![]() However, it also means to desperately need or want something. The original meaning of this word is choking or retching (making movements and sounds like vomiting). “Can’t be arsed” is a less polite version of “Can’t be bothered.” It is used to express that someone really does not want to or has not got the energy to do a particular thing. “That was a total fluke! You wouldn’t be able to do it again.” “I hit the bullseye (the red target on a darts board)!” Something can also be described as being “flukey,” meaning that it is particularly lucky or coincidental. FlukeĪ “fluke” is something caused by chance or luck. Narky is another word for moody or bad-tempered. “I had a few too many sherbets last night, mate. However, when the noun “trolly” is turned into the adjective “trollied,” it is used to describe someone as being drunk. 12. TrolliedĪ “trolly” is the word the British use for a shopping cart. “Do you fancy a few sherbets after work tonight?”Īsking someone if they “fancy” something is a way of asking if they would like it. It is possible that this comes from the fizzy, frothy top on beers. However, inviting someone to go to the pub for a few sherbets is not an invitation to eat sweets, but an invitation to drink a few beers. In Britain, “sherbet” is a word for a fizzy sweet or sweet powder. “I was gutted when I failed the exam.” 11. Sherbets It also has the meaning of being bitterly disappointed about something. ![]() The original meaning of “gut” is to remove the insides of an animal before eating it (gutting a fish, for example). It is often used when someone has done something particularly good or impressive. It might be used to describe a famous person, but also a friend or family member who is not famous. The slang word “ledge” is often an exaggeration, or used to make things and people sound more important than they really are. This is a shortening of the word “legend.” A legend is someone who is well-known, often for doing something great or incredible. “Hey pal, could I get a whisky and a beer please?” 9. “Excuse me, mate, is anyone sitting here?” A similar word is “pal” (which is also used in American English). “Mate” is particularly used between men (but not always). It is also often used to address strangers in informal situations, such as in bars or on public transport. While in standard English a mate is a life partner, “mate” is commonly used in Britain to mean a friend. It is used when somebody uses or gets something from someone else without paying. You may already know that this word is the informal word for “bottom.” It also has another meaning. You only need to make it clear if it is a “cuppa” coffee or a “cuppa” anything other than tea. In British slang, however, it just means a cigarette.Ĭuppa comes from the phrase “cup of.” The implied (suggested) meaning is a cup of tea (because we love tea…sometimes stereotypes exist for a reason). In American English, “fag” is a derogatory (insulting or mean) term for someone who is gay. “On a Tuesday?! Well OK, just a few cheeky drinks.” 5. “I’m just going to have a cheeky burger on the way home.” It can also be used if you are eating, drinking or doing something that you maybe should not or that is not good for you. “Did you just take the last biscuit? That was a bit cheeky!” “That is a cheeky smile…are you up to something?” When someone is cheeky, it means that they are being a little rude or disrespectful, but usually in a way that is funny and endearing (cute). “I’m going to Nando’s for some bants with the lads.” 4. “Bants” is an abbreviation (shortened version) of “banter.” “Banter” means to joke or to exchange witty (quick and fun) remarks with others. “I’ve been up half of the night with the baby. This comes from “ knacker,” which is an older word for a person who slaughters old worn-out horses who can no longer work. If someone says they are knackered (or sometimes, “ready for the knackers yard”), it means that they are extremely tired. “I’m absolutely chuffed with my birthday present. When someone is chuffed, they are very pleased or happy about something. (Download) Top UK English Slang Termsīecause slang is casual language, some of these might not be appropriate for younger learners.Īlso, some words that are fine to use in Britain may be considered offensive in other places! We will explain all of that, though. This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that youĬlick here to get a copy. To get you started, we’ll cover 18 of the most important UK English slang terms! It’s just a matter of building your familiarity with it over time. So, how can English learners hope to understand it? Sometimes even native English speakers from other regions (like Americans) find it hard to understand British slang. DecemUK English Slang: 18 Essential Slang Words for English LearnersĮnglish slang from the UK (United Kingdom) is significantly different from American slang.
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