Check out our 88 best very British phrases for you to start using and incorporating into your vocabulary right away if you’re an aspiring Anglophile looking for some new lingo to help fuel your love for all things British or you just fancy seeing what kind of words the British find themselves using on a daily basis.
There may be regional variations in slang usage even within the same nation or location. The fact that slang may vary so greatly throughout English-speaking nations in general and even within a single city like London is not surprising.
88 Very British Phrases
Each phrase is accompanied by a definition and an illustration. A few articles additionally include startling information regarding the origins of the expression, such as the fact that several idioms that are commonly associated with Britain really have roots elsewhere.
Scroll down to learn 88 extremely British words that will baffle anyone who didn’t grow up in the UK, whether you think this list is the “bee’s knees” or it makes you want to “pop your clogs.”
1. “A few sandwiches short of a picnic”
“A few sandwiches short of a picnic” could be used to characterize someone who lacks common sense.
The BBC’s “Lenny Henry Christmas Special” from 1987 is where the term first appeared in print.
She’s a lot of fun, but she doesn’t have enough sandwiches for a picnic.
2. “Anorak”
An anorak is a significantly different term in playground slang, despite the fact that it’s more frequently used as a synonym for raincoat.
An “anorak” is a person who is a little bit nerdy and has keen interests or knowledge in a certain field. This is mainly due to how “uncool” anorak coats and the wearers of them seem.
Thomas is such a train trivia nerd, I tell you.
3. “Bagsy”
When anything, such as the front seat of a car, is handed up to a group, calling “bagsy” is the same as calling “shotgun” or “dibs.”
Schoolchildren may refer to foods from their friends’ packed lunches that the friend isn’t going to eat as “bagsy,” such as an apple or a cereal bar.
Does anyone desire this?
“Bagsy!”
4. “Bee’s knees”
Despite having British roots, this expression gained popularity in the USA in the 1920s, but since the turn of the century, its use there has declined.
When the term “bee’s knees” was originally used in the 18th century, it referred to little or unimportant characteristics. The expression has changed since then and now denotes anything that is “at the height of cool.”
The Beatles are outstanding.
5. “Bender”
On a “bender,” a person engages in binge drinking and other acts of mischief.
Since booze binges frequently continue longer than 24 hours, you can refer to someone as being on “a weekend bender” or a “three-day bender.”
“Toward the conclusion of his four-day binge, I ran into him. He was a total mess.”
6. “Blinder”
To “pull a blinder” means to accomplish something challenging flawlessly and expertly.
The expression is most frequently used when someone has been fortunate and the speaker is shocked at how the first person was able to pull it off.
“And did you watch the goal that tied the game in the waning seconds of extra time? He made a fool of himself there.”
7. “Bloody” or “Bleeding”
Practically every statement may be made more intense by adding this word to express surprise or rage.
We don’t know why, but some individuals find the word “bloody” repulsive; up until the middle of the 20th century, it was regarded as a swear word.
The word’s etymology is hotly debated. Some people think it came from the Dutch term “blute,” which means “bare.” Others think the expression is profane and is a shortening of the phrase “by our lady,” which dates back to the 17th century. However, the slang’s record predating the ubiquity of the phrase “by our woman” has refuted this second idea.
The term “bloody,” which is now widely used and even appears in children’s movies like “Harry Potter,” is undoubtedly the most distinctly British on the list.
That was bloody excellent.
8. “Bob’s your uncle”
The very British counterpart of “Et voila!” or “Hey presto!”
This expression is used to describe a procedure that looks more challenging than it is.
“Once in gear, depress the clutch, then gradually release it once again. You are the driver; Bob is your uncle!”
9. “Bog-standard”
“Bog-standard” refers to something that is plain and simple with no extras of any kind.
A “bog” is another word for a toilet in British slang; its meaning is uncertain, but it adds to the idea that something is “bog-standard” if it is unexceptional and unglamorous.
What was the hostel like? “Oh, I have nothing noteworthy to report. Really just your average dorm.”
10. “Boot”
The area at the back of the automobile known as the “trunk” in American English is referred to as the “boot.”
“Put the groceries in the boot.”
11. “Botch job”
A “botch job” is a repair that was carried out in a hasty manner and will likely fail very soon.
