scottish slang word "ming," meaning faeces. The very British equivalent to "Hey presto!" This classic phrase is another way of telling someone that their opinion is not appreciated in the given scenario. Still, in an unfamiliar country, there's bound to be informal lingo that's you don't recognize. "He handles a screwdriver very cack-handedly. ", "I heard you got the promotion. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. A popular pastime in the United Kingdom is attending or having your own "car boot sale," in which people usually sell knick-knacks and old personal items out of the back of their cars. 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. A "knacker" was the person that slaughtered worn-out horses in the 19th and 20th centuries for their meat, hoofs, and hide. ", 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. ", Atask performed in an awkward or uncomfortable fashion, usually clumsily, would be described as "cack-handed.". However, in the UK, someone that's "pissed" is most probably drunk. He pulled a blinder there.". Someone who's "quids in" has invested in an opportunity which is probably going to benefitthem massively. "Oh, nothing exciting to report. This second theory has been disproved, however, by the slang's documentation predating the popularity of the phrase "by our lady.". ", "I bumped into him towards the end of his four-day bender. Let's take a look at the seven most useful slang words to know in English. Unrelatedly, "Clangers" was also a children's TV show from the 1970s about pink mouse-like creatures that lived on the moon. This probably originates from the "uncool" appearance of anorak coats and the people wearing them. Throw a wobbly - get . He was mortal.". "He really cocked up his job interview when he mentioned that he'd shagged the boss's daughter." Collywobbles: Nervousness; butterflies in the stomach. "Oh, nothing exciting to report. This phrase is used to confirm or agree with something that another person has just said. A bender can last a significant amount of time, and involves large amounts of alcohol or drugs. ", "I bumped into him towards the end of his four-day bender. Historically, "gallant" described someone brave or valiant, so "gallivanting" is a carefree and confident act. Around the same time, the word "cod" was a little-known slang term for a . He was mortal.". 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. "Is it just me or is that painting a bit skew-whiff?". In the 1960s, someone that was unfashionable might be nicknamed a "wally," according to dictionary.com. 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 and unspecial. 2. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. "Stop being such a wind-up merchant and be serious for one second! You can use it to refer to a person or an object. "How was the hostel?" U.K. slang includes some interesting insults. To "flog" means to sell something usually quickly and cheaply. Stop faffing around and start doing your homework. "You look nice. Cock up: Make a mess of something. This is still used in English in the phrase "egging someone on" to do something. Derived from the Newcastle sociolect, "mortal" was made widely known across the country in 2011 by reality TV show "Geordie Shore.". 'Gutted' - a British slang term that is one of the saddest on the lists in terms of pure contextual emotion. Synonyms miss, mistake, slip, fault, ", Someone that makes comments just to spark controversy or argument might be labelled a "wind-up merchant.". In the 17th century, to "waff" went to yelp, and that quickly evolved to mean to talk foolishly or indecisively. "Mortal" describes someone highly intoxicated or drunk in a sloppy manner. 1. ", An event that disrupts the natural, pre-planned order of events could be described as a "spanner in the works.". If you're going to have a roast, have the full Monty!". ", "Joe's children are so cheeky -- they tied my shoelaces together last week!".
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