The meaning of this slang has been debated at length. This cheery phrase is widely believed to originate from Northern factory workers around the time of the industrial revolution. "Press down the clutch, put it into gear, then slowly ease off the clutch again. After "The Full Monty" film was released in 1997, there was some international confusion over the phrase in which it was taken as a euphemism for stripping. "That's a barmy idea". Lacking in energy; usually after a long period of exertion. "What are you up to this weekend? Around the same time, the word "cod" was a little-known slang term for a . A "pea-souper" is a thick fog, often with a yellow or black tinge, caused by air pollution. "Shhh, he's on the dog and bone.". 2023 LoveToKnow Media. Nineteenth-century sailor slang for "A riotous holiday, a noisy day in the . ", Someone that's energetic, lively, or enthusiastic might be described as "full of beans.". ", 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. "When are we going to eat? Budge up and make some room for us, too!". Getty Images. Budge up and make some room for us, too!". ", It's similar to "scoot over" or "move over. GOBSMACKED: A quintessentially British slang term that refers to being stunned and surprised beyond belief. ", In his stand-up show, British comedian Michael MacIntyre said: "You can actually use any word in the English language and substitute it to mean drunk. A 'cock up' is a mistake, a failure of large or epic proportions. The "bee's knees" referred to small or insignificant details when it was first documented in the 18th century. "We get it you've injured yourself. Having made such a big impact following his arrival from Porto in January 2022, there was a real expectation that the 26-year-old could help propel to another Premier League title this season. "Cack" is old-fashioned slang for faeces. When we get home, I'm going to take a quick kip.". To "flog" means to sell something usually quickly and cheaply. If the joker forgets to say "no returns of any kind," the recipient can say "a slap and a kick for being so quick," accompanied by a slap and a kick. To "spend a penny" is a polite euphemism for going to the toilet. "And did you see that equalising goal in the last minute of injury time? "Tinkle" refers to a phone's ring, while "blower" is slang or telephone and refers to the device that predated phones on Naval ships. ", On the other hand, someone who's intelligent might be described as "bright.". By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider "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. Batty-fang. "Take the Mickey" is an abbreviation of "taking the Mickey Bliss," which is Cockney rhyming slang for "take the p***. You can use it to refer to a person or an object. Therefore, if you're "having a butchers," you're having a look at something. Have a gander I believe this expression originates in the English county of Cheshire. If you're going to have a roast, have the full Monty!". "You look nice. Men's urinals were free of charge. Throw a wobbly - get . "We should've taken the other route. "By getting pregnant, Mary threw a spanner in the works.". "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. The action of chatting away -- with the jaw bobbing up and down -- resembles a chin "wagging" like a dog's tail. You don't want to be called a few sandwiches short of a picnic." From "chockablock" to a "full Monty," the Brits have a wide range of interesting phrases. Someone that lacks common sense might be described as "a few sandwiches short of a picnic.". ", An informal way of asking someone to make room where they are sitting for you to sit down, too, would be asking them to "budge up. "Well, this has all gone a bit pear-shaped.". ", "Of course my toast had to land on the floor butter-side-down. Benders can last over 24 hours, and so you might say that someone is on "a weekend bender," or a "three-day 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.". "Wow you've really splashed out on this party! ", An informal way of asking someone to make room where they are sitting for you to sit down, too, would be asking them to "budge up. "This week's done me in already, and it's only Tuesday. Editor's note: An earlier version of this story was published on November 3, 2017, on Business Insider UK. Menu. In the UK, the word buzzard denotes to the genus Buteo, generally . This is sometimes shortened to "chocka." Cock Up 'Cock up' - a British slang term that is far from the lewdness its name suggests. "What's in that sandwich? He pulled a blinder there.". Schoolkids might call "bagsy" on items from their friends' pack lunches, like an apple or a cereal bar, that the friend isn't going to eat. 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. Synonyms miss, mistake, slip, fault, This phrase is used to describe a process which seems more difficult than it actually is. Derived from "mint condition," which refers to something pre-owned that retains its pristine condition, although something that's just "mint" doesn't have to be pre-owned. 