20 Best British Slang Start With Y

Hello folks, you prefer to avoid having a long conversation and want to clear things in shorthand. But you do not know how?

So, don’t you worry! We are here to tell you how to convey plenty of expression with the help of slang.

How can things be made clear with the usage of only one word? So please do not waste time; let’s dig in and explore the article.

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

The slang yob mentions uncultured, rude, and aggressive youth or teenagers. This informal slang is derogatorily described as an antisocial behavioral person—the one who is publicly involved in hooliganism, drunkness, and many other illegal actions.

Origin of Yob:

It originates in the 1930s as a product slang. The slang emerged by reversing the spelling of a word. Yob is derived by reversing the word boy, a common linguistic way in Victoria streets.

Synonym of Yob:

Roughneck, rowdy, tearaway, hoodlum, chav, ruffian, bully, villain, thief, pirate, thug, lout, uncouth, ill-mannered, boorish, uncivilized, gauche, churlish, bandit, criminal, vulgar, graceless.

Examples of Yob:

The police caught the yobs drinking publically in the morning.
The administration called the cops to deal with yobs commenting commotion outside the hospital.
The court sends the yobs on 15 days remand into the jail.
The concert turned into the battlefield when the yobs came.
The government is implementing new rules and laws to reduce the yobs on the streets.

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

The British slang Yonks means a long period. Folks use this informal slang in their casual conversation to discuss something that has not happened or has not been seen for many years.

Origin of Yonks:

The exact origin of the slang is not known yet. However, some sources found that “Yonks” originated in the 1960s as an alternation of the phrase Donkey Year’s, which also has the same meaning.

Synonym of Yonks:

Long duration, awhile, forever, an eternity, ages, seemingly forever, a lifetime, a month, year, days, eons, a lengthy period, a good while, long haul, time out of mind., a month of Sundays, in perpetuity.

Examples of Yonks:

Hy Mosan! How are you doing? Have not seen you from Yonks.
Sarah works in the cafe in Yonks.
The mother is missing her daughter because she has not seen her from Yonks.
The restaurant owner lives in Yonks, Saudi Arabia.
I really want to visit my childhood school because I have not visited Yonks.

3-What Does “Yap” Mean In British Slang?

Yap, the British slang, means to talk incessantly or without interruption annoyingly. Despite casual human conversation, folks also use slang to describe the noisy sounds made by small dogs.

Origin of Yap:

There are two elucidations about the origin of the slang you;

It emerged in the 17th century from the repetitive and annoying barking sound of dogs.
Another theory suggests that it is a colloquial term that originated in the mid-20th century. It is an onomatopoetic word that made itself from the sound because it imitates the gestures or actions with sound.

Synonym of Yap:

Blather, ramble, gossip, yammer, blab, rattle on, woof, yip, yelp, yak, jabber, chatter, prate, twaddle, run off at the mouth, talk a lot, cit-chat, prattle.

Examples of Yap:

The yapping of guest’s kids makes everyone crazy.
I do not like people who are always yapping because I have an introverted personality.
Due to your yapping habit, no one likes to sit with you.
In my office, I have some colleagues who yap all day while doing other people’s backbiting.
Sarrah would not stop yapping about her wedding plans.

4-What Does “Yew/Youse” Mean In British Slang?

The British slang yew/youse is a nonformal plural form of you. People use slang to call two or more than two people (group).

Origin of Yew/Youse:

It is a regional dialect that is most commonly used in certain areas such as Scotland, Ireland, and Northern England.

Synonym of Yew/Youse:

You people, you guys, they, you both, we, ve, you all, ye, ze, you folks, thou, you lot, thee, you alone, sie, all of you, you, any person, xe, everyone, masses, public, them.

Examples of Yew/Youse:

I saw youse at the University.
Are youse coming for dinner?
What are you planning for the weekend shopping trip?
It’s a pleasure for me to see youse at my place.
Yesterday I saw youse at the cafe in my society.

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

Yonik means to steal something or quickly take something without permission. Folks use this informal slang in their conversation to explain any mischievous situation in a lighthearted way.

