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Have you ever heard saying a British Gaff, Gander, or Graft? but you find this slang drivel. Refrain from being confused you are not alone here. Welcome to the enchanting World of British slang where we can interpret, and translate new slang meanings, and your communication becomes delightfully deciphered.
Linguistic changes occurred in slang over time due to changes in culture or people. In this article, we will discuss British slang starting with “G” their meanings, origin, synonyms, and their use in examples for your better understanding. If you are an anglophile or plan to travel, this slang will help increase your dairy knowledge.
So, do not waste time. Make a mind graph, take your paper and pen, and explore the article.
In British slang, gaff means someone’s home, place of residence, house, or flat. Gaff is an informal slang that is widely used by young people. It is a British slang but is also used in Arab settings.
There are a possible number of theories from different sources based on the origin of the slang.
1- It comes into Middle English from the Old French word gaffe which also comes from the Old Occitan term gaf means hook. It is also the derivative of gaffer (seize) from Gothic gaff and is also a derivative of the Tiban word Givan which means to give.
2- Other theories said it originated from an Irish term Gaf which means homme or house.
3- Another theory suggests that it comes from the Romani word gav, which means place of residence or house.
In British slang, “gas” can mean to talk excessively. Especially about unimportant matters or to chat in a way that is entertaining and fun. It can also mean to exaggerate because some people not might like excessive fun talks.
The British slang term “gas” originates from blues musicians in the early 20th century, where it referred to a lively and exciting performance. Over time, it evolved to describe anything enjoyable, or entertaining and is commonly used today in informal contexts to express excitement about something.
Rabbit on: This is the synonym word used instead of “Gas” in means of talking at length about something.
Chinwag: Chinwang mostly sounds like a Chinese word is the synonym of the slang term “Gas” which means informal chat or talk.
Gander a British slang means to have a quick look, glance at something, or inspect a thing briefly. People use this slang, which means they want to have a short look at something not in detail.
It originated in the 1900s from the behavior of the male gees now known as gander. By their act of stretching their necks to look more around. It comes in Old English from the Germanic word gandra and also comes from the Dutch word gander, which is derived from the English gannet. Over time it has become associated with humans with meaning to have a quick look.
Gtraft an informal British slang has several meanings based on the context.
1- Hard work:
Here graft represents how much hard work someone has to achieve whatever they want, or hard work a labor does.
2- Artistry:
The British slang graft is used to represent the skill or art of a person, especially in crafts or trades.
But if we combine the overall aspects graft is used to represent the struggle or hard work of anybody in any field.
Graft originated in the last of the 15th century from the original word grafting from horticulture which means inserting a shoot into the slit or branch of another plant for propagation.
It comes in late Middle English from the Old French word grafe through Latin from the Greek word Graphion.
The slang graft goes to its peak in the late 19th and 20th centuries.
Hard Work:
Artistry:
In British slang, gobby refers to a person who is mouthy, outspoken, brash, and saying things that should not be said. This informal slang is often used to mention a person who gave his opinion without caring about the situation or forcefully, sometimes they behave rudely and confidently.
Gobby originates from the British slang “Gob” which means mouth. This notation is extended from the slang gob to represent a person who always uses his gob in a self-assertive way. People started using the slang in the 1880s and the evidence of its first use was in 1883 in Mid-Surey Times.
The British slang gobsmacked means astonished, surprised, or shocked. It states that someone is overwhelmed with surprise, astounded, or unable to speak with happiness. Gobsmacked is a common, informal colour to express someone’s emotions and feelings.
Gobsmacked is a mixture of two English words gobs and macked. Gobs is an Irish or Roman word that means mouth and macked means to hit. The slang gobsmacked came in line in the 1930s in informal or casual conservations.
Being “gassed” is a British slang term that means feeling very happy or excited about something. It can also be due to being under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the point of euphoria.
The term likely comes from the idea of being filled with a light and uplifting the substance. Same like the gas which how can fill a space and lead to a sense of excitement.
Buzzed: Buzzed is a British term used the mean slightly intoxicated or excited.
Stoked: Stocked was also means very excited or enthusiastic and mostly used in informal conversations like parties.
Gutted is an expressive British slang word that refers to extreme disappointment, devastation, or sadness. If I said it is a positive sense slang then it is wrong because it is metaphorically used to express someone’s feelings and emotions. Shows how much a person feels alone and grim a sign to convey the sense of loss
The slang gutted comes from the literal act of gutting which means to remove the internal organs of the animals during batchery. Metaphorically it refers to how badly the internal feelings and emotions of the person are torn out. The earliest evidence of its use is in a citation book by an American journalist about the 1986 Vietnam War.
