11 British Slang Terms That Everyone Should Know | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

11 British Slang Terms That Everyone Should Know

A British starter pack.

135
11 British Slang Terms That Everyone Should Know
Pinterest

Being a Brit living in America has its perks and disadvantages, but one disadvantage is that it took a while to adjust to American colloquialisms and, as nobody understood them, not use British slang. The only people I could use these terms with are my family, and my friends via text who are "across the pond". Whether you are traveling to England or meet a British person, these are some good-to-know idioms to get you through the day.

1. Arsed/Bothered

Typically stated as "Can't be arsed" or "Can't be bothered," it is a term used to express extreme reluctance to start, continue or finish a task that you feel is burdensome. When put into a sentence, I abbreviate to CBA as followed "I CBA to start this assignment" but when using the word bothered I say "I can't be bothered."

2. Posh

When moving to the America, I was often referred to as proper, which I grew to realize was the Southern equivalent. The word posh refers to someone exceptionally sophisticated, whether it be their accent, mannerisms, neighborhood, clothing or any other facet. The British TV show Made In Chelsea is an excellent portrayal.

3. Gutted

A word to express complete and utter disappointment.

4. Gobsmacked

This is to used to verbalize shock and astonishment.

5. Fuming

When you are absolutely livid or something didn't go the way you planned, this is used to express the utmost anger and seethe. "I'm absolutely fuming!"

6. Knackered

Whether it be a long day at uni, work, or you've done a bit too much physical exertion, the word knackered is uttered to signify that you are drained of sleep, energy or will power.

7. Across the pond

Used to describe being on the other side of the world. For example, my friends who I had known since I was a child are across the pond, i.e. I am in America, they are in England.

8. Taking the piss

This has several meanings. When someone is teasing you, they are taking the piss. However, it could also express impatience and annoyance "This line is taking the piss" or "This homework is taking the piss."

9. Chav

The bottom of the social ladder. Rude, loud, immoral trouble-makers dressed in tracksuits. When describing someone that harnesses any of those characters, you call them chavvy.

10. Cheeky

Put in front of activities to make it sound scandalous or spontaneous. Typically used to spice up a relatively mundane task. I'm sure you've heard of a cheeky Nando's.

11. Rubbish

When something is a load of crap or someone is full of crap, it is referred to as rubbish. "This show is rubbish."


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

185482
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

11732
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

455595
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25171
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments