20 Best British Slangs That Are Famous With Meaning

By @bestSlanges

You might hear some words in British movies that scratch up your head. British is a broad language with tons of slang terms that are primarily different from other countries. And their meanings are very unique among the people of that country. Today, we go through the best British slangs and understand their meanings in different contexts.

Best British Slangs:

You might think American slang is more popular. And no doubt, it’s true, because in most of the TV shows and movies, mostly American slangs are used. But some American slang terms are derived from British slang, and their roots are deep. Let’s see about these:

1. Bloke:

It’s a very famous British slang term that refers to the word “dude” or “bro”. It was mostly used in all places of the UK and almost everyone was aware of it. Let’s check how two British people are using this slang during the conversation.

Murphy: I saw you in a shopping mart with someone. Who’s he?

Ronnie: Oh, He’s my bloke.

2. Leg it:

It is one of the best british slangs. This slang term was used in troubled situations, meaning “run away” usually. Mostly, illegal immigrants use this term when they see police around them in the UK.

3. Rubbish:

Most people around the world use trash words for anything, they throw in the dustbin. But the British call it “rubbish”. People also use it like this: What Rubbish?

4. Pissed:

Americans use this slang word in the context of “frustration or anger”. But most Britians will use it in the mean of “being drunk”.

5. Nowt:

This was one of the most popular slang terms used in multiple British conversations, usually in college boys’ group chats or TV shows. This slang term means “nothing” and this word originated from Northern England.

6. Necking on:

You might understand the meaning of the term: this word means “kissing or snagging”. There is another Britain slang “snog” which also means the same as “kissing”. Mostly this slang was used in romantic British movies.

7. Soz:

It was mostly used in formal conversations. This slang word refers to another meaning of saying “sorry”. For example,” accidentally hit your car, soz!”

8. Gutted:

People use this slang in the mean of good guts or bad guts. But it refers mostly to expressing that you are upset or something.

9. Dodgy:

This slang term is used for something questionable. When someone is not able to perform a certain task but it can do, that is questionable. At that point, we can use the slang word dodge.

10. Bonkers:

When you see a huge crowd of something that’s crazy, you can call it bonkers. Bonkers refers to the meaning of something “mad or crazy”.

11. Daft:

Have to ever forget your something important. Then you are daft. It refers to the meaning of “stupid or foolish”.

12. Bloody:

A British slang adjective “bloody” was used in that context where someone is going to emphasize something. Like you enjoy something on your trip and you say “That a bloody fun”.

13. Fiver/Tenner:

The uniqueness of British slang terms was lightened by this term. The slang fiver or tenner refers to the meaning of five-pound or ten-pound notes that are part of UK currency.

14. Nosh:

Nosh is a slang term used to refer to “food”. Most people suggest that whenever you travel abroad, don’t forget to try some nosh. It was also mostly used for lavish food.

15. Faffing around:

This slang term was mostly used in schools or some working areas. Slang faffing around refers to the meaning of taking excessive time to do something straightforward.

16. Cheeky:

Most Americans use the word “sarcastic” instead of cheeky. Cheeky refers to someone a little bit naughty or rude but in a kind-hearted way.

17. Cheers: 

One of the most popular slang terms used in both America as well as UK. The most common meaning of this slang term cheers is “thank you”. 

18. Knackered:

Do you also get tired after doing a lot of work? Then the word “knackered” will perfects for your situation. This slang was used for someone who is “extremely tired”.

19. Cuppa:

Sometimes, shorthand words are more playful and enjoyable. Cuppa is one of the words that refer to the meaning of a “cup of tea”. People in cafes use the term, “fancy a cuppa” which means to ready a cup of tea. By the way, Britishers love their tea.

20. Chuffed:

After getting an achievement or something special like getting a promotion in the office, you can express your feelings by saying, I’m chuffed

Wrap-Up:

These are the best British Slangs used in most of the movies and general conversations. Now if England is calling you and you are planning to enjoy your vacations in the UK, then these slang words help you to communicate with locals. 

FAQs:

How to learn slang terms?

Tons of slang terms would not be possible for everyone to remember. Watch movies, and TV shows, listen to music, and read some books or famous blogs to learn slang terms.

What are the tips for using slang terms?

As slang terms are shorthand words and can be used in informal conversations. Just understand the tone and context of the chat before using a slang word.

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