20 Best British Slang Start With “I”

Have you ever heard saying a Britian I’m Chuffed or I’m Nesh? but you find these slang drivel. Do not be 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 the British slang started with I there meanings, origin, synonyms, and their use in examples for your better understanding. If you are an anglophile or plan to travel, these slang will help increase your dairy knowledge.

So, do not waste time and make a mind graph take your paper, pen, and explore the article.

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

IDK stands for I don’t know. It is an informal slang that is used in texting, SMS, or in social media platforms. People can use it in a sentence if they do not have any information. Or in question, they do not know what happens. It is used in informal writing and writes in small words. But as if it is at the start of the line writing in capitalized form is correct.

Origin of IDK:

The origin of IDK was traced back to 2002. But now it is used widely as an informal slang in the new generation. Evidence of its first use was identified in early 1931 in the British Medical Journal.

Synonyms of IDK:

No idea beats me, I have no clue, I dunno, no idea, your guess is as good as mine, I’m completely in the dark, I’m puzzled, unsure, I’m at a loss, uncertain, I’m ignorant of that, it’s beyond me, I couldn’t tell you, I have not the faintest idea, I’m not sure, I’m Blank.

Examples of IDK:

Do you have any idea why the boss calls for an urgent meeting?

No, I don’t know any valid reason.

This a conceptual question. I don’t know the exact the exact answer. Let me do some research then I will let you know.
I don’t know when the rain will stop.
I don’t know why Michael did not give his 100% in the competitive exam.
Where is Sarah? Will you please let me know?

I don’t know, I just saw her going to the back door in an emergency.

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

Each word has several meanings based on the context and situation. In a normal situation, an inch is a measuring unit of length or height. But in British slang, it is used as a verb and refers to stealing something that shows unethical behavior that has real consequences.

It is an informal slang used in casual conversation between friends mostly in the young generation when they are joking about taking something without permission.

Origin of Inch:

The origin of an inch was traced back in 19 century from the Cockney rhyming slang “inch and pinch”. It was a form of wordplay in the East End of London. Cockney rhyming is the slang that substitutes a word or phrase with another word to make it shorter. In late British English pinch was used to refer to the concept of stealing and later on inch also represented the same concept.

Synonyms of Inch:

Divert, plunder, ransack, swipe, take, loot, heist, burglarize, peculate, misappropriate, cozen, abduct, embezzle, defraud, plagiarize, swindle, switch, thieve, shoplift, snitch, cheat, strip, take, poach, heist.

Examples of Inch:

She inch a cup of tea from the University cafe.
Why did you inch this dress from the shop? It’s not ethical behavior by the way.
A lady was caught inching products from the shopping mall.
Yesterday in the market a thief tried to inch my mobile phone.
Michal is an expert person in inching things.

3- What Does “Isle” Mean in British Slang?

Isle is a British slang that refers to a fool or stupid person. It is used in informal conversation for a person who is sleepy, dumb, or not sharp enough to catch things quickly. It was not commonly used in the past time but now people use it in their gatherings, on social media platforms, and in texting.

Origin of Isle:

It originated back in the 15th century from the Old English word ile,yle which is also derived from the French English word ille, idle, isle that is also comes from the Latin word Insula.

Synonym of Isle:

Brainless, halfwitted, stupid, imprudent, mindless, thoughtless, indiscreet, incautions, ill-advised, insane, silly, unwise, ridiculous, injudicious, irresponsible, irrational, insane, crazy, irrational, ludicrous, idiotic, daft.

Examples of Isle:

Sarah does not understand things quickly she is just an isle.
Why are you behaving like an isle be mature dude.
Teachers are now fed up with the isle students in our class.
Some of the group members are not more than isle for the group leader.
Are you an isle who wants to leave such an incredible job?

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

The phrase IKR stands for I know right? It shows confirmation and strong agreement that you acknowledge what the other person said.

It is a mixture of two words I know means you have the knowledge and Right Means you care about the person and ask if he/she also agrees with your point of view.

We can use it without a question mark but it seems a little bit rude. If someone is feeling low and wants your empathy saying I know is not appropriate. By saying right you can put a hand of empathy on their shoulder.

Origin of IKR:

IKR appeared in back 1990s. In this era of technology, it is most widely used on social media platforms, in informal writing, and in online communication. Its first electronic use was traced in 2004. IKR is not only a common British slang but it is also used in other English-speaking communities.