1. ", "I'm going to make us spaghetti carbonara for dinner. 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.". 4. Since then, the phrase has evolved and refers to something popular or cool. ", "I'm going to make us spaghetti carbonara for dinner. "Goodness, you're full of beans this morning!". "I wangled some first-class seats by being nice to the cabin crew!". From our linguistic research, we've confirmed that above all, British people are sarcastic, unsympathetic, and often rather drunk. "Chinese whispers" are rumours that have been circulated and watered down until they only vaguely resemble the truth. If the joker forgets to say "no returns of any kind," the recipient can say "a slap and a kick for being so quick," accompanied by a slap and a kick. 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]. "Be careful when you're driving it's a pea-souper out there.". "Wind your neck in and stop being so nosy! "And did you see thatequalising goal in the last minute of injury time? Budge up and make some room for us, too!". A "good old chinwag" is a good chat, catch-up, or gossip with someone. The word could be a variation of "toddle" -- like a young child's first steps. The term comes from the Scottish slang word "ming," meaning faeces. 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. While Americans are more likely to say "seven thirty" or "five fifty," Brits will more often than not refer to times in "minutes past" the hour. A slap and a kick for being so quick!". Historically, only women would announce they were going to "spend a penny," as only women's public toilets required a penny to lock. Someone who's "quids in" has invested in an opportunity that is probably going to benefit them massively. We've got a party at our gaff, if you fancy it?". This could be due to the lengths that the person will have to go to in order to complete the task. This is a shambles! ", "Oh. Going "the fully Monty" meant purchasing a full three-piece suit, a shirt, and all of the trimmings. "Did you see Scott last night? ", An informal way of asking someone to make room where they are sitting for you to sit down, too, would be asking them to "budge up. 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.. 60 British phrases that will confuse anybody who didn't grow up in the UK. The phrase describes the mayhem caused when something is recklesslythrown into the intricate gears and workings of a machine. Something that is "tickety-boo" is satisfactory and in good order. 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 trust him -- he's a smarmy geezer. He was mortal.". 11. . ", "Grab your brolly, it's drizzling outside. It must have been Chinese Whispers.". ", "I'm Hank Marvin" means "I'm hungry" or "I'm ravenous.". To "faff" is to waste time doing very little. To "take the Mickey" means to take liberties at the expense of others and can be used in both a lighthearted and an irritated fashion. "Mint" might be used when referring to something of the highest calibre. Cock up - a mistake, as a verb "to cock up" is to make a mistake. Hank Marvin is a British musician from the 1960s and 1970s, and is a pretty obscure reference nowadays. Do you know anyone that might be interested?". That's minging.". Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. "Those two are having a proper chinwag -- I haven't been able to get a word in edgeways for half an hour! However, there is no proof for this theory. Jonathon Green, Chambers Slang Dictionary (2008) provides three meanings for the verb phrase piss up, none of them very similar to Ayto & Simpson's definition: piss up v. 1 {1960s-1970s} ( U.S.) to vomit 2 see PISS OFF v. (2) ["to annoy"]. It may originate from subcultures, criminals during the 16th century in saloons and gambling houses, or the codes certain vulnerable communities use to survive. Men's urinals were free of charge. Low London phrase meaning "to thrash thoroughly," possibly from the French battre a fin. This phrase became mainstream in the USA in the 1920s despite its British origins,but its popularity in the Stateshas dwindled since the turn of the century. Its reported creator, British rapper Lethal Bizzle, elusivelytold the Guardian that the word "means anything you want. "A bacon sandwich and a builder's tea. It's trousers. This classic British idiom may seem stereotypically twee, however, some sources believe that "tickety-boo" in fact derives from theHindu phrase "hk hai, bb," meaning "it's alright, sir. This road is chocka! In the 1960s, someone that was unfashionable might be nicknamed a "wally," according to dictionary.com. A "knacker" was the person that slaughtered worn-out horses in the 19th and 20th centuries for their meat, hoofs, and hide. or "Et voila!". ", "I'm going to make us spaghetti carbonara for dinner. The phrase goes back to Victorian public toilets, which required users to insert a single penny in order to operate the lock. The idiom was first used to describe the thick, choking smogs that settled over London, caused by lots of people burning fossil fuels in a close vicinity, as early as 1200. He's turned into such a swot! It's common courtesy to offer a laborer or builder working on your house a builder's tea while they're working especially if they're working out in the cold. 2. 