Origin of Yoink:

It originates in the late 20th century as an onomatopoeia word because it imitates the sound of taking something swiftly. It has become popular in comedic manners in pop culture TV shows such as The Simpsons by the writer George Meyer.

Synonym of Yoink:

Pinch, Pluck, take, confiscate, purloin, lift, pillage, nab, filch, pocket, snaffle, grasp, make off with, spirit away, whisk away, hijack, loot, hook, glom, carry off, cop.

Examples of Yoink:

Fabiha Yoink Hamza phone and run away.
Mosan yoinks my last piece of cake before I could it.
My sister Yoinks my ice cream from the fridge.
She tried to think about my presentation but could not do it.
Farman, do not yoink my cup of tea. I am already getting late, man.

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

Yup is an informal and non-standard way of saying yes. Folks use it in casual conversation to ensure any confirmation, proclamation, statement, or agreement.

Origin of Yup:

There are two suggested interpretations from two different sources about the origin of the slang Yup.

It is a phonetic version of “yes,” where the sound is extended to convey affirmation in a more relaxed way. The term gained popularity in the 20th century when it was widely used in various social media platforms. The evidence of its first use was found in 1887 in Versallian Indiana Republican.
The other theory suggests that in 1906, it originated as a variant of YTep, which was used in the East and Southern USA, while Yup was used in the West. It was the first time used in 1906 in Century Magzine as a quotation.

Synonym of Yup:

Yeah, aye, right, absolutely, affirmative, Ameen, Roger, of course, totally, uh-uhu, for sure, ok, true, fine, granted, good enough, precisely, yeah, yep, willingly, without fail, by all means, undoubtedly.

Examples of Yup:

Have you tried pasta from my cafe before?
Yup, last month I came with my friends.

Are you coming to my birthday party?
Yup, do not worry, I will be on time.

Have you finished your work?
Yup, just 1 hour ago.

Are you done with breakfast?
Yup.

Do you hear anything in the office?
Yup.

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

The British slang yahoo has two different meanings, both in a positive and derogatory manner, based on the context.

Excitement:

Positively, folks use the slang to express happiness, delight, or to celebrate their joy. It is used in the same way as hooray when you find something good or extraordinary.

Uncouthy:

Derogatorily is used to refer to a loud, unpleasant, impolite, arrogant, and rude person. Someone who is not well educated and does not have the manners to talk gracefully.

Origin of Yahoo:

In 1726, Jonathan Swift used the word in his sarcastic novel Gulliver’s Travels. In the book, Swift calls some creatures Yahoo to resemble human beings but lacks basic human manners. Over time, people have been using the term for rude and old-fashioned people.
In the modern era, it is used in a positive context to express happiness and joy.

Synonym of Yahoo:

Excitement:

Woo-hoo, bravo, cheers, yippee, yay, hoorah, yessirree, hip-hip-hooray, yee-haw, whoopee.

Uncouthy:

Louth, vulgarian, thug, barbarian, brute, hooligan, ruffian, boor, bully boy, beast, roughneck, savage, Ne’er-do-well, rascal, rude boy.

Examples of Yahoo:

Excitement:

Yahoo we signed the contract with one of the most brilliant business companies.
Yahoo, I am moving to Turkey on a scholarship for further studies.
After completing the course, she shouted at Yahoo because she had gotten a job in the same organization.
Yahoo, tomorrow is my birthday.
Finally, we won this project, yahoo!

Uncouthy:

I am now frustrated after dealing with Yahoo in my team.
Police caught some Yahoo who were making noise outside the hospital.
In every profession, there is always some yahoo.
I do not want to go with him. He is such a Yahoo who always creates scenes in public.
Do not be Yahoo. I need the file completed in 2 hours.

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

The British slang yelper means a complainer. Folks use the slang to mention a person who is frequently complaining about trifling matters.

In simple words, we can say that a person who always makes disturbances with a loud voice complaining about insignificant matters.

Origin of Yelper:

The slang originated in 1150-1500 from the term “to yelp,” which means a sharp or shrill cry due to pain or complaint.

In ancient times, it was related to the dog or another animal yelp due to soreness or discomfort.