Synonym of IKR:

Certainly, that’s the truth, I completely agree there, yes precisely that, exactly, agreed, totally right, right on the money, you are absolutely right, I hear you, you are spot on, could not have said it better myself, you said it!

Examples of IKR:

Mili: Today is one of the most hectic days.

Olivia: IKR? Because it’s the end of the month.

Michael: Is not this bicycle too expensive?

JK: IKR? But my son insists on buying it for himself.

Sophia: congratulations! You got all A’s this semester.

Diane: IKR? I studied hard this semester.

JK: I am so frustrated with all these online education systems.

Jin: IKR? Because we are used to face to face education system.

5- What Does “Ivy” Mean In British Slang:

Each word has a different meaning based on context. Ivy is also the name of the climbing plant which remains evergreen. But in British slang, Ivy refers to an intelligent, smart, and sharp person. People use it as a compliment when they get inspired and influenced by someone’s knowledge or academic success. It is used in informal writing to appreciate a person on their achievement.

Origin of Ivy:

It originated in German from the Old English word ifig which is derived from the Dutch eiloof and also begins from the German word Efeu.

Synonyms of Ivy:

Scholar, sage, clever, Einstein, erudite, sharp-witted, brilliant, brainy, resourceful exceptional, well informed, responsible, creative, perspicacious, thoughtful, inventive, whiz, creative, astute, wise, understanding, highbrow.

Examples of Ivy:

JK is an Ivy student in my class.
Some of my Ivy students love to solve conceptual numerical.
Captain was impressed by your performance the Ivy man.
Jin is one of the Ivy person in our family now he is serving in a top multinational company.
I had never met an Ivy person like her.
Do not be sad man she is an Ivy employee in my office. I am 1005 sure that she will get the project.

6- What Does “I’m Easy” Mean in British Slang:

I’m easy in British slang means that I’m okay, I don’t mind or I’m not particular. When people use this slang they say they are ok with what the other person says or decides. It shows that one is easygoing and not hard to please. The slang shows that the speaker laid back his attitude and comfortable with the other person’s suggestions.

Origin of I’m Easy:

The slang is originated from the colloquial English. I’m Easy is an informal slang that is used in different English-speaking communities with different perspectives.

Synonym of I’m Easy:

I’m over the moon, I’m happy, I’m great, I’m doing well, I’m perfect and dandy, I’m fit and fine, I’m in decent shape, I’m all right, I’m in tip-top shape, I’m hanging in there, I’m feeling just fine, I’m coping well, I’m in excellent condition.

Examples of I’m Easy:

Do you want to hang out with your friends?

No, I’m easy.

What do you want to eat for breakfast?

You can cook whatever you want. I’m easy I can eat it.

At what time you will teach me science subjects?

I’m easy in the evening. You can come at any time in the evening.

We are unable to receive you from the airport.

I’m easy with it. Do not feel guilty.

Which color dress you want to buy?

I’m easy with all of them you can choose of your choice.

7- What Does “I’m Gutted” Mean in British Slang:

I’m gutted is an expressive slang which 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.

Origin of I’m Gutted:

The phrase I’m 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.

Synonym of I’m Gutted:

Defeated, disconcerted, discouraged, disillusioned, depressed, thwarted, beaten, worsted, upset, foiled, vanquished, objecting, complaining, disenchanted, disgruntled, objecting, sorrowful, wretched, dejected, despondent, forlorn, distraught.

Examples of I’m Gutted:

I’m gutted by your behavior in the class.
Michael feels gutted because he again failed in his science subject exams.
People feel gutted when they do not get the call for the job after the final interview.
Do not feel gutted you broke the leg for this project. Relax and hope for the best for the future.
I’m feeling gutted because they canceled their plan due to my unwell condition.

8- What Does “I’m Nesh” Mean In British Slang:

The slang I’m Nesh refers to someone sensitive to cold, chilled water, or low-temperature. People use slang fondly or humorously to mention a person feels colder than a particular person or uncomfortable in cold weather conditions. If a person continues complaining about the cold or is not happy about the upcoming low-temperature conditions that is such a Nesh.