Giggle is an informal British slang that refers to laughing nervously or being amused. If a person giggles it means he laughs by taking short breath breaks or in a childish way. We can use giggles in different contexts based on the situation requirement whether a person giggles if he is embarrassed, pleased, or confused.
The dialect giggle originates from the English gig which is also derived from the Old English word gigen which means to make a cracking sound in a jolly or playful manner. It was first time used in the early 1500s. The first evidence that was collected is from the writing of the poet Alexandar Barcely in 1509.
The British slang gravy means something is going smoothly, favorably, or easily. It may be anything that includes earn a profitable amount of money unexpectedly or something that happens according to the plan. If anyone uses the term gravy they mean everything is going perfect.
Gravy is a culinary term that is made of cooked meat to enhance the flavor and thickness of the curry. It is not wrong if we say that gravy is a borrowed word from culinary that means to enhance or improve the condition of the curry. Over time it is associated with an informal conversation for something that is going smoothly or running excellent.
Gnarly means tough, difficult, or challenging. It refers to a rugged, unpleasant, or tough situation that is difficult to handle. People use this informal slang when they are stuck in trouble or in an extremely dangerous situation. Like several other slang, it has different meanings based on the context and speaker tone. For example, gnarly is also used to mention a sport that is dangerous or adventurous.
Gnarly is derived from the Original American English slang in 1900 and 1970. In early times it was used to describe the challenging waves that were dangerous due to underwater obstructions or their twisted shapes. Then later on it was used to represent a knot or twist. With time due to its association with twist people used it to refer difficult or tough situations.
The British slang galoot means foolish, awkward, silly, or clumsy person. It refers to a person who teases the other one in the sense that he cares but hurts their feeling and emotions. These people are ungainable, thoughtless or we can say lumber.
There are different opinions on the origin of the slang galoot from different sources. Now we can discuss all of them one by one.
1- In the mid of 19th galoot originated from American English slang which means a foolish, awkward, or stupid person. A person who has a good sense of humor with mild teasing the other person.
2- Other sources said it originated from the Irish and Scottish dialects because many similar words are present in these languages which mean fish or awkward.
3- another theory suggests that it is a mixture of many words most probably “gwak’ and “gallop”. Its first use was recorded in 1805-1835.
The British slang gammy means injured, sore, swollen, lane, or malfunction. It refers to an injury in a body part or a machine. We can use this slang in both serious and humorous ways based on the situation. If someone says his hand is gammy it means he has an injury or wound in his hand.
Gammy is originally a dialect coming from the French dialect gambier means having bed legs derived from the word gambe means lame which is also derived from Middle French Gambi means bent or crooked. Its first use was recorded in 1830-1840.
Machine:
Other:
The British slang gizzit is a short form of the expression give it to me and give us it. It means to hand over something to another person or demand anything that is a piece of food or an item for free. It is widely used slang in the young generation among friends to ask for something free.
The origin of gizzit is uncertain but from some sources, it is derived from the daily English speaking slang in various communities. People use this slang in their informal conversation to ask for something free.
Get off has different meanings based on the context. We can explain some of them.
To Leave:
It means to leave a place or go out from a place.
To stop:
This slang is also used to stop anything. For example, get off insulting the children.
Pleasure:
It is also used in a context to experience happiness or pleasure.
It is a mixture of two words get and off. The word get is derived from the Old Norse English word geta which means to acquire or gain. Over time the meaning of the word evolves to achieve, gain, or obtain something.
Off originated from the English word of which roots have been traced back in German. It means away or from. The combination of both words makes a phrase that has several meanings related to achievement, happiness, and departure.
To Leave:
Stop:
Experience Happiness:
“Gary” is slang for MDMA (ecstasy) pills. MDMA is a psychoactive substance known for its euphoric and empathogenic effects. This term has gained prominence within the party scene and drug culture. Its street language use results in discussions about MDMA pills without getting unwanted attention.
The term “Gary” slang for ecstasy pills is believed to have originated from rhyming slang. It is also a way to personalize and discretely discuss the drugs in general conversations.
E: Although it is an alphabet but it is a common abbreviation for ecstasy.
Pills: A general term for tablet but in slang term context, it means drugs including MDMA.
1- Gi is a British slang that means give. It is an informal dialect that is widely used in social media, texting, messaging, and casual conversation among friends. It means to request someone’s time and patience.
2- it is also used to refer to soldiers in the US military. It was associated with World War II. in early times it was originally used to refer to any iron galvanized item in the US Military paperwork. But over time its meaning expanded and refers to the soldiers of the army.
