ENGLISH VOCABULARY
BRITISH SLANG
Informal language originating in the United Kingdom.
British slang is informal language used and originating in the United Kingdom (and also used
to a limited extent in other English-speaking countries).
New words and phrases are continuously being added and used.
Slang is used in
informal spoken English only . It should not be used in formal contexts.
Below is a short list of words you may hear while visiting the United Kingdom.
| Word Expression |
Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| bangers | Sausages | "Great! This pub serves bangers and mash! (mashed potatoes)" |
| blimey! | Surprise, anger, etc. (God blind me!) |
"Blimey! Did you see that explosion!" |
| bloke | Man, guy. | "I heard some blokes talking about that at the pub." |
| Bob's your uncle! | That's it. There you go. Voila! | "Add some grated cheese, pop it in the oven for 10 mn and Bob's your uncle!" |
| chuffed | Pleased, delighted. | "Mum was really chuffed with her present." |
| dodgy | Unreliable; of questionable quality | "Be careful - the back wheel looks a bit dodgy." |
| fancy | Like someone or something. | "Do you fancy a pint?" "I think Alex fancies Julie." |
| fiver/tenner | Five pounds / ten pounds. | "I bought it for a fiver/a tenner." |
| gobsmacked | Amazed, astounded | "I was gobsmacked when I saw the old man drive off in a sports car!" |
| grub | Food | "I'm hungry. Let's get some grub." |
| kip | 1) sleep/a place to sleep 2) dirty or sordid place |
1) I need a little kip before we head off." 2) Your room is a kip. I want you to clean it now!" |
| knackered | Extremely tired | "You look knackered. What have you been doing!" |
| mate | Friend or companion | "We've been mates since our school days." |
| nicked | 1) Stolen 2) Arrested |
1) Hey! My bike's been nicked! 2) The police nicked him for speeding. |
| on tick | On credit | "He never saves any money - always buys on tick." |
| pissed plastered |
Drunk or intoxicated | "He was already pissed/plastered when he arrived at the party." |
| ta! | Thank you | "Ta love! That's just what I need." |
| quid | One pound | "The ticket costs a quid." |
| wicked | Cool, fantastic | Look at that dress! It's wicked! I love it!" |
| wonky | Unsteady; not straight or level. | "Don't sit on that chair. It's a bit wonky. |
English Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions