How to Understand British Slang
The English will be the first to tell you that there’s a difference between British English and American English. Not only will you hear a different accent when you visit Great Britain, but you’ll hear words and phrases that aren’t used in the United States.
Don’t be caught off guard. Here’s your guide to common British slang and what the words mean.
Blimey
Meaning: A word to express happy surprise
Example:
Wife: “Honey, I’m pregnant!”
Husband: “Blimey!
Bloody
Meaning: A minor curse word, like damn. If used as an adjective, it gives emphasis, like very.
Example:
“Where are my bloody keys?!”
Bollocks
Meaning: Expressing disbelief
Example:
“That story he told was complete bollocks.”
Cheeky
Meaning: A lighthearted way to call someone rude or disrespectful
Example:
Friend 1: “Have you gained weight?”
Friend 2: “Well, aren’t you cheeky?”
Cheers
Meaning: Thank you, a salutation or used in a toast to celebrate
Example:
Friend 1: “I brought you a cookie.”
Friend 2: “Cheers, mate!”
Cock Up
Meaning: To screw up or ruin something
Example:
Friend 1: “Did you hear Joe got into a fender bender?”
Friend 2: “Yeah, he really cocked up his bumper.”
Chuffed
Meaning: Very happy
Example:
“My husband planned a two-week vacation to France, and I’m really chuffed!”
Cracking
Meaning: Excellent
Example:
“This is cracking stew, mom.”
Do
Meaning: A party, event
Example:
“Are you going to Kayla’s do? I hear it will be at a lovely restaurant.”
Dodgy
Meaning: Something not right
Example:
Friend 1: “Do you see that man talking to Beth?”
Friend 2: “Yes, he seems a bit dodgy.”
Fag
Meaning: A cigarette
Example:
“I took my mom’s fags and flushed them down the toilet. Maybe she’ll quit smoking.”
Gander
Meaning: Have a look at (crane your neck like a goose to see)
Example:
“Get a gander at that cat up in the tree.”
Gagging
Meaning: Desperately wanting
Example:
“I’m gagging to make the basketball team.”
Gobsmacked
Meaning: Shocked, astounded
Example:
Worker 1: “I heard they laid off 25 percent of the workers.
Worker 2: “I know; I’m absolutely gobsmacked.”
Gutted
Meaning: Very disappointed
Example:
“I’m gutted from being stood up. I really liked her.”
Kerfuffle
Meaning: A skirmish
Example:
Mom: “I got a call from your school today.”
Son: “Aww, mom, it was just a kerfuffle. No one got hurt.”
Knackered
Meaning: Exhausted
Example:
“After working 60 hours this week, I am simply knackered and going straight to bed.”
Mate
Meaning: Friend
Example:
“I’d like to introduce you to my mate, Jill.”
Muck
Meaning: Dirt as a noun, or to screw up as a verb
Example:
Mom: “Did you just muck up my kitchen floor?”
Daughter: “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t realize there was muck on my shoes.”
Posh
Meaning: Classy or fancy
Example:
“My grandma is so posh, she puts Victoria Beckham to shame.”
Proper
Meaning: Very or extremely, as well as the way things should be done; correct
Example:
Friend 1: “This is a proper omelet.”
Friend 2: “Thanks, I used a proper recipe straight out of Gordon Ramsay’s cookbook.”
Rubbish
Meaning: Ridiculous
Example:
“That play was absolute rubbish. My dog could have acted better in it.”
Taking the Piss
Meaning: Mock something or someone
Example:
Friend 1: “You look nice today.”
Friend 2: “Are you taking the piss?”
Friend 1: “No, I mean it.
Trainers
Meaning: Sneakers
Example:
“I got a brand new pair of trainers for my birthday, but my brother stepped on my foot and mucked them up.”
Wanker
Meaning: Jerk (although slightly more offensive and used as a curse word)
Example:
“That teacher gave me an F. She’s a real wanker!”