2. The smogs were compared to pea soup due to their colour and density. Whether you think this list is the "bee's knees" or if it's enough to make you want to "pop your clogs," scroll on to discover 88 very Britishphrases in alphabetical order that will confuse anybody who didn't grow up in the UK. "Do we have to go to the dinner party tonight? ", Similar to "nerd" or "geek" but less derogatory -- someone that takes academic study very seriously might be described as a "swot. Geezer is thought to stem from the 15th century "guiser," which meant well-dressed. ", Someone that comes across as scheming or untrustworthy might be described as "smarmy. Of course, there also have to be slang options to describe actions and behaviors people engage in on a regular basis. While the phrase is misogynistic in nature, it's still commonly used. The term probably came about due to the fact that it rhymes with "knacker." Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. "Pull" can also be used as a verb. "I could just about deal with the dog barking at 5:30a.m., but the lawnmower at 3 a.m. really takes the biscuit.". Meaning: A pair of sneakers. 'Cheers' meanswell, pretty much everything. ", A nosey neighbour, often caught peering out on their street's activities from a curtained window, might be referred to as a "curtain twitcher. Someone silly or incompetent might be described as a wally. ", "Miffed" possibly derives from the German "muffen," meaning "to sulk. . ", Something unpleasant, unappetising, or highly unattractive might be described as "minging.". "Our Christmas dinner had everything from sprouts to Yorkshire puddings. ", 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. "That's when all of the lights came on, and so we legged it.". Bird. "Goodness, you're full of beans this morning!". "That guy's got suchswagger he's a proper geezer. Although it might sound quite similar to gaffe, its meaning is completely different. ", "When I got home, he was already zonked.". "Joe's children are absolute rascals they tied my shoelaces together last week!". You might buy a "round" of drinks for your friends at the pub, in the understanding that they will each buy you a drink as part of their "rounds" later on. To "take the Mickey" means to take liberties at the expense of others -- and can be used in both a lighthearted and an irritated fashion. "The Nick" can refer to prison, while "to nick" also means to steal. So, if you're "ready for the knacker's yard," you're exhausted beyond relief. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter. "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. Your grasp of the slang portion of British English won't be complete unless you master a few of the most common U.K. slang exclamations and expressions. Although it's more often used as a synonym for raincoat, an anorak is something slightly different in playground slang. ", Benders often last over 24 hours, and so you might say that someone is on "a weekend bender," or a "three-day bender. If you're going to have a roast, have the full Monty! ", "I bumped into him towards the end of his four-day bender. Gaff. "Pinch punch, first of the month. 8. ", "I was going to go out tonight but when I finished work I was absolutely zonked.". Whether you're keeping up with all the drama surrounding the royal family or binging shows like Fleabag and Peaky Blinders, you've undoubtedly run across the weird and . As a result, "pinch punch, first of the month" was a way of warding off witches and bad luck for the near future. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. Cockwomble - foolish or obnoxious person. Men from east London are also commonly referred to as "geezers.". "If it all works out as planned, he'll be quids in.". ", Examples include "trollied," "smashed," and "gazeboed. ", If you get a promotion or meet someone special, you might describe yourself as "chuffed. 7 British slang phrases to spice up your conversation There are two basic types of conversations - formal and informal. ", It's similar to "scoot over" or "move over. "Is it just me or is that painting a bit skew-whiff?". 