20 Best British Slang Start With L

In this era of the internet and technology, no one has time to explain anything to the other person. Individuals talk to each other via text in the short form to save their time. But you are puzzled or confused when they use slang terms. You find these “links to Lagger Driven.”

But don’t worry if you are planning to go abroad to study or are an Anglophile. You are at the right place. We will clear all your queries about British slang. In this article, we will discuss the details of the origin meaning and examples for your better mutual understanding.

So, without wasting time dig into the article to resolve all your doubts.

1-What Does “Link” Mean In British Slang?

The British slang link has different meanings based on the context used in;

It is more common for youngsters to meet someone romantically or to socialize.
In official terms, people use the slang to arrange meetings.

Origin of Link:

It originates in modern Engish from the Old Norse hlekkr (mean loop) which originates from the German language word Gelenk, which means joint. Over time with linguistic and community changes the term evolved to link with meaning to meet with someone or arrange a physical meeting.

Synonym of Link:

Connective, catch up, connector, rendezvous, arrange a meeting, socialize, hook up, gather, association, relatedness, coupling, knot, hand out, get together, meet, draw a connection between.

Examples of Link:

In the evening we are going to link with Mosan in the cafe.
Boss arranged a link for all staff regarding the plans for the upcoming year at 4:00 am.
Let’s have a tea link in the evening.
Sarah is linking with Noah for a movie after work hours.
Farma plans a date link for Mahira to propose to her.

2-What Does “Long” Mean In British Slang?

The British slang long has versatile meanings based on the context used in.

Tedious

It refers to something that takes too much time and is not worth it—anything into which a person puts all his efforts and time and finds it undesirable.

Boring

Any situation that looks dull, unexciting, or uninteresting.

Unfair

Long also means anything inconvenient and unsuitable.

Drawn out or Delayed:

Something that takes too much time and does not end. It makes people frustrated, irritating, and bored.

Origin of Long:

Its origin is traced back to the German language word lang, long, Lange, longe, and the Dutch word lang. With time the term evolved to long and has different meanings based on the situation. Its first use was recorded before the 12th century.

Synonym of Long:

Prolonged, endless, dragging, lengthy, stretched out, protracted, extensive, overlong, irritating, unfair, tiresome, lingering, annoying, seemingly endless, spun out, drawn out.

Examples of Long:

Waiting for customers’ feedback is too long because they do not respond fast.
The research for the presentation is long, but I have a few hours to complete.
As a content writer, I sometimes find it takes too long to complete an article.
I do not like these unscheduled, too-long meetings that have no focus point to discuss.
Students feel too long for weekends so they can enjoy and palsy with their friends.

3-What Does “Low It” Mean In British Slang?

Low is the British slang that means to stop or leave any action or conversation. People use this slang in informal conversations when they do not want to do or listen to anything (discussion or argument).

Origin of Low It:

It is the most widely used slang in youth. Its roots are traced back to the UK and urban youth culture. It is a mixture of two words: Low and it. Low is a Jamaican English word that means to leave, stop, or let it go. It emphasizes the meaning of pressuring a person to please stop it.

Synonym of Low It:

Let it be, give it a rest, relinquish, for sake, pack it in, cease, drop, break, wrap it up, end it, cut it out, knock it off, give it rest, quit it, terminate, discontinue, desist, finish.

Examples of Low It:

I do not want to listen to your excuses, so please lower them.
I am annoyed by your continued complaining habit will you please low it?
Sarah is always spreading rumors about Mosan and Alizy. Now after their engagement she needs to lower it.
Dude low it because I am no longer able to endure your attitude.
Do not panic low it and enjoy the beautiful nature.
Tina wants to lower her habit of becoming angry about minor things.

4-What Does “Leg” Mean In British Slang?

To Pull Someone’s Leg:

To tease someone by passing jokes.

Leg It:

To escape or run away quickly in a difficult situation.

Give me a Leg:

It means to help or assist someone in anything.

Limb:

Part of the body for walking and standing.

Leg Up:

Help or assist someone by providing support to help them become successful.

Origin of Leg:

It originated in Middle English as shank from the Old Norse word leggr. In German, leggr means the leg, bone of the arm or leg, stalk, or hollow tube.