These shelves were poorly constructed by Sam; they are crooked.
12. “Brolly”
umbrella is shortened.
“Pick up your umbrella; it’s raining outside.”
13. “Budge up”
Requesting someone to “budge up” would be a colloquial way of asking them to move from where they are sitting so you may sit down, too.
Similar to “move over” or “scoot over,”
“Hey, that bench has plenty of space. Make some space for us, too, and budge!”
14. “Builder’s tea”
the name of a cup of English breakfast tea that has been strongly brewed and served with milk, which is how tea is most frequently consumed in the UK.
Especially if they are working outside in the weather, it is polite to offer a laborer or builder working on your house a builder’s tea while they are working. This is likely the origin of the phrase.
“a builder’s tea and a bacon sandwich. What a proper breakfast, right there.”
15. “Butchers”
Cockney slang for “glance” that rhymes is “butcher’s hook.” As a result, when you say you’re “have a butchers,” you’re actually looking at something.
Would you examine this damaged bike for me, please?
16. “Cack-handed”
A activity carried out in an unpleasant or awkward manner, typically clumsily, would be referred to as “cack-handed.”
Old-fashioned colloquialism for feces is “cack.”
He has really clumsy handwriting while using a screwdriver.
17. “Cheeky”
Cheeky refers to an action that can be seen as unpleasant or shameless, yet for some reason others find hilarious or appealing.
“Joe’s kids are extremely sneaky; last week, they knotted my shoelaces together!”
18. “Chinwag”
A “good old chinwag” is a pleasant conversation, catch-up, or gossip.
Chatting away as the mouth moves up and down mimics a dog’s tail “wagging” in motion.
I haven’t been able to get a word in edgeways for a half-hour since they two are having a proper chitchat.
19. “Chockablock”
Something that is “chockalock” might be characterized as being crammed or stuffed to the brim.
The abbreviation for this is “chocka.”
“We ought to have gone the other way. The road is jam-packed!”
20. “Chuffed”
Ecstatic; brimming with pride.
“I learned that you were promoted. Congratulations! You must feel pleased.”
21. “Clanger”
an obvious and careless error or oversight.
Unrelatedly, a children’s television program from the 1970s called “Clangers” was about pink, mouse-like animals who lived on the moon.
You made a clanger drop there.
22. “Codswallop”
Something fabricated, frequently for dramatic effect.
Although its roots are unknown, the phrase may have come from the words “cod” and “wallop,” which traditionally meant “imitation” and “beer,” respectively. This would indicate that “codswallop” is the sort of nonsense you conjure up when intoxicated.
What a bunch of codswallop, I tell you!
23. “Cost a bomb”
Expensive.
“Your watch is stunning,”
It cost a fortune, so I should hope so.
24. “Cream crackered”
If you’re “cream crackered,” Cockney slang for “knackered,” you’re exceedingly exhausted.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, a “knacker” was a person who killed worn-out horses for their flesh, hoofs, and skin. In other words, if you’re “ready for the knacker’s yard,” you’re beyond weary.
“I’ve already lost it this week, and it’s just Tuesday. I have a cream cracker.”
25. “Curtain twitcher”
A “curtain twitcher” is a nosy neighbor who is frequently seen watching their street’s activity out of a curtained window.
“Anything that occurs on this street captivates his attention. Even though he is a bloody curtain twitcher, he won’t sign for our packages.”
26. “Dench”
When used in opposition to someone else, the adjective “dench” is akin to the words “solid” or “cool.” Dench is used to support anything that is outstanding or pleasing.
The phrase “means anything you want,” according to its purported inventor, British rapper Lethal Bizzle, who was quoted as saying to the Guardian.
We’re having spaghetti carbonara for supper, I promise.
“Dench.”
27. “Dim”
Someone who is clever may be called “bright,” whereas someone who lacks common knowledge can be called “dim.”
She is quite dull.
28. “Doddle”
A “doddle” is a simple task.
The word could be a play on the word “toddle,” which refers to a small child’s first steps.
“This will be simple as pie.”
29. “Dog’s dinner”
A disaster or fiasco is a “dog’s meal”; it is also frequently referred to as a “dog’s breakfast.”