Gi is a colloquial expression that originates naturally from the English language. With time there are linguistic changes and people use abbreviations and alter the word for their convenience. An informal slang Gi reflects the dynamic of nature where people adapt changes in their culture and language.
Geeze is a British slang that means a man. It is an informal complimentary phrase that is used to mention an experienced old man or a knowledgeable regular guy. But in English-speaking countries, people use slang in their casual conversation to refer to a normal man.
The roots of the slang guizer are traced back to the late 19th and early 20th century. It is derived from the slang geiser which means a man who dressed strangely and eccentrically. Over time due to linguistic and community changes the meaning of the slang expanded and turned to refer to a casual man.
The British slang ghee which is not as common as other slang. It means a clarified butter made by butter simmering which separates the solid milk from the liquid fat. By heating the solid milk is removed and a golden color liquid is left behind. It is one of the most famous Asian Cuisines that is used to enhance the flavor of cooking. Due to its high potential benefits people use ghee with their chapatis and in traditional medicine practices.
The roots of the slang ghee have been traced back to 1500-500 BCE in India. Due to the hot climate in India butter melts before people use it. So they can find an alternative by melting the butter until water evaporates and remove the solid milk. As a result, a golden color liquid is obtained which is called ghee.
Do not be confused between two British slangs gaff and gaffeing. Gaff means place of residence and gaffing means to enjoy or socialize in someone’s house in a casual sitting. It is informal slang that offers a relaxed environment in which a person has a gathering, BBQ, or chatting with friends. Overall we can say that the slang gaffing is used to hang out or socialize with friends.
The slang gaffing which is a verb originating from the gaff means home or place of residence. Over time the meaning extends and changes into a location or a place where someone hangs out with friends. Its first use was recorded in 1909.
The British slang goes spare means to become very angry, upset, and frustrated. It is an expressive way which is used to convey anger, frustration, and how much a person is annoyed. It is a stem that interprets the overflow of emotions beyond normal circumstances to show anger and frustration.
The etymology of go spare is not clear but it is believed that it originated in the mid of 20th century. It has been used as a dialect in British English for several decades to mention someone agitated and upset beyond the limit.
Gee-up means to encourage, motivate, and prompt someone to put in more effort and energy. People use informal slang to cheer up someone. For example, if a person is shy and hesitates you can say gee-up to push and make him active to play with more enthusiasm.
Gee-up originates in the mid-1700s from horse riding command gee Gee-up is used to prompt the horse to start moving or move fast. Like gee-up in horse riding gee is used to turn right and haw to turn left. Over time with linguistic changes gee-up evolved and used in colloquial expressions to motivate or encourage a person. Evidence of its first use in 1769 in Trinculo’s Trip.
Gormless means lack of intelligence, awareness, understanding, and common sense. It states that if a person is foolish, vacant, and not able to understand things quickly. People use this informal slang in casual conversation to refer a totally foolish person.
Gromless originated in the mid of 18th and 19th centuries from the Old Norse gaumr which means care, heed which is also derived from the English guam (understanding). Guam is from another English word gaumless which with time evolved into gormless.
In simple British slang terms, the word “gammon” can be used in a mean way to describe a specific kind of older white man who is seen as having strong conservative views. Especially if they support Brexit or nationalism. It can also mean talking nonsense or trying to trick someone in some regions.
Originally, the origin of this term is unclear but “gammon” has been used historically to denote talk that is tricky or nonsensical. Its common political usage likely comes from its association with the stereotyped appearance of people of the 18th century.
Bluster: Bluster is a synonym slang term for the word “gammon” which means loud, aggressive, or heavy talk with little effect.
Hogwash: Hogwash is another slang term that means nonsense and rubbish, and its origin was found in the 19th century.
“Getting up the duff” is a colloquial way to say that someone has become pregnant in British slang. This was mostly used for young ladies who were going to birth a new baby.
This phrase is believed to have originated in Australia or the UK. From the 19th century, the word “duff” was used as a slang term for the womb or buttocks.
Pregnant: The very commonly used word “pregnant” is the state of carrying a developing fetus by a woman.
Expecting: This was also another term for being used instead of saying pregnant. Mostly, this term was used in conversations with young or immature people.
“Getting floored” is a very playful British slang term that typically means being completely surprised, overwhelmed, or knocked down, either physically or metaphorically. It was mostly used in the context of wrestling.
The idea of this term comes from the literal action of someone being knocked to the floor. And sometimes to describe situations where someone is taken aback or defeated.
Stunned: Stunned was mostly used in formal spaces in the context of extremely surprised or shocked.
Knocked over: Knocked over also means the same context as overwhelmed or surprised.
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.
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