Synonym of Leg:

Leg It:

Appendage, escaped, scamper, lower limb, flee, run, depart, dash, make a run for it, take to one’s heel, take off. Dodge, emerge, avoid, elude, leave, slip away.

Give Me a Leg:

Boost, cooperative, abet, collaborate, hype, lend a hand, facilitate, aid, serve, support, help, backing, furtherance, relive, reinforcement, abetment, lift.

To Pull Someone’s Leg:

Annoys, harry, pester, tantalize, jape, joke, mock, ridicule, rib, needle, banter, taunt.

Examples of Leg:

To Pull Someone’s Leg:

Mosanis always busy pulling Fathy’s leg because he is so shy.
I thought she was serious but in actuality, she tried to pull my leg.

Leg It:

Don’t tell me that you leg up from University.
He always leg up in a panic or difficult situation.

Give me a Leg:

You will get good marks in exams because you have great teachers to give you a leg.
Do not waste time and give me a leg in preparing the outline of our next project.

Limb:

While climbing the hill, Fariha injured her leg.
The doctor advised Mosan to do bed rest for one month because of a fracture in his leg.
Sit obediently and close your legs.

5-What Does “Lob” Mean In British Slang?

Lob has different interpretations based on the context.

People use this informal slang in their informal conversations to mention throwing something physically or in a non-physical manner. Physically it may be an object or something else and in a non-physical way an idea or comment.
Lob also refers to a dull, not excited, inactive, and heavnily person.

Origin of Lob:

There are two theories on the origin of the slang lob.

One theory is that it came into British English from sports like tennis and cricket, where the player hits the ball in an arc. Over time, people used the slang metaphorically in their daily language to throw an object.
Another suggested that its roots are traced back to the German language in the sense of something dangling, as opposed to the middle low German lob, which means hanging lower lip or, in old English, lopper spider.

Synonym of Lob:

Pitch, hurl, pelt, propel, cast, launch, heave, fling, chuck, throw, toss, loft, bung, impel, let fly with, drive, fire, project.

Examples of Lob:

During the lecture, the teacher lob marker towards naughty students.
The batsman lobbed the ball out of the stadium.
For dog training, they lob the toy so the dog catches it.
The baby throws his dad’s mobile into the water.
In our school time, we lobbed paper airplanes towards each other.

6- What Does “Love” Mean In British Slang?

In British slang love is a way to show endearment, affect, feeling of politeness, and humbleness to someone regardless of romantic meaning. Folks use this informal slang for their friend, mates, neighbors, or even strangers.

Origin of Love:

It comes into Old English as lufu, which originates from the German language. Love has indo-European roots from the Latin word libet, which means it is pleasing and libido desires.

Synonym of Love:

Deep affection, tenderness, warmth, adoration, precious, sugar, pet, intimacy, doting, dear, baby, sweetie, doll, pet, sweetheart, darling, babe, honey, precious, attachment, cuddle, care very much for.

Examples of Love:

Will you please take a side love? You are blocking my way.
Can I see your picture love.?
Mahenoor loves to play and do painting.
If you need any type of help do not hesitate to call me love.
Have you finished your work love?
I am sorry for getting late love but I have to attend an urgent meeting.

7-What Does “Lush” Mean In British Slang?

Lush means anything attractive, beautiful, cool, or wicked. This informal slang is used to refer to anything delicious in food, drinks, and an attractive physical appearance.
Another meaning of lush is less common it is used to refer to a person who overindulges in alcohol. In simple words, we can say that to drink alcohol extensively.

Origin of Lush:

Lush’s origin is traced back to French and emerged in Late Middle English from the old French word lasche, which means soft, lax, and is associated with luscious. Lush was first recorded in 1780-1790.

Synonym of Lush:

Abundant, flourishing, thriving, rich, overabundant, beautiful, splendid, opulent, exquisite, gorgeous, delightful, exuberant, profuse, teeming, dense, luxuriant, lavish, sumptuous, extravagant, elaborate, heavenly, juicy, opulent.

Examples of Lush:

The pizza and burgers of this cafe are lush. You have to try them now.
Hy Mosan, look at that handsome lush.
Your skin is so lush Aniya.
Fateh always looked lush due to his attractive personality and big blue eyes.
During the meeting Noah went through a lush idea related to a new project how can we maximize production with fewer resources?