“You’ve turned that into a dog’s meal.”
30. “Faff”
Faffing is the term for time wasted accomplishing very little.
The word “faff” dates back to the 17th century and implies to flap around in the wind.
We were only playing around.
31. “Fag”
The cigarette
A “fag end” is also the poorest and cheapest portions of a fabric reel, which are the ragged ends of the reel. Historically, “fags” referred to the less expensive cigarettes manufactured of inferior tobacco, but the term has now come to refer to all cigarettes.
Could I please pinch a fag?
32. “Fit”
Used to describe someone who is aesthetically appealing; mainly refers to physical appearance.
He is healthy.
33. “Flog”
To “flog” anything is to swiftly and inexpensively sell it.
There is considerable conjecture over whether you flog products to make them shift quicker, too, as “flogging” also refers to whipping a racehorse to make it move faster. This notion, however, is unsupported by any evidence.
“My old sofa is up for sale. Do you know any potential candidates?”
34. “Full Monty”
Following the 1997 release of “The Full Monty,” there was significant misunderstanding about the expression on a global scale since it was mistakenly interpreted as a euphemism for stripping. The phrase “the whole Monty,” on the other hand, truly means going all out for anything.
In the past, “the whole Monty” referred to Sir Montague Burton, an aging tailor. If you wanted to “go the complete Monty,” you had to buy a three-piece suit, a shirt, and all the accessories.
“Everything from sprouts to Yorkshire puddings was served at our Christmas meal. Have the entire Monty if you’re having a roast!”
35. “Full of beans”
“Full of beans” is a term used to describe someone who is passionate, animated, or full of energy.
Although these allegations have been refuted, it’s possible that this expression refers to coffee beans.
You have a lot of beans this morning, by golly!
36. “Gaff”
Home is referred to informally as “gaff.”
Despite the fact that the phrase’s roots are mostly unclear, it is assumed that they stem from the fact that a gaff in the 18th century was a music hall or theater.
“What plans do you have for the weekend? Would you like to attend our party at our gaff?”
37. “Gallivanting”
To “gallivant” is to wander or to embark on an adventure with the express purpose of amusing oneself.
“Gallivanting” is a careless and self-assured deed since historically, “gallant” was used to characterize someone who was bold or heroic.
They’re out gallivanting once more.
38. “Geezer”
A “geezer” is a man who is suave or elegant and frequently wears a suit and boots. Another prevalent term for men from east London is “geezers.”
The word “geezer” is believed to have originated from the 15th-century noun “guiser,” which signified well-dressed.
That man exudes such arrogance; he is a true geezer.
39. “Give me a tinkle on the blower”
“Call me,” “ring me,” etc. Give me a tinkle is another way to abbreviate the expression.
While “blower” is slang for a telephone and refers to the device that predecessor phones aboard Naval ships, “tinkle” refers to a phone’s ring. The whistle at the end of the pipe, which the sailors would blow down to their receiver, would sound to draw attention.
Give the blower a little tinkle for me.
40. “Gobsmacked”
Surprised, perplexed, and amazed.
If you’re gobsmacked, you’re surprised to the point of closing your jaw in amazement. “Gob” is short for mouth.
I was astounded.
41. “Gutted”
A football fan sees his squad suffer defeat.
Someone who says they’re “gutted” is distraught or exceedingly disturbed, not physically being disemboweled.
“I was devastated to the core.”
42. “Half past”
Brits will frequently refer to times in “minutes past” the hour, but Americans are more likely to say “seven thirty” or “five fifty.” “Half past seven,” “ten to six,” etc.
It’s unknown why Americans prefer the digital format while the British seem to prefer analog timekeeping.
It’s twenty minutes past eleven.
43. “Hank Marvin”
Hank Marvin is slang meaning “starving” in the Cockney dialect.
I’m Hank Marvin, which is slang for “I’m voracious” or “I’m hungry.”
British musician Hank Marvin, who was active in the 1960s and 1970s, is now almost forgotten. In the 1960s, Marvin was a guitarist in Cliff Richard’s backup band.
“When will we have dinner? Hank Marvin here.”