Over time, with linguistic and regional changes, folks use it to describe humans as someone who always complains vociferously. It was the first time used in Ayenbite of Inwyt in 1340.

Synonym of Yelper:

Nagger, nitpicker, kvetch, screech, squeal, howl, yell, griper, whiner, fault-finder, moaner, yip, yap, bark, wail, hoot, peevish, fusspot, pessimist, whinge, sniveler, murmurer.

Examples of Yelper:

Do not bother this yelper. He always finds ways to grumble.
Some people make their reputation as yelpers because of their complaining nature.
Do not act like a yelper and try to see the positive side also.
Sometimes, I find it crazy to deal with yelpers as a boss.
The new director fired all the yelpers who always sat in his office with a list of complaints about the company.

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

The slang yak means to talk uninterruptedly or incessantly. People consider this slang to be a way of gossiping, socializing, or simply chit-chatting.

Origin of Yak:

Its roots are traced back to the 1900s and the early 20th century. The exact origin of the slang is not documented, but it is found that it originated from the early slang “To Yak,” which means to be talkative in a casual conversation.

With time, the term gained popularity and was widely used by folks in their relaxed sittings with their friends.

Synonym of Yak:

Chat, blather, chatter, jabber, confabulate, prattle, jaw, rambling, yammer, clack, converse, talk, run on, natter, twaddle, squawk, babble, barbaric, palaver, gabble.

Examples of Yak:

Stop yaking and do your homework.
Last night, all our cousins were talking about our childhood memories.
Mosan starts talking with anyone in any social gathering, while I find it difficult to speak without knowing someone.
On our tour to the Northern area, the driver talked with us about the cultural ethics of the Northern regions.
She is yaking with her mother about the dresses she bought last night from the mall.

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

The slang yardie means a group of criminals associated with an organization. These are the Jamaican and Caribbean violent organizations whose members are involved in illegal action, especially drug trafficking.

Origin of Yardie:

It originates from the Jamaican slang yard, which means home or turf. In the 1980s and 1990s, UK law enforcement used the word Yardie to refer to the criminal groups of Jamaican organizations.

Over time, yardies have become more popular for criminal connotations and suppress the original meaning.

Synonym of Yardie:

Hoodlum, gangster, thug, bruiser, cutthroat, baddie, enforcer, villain, racketeer, outlaw, delinquent, gang member, mobster, bandit, mugger.

Examples of Yardie:

The illiteracy rate and unemployment in the country forced people to become yardies.
Yesterday night, rade police arrested yardies who supply drugs in the city.
Yardies gang members are involved in the murder of the police department head.
In the concert, some yardies tried to shoot the singer but his guard’s backward response saved him.
Her documentation told that once a time she was a yardie.

11-What Does “You Are Having A Winfd Up” Mean In British Slang?

The British slang you are having a wind up means to tease, joke, mock, or make fun of someone. Folk uses this informal slang playfully and humorously: Are you kidding with me or trying to pull my leg?

Origin of You Are Having a Wind Up:

The slang originates from the mechanical concept of winding a toy or any small appliance to make it function. Winding gives it energy and the appliance works.

Over time people use the slang metaphorically to give another person energy by teasing or irritating them just to elicit an unexpected reaction.

The slang got widespread adoption in the middle of the 20th century in folks’ casual conversation.

Synonym of You Are Having a Wind Up:

You’re pulling my chain, you’re having me on, you’re fooling around, you’re messing with me, you’re taking the mickey, you’re kidding, you are joshing, you are teasing me, you’re spoofing me, you are jesting.

Examples of You Are Having a Wind Up:

Please do not lie; I know you are winding me up.
Are you winding me that I got promoted?
My sister said she arranged a surprise party for me but I think she is winding me up.
At the last minute, they told me the professor had canceled the exam, but they tried to wind me up.
Your eyes told me that you are having a wind up.

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

The slang yesteryear means last year or past years. People use this slang nostalgically to idealize the great and beautiful memories of the past with the present.

In simple words, we can say that to compare the declines due to technology with past simplicity.