8-What Does “Lark” Mean In British Slang?

The British slang lark means something enjoyable, naughty, playful, or adventurous activity. People use this informal slang with their friends to do an activity for amusement, entertainment, or light-heartedly to pass the time.

Origin of Lark:

There are two concepts of the origin of the slang lark. We will discuss both of them one by one;

A theory from different sources suggests that it comes from the name of the bird Lark, who was famous for his mischievous and playful behavior. Over time, people have used slang in common language to mention a fun activity.
Another theory proposes that it came into Old English from the word laferce, Lawrence, which is also derived from the Dutch word leeuwrick in association with the Germanic word lerche. Over time, it evolved into a lark, and people commonly used it to express feelings of enjoyment and happiness.

Synonym of Lark:

Merriment, giggle, joke, escape, prank, skylark, antic, gambol, romp, jest, frolic, leg pull, laugh, amusement, caper, practical joke, stunt, put on, bounce, spree, outing.

Examples of Lark:

The school arranges great lark for kids on result day.
Visiting a haunted house with friends was a fabulous lark.
Mosan is always ready to lay lark with kids no matter what time is it or how busy his schedule is.
In summer vacations my all cousins went on a Murre trip just for Lark.
Kids always love Lark with their friends.
In Mosan wedding party Farjat plays lark with him by hiding his footwear.

9-What Does “Lippy” Mean In British Slang?

Lippy is slang for a person who is imprudent, cheeky, insolent, immodest, or ill-mannered. It refers to a person who talks back or does not show respect or manners when talking with someone.

Origin of Lippy:

The British slang lippy originated in 1950 from the word lip, a body part used to speak. Over time, people have used this slang metaphorically to relate to an insolent, impertinent, and cheeky person. The evidence of its first use was recorded in 1955 in Meanjin.

Synonym of Lippy:

Cocky, pert, brazen, disrespectful, off-hand, rude, glib, smart-alecky, saucy, sassy, frivolous, nervy, superficial, impudent.

Examples of Lippy:

I do not want to pair up with Farman he is such a lippy person.
Some students always get themselves in trouble by lipping with professors.
Do not be lippy with me young man. I am not interested in stuff like this, so please lower it.
During the inspection, the inspection team fired the employees who were lippy to make their marks in front of higher authorities.
Bing lippy is a bad habit, and we all need to focus on our work and lives.

10-What Does “Lemon” Mean In British Slang?

Due to its versatile use, the slang lemon has different meanings based on the context.

People can use this in their informal conversation to mention a silly person.
Lemon is also used to refer to something unsatisfactory, unreliable, poor quality, and defective.

Origin of Lemon:

It originated in the 20th century during the time of car dealerships in the United States. It was used when car dealers used lemons to attract customers that they could offer a free lemonade in exchange for viewing their cars. Over time if the car would turn defective or of bad quality the term lemon was used to describe it.

With the passage of time, due to linguistic and community changes, people have used lemon in their colloquial terms to describe anything disappointing or unreliable.

Synonym of Lemon:

Duffer, turkey, clunker, junk, failure, disaster, flop, dude, lemonade, lemon of a(e.g, lemon of a car), rubbish, scrap, garbage, dreck, trash, duff.

Examples of Lemon:

Wajahat bought me a car as a gift but it is a lemon.
Yesterday, we went to a restaurant, but the food was nothing like lemons.
Farman ordered pizza from a very famous restaurant, but the service was lemon.
She thought that buying a deal in which one dress is free with the other one was perfect, but it was definitely lemon.
Some people have the habit of gifting other’s lemon things on their special occasions.

11-What Does “Lifted” Mean In British Slang?

The slang lifted means apprehended, caught, or arrested by the police. People use this slang in casual conversation to mention a person who is arrested by the cops in the act of committing any crime. We can also use this slang when a person is physically taken or detained by law enforcement.

Origin of Lifted:

The roots of the slang lifted are traced back to the German language. It comes into modern English from the late English word loft, which is also derived from the Old Norse Lypta. Over time, the term evolved as lifted, meaning arrested by the police.