44. “Innit”
The term “isn’t it” is most frequently abbreviated as “innit” by teens and other young people.
This expression is used to support or concur with anything that has just been uttered by another individual.
“Today is quite chilly,”
“Innit.”
45. “Leg it”
Scarper; rush away; make a break for it.
All of the lights turned on at that point, so we left.
46. “Long”
Something might be called “long” if it requires a lot of work and is probably not going to be worth all the work. This can be because of the effort that will be required to finish the activity.
It’s likely that anything “lengthy” will also bother or aggravate you.
Cleaning the kitchen takes a while.
47. “Lurgy“
When someone has “the lurgy,” they get cold or flu-like symptoms.
The term “the dreadful lurgy” comes from the 1950s British television program “The Goon Show,” in which one of the characters had to deal with a widespread outbreak of an unnamed ailment.
The word “allergy” was likely mispronounced when “lurgy” was coined.
She has contracted the terrible lurgy.
48. Making random words past-tense to mean drunk
Since practically any word may be used in place of “drunk,” Brits are notorious for enjoying a drink or two.
British comedian Michael MacIntyre claimed in his stand-up routine: “Actually, you can substitute any term in the English language to indicate intoxicated. It works.”
“Trollied,” “smashed,” and “gazeboed” are some examples.
“Last night, I was positively parked in my automobile.”
49. “Miffed”
A little angry or agitated.
“Miffed” may have come from the German word “muffen,” which means “to mope.”
“I can’t lie, I was a little irritated.”
50. “Minging”
“Minging” is a term used to describe unpleasant, unappetizing, or extremely repulsive things.
The name is derived from the slang word “ming,” which means “feces” in Scottish.
“Who made that sandwich? Is that tuna and ham? That is meddling.”
51. “Mint”
When referring to anything of the finest caliber, the word “mint” may be used.
derived from “mint condition,” which describes a previously owned item that is still in immaculate condition; nevertheless, an item that is simply “mint” need not have been previously owned.
“Those are some mint sneakers!”
52. “Mortal”
The term “mortal,” which comes from the sociolect of Newcastle, became well-known throughout the nation in 2011 because to the reality TV program “Geordie Shore.”
A person who is gravely inebriated or drunkenly inebriated is called “mortal.”
“Scott, did you see him last night? He was only human.”
53. “Nick”
While “to nick” also refers to steal, “the Nick” might be a reference to a jail.
The phrase’s etymology is hotly contested online, but it’s generally accepted that the verb “to nick,” which means to steal, had an impact on the slang term for prison because going to jail is akin to being “taken” away.
Did you simply steal that?
Avoid being discovered or you’ll wind up in the Nick!
54. “On it like a car bonnet”
This slang phrase may be used by someone in control of the circumstance.
“Steve, how’s the report coming along?”
“Alan, don’t worry. I’ve got it under control like a car bonnet.”
55. “On the pull”
An individual who is “on the pull” has left the house, generally for a night out, with the goal of finding a sexual partner.
The word “pull” can also be a verb. When you “pull,” you kiss the person.
“You seem good. Do you intend to ride the pull?”
56. “Over-egg the pudding”
The expression “over-egging the pudding” refers to overdoing something to the point where the final result suffers.
The word “egg” really derives from the Anglo Saxon word “eggian,” which means to “excite,” despite the fact that it may sound like an analogy about the chemistry of baking or using too many eggs in a cake mix. The expression “egging someone on” to accomplish something still uses this in English.
In the metaphor of “over-egging the pudding,” the batter is over-excited or over-mixed excessively before baking, resulting in a thick or difficult cake.
“We understand that you have hurt yourself. Avoid overegging the pudding.”
57. “Pants”
garbage, trash, and rubbish.
“Those are pants,”
58. “Par“
A “par” is a breach of social and conventional decency, such as a rude remark.
You may use the word “par” as a verb, for example, “You just got parred.”
This colloquial expression could be a British shortening of the French phrase “faux pas,” which refers to a rude or humiliating comment made in a social setting.
Did you remember to wash this morning? I don’t intend to make fun of you.
59. “Pear-shaped”
One may use the phrase “gone pear-shaped” to indicate a scenario that has rapidly turned into an accident waiting to happen.