Origin of Yesteryear:

There are two interpretations of the origin of the slang yesteryear;

It is a combination of two words yester and year. Yester is used to indicate the previous one and the year mean year. The slang was first time recorded in the 19th century and became popular in the 20th century.
Another theory proposes that it was first time used by Dante Gabriel Rossetti while translating French antan (from Vulgar Latin *anteannum “the year before”).

Synonym of Yesteryear:

Bygone, antiquity, history, annals, auld lang syne, history, yore, tradition, norms and values, culture, eld, old days, long ago, good old days, chronicle, flashback, memoir,

Examples of Yesteryear:

Life in the yesteryears is better and simpler than in the current life.
In yesteryears, people were generous and loved to help others, as they do now.
I really love my childhood years in my village.
Yesteryears life in which we have our grandparents was full of happiness. I really miss those moments.
I want to go to my yesteryears and spend my whole life there.

13-What Does “Yird” Mean In British Slang?

The slang yird means to bury someone or something. It is not a widely used slang but folks use it in casual conversation for burying a dead body.

Origin of Yird:

It originates in Middle English in 1150-1500 from the words “gyrdan” and “geordan,” which mean to bury. Over time, with linguistic and regional changes, it evolved into yird as Scot and Northen dialect.

In the modern era, it is not commonly known but used as a regional dialect in Scot and Northen languages associated with the funeral context.

Synonym of Yird:

Entomb, bury, lay to rest, inter, inurn, inhume, sepulcher.

Examples of Yird:

In the Palestine war, due to the brutality of Israel, Palestinians are compelled to bury the martyrs in one grave.
They yird the diamonds into the soil.
They yard her next to her son’s grave.
In cities, you have to buy land to yird your family members.
In villages, there is a specific palace called a yard where any one of the villages yird his family members without anyone’s permission or paying any particular amount.

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

The slang yonder means over there or at a distance. It is an old-fashioned and poetic way to tell the direction or place.

Origin of Yonder:

The slang coin fromm the Old English word “geond” means beyond or from that place. Over time, in 1150-1500, it came into Middle English as “yond” and “yonder,” which meant to indicate a specific location or thing.

It was first time used in the 14th century in Cursor Mundi’s poem Northumbrian.

Synonym of Yonder:

Far away, far off, farther away, out there, off yonder, there, out there, remote, distant, in the far off distance, far-flung, afar.

Examples of Yonder:

Where do you place the book? Yonder beyond the chair.
At the edge of the hill, look yonder. You can see where the sunset is.
Look yonder; you will find the keys on the table.
Sarah planted roses yonder on her balcony.
I saw Ali walking in the street yonder.

15-What Does “Yank Someone’s Chain” Mean In British Slang?

The slang yank someone’s chain means to annoy someone by saying something. Folks use this slang in a manner that provokes someone intentionally to see their reaction.

Origin of Yank Someone’s Chain:

The exact origin of the slang is not documented. However, some sources reported that its roots are traced back to American English. Folks use the slang metaphorically to pull someone’s leg.

Synonym of Yank Someone’s Chain:

Wind someone up, joke around, rib, tease, poke fun at, banter with, roast, gag, rally, get someone goat, wisecrack, rag, jape, fun, tease, sarcasm, scoff, have a laugh with, jest on, razz, play a prank on, mess with, get rise out of it.

Examples of Yank Someone’s Chain:

If she does not stop yanking my chain I will leave the party.
Could you not take him seriously? He is just yanking your chain.
I do not like people who are always in the mood of yanking other people’s chains.
Stop yanking your junior chains and go back to your work, man.
Mosna is always yanking Sarah’s chain about everything.

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

The British slang Ygm stands for “You Get Me.” Folks use it at the end of a conversation or statement whether the listener agrees or understands what they are saying.

It is commonly used in texting and digital communication to get confirmation or surety.

Origin of Ygm:

It emerges in the 20th and 21st centuries, an era of the evolution of shorthand for quick replies.

Synonym of Ygm:

Do you understand, you following, get it, catch my drift, see what I mean, you see where I am coming from, you grok, you with me, you tracking, you dig.

