If you are an anglophile and have a passion for discovering new terms and cultural ethics used in daily British life. Then you are at the right place. In this article, we will discover all the phrases and slang used in formal and informal conversation.
Like other languages, British Slang also evolved due to linguistic changes or from city or country. So, do not waste time dig in and find some perfect gem for yourself.
1- What Does “Eager Beaver” Mean In British Slang?
The slang eager beaver refers to a person who is enthusiastic, eager to do hard work, a person who is willing to do extra work beyond what expected from him/her, one who is fervent to perform duties and responsibilities, shows eagerness or keness, one shows extra energy and excitement for work ( volunteer for their work to complete).
Origin of Eager Beaver:
The term an eager beaver originated back in the 20th century. Eager is used to show enthusiasm, an unbelievable amount of energy or eagerness, and Beaver for a diligent, hard-working, and conscientious person.
This term became famous during World War II to refer to soldiers who were ready, enthusiastic, and eager to perform any task at any time. Over time this slang became popular and used to describe a person who is very hardworking and concerned about work.
Synonym of Eager Beaver:
- Anxious, wishing, hoping, on the edge of one’s seat, on tenterhooks, motivated, dedicated, hard-working, perfervid, keen as mustard, zealous, fervid, sincere, acquisitive, champing at the bit, breathless, desirous, Appetent, antsy, desiring, excited, ardent.
Examples of Eager Beaver:
- New volunteers are like an eager beavers they want to complete the task as soon as they can.
- At the start of college, eager Beaver students sit in the front line and ask questions before anyone else.
- Michael is my extraordinary student who completes any task with excitement and eagerness like an eager beaver.
- Why are you behaving like an eager beaver? Stay calm we have two days to complete this project.
- I want myself to be like an eager beaver because this semester I want to score good marks.
2- What Does “Earful” Mean In British Slang?
Earful refers to anger, complaint, reprimand, admonition, or admonishment. Subjected to a forceful way to give advice or show criticism. A lengthy unwelcome speech, criticism, or stern talking. It is used to scold someone or a speech full of communication whether it is negative or positive. But most probably people consider it a colorful way to criticize or say negative things to someone.
Origin of Earful:
The roots of the earful were tracked in the 1850s or mid-19s. It is derived from the old English root eare and the suffix full or ful. The first evidence of the use of this was recorded in 1858 in the writing of Walter Thornbury. It means ears are full not with physical items but with a lot of communication.
Synonyms of Earful:
- Telling-off, tough-lashing, roasting, insulting, head off, rebuke, reprove, rap over the knuckles, tick off, blow up, give someone hell, lecture, reprehend, call down.
Examples of Earful:
- The teacher gave him an earful because he did not perform well.
- The boss called me an earful for the work that I had done in the last project.
- Olivia gave Michael an earful of advice.
3- What Does “ Egyptian P.T” Mean In British Slang?
The slang Egyptian P.T. is used in two contexts. One is for Military use and the other for casual life.
Military use: In the military, it is used to refer to rest, sleep, nap, or an hour/ few minutes to do rest.
Casual Life: Casually people use the slang when someone leaves a party or social gathering without saying goodbye. Or departure from a place without informing.
Origin of Egyptian P.T:
- The phrase indicated that Egyptians are lazy. It originated from Egypt in British slang but the exact century is still unclear. It is a combination of two words Egyptian and P.T. P.T. stands for provincial Tour which means to leave a place without informing. The addition of the word Egyptian gives a mischievous and playful sense to the slang.
- Egypt is a humid and hot place, and Egyptian troops get tired during physical training. The instructor
Asked them to take a nap and rest in the shade. Rather than continue the training which makes them tired and exhausted at 100 degrees.
Synonym of Egyptian P.T:
- Relax, do nothing, laze, leisure, brace, ease, relaxation, time off, idle, let up drowse, zizz, nap, be asleep, slumber, beauty sleep.
- Absquatulate, ghosting(Irish word), dip.
Examples of Egyptian P.T:
Military use:
- The instructor sends the soldiers into their rooms to do Egyptian P.T.
- During a hectic mission, soldiers do Egyptian PT to make themselves fresh and active.
Casual conversation:
- Do not like Sarah who did Egyptian P.T. yesterday and did not even give a quick fly before leaving.
- Will leave the meeting after saying goodbye not escape like Egyptian P.T.
- I hate people who did Egyptian P.T. at family gatherings one minute they are at the party and the next minute they are gone.
4- What Does “Egghead” Mean In British Slang?