The expression was purportedly used in the Royal Air Force as an outdated slang term to denote unsuccessful operations and flights.
Well, things seem to have taken a bad turn.
60. “Pea-souper”
A “pea-souper” is a dense fog brought on by air pollution that frequently has a yellow or black tint.
The expression was originally used in 1200 to describe the dense, suffocating smogs that formed over London and were brought on by several individuals burning fossil fuels nearby. The color and density of the smogs were compared to pea soup.
“Be careful when you’re driving; the road conditions are poor.”
61. “Pinch punch first of the month”
“First of the month, pinch punch. All returns are final “is a common schoolyard rhyme that is given between pals on the first day of a new month, along with a pinch and a punch.
The recipient can respond with “a slap and a kick for being so quick” followed by a slap and a kick if the joker forgets to state “no returns of any type.”
According to the Metro, the playground custom dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was believed that a “pinch” of salt might weaken witches, and that a “punch” could completely exile them. In order to fend off witches and ill luck in the near future, people would “pinch punch, first of the month.”
Nowadays, youngsters generally use it as a means of playing practical jokes on their pals.
Punch in the beginning of the month, pinch!
“Ha! For being so swift, give me a smack and a kick!”
62. “Pissed”
In the US, “pissed” often refers to “mad.” In contrast, someone who is “pissed” in the UK is presumably intoxicated.
Oh, don’t bother him; he’s irate.
63. “Pop your clogs”
To “pop your clogs” is to pass away.
It is generally accepted that Northern manufacturing workers during the industrial revolution coined this upbeat saying. Employees had to put on tough clogs when working on the manufacturing floor to protect their feet.
The word “cock” developed into “pop,” and when someone “cocked” their clogs, their toes pointed up in the air as they lay down dead.
“Have you heard the news about John’s grandfather? He must have busted his clogs.”
64. “Poppycock”
“Poppycock” is a term that refers to gibberish, garbage, or simply false statements.
This term is uniquely British and comes from the Dutch words “pap” and “kak,” which mean “soft” and “dung,” respectively.
What a bunch of nonsense!
65. “Quids in”
Someone who is “quids in” has made an investment in a chance that will presumably greatly benefit them.
British slang for “pounds” is “quid,” where “five quid” denotes $5.
“If everything goes as planned, he’ll be cash in.”
66. “Round”
In the pub, you could purchase a “round” of drinks for your pals with the idea that they will later individually purchase a drink for you.
“It’s whose round, right? Has Steve got it?”
These were the last of my round, so no way.
67. “Shambles”
A “shambles” might be used to indicate a disorganized mess or a chaotic setting.
“What’s going on here? This mess is terrible!”
68. “Shirty”
“Shirty” is a term used to describe someone who is irritable or short-tempered.
This slang’s definition has been hotly contested. Short-tempered because the term “shirt” is derived from the Norse word meaning “short.” Others, however, think that the word “shirty” implies being untidy.
“Mister, don’t get shirty with me.”
69. “Skew-whiff”
When something is “skew-whiff,” it is off-center.
Is it just me, or does the painting seem a little off-center?
70. “Skive”
Skiving is the practice of absenting oneself from work or school, frequently by feigning illness.
The word “skive” comes from the French verb “esquiver,” which means “to slink away.”
He skipped class on a weekday so that we could all visit Thorpe Park.
71. “Slumped”
being run down; generally following a lot of effort.
“Should we attend the dinner party tonight? I’m slouching.”
72. “Smarmy”
It’s possible to call someone “smarmy” if they give off the impression of being cunning or unreliable.
Early documented usage of the adjective appear to use it interchangeably with “smear,” implying that someone who is “smarmy” is also “slick” or “slippery” even though the adjective’s roots are still mostly unclear.
He’s a smarmy geezer, so don’t trust him.
73. “Sod’s law”
“If anything can go wrong, it absolutely will go wrong,” is a British proverb that basically means.
It’s common to invoke “Sod’s law” to explain unlucky situations or bizarre instances of disaster. In the US, this is more frequently referred to as “Murphy’s law.”
“My bread had to fall to the ground butter-side down, of course. It is Sod’s rule.”