Origin of I’m Nesh:

Nesh is a dialect that is spoken in various regions of England that include Midland and North. It originated in Middle English from the Germanic word hnesce which also comes from the Dutch word nes which means soft or delicate. In early time nesh refers to a soft, sensitive, and delicate person. But with time its meaning expanded and changed into a person sensitive to low temperature conditions.

Synonym of I’m Nesh:

Frosty, nippy, polar sensitive, cold intolerant, cold prone, feels the chill, pressure sensitive, shivery, numb.

Examples of I’m Nesh:

I’m Nesh even a little cold breeze makes my hands and feet freeze.
Wait a minute let me wear my coat. I will not go out in a single T-shirt because I’m Nesh.
Sarah is such a nesh because she feels cold in normal weather conditions.
I do not take risk of drinking cold water in winter I always carry my hot water bottle with me because I’m Nesh.
My son is a Nesh we have to take care of him in normal weather conditions.

9- What Does “Innit” Mean in British Slang:

Innit in British slang is the short form of isn’t it or is not it. It is used in any statement or question to seek confirmation. By saying Is not it at the end of the statement and question speaker wants nicely the yes or agreement of the listener. It is an informal slang that is widely used on social media platforms, texting, and in casual conversation between friends. Innit is a colloquial expression that is now mostly used by the young generation.

Origin of Innit:

Innit is traced back to Asian and Jamaican communities in London. It was first time popular when used by comedian Sacha Borne Cohen a British fictional character Ali G. It is used as a colloquial expression in the area where informal speech is prevalent.

Synonym of Innit:

No more, not at all, no, not either, nay, nex.

Examples of Innit:

Statement:

Today the weather is not good innit??
Michael arranged a bachelor’s party for all of his friends innit?
She is behaving like an immature person innit?
The new series is fabulous innit?
This cafe has an extraordinary taste in pizza and chocolate shake innit?

Question:

Are you coming to the party tonight innit?

Yes, of course, will join you in the party.

The professor deduct half of my marks due to only one mistake innit?

Yes, you are right he needs to be less strict with students.

Do you understand what I’m saying innit?

Yes, I understand each and everything that you said.

10- What Does “Itchy Feet” Mean In British Slang:

The slang itchy feet means feeling restless, eager to travel or you are bored in one place and for refreshment want to move to another place. If a person has a strong desire to travel or to do something different it means he has itchy feet. People use this slang in informal speech to convey the message of wanderlust and desire to experience new adventures.

Origin of Itchy Feet:

It originated back in the 1920s and the evidence outfits first used was seen in the 1920s in Loss Angles Times. Itchy feet is broadly used in English-speaking communities or cultures.

Synonym of Itchy Feet:

Wanderlust, impulsive to explore, a strong desire to wander.

Examples of Itchy Feet:

Suga has itchy feet he is always ready to explore new things.
I am frustrated with my daily routine I want to begin itchy feet.
On my work holidays, I always have itchy feet and plan to explore new adventurous destinations.
RM is an introverted person but he has itchy feet. He always loves to go alone to explore new destinations.
My sister does not have itchy feet she only loves to stay at home and sleep.

11- What Does “I’m Chuffed” Mean In British Slang:

I’m Chuffed is a positive informal slang that is used to express happiness, satisfaction, and gratitude. If someone says he /she is chuffed means they are delightful, pleased, happy, or proud about any situation or a person.

Origin of I’m Chuffed:

There are two concepts of the origin of this slang.

The British slang I’m chuffed has roots in North England in areas Lancashire and Yorkshire back in the 19th and 20th centuries.
It comes in Middle English from the word chuff in the 1950s which means plump. But with time its meaning expanded and now it is used as a sense to convey the message of pride, gratitude, and satisfaction.

Synonym of I’m Chuffed:

Lovely, diverting, enjoyable, very pleasant, cheerful, jovial, smiling, untroubled.

Examples of I’m Chuffed:

I am chuffed that my boss liked my presentation.
Michael is chuffed for coming back to his home.
Edward is very chuffed on the first day of school.
Employees are chuffed when the company offers a double bonus at the end of the year.
I‘m chuffed that I got all A’s this semester.

12- What Does “In a Pickle Mean” In British Slang:

The phrase in a pickle means a difficult situation or trouble. It denotes an awkward moment, confusion, doubtfulness, or uncertain condition. Like many other slang, it also has different meanings based on the context.

1- Use humorously to lower down the seriousness of the situation.

