It’s no secret that the English language is becoming increasingly widespread.
You can readily find English speakers in every corner of the world.
Nevertheless, one of the most tricky aspects of learning English is understanding British slang and British phrases.
These unique terms and unwritten rules are key to helping you sound like a local.
And in some cases, knowing British slang will indirectly boost your authority and confidence by allowing you to flow better whilst talking.
What’s more, being able to understand these nuances will ensure you can converse freely, recognise cultural references and avoid any embarrassing mishaps!
To help you learn British slang as fast as humanly possible, we’ve created this all-inclusive guide.
1. Mate – this is an interchangeable word that is a commonly used term for a friend or as a greeting to a male you are unacquainted with. “Hello mate, how are you?”
2. Gutted – is a British term you use to describe feeling devastated or upset. “I’m absolutely gutted”.
3. Alright – a very common and interchangeable word. Commonly used as a greeting and does not usually require a response. “Alright mate”.
4. Dodgy – used to describe something or someone that is suspicious or questionable. “That person looked dodgy, so I stayed away”.
5. Banter – or its abbreviated version ‘bants’, refers to a witty, quick and fun joke, usually at the expense of a friend or loved one. “Don’t be offended John, we’re only having some banter”.
6. Cheeky – a British term of endearment used when a friend or loved one is being a little rude or disrespectful but in a funny way.
7. Quid – a British term used to describe a single pound sterling. “Lend me a quid mate”.
8. Fit – while meaning something that is very healthy, fit can also mean someone who is very physically attractive.
9. Fancy – an interchangeable term used for an object or person that you have taken a particular liking to. “Fancy a pint after work?”
10. Daft – a friendly term that is not offensive and used to describe something that is a little stupid or silly. “Don’t be daft!”
11. Wicked – despite sounding like something evil, wicked is actually used when referring to something that you thought was amazing. “That was wicked!”
12. Rubbish – multi-use term that can either describe your household waste or something that was very bad or below expectations.
13. Chips – this is the most commonly used term to describe French fries, as in Fish and Chips.
14. Crisps – Coming in a variety of flavours, this is the British equivalent of a packet of potato chips.
15. Loo – a common term used to describe going to the toilet or bathroom, “I’m just going to the loo”.
16. Bare – a British term commonly used to describe a lot of something. “There were bare people in the club last night”.
17. Banging – a common phrase that is used to describe something very good or of high quality.
18. Blatant – refers to something that is very obvious. “It was blatant that they were cheating”.
19. First-class – a phrase used to describe something that was truly excellent and superior to anything else.
20. Boozer – a common term used to describe a pub or drinking establishment that is not a bar or nightclub.
21. Having a natter – a phrase commonly used to describe having a friendly chat or gossip with close friends and family.
22. Backhander – a British term used to refer to the money used to describe bribing someone. “He was given a backhander”.
23. Cuppa – a friendly way of describing a “cup of”. Often used when referring to a cup of tea. “You’re looking sad, do you want a cuppa?”
24. Barney – this is a slang word used to describe an argument or disagreement with a friend or family member.
25. Legless – a friendly British term used to describe someone who is very drunk. “you were legless last night!”
26. Bagsy – a British slang term commonly used by British children and teens to stake a claim on something. “Bagsy the front seat of the car”.
27. Bog – has two meanings, either a muddy marsh or a phrase used to describe the toilet. “I’m going to the bog, be back in a minute”.
28. Bonkers – a phrase used to describe a situation that is particularly surreal and unexpected. “That was bonkers!”
29. Stag Night – this is the name given to the boys-only night out for a groom to be. Otherwise known as a bachelor’s or Bucks party.
30. Hen Do – this is the bride’s equivalent of a Stag Night and is otherwise known as a bachelorette party.
31. Skive off – the British slang term used to describe avoiding the job or duties that you are meant to be completing. “I don’t fancy going to work today, I might skive off”.
32. Bits and bobs – a term used to describe an assortment or collection of different items that do not have any real connection to each other.
33. Cream Crackered –A cockney rhyming phrase that is typically used to describe being worn out and extremely tired mentally and physically. “I’m cream crackered!”
34. Minted – is a British term typically used to describe someone who is wealthy and has a large amount of money, “They’re minted”.
35. Kip – this is a term commonly used to refer to having a short nap or snooze during the day. “I’m off for a kip”.
36. Footy – a colloquial term that is a shortened version of football (soccer). “Are you going to the footy?”
37. Chuffed – this is used to describe feeling very pleased and proud of something either you did, or a close friend accomplished.
38. Peanuts – a British term used to describe the cost of an item that is very cheap to what it normally is. “I got this jacket for peanuts”.