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. ", In his stand-up show, British comedian Michael MacIntyre said: "You can actually use any word in the English language and substitute it to mean drunk. ", An event that disrupts the natural, pre-planned order of events could be described as a "spanner in the works.". This phrase could be a reference to coffee beans, although these claims have been disputed. "Taking the biscuit" is the equivalent of taking the nonexistent medal for foolishness or incredulity. This probably originates from the "uncool" appearance of anorak coats and the people wearing them. Do you know anyone who might be interested? Schoolkidsmight call "bagsy" on items from their friends' pack lunches, like an apple or a cereal bar, thatthe friend isn't going to eat. I'm Hank Marvin.". An earlier version of this story was written by Bobbie Edsor. "The Nick" can refer to a prison. "Those twoare having a proper chinwag I haven't been able to get a word in edgeways for half an hour!". The origins of the word are widely disputed. "Thomasis suchan anorak when it comes to train trivia.". ", The phrase is common on the hit British reality show "Love Island. "That's when all of the lights came on, and so we legged it. "I'm going up the apples to bed.". "Did you see Scott last night? The phrase was first documented in the BBC's "Lenny Henry Christmas Special" in 1987. "Those twoare having a proper chinwag I haven't been able to get a word in edgeways for half an hour! The "wind-up merchant" will often claim to be making their comments as a light-hearted jest when the recipients start becoming irritated. However, there is no proof for this theory. ", Making random words past-tense to mean drunk, Brits are known for favouring a drink or two, so much so that almost any noun can be used as a substitute for "drunk. No collection of slang would be complete without casual terminology used for nouns that are common among those who speak the language or dialect. British people like to enjoy themselves. "Taking the biscuit" is the equivalent of taking the nonexistent medal for foolishness or incredulity. Someone who's "quids in" has invested in an opportunity which is probably going to benefit them massively. 1. However, "the full Monty" actually refers to pursuing something to the absolute limits. 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. When they were working on the factory floor, employees had to wear hard clogs to protect their feet. Congratulations! It works. "What are you up to this weekend? ", "I was absolutely car-parked last night. ", "Of course my toast had to land on the floor butter-side-down. ", A "par" breaches social and common courtesy, eg, a disrespectful comment could be seen as a "par. Barmy. Although this sounds like an analogy about the chemistry of baking, or putting too many eggs in a cake batter, "egg" actually comes from the Anglo Saxon "eggian," meaning to "excite." ", Someone that lacks common knowledge might be described as "dim," whilst someone that's intelligent might be described as "bright.". "Did you hear what happened to John's old man? The "boot" is the compartment at the back of the car known as the "trunk" in American English. Something that is "tickety-boo" is satisfactory and in good order. When they were working on the factory floor, employees had to wear hard clogs to protect their feet. "Mortal" describes someone highly intoxicated or drunk in a sloppy manner. He was a wreck.". ", "He skived off school so we could all go to Thorpe Park on a weekday. If you've "wangled" something, you've accomplished or attained something through cunning means. It's nice to know what the locals are saying, and it makes it a lot easier to have a conversation without looking (and feeling) like a dolt! Historically, "fags" were the cheaper cigarettes made of lower grade tobacco, however, the slang has spread to encompass all cigarettes. He's a bloody curtain twitcher, but he still won't sign for our packages.". If you're "zonked" or "cream crackered," you might want to take a nap. This classic phrase is another way of telling someone that their opinion is not appreciated in the given scenario. To "gallivant" means to roam, or to set off on an expedition, with the sole intention of having some light-hearted fun. In "over-egging the pudding" analogy, someone is over-exciting, or over-mixing, the batter too much before it bakes -- resulting in a tough or dense cake. Not to be confused with literally being disembowelled, someone that says they're "gutted" is devastated or extremely upset. ", "Grab your brolly, it's drizzling outside. That's minging.". Although it sounds crude, the phrase is actually considered a polite way of announcing that you are going to visit the bathroom. RCB, who were 62/0 at one stage, suffered a batting collapse. ", Someone short-tempered or irritated might be described as "shirty.". "A bacon sandwich and a builder's tea. The meaning of this slang has been debated at length. It can also refer to someone already asleep or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The phrase is sometimes shortened to "give me atinkle.". This is probably how the term came about. Cockney rhyming slang for "knackered," if you're "cream crackered" then you're incredibly tired. Is that ham and tuna? "Stop being such a wind-up merchant and be serious for one second! "Do we have to go to the dinner party tonight? Now that's a proper breakfast.". The word "shirt" is derived