The slang egghead means to refer to a person who is intelligent, extraordinary, over-intellectual, and highly educated but lacking social skills, common sense, and realism of life. These people have excessive knowledge, analyzing, and observing capabilities but they are not in touch with ordinary people. They do not have the basic knowledge of life.
Origin of Egghead:
The slang was at its peak in 1952 when journalists used it to insult editorial writers. Egghead was the epithet of Adlai Stevenson, the Democratic presidential candidate.
Synonym of Egghead:
- Sharp, quick-witted, alert, brilliant, bright, capable of thought, talented, gifted, genius, there are no flies on, ingenious, clever, smart.
Examples of Egghead:
- My University library is full of eggheads.
- When you are searching for JK you always find him in the library he is such an egghead.
- Take help from your elder brother in your studies he is an egghead.
- JK friends call him egghead because on his day out he loves to read and discuss complex scientific theories and journals.
- My class fellow Sarah is an egghead because she is always on top of the class in solving math and science problems.
5- What Does “ Epic” Mean In British Slang?
The slang epic means impressive, good, excellent, remarkable, or awesome. People use the term to express how much they like a thing or what it was.
Origin of Epic:
If we see the roots of the word epic were different from the current meaning. It is derived from the Latin word epicus which also comes from the Ancient Greek adjective epikos, also derived from epos meaning story, poem, or film.
So in the earliest time in the heroic age if we use the word epic it comes with songs, words, or poems that were performed orally. Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey are the epics that survive to date. But it is not being copied, people learn them in oral form. Over time with linguistic changes, the meaning of epic evolved and changed.
Synonym of Epic:
- Exceptional, amazing, pre-eminent, astonishing, stunning, incredible, unforgettable, uncommon, tremendous, phenomenal, momentous, marvelous, peculiar, great, sensational, out-standing, extraordinary, uncanny, noteworthy, notable.
Examples of Epic:
- The trip to Hunza was epic.
- You need to try this cafe. Their burgers are epic.
- Yesterday we had a party at Sarah’s house. It was epic.
- Did you watch the series we talked about last time? It is an epic series.
6- What Does “ Ecofreak” Mean In British Slang?
As you can see from the word eco it refers to a person who is passionate, obsessive, and protective for the environment. An environmentalist, devoted to the environment, eco-friendly.
- It is used in both positive and negative aspects based on the conversation and the speaker’s attitude toward the environment.
- In positive connotation, a person wants to adopt a healthy lifestyle without carbon footprints to protect the environment.
- In a negative connotation, a person criticizes the environment due to its unhealthy condition or pollution.
Origin of Ecofreak:
The slang ecofreak emerged in the 20th century. Eco comes from etymology and freak means a person who is passionate and extremely interested in something. It focuses on an excessively environment-conscious person who goes beyond societal norms and expectations.
Synonym of Ecofreak:
- Eco-nut, friend of the Earth, tree hunger, envirotard, eco-crazy, eco-nazi, nature lover, greniee, eco-enthusiast, natural scientist.
Examples of Ecofreak:
- Sarah is an ecofreak who would not create a mess.
- Being an ecofreak Michael does not buy any chemical products that create pollution and harm the environment.
- The new forest minister is literally an ecofreak.
- We all need to be like ecofreaks to make our environment clean and healthy from pollution.
- We need to spread awareness and educate people to take care environment or be eco-friendly.
7- What Does “Ear Candy” Mean In British Slang?
The slang ear candy refers to a sound or music that is pleasant, enjoyable, melodious, or catchy. It refers to candy how sweet and enjoyable in taste. A pleasant music that satisfies and feels good to the ears. By listening to the music a person feels good and enjoyable but lacks depth.
Origin of Ear Candy:
The slang originated from 1980 to 1985 from the literal meaning of receiving information through one’s ear. In ancient times it was used to describe a significant amount of words or information directed to someone mostly in conversation. But over time the meaning of the slang evolved and referred to pop music or an amusing sound.
Synonym of Ear Candy:
- Gooey, sweet, delightful, light popular music, lift music, pop, soft music, light melodious music, background music, elevator music.
Examples of Ear Candy:
- JK the K-pop band singer’s voice is like ear candy.
- At a BBQ party, the DJ plays ear candy music in the background.
- Many pop music songs are catchy, delightful, and ear candy for example Life Goes On by BTS.
- The performance Suga gave in his last concert before going to the army was ear candy.
- The movie was an ear candy.
8-What Does “El Cheapo” Mean In British Slang?
The slang El cheapo is used informally to refer to something inexpensive, cheap, inferior, or bad quality. It can be used in different scenarios based on the context attitude whether it is an object, individual, or service. It is commonly hilarity or the funniest slang used by British people.