39. Fortnight – a duration of time that refers to a period of 14 days or two consecutive weeks.
40. Give us a bell – a common phrase used to describe wanting someone to telephone you. “Give us a bell when you finish work”.
41. Haggle – a common British slang term used to describe bartering someone down or negotiating a particular price. “I haggled them down from the asking price”.
42. Gobsmacked – a British slang phrase used to describe amazement, “I was gobsmacked, it was so good!”
43. Shambles – this is a term used to refer to something that is in disarray or in a mess. “That was a complete shambles”.
44. Bob’s your uncle – this is a term used to describe something that is a guaranteed success. “Do it that way, and Bob’s your uncle!”
45. Easy peasy – is a commonly used term to describe something that was very easy to complete.
46. Have a butcher’s – this is a phrase that is used when you want someone to take a look at something closely.
47. The bee’s knees – a British slang term used to describe something that is better than anything else or is the pinnacle of their profession.
48. Numpty – a light-hearted British term referring to someone who does something stupid or says something that is incorrect.
49. Naff – a term used to describe something that is not very good. “That was naff”.
50. Butty – this is a phrase typically used in the south of the country and refers to a sandwich. “I’ll have a bacon butty please”.
51. Hunky-dory – this is a term that refers to something that is going very well. “It’s all hunky-dory!”
52. Hyper – a British slang term used to describe someone, often children, or a pet that is very over-excited. “They were so hyper”.
53. Moreish – this is a phrase used to describe something that is very tasty and addictive. “Oh, that cake was very moreish”.
54. Peckish – used to describe a feeling of being hungry or craving something that is not quite a full meal.
55. Rough – this is commonly used to describe a feeling of being sick or unwell. “I feel really rough, so I can’t come out”.
56. Yucky – refers to a food or drink item that does not taste nice or has gone off. “That was yucky!”
57. Faff – a British slang term used to describe someone who is being overly fussy or delaying something with unnecessary tasks. “Stop faffing around and get on with it”.
58. Flutter – a gambling term used to describe placing a bet or wager on something, often these bets are relatively low and have a small stake.
59. Full of beans – this is a term used to describe someone who is incredibly eager and full of energy to achieve something.
60. Her majesty’s pleasure – despite its pleasant sound, this phrase refers to someone who has spent time in prison.
61. Jammy – a very common British slang term for someone who is always very lucky and fortunate, often more than should be normal.
62. Knees up – a phrase often used in the South and London regions that describes a big party, packed with drinking and dancing. “We’ll have a right knees-up!”
63. Nick – a British term used to steal something. “I’m going to nick that coat”. Being nicked refers to being caught by the police and arrested.
64. Mug – a slightly negative term used for someone who repeatedly makes mistakes or is particularly gullible and will believe anything.
65. Nosh – refers to a hearty plate of food that is very tasty. A meal that you find very tasty could be referred to as a “proper nosh up”.
66. Not your cup of tea – classic term used to describe something that does not take your fancy or is not something that brings you enjoyment.
67. Nowt – a phrase used in the north of the country that is typically used as a replacement for the term nothing. “There’s nowt wrong with that”.
68. On your bike – a relatively polite way of telling someone to go away and stop bothering you. “On your bike, mate”.
69. Pear-shaped – this is a British slang term used to describe a situation that has not quite gone to plan. “Things have gone a bit pear-shaped!”
70. Piece of cake – a British slang phrase commonly used to describe something that was very easy to complete. Similar use to the term Easy Peasy. “That was a piece of cake!”
71. Plastered – another popular phrase used to describe someone who was very intoxicated with alcohol. “I was plastered last night!”
72. Put a sock in it – this is a fairly firm and rude way of telling someone to stop talking and to be quiet. “Oh put a sock in it will you!”
73. Sloshed – yet another term that is commonly used to describe someone who is very drunk. “You were absolutely sloshed!”
74. Smarmy – a slightly derogative term used to describe someone who appears particularly unpleasant and tries to showcase how they are better than you.
75. Snookered – 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. “I’m snookered!”
76. Sod’s Law – this is a common phrase for when something that can go wrong, does go wrong. “It is sod’s law my car won’t start on the one day I really need it”.
77. Having a strop – a British slang term typically used to describe someone who is having a public display of anger or frustration. Commonly used for young children.
78. Taking the biscuit – an old English phrase used when someone is beginning to push their luck or push their boundaries. “You’re really taking the biscuit now”.
79. Waffle – a friendly term used to describe someone who is incessantly talking and mentioning things that are not relevant. “Stop talking waffle and get to the point”.
80. Trolley – an interchangeable British term used to describe either a shopping cart or someone who is saying something silly, “You’re off your trolley if you think that’s correct!”