Synonym of Lifted:

Nabbed, hauled in, taken in, cuffed, collared, nicked, busted, pinched, incarcerated, captivity, bag, crimp, nib, sequestering, pull, nail, snare, sweep, restraining, sweep, accommodation.

Examples of Lifted:

The police lift a person while he is trying to steal a mobile from the shop.
Be careful not to be lifted by the police in case of driving without a license.
Last night Ifham was lifted in case of intoxication by alcohol.
Officers lifted a group of young boys in possession of drugs.
Noah is lifted by the police from his home in case of stealing a car at gunpoint from a couple last night.

12-What Does “Ledge” Mean In British Slang?

The slang ledge is the short form of the legend. It is used genuinely when someone is impressed by a person’s qualities, respected actions, or personality. The ledge is an expressive slang in the sense that you like a person or his qualities.

Origin of Ledge:

There are two concerning the prevailing origin of the slang ledge.

On suggests that it originated in the 16th century in Middle English as ledge from the late English word lay. In earlier times ledge was used to describe a strip of wood or other material used to fix across the doors or gates. Over time, the meaning of ledge expanded, and it was used to refer to a person who is respected due to his admirable actions and qualities.
The other theory proposes that it evolved in the 19th century from traditional stories and myths often narrated by heroic and other mythological characters. With the passage of time, people used the term in their colloquial language to represent a person who is admirable for his respected actions and qualities.

Synonym of Ledge:

Maestro, guru, mantel, overhang, prominence, projection, icon, role model, superstar, top-notch, ace, shelving, spur, jut, ridge, sill, champ, hero, star.

Examples of Ledge:

During the bike accident, Mosan saved me like a legend.
Hally is a legend on our team she can always complete the project as a leader and meet the deadlines.
RM is a legend in the way he has handled leadership for several years.
Do you hear about Musa? He stayed all night with the people suffering from the flood and helped them.
The doctor was a legend he saved the patient in critical condition by giving him the right treatment in time.

13-What Does “Less Shoes and Handbags” Mean In British Slang?

The British slang less shoes and handbags refers to a person who is not stylish like fashion in the world or the community. People use this informal slang to refer to a person not interested in these materialistic things and more important things to focus on. It is a colloquial term to represent people who have more concerns and find these priorities insignificant.

Origin of Less Shoes and Handbags:

The exact origin of the term is not known. But it is possible that it emerged organically from the colloquial language to reflect British culture and show people’s attitudes towards materialism and priorities.

Synonym of Less Shoes and Handbags:

Ticky-tacky, out-modded, styleless, out of date, less fluff and fuss, frumpy, drab, passe, dowdy, old fashioned, unsuitable, trashy, inelegant, behind the times, inappropriate, dated, unbecoming.

Examples of Less Shoes and Handbags:

In University time every student is crazy for attractive and stylish personality. But why do you have less shoes and handbags?
Sarah is always showing shoes and handbags. But why don’t think that being a good human being is more important?
Mosan has always less shoes and bags from school life because he does not like all these materialistic things and finds his other concerns more significant.
My mother always taught us not to be crazy about shoes and handbags because in this life, we need to help others rather than overspending money on these acquistive things.

14-What Does “Lackey” Mean In British Slang?

The British slang lackey means to behave subserviently or over-obediently to a person or higher authority for the purpose of advancement and favor. People use this slang in their conversations as a derogatory term to refer to a person who is always complaining about others or is sycophantic.

Origin of Lckey:

Luckey originates in the 16th century and borrowed from the medieval French word Laquais. Laquais is used to refer to a servant at that time owned by Royal or Nobel families for their assistance or carrying luggage. It comes into the English retraining its meaning but with a little bit of change in perspective. In the English language, people use slang that means a sycophantic servant or an employee.

Synonym of Lackey:

Underling, henchman, flunky, follower, toady, minion, footman, butler, retainer, valet, domestic, servant, equerry, drudge, vassal, valet, subordinate, steward, sancho, factotum.

Examples of Lackey:

Most teachers treat the principals like lackeys.
Some students are the lackeys of the teachers.
The newly hired employees treat the CEO and other higher authorities like lackeys.
The new boss is surrounded by lackey people who can do anything to maintain his position in front of the company owner.
Mosan refused to work as lackey employee and demanded equal respect regardless of anything.