Origin of El Cheapo:
The slang El Cheapo is a mixture of both Spanish and English words. l is borrowed from Spanish meaning The and Cheapo from English which means cheap or inexpensive. According to shreds of evidence, it was first used in the 1960s and second in 1967 in CB Buyers’ Guide.
Synonym of El Cheapo:
- Affordable, low cost, economic, low price, reasonable, cost-effective, half-priced, on sale, cut-rate, worth the money, uncostly.
Examples of El Cheapo:
For a person:
- Micheal never opens his wallet and behaves like El Cheapo
- People who are El cheapo always save their money they even do not buy the things that they want.
For a Service:
- During our trip to Europe we booked EI Cheapo hotel and their services were good.
- We booked an EI Cheapo airline ticket but regretted it because there were a lot of hidden charges and taxes that we had to pay.
For thing:
- I bought EI cheapo handbags from the brand store because they are on sale.
- Yesterday I bought EIO cheapo mangoes from the market.
9- What Does “ Eleveness” Mean In British Slang?
Eleveness is an informal slang but it is not common in English. Most people use it in a specific group or community. It means a break for a snack, refreshment, to drink or eat a small amount before lunch and after breakfast, a short break at 11 O’clock.
Origin of Elevness:
The term eleveness was introduced in the mid-18th century. It was more common in 1849 when tea was more affordable in workplaces. Eleveness and fourzes were mentioned for the first time in Suffolk commentary on agriculture workers. With the simplicity of ritual people enjoy the elevness at around 11 O’clock. It is the plular form of eleven.
Synonym of Elevness:
- Light lunch, pack me up, tea break, coffee break, light repast, snackies, refreshment, tidbit, nosh, casse – croute (in French), collation, lap lunch, bite.
Examples of Elevness:
- She has not feeling well since morning and takes leave near eleveness.
- Tea and coffee are served before lunch in elevness.
- Sarah is unable to take refreshments in elevness from two days because she is busy with the new project.
- What is in today’s menu of elevness?
- Elevness will not served tomorrow due to the absence of the kitchen staff.
10- What Does “ Elbow Grease” Mean In British Slang?
The term elbow grease refers to physical hard work, how much effort you put into a work. It is not specifically British slang but people also count it in slang. An idiomatic expression used to refer to the labor work, exertion of energy, and manual hard work required to accomplish a task. It means we cannot accomplish or complete our work without the involvement of physical effort.
Origin of Elbow Grease:
If we travel back to 1672 the word Elbow Grease was first time used by poet Andrew Marvel in the satirical book about the English parliament. Marvell wrote: “Two or three brawny Fellows in a Corner, with mere Ink and Elbow-grease, do more Harm than a Hundred systematical Divines with their sweaty Preaching.”
In 1699 the term reappeared in the New Dictionary of the Canting Crew as desrisory means sweat.
Synonym of Elbow Grease:
- Tough grind, back-breaking work, donkey work, drudgery, uphill battle, hard way, long haul, difficult work.
Examples of Elbow Grease:
- If someone is washing the dishes it means that the person does elbow grease and puts physical effort into his task.
- We can not finish the project until we do elbow grease.
- After selection, you need to do some below grease.
- Being a teacher you always need elbow grease to help students in improving their grades.
- Michael needs at least to paid in respect of your elbow grease.
11- What Does “Eh Up” Mean In British Slang?
Eh up is an informal way of greeting, saying hello, hi, hey, or what’s up. It is most widely used in Northern England, Lancashire, and Yorkshire. It is also used to express surprise, shock, or disbelief, notice means well, look who is that, what is that, etc.
Origin of Eh Up:
Eh up originated from the Norse term ay up which is sometimes written as aye up, oh up, or ayup. Eh up means watch out and is an informal way of greeting. Over time with the changes in linguistic regions,ay up evolved to eh up. It belongs to Northern England, Lancashire and Yorkshire.
Synonym of Eh Up:
- Greeting, hy, how do you do, how are you doing, good morning, good evening, noon, welcome, giday or g’day (in Australia and New Zeeland).
Examples of Eh Up:
- EH up! What’s going on?
- Eh up hope you are doing well.
- Eh up! Did you notice Michael’s behavior with Olivia?
- Eh up! What are you doing here?
- Eh up! Look who is here
12- What Does “Ends“ Mean In British Slang?
Ends is a British slang that refers to an area, place, neighborhood, a place from where a person belongs, or a geographical location. It is used to describe a place where someone spends most of his lifetime or a specific destination. In British slang, it can be used in a broader sense to locate a specific place or destination in a geographical area.