Examples of Ygm:

Will I meet you after taking class, Ygm?
The new music album of JK Life Goes On is full of emotions and nostalgia; Ygm?
You have to come to my bachelor party, Ygm?
During the lecture, the teacher asked the students Ygm?
Let’s have a tea party at my place after exams, Ygm?

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

The British slang yet, which is also spelled as root, means young people, youth, or youngsters. This slang refers to the young generation who is quickly inspired or influenced by new trendy fashion.

Origin of Yute:

Its roots are traced back to Jamaican Patois where youtube means youth or young generation.

Synonym of Yute:

Young adult, adolescent, teen, teenager, teenybopper, youngling, juvenile, junior, kid.

Examples of Yute:

We are the yute with smiley faces and sad souls.
Look at that cute singing in the park. He has an amazing voice.
A group of yute loitering at night in the street was caught by the police.
He is a bright yute who always captures the concept in seconds.
The new yute loves to follow new trends without having the basic concept of the trend.

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

The slang yard has two different meanings based on the context;

It means a backyard or a small enclosed area made of concrete at the back of the house.
In another context, folks use the slang yard to talk about home or any area where you live. It mostly uses street slang that people use in casual conversations to talk about their residence.

Origin of Yard:

Its roots have been traced back to Protic Germanic and in the Middle English language. It originates from the Germanic word “gardaz,” which emerged in Old English as “geared.” Then, gear further evolved into the “yerd” with the same meaning as an enclosed area.

The term further evolved into Middle English as “yard,” with changes in spelling and pronunciation but retaining the same meaning.

Synonym of Yard:

Backyard:

Patio, garden, courtyard, green space, lawn, terrace, lot, patch, play area, quadrangle, fold, court, clearing, barnyard,

House:

Accommodation, place of residence, property, pad, abode, gaff, grib, flat, digs, lodgings, location, place, hospice, rest home, habitation, haven, homestead, locality, hills, soil, territory, locality.

Examples of Yard:

Backyard:

Sarah decorated her yard with a lot of flowers and her paintings.
Last year, when Mosan came to my place, we had a barbecue party in the yard.
Fareen likes to have her afternoon tea in the yard with her mother.
Mosan arranged Fabiha’s surprise birthday party in his yard.
During exams, he spent most of his time studying in the yard.

House:

We planned for Qwali night in my yard over the weekend.
If you have any problem, do not hesitate to come to my yard.
Mosan goes for group study in his friend’s yard.
The interior of Noah’s yard is outstanding, and I really love it.
Come to my yard when you are free from the office. I have to do something important with you.

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

The British slang yampy means mad, crazy, foolish, or eccentric person. People use this informal slang mischievously and playfully to mention a person who acts or behaves a little strangely.

Origin of Yampy:

It is a regional dialect of the West Middleland area of England that emerged in the 1960s.

Synonym of Yampy:

Broker, crazy, nutty, off the wall, neurotic, fool, mad, crazy as loon, silly, flipped out, unstable, raving, psychotic, stark mad, crackers, buggy, cuckoo, frantic, off-center, whimsical, zany, unconventional, quirky, offbeat.

Examples of Yampy:

The Principal looks yampy due to his attitude.
Do not behave yampy, and help me complete the upcoming project outline.
She always becomes yampy when we go to the beach.
The same mind matches people who love the artist Yampy’s paintings.
I do not want to work with him because he is totally yampy.

20-What Does “Yoursen” Mean In British Slang?

The British slang “yoursen” is an acronym for yourself or yourselves. This informal slang is used to mention one’s self or group of people.

Origin of Yoursen:

It is a regional dialect of Northern England, especially from Yorkshire.

Synonym of Yoursen:

Self, you, one, own self, thyself.

Examples of Yoursen:

Take off your mother, Farman.
Handle it by yourself. I will only sometimes be with you to sort out all your problems.
Be polite to yourself. Everyone in life makes mistakes.
You need to love yoursen rather anyone else.
You all need to pamper yoursens with what you love to do.

Final Verdict:

We hope you find this article helpful and, after exploring the article, can now respond with shorthands. For further slang of all alphabets, keep up-to-date with us.