15-What Does “Lead” Mean In British Slang?

The slang lead carries different interpretations based on the context used in.

Lead

In a general sense, it is used to guide someone about something. In romantic connotation, people also use it to assist or escort someone.

Leaded

In this way, it is used to mention a person who is extremely drunk while consuming beverages or alcohol.

Lead Wight

In this context, it is used metaphorically to describe the burden or heaviness of emotions a person feels.

Lead On:

Lead-on is used to give someone false hope or manipulate their emotions.

Origin of Lead:

The origin of lead is discerned in the Germanic language. It comes into Old English from the German word laedan that also has associations with other Dutch and English words leiden (Dutch), leiten (German), load, lode (English). Over time it evolved to lead with several meanings based on the contexts.

Synonym of Lead:

Point, navigate, direct, pilot, escort, shepherd, steer, conduct, direct, show someone the way, marshal, open on to, take, accompany, with, provide a route to, call the shots, govern, preside over, manage, helm.

Examples of Lead:

Mosan agreed to lead the group during the jungle trip.
If you do not mind I will lead you to the wedding party.
You can also lead us on the trip to Skardu.
Maria’s innovative ideas for the last project lead the company to nominate for this year’s awards.
The feeling of missing his newborn lead her to be sleepless the whole night.
I know Fateh will not date her in the future he is just leading her on.
In the club during the party, Adesen was completely lead.
Her friends dropped her at home because she was lead.

16-What Does “Lagger” Mean In British Slang?

The British slang lagger has different meanings based on the context due to its versatility.

It is used to refer to a person who specializes in insulating pipes and ducts for temperature control and energy efficiency during building construction.
In informal conversation, lagger mentions someone who is always late or delays the task or assigned work.
Lagger is also used to represent the can or bottle of lager beer. However, it is less common and used in specific regions or groups.

Origin of Lagger:

There are two concepts on the origin of the slang lagger.

Beer:

One theory purpose was that it originated in the 19th century for the German word Lagerbier to refer to all types of fermented and low-temperature beers.

Construction/Informal Context:

Another theory suggests that it evolved from the verb “To Lag,” which was used in both formal and informal contexts. In the construction context, it refers to lag ducts and pipes. In casual conversation, the verb to lag describes someone who is always late for any task.

It was first used in early 1500, and evidence of its first use was found in 1523 in 2nd Baron Berner’s translation of a soldier, diplomat, and translator.

Synonym of Lagger:

Slowcoach, slowpoke, delayer, backslider, stick in the mud, drag, truant, procrastinator, putterer, plodder, slowly, slacker, latecomer, linger, dawdler, loafer, idler, straggler, lounger, dilly-dallier.

Examples of Lagger:

Beer:

He ordered crates of agger for his birthday party in the evening.
There was a stock of lagger last night in Mosan’s house.
Justin is completely drunk after 10 shots of lagger.

Construction:

The company hired a group of laggers for the renovation of the energy efficiency system.
During the construction of our house, we hired a lagger from the company.
You need to hire an experienced lagger whether from a company or website for your house. Do not hire any random person without knowing his expertise.

Informal Context:

I do not want to meet with Fariha to discuss the outline of the next project. She is a lagger and can also make me late to meet the deadline.
She is a lagger when it comes to responses in WhatsApp group chat.
Do not be a lagger and help finish this math homework.

17-What Does “Livid” Mean In British Slang?

The British slang livid means angry or enraged. It is the most common slang used in non-formal conversation to describe someone who is angry and whose face becomes red with the intense emotion of rage.

Origin of Livid:

Its roots are traced back to the French language. Livid originated in the 20th century from the Latin word livere or lividus, which means bluish, black, or blue color and discoloration of the skin due to an injury or bruises. These Latin words are also derived from the French term livide. Over time, the term evolved to describe intense emotion or anger rather than physical injury or discoloration of skin.

Synonym of Livid:

Furious, infuriated, wrathful, outraged, seething, irate, incensed, beside oneself, fuming, dusky, bloodless, colorless, lurid, pallid, ashy, blanched, pasty, leaden.