Origin of Ends:
Ends originate from the Middle English word enden or endien which also originates from Old English endian means to end, finish, to make an end, destroy, abolish, an end. Endian also originated from the Prot Germani andijona a denomial term for andijiaz.
Synonym of Ends:
- Zone, area, locale, region, nab, vicinity, hood, near area, neck of the woods, district, environs, locality, proximity, confines, propinquity, adjacency, closeness.
Examples of Ends:
- Are you from that end? Yes, I am from your end.
- Do you from which end Sarah belong?
- I am going back to my end to spend quality time with my mother.
- Yesterday JK arranged a bachelor’s party at the end.
- I wish I could spend this beautiful time on my end.
13- What Does “ Eggy” Mean In British Slang?
The term itself describes anything related to an egg like the unpleasant and irritating smell of an egg. It also describes the mood swings that someone feels irritated, uncomfortable, annoyed, frustrated, not any point of anger or slightly annoyed.
Origin of Eggy:
The term eggy originates from an egg-adding y in the 1930s. In early times it was used to refer qualities and characteristics that someone behaves like. But over time this informal slang describes a sour, unpleasant situation or mood swings. Now it is the common colorful way to express someone’s behaviour.
Synonym of Eggy:
- Anger, antagonize, get in someone’s hair, meef, hack off, drive up the wall, vex, huffy, cross, fed up, exacerbate, mad, get across, gravel, hassle.
Examples of Eggy:
- Since morning Sarah’s behavior has been eggy maybe she is not feeling well.
- Michael has an eggy attitude he did not like anything we did for him.
- Our Math teacher has an eggy personality.
- Yesterday at Olivia’s party DJ was so eggy.
- The cafe owner behaves eggy with customers. It was a horrible experience.
14- What Does “Eejit” Mean In British Slang?
Eejit is an Irish slang particularly Ireland but it is most commonly used in British. Eejit means to say someone foolish, stupid, unintelligent, idiot, silly. People can use it humorously during casual or friend conversations.
Origin of Eejit:
It originated in mid of 19th century from the word ediot which is the pronunciation of idiot. There is no current spelling change in idiot from the 1950s. Eejit is an Irish slang from Irish English but is also used in British to refer to someone as idiot or stupid.
Synonym of Eejit:
- Halfwit, dope, moron, cretin, wooden-head, ass, clown, zany, comic, simple-minded, slow, brainless, cretinous, thick, dump, fat-headed.
Examples of Eejit:
- I do not believe you forgot your mobile again. You are such an eejit.
- I think myself eejit because I am wearing my jacket all day inside out.
- Do not behave like eejit dude.
- Michael is a genius person but sometimes he behaves like an eejit.
- Do not be an eejit obviously, he was joking. Do not take him seriously. Chill
15- What Does “Exactmundo” Mean In British Slang?
The slang exactmundos means exactly, comparable, without any doubt, confirmation, not comparable, precisely. It is an enthusiastic way to give confirmation or own something 100%. People use it as an intensifier in their confirmation and agreements to indicate that they are 100% agreed.
Origin of Exactmandous:
Exactmandous originated in the 1960s from the American slang. It is a mixture of two words exact means accurate and the Spanish word mandous. There is no defined meaning of mundous in Spanish but in English slang, it is used to emphasize or to add instinct. It is popular in American culture through TV shows and movies. It was the first time used in a TV show Sitcom Happy Days by the character Fonzie.
Synonym of Exactmandous:
- Exactly, yes, true, precise, accurate, good, valid, flawless, perfect, legitimate, dead on, inerrant, on target, letter-perfect, flawless.
Examples of Exactmndous:
- Michael: are you going to watch the movie with Sarah tomorrow?
Jk: Exactmandous! We will go tomorrow.
- She will meet with us in the Library at noon.
Exactmandous let’s make sure we will be there as early as possible so we can grab a good study time altogether.
- Do you own this cafe?
Exactmandous we are 100% own it because we are the owners of this cafe.
16- What Does “Earner“ Mean In British Slang?
Earner is a British slang means to make money, a job, a business, a profitable income source, or a way to make money. It is an informal way to discuss money, finance, and jobs. People can refer to a person as an earner who works on daily wages or earns to survive or support his/her family.
Origin of Earner:
Earner has roots in Old English. The verb earner has a straightforward origin which means earn money. Humans had a history of earning money to survive and also a natural way to define someone who does work and earns money.
Synonym of Earner:
- Job holder, businessman, income holder, wage slave, staff member, employe, blue- collar worker, proles, working people, breadwinner, the other half.
Examples of Earner:
- He is such a little earner.
- Michael’s new gig is a big earner.