81. Bloke – a term used to describe a typical adult male in the UK. Used in the same way American’s use the term dude.
82. Off-licence – is a shop that is typically opened late into the night and serves essential groceries and alcohol.
83. Biscuit – a British slang term used to describe any cookie or cookie-like snack in the UK.
84. Blinder – a word used to describe something that was truly exceptional. “You played a blinder last night!” or “That was a blinding performance”.
85. Botch job – a British slang term used to describe something that has been repaired or completed in a quick time without any care or attention. “That was a bit of a botch job”.
86. Brolly – a word that every Brit knows! A brolly is a slang term for an umbrella, something that is needed very regularly in the UK.
87. Builder’s tea – the British love their tea, and this is a term used to describe a tea that features a lot of milk and is typically quite weak.
88. Brass monkeys – a slang phrase that is slowly disappearing but is used to describe very cold weather. “It’s brass monkey’s out there!”
89. Minging – a slightly derogative term used to describe something that is either disgusting or gross. “I’m not being funny, but that meal was minging!”
90. Pork pies – another Cockney rhyming slang phrase that refers to someone who is lying. Typically used in London, it has expanded to other regions of the country. “I’ve got no time for your pork pies”.
91. Fluke – something that is very lucky or caused by complete chance. “Hitting the bullseye was such a fluke!”
92. Arsed – a slightly less polite way of saying that you cannot be bothered to do something. “I can’t be arsed to go to work today”.
93. Innit – a common abbreviation for Isn’t it. This is typically used in the south of the country and particularly amongst the younger generations.
94. On the pull – a British term used to describe going out for the evening with the sole intention of attracting someone of the opposite sex.
95. Spanner in the works – an event that disrupts your plans. “That was a right spanner in the works that I didn’t see coming.”
96. Splash out – a common British term used to describe spending more money than you should have to treat yourself or a loved one. “Splash out and treat yourself, you only live once!”
97. Take the mickey – a light-hearted way of mocking someone you love for something that they did or said. A slightly less pleasant way of saying this is “taking the piss”.
98. Wally – a less common term nowadays, but a Wally is someone who is a little silly or has said something stupid.
99. Cheesed off – a feeling of being angry or depressed at the actions of someone you care for. “I’m a bit cheesed off they never called me on my birthday”.
100. Gormless – a negative term used to describe someone who is incredibly foolish or lacking in intelligence.
You should strive to learn British slang if you want to surprise people with your pronunciation. There are numerous aspects of your speech that can accentuate your strengths but also weaknesses. And your accent is one of those aspects.
Although the common perception around the world is that every British person speaks eloquently as if they are a part of the royal family, the truth is actually very different.
Understanding British English can sometimes be very difficult, and despite the small size of the country, there are vastly different accents and slang terms.
Even different parts of the same city can use diverse terms and accents.
For example, a south Londoner will speak very different from someone born in the north of the city.
Slang terms are almost an entirely separate language, and it can be very hard to pick these terms up as they are not listed in your usual English language textbooks.
However, if you look close enough, there is a wide array of options available to help you learn these colloquialisms and British slang phrases.
With the right attention, you’ll soon be speaking with a modern British accent! So how do you learn British slang?
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 “Queen’s English” and modern British English (or Received Pronunciation).
Also, try watching some of the popular soap operas such as Eastenders, Coronation Street and Hollyoaks, as this will help you to understand how certain terms are used in a real-life situation.
There are also some fantastic sitcoms that can help you to learn how certain phrases can be used to elicit laughs.
The Inbetweeners is a very southern England show, while The Royle Family caters more to the north of the country.
Other shows such as The Great British Bake Off are great in helping you to see how certain phrases are used in context.
Check out our guide on the top 5 British TV Shows that will help you learn British slang and English in general from the comfort of your own home (Click here).
Another great way of picking up certain colloquialisms and slang phrases is to listen to both popular and local radio shows.
As the presenters talk, you will soon start picking up on the phrases and terms they use to describe certain situations and conversations.
If the radio presenters do not help you, then listening to some of the biggest British musicians certainly can.
From Stormzy and Adele to Dua Lipa and the Arctic Monkeys, they all use certain words and phrases that are distinctly British.
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.
Throwing yourself in at the deep end and heading to the pub with some native speakers will soon seeing you understand exactly what phrases and terms to use in certain situations.
Learning English can be incredibly tough, and understanding British slang is even tougher, but taking your time and using these 100 phrases will soon see you conversing with native speakers like you have been living here for years!
Yes, knowing and understanding British slang is great and will definitely make you sound more like a local.
However, in order to truly boost your status, authority and confidence you would need to speak with an all-around modern British accent, also known as, Received Pronunciation.
Received Pronunciation is by far the most sought after English accent in the world and that’s why many people wish to learn it.
If you are a non-native English speaker and are looking for an authentic English accent that will open doors for you in your career check out our flagship British Accent Programs.
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