74. “Spanner in the works”
A “spanner in the works” is a circumstance that alters the normal, predetermined sequence of events.
The expression alludes to the chaos that results when anything is carelessly dumped into a machine’s complex gears and workings.
“Mary threw a wrench in the works by becoming pregnant.”
75. “Spend a penny”
Going to the bathroom is referred to as “spend a dime” in polite society.
The expression dates back to Victorian public restrooms, where patrons had to insert a single coin to unlock the lock.
Despite its vulgar tone, the expression is actually regarded as a polite way to indicate that you are going to the restroom. Since only women’s public restrooms required a coin to lock, historically only women would say they were going to “pay a penny.” The use of the men’s restroom was free.
“I’ll spend one cent.”
76. “Splash out”
To “splash out” implies to spend a lot of money on a certain thing or activity.
Spending money on a treat to honor a particular occasion or celebration is implied if you’re “splashing out.”
You’ve really splurged on this celebration, wow!
77. “Swot”
Someone who takes academic studies very seriously may be referred to as a “swot,” a term that is similar to “nerd” or “geek” but is less pejorative.
The word “swot” can also be a verb.
“Tom started studying for his exams and I haven’t seen him since. He’s developed into such a wonderful cat!”
He had indeed been studying hard for his Spanish exam.
78. “Take the biscuit”
You may claim that someone has “taken the biscuit” if they did something really irksome or unexpected in an annoying way.
Taking the biscuit is the same as accepting the fictitious award for stupidity or disbelief.
I could just about put up with the dog barking at 5:30 in the morning, but the lawnmower at 3 in the morning really gets to me.
79. “Take the Mickey”
The phrase “take the Mickey” can be used in both a cheerful and furious manner and refers to taking liberties at the cost of others.
The phrase “taking the Mickey Bliss,” which is Cockney slang for “take the p***,” is abbreviated as “take the Mickey.”
“Hey! Take the Mickey instead.”
80. “Tickety-boo”
Something that is pleasing and in working condition is said to be “tickety-boo.”
Although “tickety-boo” may come across as stereotypically twee, other sources claim that it really comes from the Hindu proverb “hk hai, bb,” which means “it’s fine, sir.”
Everything is in order.
81. “Waffle”
You could refer to someone as “waffling” or “talking waffle” when they deliver a powerful speech while avoiding a key point or adding nothing of substance.
To “waff” in the 17th century was to yell, which rapidly changed to imply to speak carelessly or erratically.
I hope he would quit droning on.
What a bunch of nonsense!
82. “Wally”
A wally is someone who is stupid or inept.
The term’s meaning has changed in the last 50 years alone, despite the fact that its beginnings are hotly contested.
Dictionary.com claims that in the 1960s, someone who was out of style may be called a “wally.”
You wally, don’t set down a leaky cup on top of the newspaper!
83. “Wangle”
When you “wangle” something, you successfully achieve your goals by using devious tactics.
“By being friendly to the cabin crew, I managed to wrangle several first-class seats!”
84. “Wanker”
“Wanker,” ah.” It fills a certain niche for a single-word insult to be screamed out in a moment of irritation, rage, provocation, or, of course, as a joke among friends. It’s possibly the finest British insult on the list. The closest fit by “jerk” or “asshole,” but at a somewhat higher value, is “wanker.”
What a jerk, that man just cut me off in traffic.
85. “Whinge”
Whining is the annoying or whiny act of moaning, groaning, and complaining.
“Stop complaining,”
86. “Wind your neck in”
You may urge someone to “wind their neck in” if you want them to stop worrying about things that don’t directly touch them.
Another method to convey that someone’s viewpoint is not valued in the situation at hand is to use this idiom.
“Wind your neck in and quit looking around so much!”
87. “Wind-up merchant”
Someone who makes remarks only with the intention of igniting a debate or controversy may be called a “wind-up merchant.”
When the targets start getting irate, the “wind-up merchant” will frequently insist that their remarks are being made in good fun.
In the same manner that you wind up a Jack-in-the-box before it pops, “winding someone up” refers to making someone tense or agitated.
Be serious for a while and stop being such a wind-up merchant!
88. “Zonked”
Drained; worn out.
I had planned to go out tonight, but I was really exhausted after work.