from the Norse for "short," hence short-tempered. Derived from the Newcastle sociolect, "mortal" was made widely known across the country in 2011 by reality TV show "Geordie Shore.". "Goodness, you're full of beans this morning!". Dog and Bone = Phone. "Our Christmas dinner had everything from sprouts to Yorkshire puddings. ", Atask performed in an awkward or uncomfortable fashion, usually clumsily, would be described as "cack-handed.". ", "Don't trust him he's a smarmy geezer.". Historically, only women would announce they were going to "spend a penny," as only women's public toilets required a penny to lock. To "flog" means to sell something -- usually quickly and cheaply. ", How much the best paid workers in 20 professions earn Seven outdated mens style rules that you can now ignore 16 skills that are hard to learn but will pay off forever. 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. Meaning: An adjective used to describe someone who is mad or odd. While Americans are more likely to say "seven thirty" or "five fifty," Brits will more often than not refer to times in "minutes past" the hour. A "dog's dinner" is a mess or fiasco -- sometimes also referred to as a "dog's breakfast.". Three-up To marry and have three kids as soon as possible, in spite of the environmental impact f you hear a word that's not on this list, give a Cockney translator a try. In the 17th century, to "waff" went to yelp, and that quickly evolved to mean to talk foolishly or indecisively. "The Nick" can refer to prison, while "to nick" also means to steal. ", A British axiom that boils down to the idea that: "If anythingcan go wrong, then it definitelywill go wrong. Don't over-egg the pudding. "How was the hostel?" 3 see PISS ON v ["to treat contemptuously"]. Although it's more often used as a synonym for raincoat, an anorak is something slightly different in playground slang. as well as other partner offers and accept our. and The origins of the word are widely disputed. Marvin played guitar in Cliff Richard's backing band in the 1960s. "Quid" is British slang for "pounds," eg, "five quid" means 5. 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. "I was going to go out tonight but when I finished work I was absolutely zonked. This is still used in English in the phrase "egging someone on" to do something. When in doubt, refer to this list so you can carry on conversations with ease, even with the locals. ", "I heard you got the promotion. The origins of the word are widely disputed. According to the Metro, the playground ritual originates from the medieval times, when a "pinch" of salt was believing to make witches weak, and the "punch" resembled banishing the witches entirely. Going "the full Monty" meant purchasing a full three-piece suit, a shirt, and all of the trimmings. "Would you take a butchers at this broken bike for me?". Although no one is completely sure of the word's origins, it could derive from thewords "cod" and "wallop," which historically meant "imitation" and "beer" respectively implying that "codswallop" is the kind of rubbish you make up when drunk. In his stand-up show, British comedian Michael MacIntyre said: "You can actually use any word in the English language and substitute it to mean drunk. The phrase was first documented in the BBC's "Lenny Henry Christmas Special" in 1987. ", "Give me a call" or "ring me." "Innit" is an abbreviation of "isn't it" most commonly used amongst teenagers and young people. The name of a strongly-brewed cup of English breakfast tea with milk -- the way that tea is most commonly drunk in the UK. Although its origins are largely debated, the term's meaning has evolved over the last 50 years alone. "Hank Marvin" is Cockney rhyming slang for "starving. "Cack" isold-fashioned slang for faeces. So, if you're "ready for the knacker's yard," you're exhausted beyond relief. ", Something unpleasant, unappetising, or highly unattractive might be described as "minging.". Bladdered: drunk. British Compliments Think about the elegant British phrases you have heard and see if you recognize any in our list below. It is often deemed as unnecessary or over-the-top. The phrase is sometimes shortened to "give me a tinkle.". This second theory has been disproved, however, by the slang's first documentation predating the widespread use of the phrase "by our lady.". "What a long day. It's Sod's law. Although no one is completely sure of the word's origins, it could derive from thewords "cod" and "wallop," which historically meant "imitation" and "beer" respectively implying that "codswallop" is the kind of rubbish you make up when drunk. Since then, the phrase hasevolved and refers to something at the "height of cool. Nowadays, it's mostly a way for kids to pull pranks on their friends. 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,". 6. In the 17th century, to "waff" went to yelp, and quickly evolved to mean to talk foolishly or indecisively.
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