2- explain the serious circumstances in which a person is stuck.

Origin of In a Pickle:

The word pickle first time originated in Williman Sheikhspher’s time in his written play Tempest in 1960. From the 16th century onward it is the most used idiomatic expression that represents perplex or panic conditions.

Besides the phrase originally pickle refers to a liquid mixture made of salt, vinegar, and spices to preserve the food. But now in the new generation, mostly British people use it as with another meaning.

Synonym of In a Pickle:

Examples of In a Pickle:

She found herself in a pickle when she received an emergency call from the hospital.
We are in a pickle because we do not have more time to complete this project.
Students are in a pickle because the Math teacher gave them a very tough paper.
I left my mobile in the shopping mall and now I am in a pickle.
Will you please help me I am really in a pickle because my laptop stopped working.

13- What Does “In the Know” Mean In British Slang:

In the Know is not only a common British slang it is widely used in other English-speaking countries also. The slang means that you have an inside knowledge or you are well informed than other people. If a person has more private information something that other people do not have then we say that he is In the Know.

Origin of In The Know:

Its origin is traced back to 1883 from the word known. It is linked to the past slang in the loop or in the secret which also conveys the same sense. In the 1590s slang has meaning of knowledgable. But over time due to changes in linguistics, communities, and culture, its meaning expanded from knowledge to having inside information.

Synonym of In the Know:

Aware, up-to-date, conversant, acquainted, cognizant, conscious, sentient, up.

Examples of In the Know:

Michael is always in the know of what happened in the class.
News anchors are in the know of the upcoming political changes.
Sarah was in the know of what happened yesterday at Olivia’s bachelor party.
Girls are in the know of the newly launched makeup products.
Teachers are in the know of the notice for the changes in the syllabus of higher classes.

14- What Does “I’m Skint” Mean in British Slang?

The slang skint out means you are out of money or you do not have money. It refers to someone who is torn out, broke out, poor, or has few possessions. It is an informal colloquial expression that is used to mention someone who has little money.

Origin of I’m Skint:

There are two concepts on the origin of the slang I’m skint based on different sources. We will discuss both of them one by one.

1- It arises in the 20th century and is used informally in casual conversation. The word skintis derived from the old Norse term which means strip out or deprive.

2- It is derived from the Cockney rhyming slang being broke which also originates from the word Boracic lint used for first aid dressing in ancient times.

Synonym of I’m Skint:

Penniless, strapped for cash, impecunious, destitute, indigent, needy, impoverished.

Examples of I’m Skint:

I can not afford to buy this dress because I’m skint.
Since his business collapsed, he has been skint.
We went to the grocery and came back being skint out.
I’m skint while paying yesterday’s party bills.
Michael is always complaining about being skint because he affords all his study expenses on his own.

15- What Does “Incy Wincy” Mean In British Slang:

Incy wincy means a tiny or petite thing. People use it in the cutest or humorous way to refer to a thing which is insignificant. It is not commonly used British slang but in some communities, people can use it in informal writing or conversations.

Origin Of Incy Wincy:

It originated back in the 20th century from the children’s rhyme Incy Wincy Spider or Itsy Bitsy Spider in some versions. In this rhyme, they describe how the spider climbs up by passing the water spout hardles. The main theme of the rhyme was to describe the struggle of the child from the junior class to the higher class.

Synonym of Incy Wincy:

Lilliputian, compact, miniature, minor, diminutive, little, minute, baby.

Examples of Incy Wincy:

Can I take an incy wincy bite from your burger?
Mom does not allow me to take even incy wincy boite of the chocolate.
Michael always takes incy wincy portion of food when we offer him lunch with us.
Why are you afraid of this incy wincy cockroach?
We find an incy wincy fish in the aquarium.

16- What Does “I’m Off to Bedfordshire” in British Slang:

The British slang I’m Bedfordshire means someone is so tired and wants to go to bed. It is a humorous, playful, and enthusiastic way to say I am going to sleep. When people use this slang they want to say goodnight or it’s their time to go to bed.

Origin of I’m off to Bedfordshire:

It emerged in the 20th century from the Cockney rhyming slang in London. Bedfordshire is a place in Southern England the addition of geographical location also adds a playful and whimsical attitude.