- Part-time job is a good earner for those people who want to make extra money.
- Boating is also a nice way for you to be an earner on the dam.
- If you got selected for this job you would be a great earner.
17- What Does “Ems” Mean In British Slang?
In British slang, EMS refers to Emergency Medical Service. It is a word which is commonly used in English countries. But in simple words ems represent ambulance. A vehicle which is used to carry injured people.
Origin of EMS:
The roots of EMS were tracked in World War I and World War II for emergency treatment of soldiers on the battlefield. During these circumstances, the military prepared special services and protocols for treating the soldiers in extreme conditions.
In 1966 (NHSA) the National Highway Safety Act played an important role by funding and providing training for standardized EMS services. In the mid of 20th century people learn techniques of EMS for civilian use. In the 1960s and 70s, several cities established EMS systems based on NHSA principles which include highly experienced paramedics and technology.
Synonym of EMS:
- Rescue squad, hospital vagan, hospital mobile, rescue unit, response unit, hospital plane, emergency air ambulance, paramedics, fly car, rapid response vehicle, Red Cross Truck.
Examples of EMS:
- Call the EMS it’s an emergency.
- The road was blocked due to a car accident passengers were safe because people called EMS.
- The manager hired an EMS team for an emergency in concert.
- The EMS team rescued all the people in the Mall during the fire incident.
- Michael collapsed on the road EMS provided life-saving medical assistance within minutes because they were on route in the same area.
18- What Does “Erm” Mean In British Slang?
Erm is a simple British slang which is used in both formal and informal contexts. It is slang used as filler in speech, to take pause, express hesitation, or show uncertainty. By using this term people take a break to process their thoughts on what to say next. Erm is related to uhmm, uh or um.
Origin of Erm:
As Erm is a speech filler it is verbally originated but its main origin is still unclear. It is used in different English-speaking countries weather in official or casual conversation. With linguistic changes and from country to country or area to area fillers changed from erm to um, er or ahh.
Synonym of Erm:
Well, I mean, you know, look, so, er, shall we say, um, ah, ahh, hrm.
Examples of Erm:
- What is your dream in life Erm….. I want to be a fashion designer so I can help a part of society that does not afford designer dresses.
- Would you come to Jin’s Bachelor’s party Erm… let me think.
- Erm I can’t understand your point.
- Erm I don’t think soo that Michael will agree with our plan.
- Erm I am little bit nervous will you please give me one minute?
19- What Does “Eton-Mess” Mean In British Slang?
Eton-mess refers to a British traditional dessert that is made of strawberries, whipped cream, bananas, and meringue. Mess is used based on the appearance of the dessert or the ingredient from which it is formed. It is only used to refer to the dessert there is no other meaning of this slang.
Origin of Eton-Mess:
The word etton-mess originates from the name of eton-college an English boarding school. It was first time served in 1890 in cricket matches. In 1930 the desert was commonly served on school tuck shop.
Synonym of Eton-Mess:
- Baked Alaska, fruit salad, banana split, granita, trifle, parfait, pavlova, ice cream, baklava.
Examples of Eton-Mess:
- This cafe will offer delicious etton-mess at a reasonable price.
- Would you like to eat etton-mess?
- My mom makes outstanding etton-mess for my birthday.
- I love the etton-mess full of strawberries.
- After dinner Sarah’s mother server etton-mess.
20- What Does “ Emo” Mean In British Slang?
The slang emo refers to a person who listens to emo music ( pop music full of people’s emotions with soft lyrics), style dark or black clothes, introverte, unhappy, over senstive, or expressed emotions in a very intense and dramatic way.
Origin of Emo:
The slang emo stands for emotional hardcore. The roots of the emo were tracked back to the 1980s, particularly in Washington D.C, and its surroundings. Emo refers to thoughtful, emotional, and sensitive lyrics of music listened by an introverted person.
Synonyms of Emo:
- Moody, sad, depressed, crestfallen, downhearted, heartsore, glum, melancholy, dismal, disheartened, droopy, cheerless, desolate, down and out, forlorn., dejected.
Examples of Emo:
- In the party Sarah’s look gives an emo vibe.
- She loves to write poetry and spends hours in writing. She is just an emo.
- Michael playlist is full of emo music.
- Despite different music types, people easily connect with emo music due to its depth and people emotions.
Final Verdict:
Based on different cultures in every country people use different slang words in their conversations. British Slang also evolved from their roots and has changed their meaning. From their origin, you are also able to know their background. And slang explanation with examples helps you to understand in a good way.
We hope today’s guide is helpful and makes it easy for you to understand and continue with your passion. For further British slang with different alphabets stay with us.
