It's an obvious fact that the way people in Britain speak is slightly different than the way those in the US speak. There's British English and US English. According to MSN.com writer Victoria Omololu, there are 25 British phrases she believes you need to know prior to planning a trip "across the pond".
A lot of the words and phrases will be similar to a previous post. I also had to remove #5 only because I don't want to risk trouble using a possible swear word. So it comes out to 24 instead of 25. Better to not take chances
1. Cheers
-Used when saying "goodbye", toasting to something or "thank you." It's a term often heard in the UK. You can say it when raising a glass down at the pub, when someone pays for something or when someone holds the door for you
2. Fancy a cuppa?
-Translating into "would you like a cup of tea?", tea is a big part of the culture of Britain. Asking this interesting question is a good way to be social. You might hear this from a variety of people, from people at work to someone you just met. This is a friendly way of showing that someone wants to chat and spend time with you
3. Knackered
-This means you are extremely tired or exhausted. It can be after a long night out or a hard day at work. It's a casual expression of fatigue and exhaustion
4. Quid
-This is a reference to the money used in England. This is the slang term for the British pond sterling. One quid equals one pound. Instead of saying "it costs ten pounds", someone might say "it costs ten quid". This kind of information is helpful when dealing with money or prices in England
5. Gobsmacked
-When someone is incredibly surprised or shocked, they are gobsmacked. It's a unique way of expressing astonishment at something, especially when the results are unexpected
6. Chuffed
-It means you're happy about something. It's a positive term to express absolute happiness or pride. It is often used to express excitement or share good news
7. Slag off
-When you criticize someone / something, or speak badly about someone / something, you are "slagging off". This is a negative way of speaking. Used in informal settings, this is how you know someone / something is being criticized
8. Dodgy
-This is a term used to describe something that is not right, suspicious, potentially dangerous. It would be a common occurrence to describe a neighborhood as "dodgy" if it was unsafe. It can also mean things that are dishonest and poor quality
9. Gutted
-When you're devastated with the outcome of something, you are gutted. It's deep disappointment and or sadness. This implies real emotional impact, a way of saying that it's more than just a little sadness or disappointment
10. Leg it
-When you run away quickly or make a quick escape, you "leg it". This is a phrase used to describe the need to make a quick getaway, fleeing or leaving in a hurry
11. Knees up
-Meaning a lively party or celebration. It suggests there is a fun, festive mood in the air, when people are dancing and having an all around good time
12. Blimey
-This is a word to show surprise or astonishment. It's the British equivalent of "oh my goodness" or "wow." This term adds a bit of extra surprise into the conversation and it's a uniquely British way of showing shock, awe, amazement in unexpected situations
13. Peckish
-When someone says they are slightly hungry, they might say they're peckish. It's a gentler, kinder way of expressing that you're starving. This term is best used to describe a time when you would like to eat without sounding too hungry or demanding to eat now
14. Bob's your uncle
-This is the British equivalent of "Well, there you go", "here you go", "Presto." It's a way of saying something is simple and is used at the end of a sentence. It's a fun, quirky way of indicating that something is easy, straightforward and able to be accomplished
15. Cheeky
-This term describes something or someone who is playfully mischievous, rude or irreverent, but it comes off as charming or amusing. A boy who's always joking around would be a "cheeky lad." It can also be used for actions. Such as "I'm going for a cheeky pint", which means you are having a drink when it's probably best if you don't do it. Overally, this word adds a bit of playfulness to a conversation
16. Skint
-Absolutely flat broke, without money. When you are skint, you are flat broke with no money or lack of money. It's a casual way of expressing that someone is suffering financial woes. It's a less formal way of saying you're hurting financially
17. Faff
-When you waste time doing unproductive things or just be inefficient, you are "faffing about." It can be used when someone is procrastinating or taking too long to do something. This can best be used to describe moments when you are others are not being as efficient as you should
18. Minging
-This term can describe something that is disgusting, unattractive or unpleasant. It can include smells, food, appearances. It is a strong way of expressing disgust or distaste and is used in casual conversations
19. Chinway
-An informal chat or conversation is a "chinway". Similar to a "chinwag", but written as one word. This term refers to a casual conversation with an overall enjoyable nature. It's a warm, friendly way of suggesting to spend time with people
20. Naff
-Tacky, unfashionable, poor quality. It's a gentle way of saying that something is uncool without being harsh. It shows disapproval or distaste without being offensive. It's used when talking about style or taste in something
21. Gobby
-Talkative. When someone is very talkative, they are "gobby", because "gob" is a slang term for the mouth. When someone is "gobby", they are talkative, in a loud or rude way. It's a term used to describe a person who dominates the conversation or speaks with out thinking, also known as speaking with out a filter. It's not a compliment, so use it wisely
22. Snog
-Kissing. In England, when two people kiss, they are snogging. It's a playful term for kissing. It's used in casual conversations amongst friends
23. Narked
-Annoyed, irritated. When someone is "narked", they are annoyed or irritated. It expresses frustration or anger without the use of strong, colorful language. This can describe every day moments of frustration or anger without sounding too aggressive
24. Chuffed to bits
-Extremely pleased, extremely delighted. Similar to the term "chuffed", when someone is "chuffed to bits", they are extremely pleased, delighted, happy. This can be used to express happiness over good news. It suggests strong joy and is a warm, friendly way to share good news or excitement
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