Examples of Livid:

The customers are livid at the waiters due to the poor service of the restaurant.
Sarah became livid at Mosan because he had not attended her call.
She is livid on her neighbour’s kid who makes noise in the early morning and disturbs her during sleep.
After waiting for a couple of hours out of the embassy people become livid and attack the embassy.
People are livid at their officials and government for not taking any steps for Palestine.

18-What Does “Leak” Mean In British Slang?

The British slang leak has several meanings based on the situation used in;

It means any secret or confidential information that is not released or shared with the public or media.
In another context, it means that something is not working properly or is broken. People use it in their conversation to refer to something liquid or gas escaping from the container.
In informal conversation, it means to urinate.

Origin of Leak:

There are two theories regarding the origin of the leak;

It comes from the Old English word lecan which means to let water in or allow water to pass through. The concept of leak originated centuries ago because people already faced the problems of leakage of water or other substances from ancient times. Over time, the term evolved into different meanings based on the context.
Another theory proposes that it originated from Low German and Dutch words and came into English as alck. By the time the term expanded into the leak.

Synonym of Leak:

Runoff, ooze, exudation, percolation, discharge, breach, drip, spill, seepage, dribble, drain, emanate, excuse, bleed, drain, issue, squirt, divulge, impart, disclose, pass on, drool, out.

Examples of Leak:

Confidential Information:

The hacker leaked official documents in the newspaper.
If the army leaks the information about the war on the border there would be an emergency in the big cities.

Physical Leak:

Due to rain the top of the office roof leak and all the files become defective.
People called the fire bridge because there was a fire in the office due to gas leakage.
You need to visit the workshop because petrol leaked from your car.
Companies need to extract the harmful chemicals from the wastewater before its leakage into the rivers.

To Urinate:

Student get permission from the teacher to take a leak.
The mother changes the diaper of the baby because it leaks after the whole night.

19-What Does “Landlord” Mean In British Slang?

The slang landlord means a friend, mate, or buddy. Folks or mostly youngsters used this slang to call their friends.

Origin of Landlord:

The word landlord came into existence in 1606, during Anglo-Saxon rule. Land means an area, and lord means the owner or master of that area. Over time, it has been used humorously to refer to a friend as having authority or power in the friend group, the same as the landlord.

Synonym of Landlord:

Buddy, spare, classmate, partner, cousin, colleague, camaraderie, sidekick, soulmate, ally, confidant, chum, pal, companion, cohort, roommate, associate, well-wisher, playmate, consort.

Examples of Landlord:

Hy landlord how are you doing?
Don’t be sad landlord you can find me always with you in any phase of your life.
Mosan gave a party to his landlord because he got selected by a multinational company.
Sanzy is one of the best landlords.
Noah surprises his landlord Fateh on his birthday by giving him a surprise party.

20-What Does “Laid Back” Mean In British Slang?

The British slang laid back means easygoing, calm, or relaxed in attitude. People use this slang to describe someone who can not worry or stress about little things and run their life with peace. Being laid back means being easygoing without any attitude in nature with other people.

Origin of Laid Back:

It originated in the 1950s in Circa as a metaphor for sitting in a tilting chair with a relaxed posture. Over time, people have used it in their colloquial language to describe a person who approaches life with a relaxed and chanting attitude.

Synonym of Laid Back:

Friendly, ease, imperturbable, insouciant, chilled, unexcitable, casual, unhurried, relaxed, carefree, nonchalant, unaffected, breezy, affable, calm, mellow, undemanding, lax, loose, cool.

Examples of Laid Back:

Saleh’s laid-back attitude makes everyone feel free while talking to him.
Do not be sad laid back everything will be fine.
Bisan is one of the most successful journalists due to her laid back demeanor.
I am impressed by her laid back lifestyle. She remains positive in every situation.
Motaz has alid back personality. I learned a lot from him and know the value of life.

Final Verdict:

Each culture has different slang based on the region and niche. British slang also evolved with changes in their meanings based on the context they were used. They can be used in different contexts whether humorously, to criticize, or in a formal way.

We hope today’s guide will help you increase your passion and knowledge of British slang. Stay tuned for more British slang with different alphabets.