Synonym of I’m off to Bedfordshire:

Catching some Z’s, turning in, tucking in, snoozing, bedding down, hitting the hay, retiring.

Examples of I’m off to Bedfordshire:

I’m off to Bedfordshire because I have to wake up early in the morning.
Jin is a morning person he is off to Bedfordshire at 9 pm.
Today is so tiring day I can’t wait to take a shower and off to Bedfordshire.
Due to the hectic routine children get tired and off to Bedfordshire after dinner.
Due to work, I was unable to sleep the whole night now I have headache. So you guys enjoy the party I’m off to Bedfordshire.

17- What Does “In The Nick” Mean In British Slang:

The British slang In the Nick has two meanings based on the situation. One is used in the positive sense and the other one in the negative sense.

In a positive way Nick means at the last moment or just in time. When a person uses the slang it means someone saved or protected himMiddle English word at the last moment.
In a negative sense it means police station or prison.

Origin of In the Nick:

The roots of the slang are traced back to the 1500s. It arises from the Middle English word nik which means notch or mark to track the time. With time, its meaning evolves to critical moment or precise due to association with time.

Synonym of In the Nick:

Final stretch, dying second, 11th hour, last minute, end of the game, closing moments.
Penal institution, detention center, place of confinement, jail.

Examples of In the Nick:

In Positive Sense:

The doctor arrived in the nick of time and saved the patient by giving emergency treatment.
Volunteers came in the nick of time and helped the needy people that are suffering from the devastating earthquake.
Michael finds his train ticket in the nick of time before the departure of the train.
The fire brigade came in time and saved the building from the fire.

In Negative Sense:

Michael spent the whole night in the nick.
Sarah was in the nick in case of stealing products from the jewelry shop.
Guards caught the thief and hand over to Nick.
The officer sent him in the Nick due to the breaking of the traffic signal.

18- What Does “In the Lurch” Mean in British Slang:

The slang means to leave someone in an awkward and difficult situation while the other person is expecting support and condolence. It is an informal slang that is used in communication between friends or colleagues. In simple words, we can say someone cheats on you in your tough time.

Origin of In the Lurch:

It originated in the 16th century from the French dice game called lorch. In which the player who does not score more is left in the lurch. Over time the word explore and now used to describe a scenario when someone is left in a hard situation without support.

Synonym of In the Lurch:

Stranded, unsupported, left high and dry, helpless, isolated, vulnerable, alone, challenging situation.

Examples of In the Lurch:

She left me in the hospital in the lurch when I needed her the most.
Micheal’s friend leaves him in the lurch during the test preparation.
Her colleagues left her in the lurch during the meeting.
She asked him for money to pay the rent but he left her in the lurch.
Olivia asked her friend to help her in the completion of the assignment but she left her in the lurch.

19- What Does “In Stitches” Mean in the British Slang?

This British slang is not only common in British but also in many other English-speaking countries. It means laughing uncontrollably or having too much fun.

Origin of In Stitches:

There are two theories on the origin of the slang In Stitches. Its roots have been traced back to the 1930s.

In ancient times the word stitches was used to clear the wounds of patients. Over time the term elaborates in contact with physical pain and turns into laughter.
The other theory suggests its meaning from the idea that a person feels stitch with the other person during the laughter attack.

Synonym of In Stitches:

Laugh loudly, fits of laughter, cackle, side-splitting laughter, belly laughter, hysterical laughter, chortle, gales of laughter.

Examples of In Stitches:

My friend told me a funny story about the dog I was literally in stitches.
When my cousins came to my grandma’s house they told the funniest stories that we are in stitches.
Sarah has a very good sense of humor we all are in stitches.

20- What Does “Irate” Mean In The British Slang:

The slang irate means a person who is furious, angry, annoyed, and frustrated. If someone states Irate it means he refer to someone in not a good mood.

Origin of Irate:

It originated in the mid-19th century from the Latin word Ira which is also derived from another Latin word Iratus means extreme anger. Irate enters into English through Old English and French English.

Synonym of Irate:

Irreked, displeased, bothered, put off, piqued, exasperated, antagonized, peeved.

Examples of Irate:

Teachers become irate when students make noise in the class.
Her father becomes irate because she does not score good marks in the exams.
People become irate due to traffic jams in the morning.
Michael has an irate personality.
The customer was irate with the bank manager because his account had been blocked without any reason.

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.