20+ Best British Slangs Starting With “A”

Are you also an aspiring Anglophile searching for some new vocabulary to feed your passion for anything British, or just want to know what terms the British use daily? Then, you have got it right here because this article will discover the best british slang starting with a. 

Like the English language, British slang has its niche and improvements, evolving from year to year and city to city. Although American slang has spread almost everywhere due to the abundance of media, much more information is available if you look past British slang words and find some true gems.

Therefore, have a look at our greatest terms for British people. 

1. What Does Abolish Mean In British Slang?

Abolish is a verb (used with an object) to eliminate, terminate, annul, or keep void.

Since abolishment often refers to ending slavery in the United States, it could bring up certain historical associations. People who were against slavery were referred to as “abolitionists.” 

Origin of Abolish

First known in late Middle English in 1425–1475, from Middle French aboliss-, the old stem of abolir, from the Latin language abolēre, meaning “to destroy, remove or or result in to die out.” These days, laws, codes, and illegal activities are terminated with the official-sounding word abolish.

Synonyms for Abolish

To abolish something completely is to eradicate it or stamp it out. To abolish something is to end it, usually by a brief decree: to abolish a requirement. 

• “Stamp out” refers to the act of putting an end to something by force that is deemed undesirable or harmful, such as the opium trade. 

• The formal word “eradicate,” which means “to tear out from its roots,” indicates demise, leaving no trace or remnant: to end the practice of child labor altogether.

Abolish Usage as Examples

• The government should abolish the entire tax.
• The government intends to abolish farmer subsidies.
• Should the monarchy be abolished, or is it still relevant today?
• They demanded that the government entirely abolish tuition fees.
• The laws supporting apartheid were gradually abolished.

2. What Does Ace Mean In British Slang?

“Ace” is a slang word used in Britain to denote brilliance or excellence. It may also refer to passing anything extremely well.

A playing card with one symbol is also called an ace. The ace of a given match in most card games has the highest or lowest value of every card in that suit.

As a noun In British English, it also refers to an individual having not or rarely experiencing sexual attraction towards others.

Origin of Ace

The word “ace” originated in Latin and was borrowed into Middle English, which means “a copper coin” (originally weighing one pound). It was first used in 1250–1300 and recorded in 1795–1800 for a description money unit (initially one pound, but gradually lessened to a half-ounce). It was also taken from French as in World War I but usually has an unclear origin.

Synonyms for Ace

• In the sense of a specialist: educated, star, champion, powerful, victor, expert, master, pro (casual), brilliant, Guru, wizard (slang term), Whizz (slang term), masterful, knowledgeable
• In the context of extraordinary: Great, excellent clever, amazing, wonderful, super  fantastic, rap(slang), exquisitely wonderful, brilliant, superior, very good,

Ace Usage as Examples

• She scored over thirty aces to win the match.
• On the final point of the game, he aced his opponent.
• I studied through the night, but it was worthwhile as I aced my science exam.
• According to his dating profile, he’s an ace.
• In the match, Lawson has served three aces.

3. What Does Aga Mean In British Slang?

Aga is a British slang word with variations or the less common term “agha,” which is capitalized and refers to a man in a position of authority who is given a title of respect. This includes an Ottoman Empire officer, whether in the armed forces or not, aTurkish leader or a spiritual leader.

A large, heavy heat-retaining burner or range that is used for cooking and heating is referred to as an Aga cooker, Aga stove, or simply Aga.

Origin of Aga

Aga was first recorded between 1590 and 1600. Its Turkish word ağa lord is derived using Ottoman Turkish ağa “lord, master, respected man (in titles),” moving back to Medieval Turkic. Basically meaning “older brother,” aga is borrowed from Mongolian aga and Arabic āgā (“older brother”) 

Synonyms for Aga

• Cooking stove made of wood, ideal for kitchen use, range, cooker stove, Cooktop, boiler, tandoor, microwave oven, Primus hot plate, barbecue brazier grill, electric stove, convection oven, and toaster oven with charcoal burner
• Master, senior, elder, Turk ağa

Aga Usage as Examples

• Aga Mahommed confronted his rival face-to-face.
• The enormous blue Aga goes through the ultramodern look.
• Don’t forget about the delicious farmhouse breakfasts prepared on the Aga.
• The domed Aga Khan mausoleum made of sandstone and granite is located nearby.
• Every day, scones are baked in the Aga grill for breakfast.

4. What Does Aired Mean In British Slang?

To be “aired” in British slang is to be exposed to heat or air in order to dry or freshen. The exposure to or to do physical activity outdoors, particularly when aiming to improve fitness or health

In British slang, it is also used as other meanings like:

• To Vent the room twice.
•  Being in the public eye or receiving notice
•  A broadcast on television or radio, an event where a specific topic is talked about openly or in public
• To intentionally avoid eye contact or respond to someone.
•  To inform others of one’s thoughts or complaints

Origin of Aired

The Middle English word eir, first recorded between 1150 and 1200, is derived from Old French air, from Latin , from Greek “the lower atmosphere”.It is  confused with Old French aire “nature, character.” In 1587, airing was first used as far as known.

Synonyms for Aired

• In terms of ventilation: aeration, drying, and freshening
• In terms of broadcast: publicity, exposure, display, and expression
• In terms of remarks and observations : note annotation, note taker, backbiting, barb, descantdog, whistle, felicity
• In terms of tidying and cleaning objects:  modifying, bioremediation, airing bed, tidy up some dust, Dusting, reviving, revitalizing (someone/something) 
• In terms of Ignoring and neglecting: something aside,under someone’s radar, blocking something off, cleaning someone off, burying something

Aired Usage as Examples

• Only a small percentage, primarily on the left, aired their concerns in this manner.
• Whether or not anyone wants to listen, he will air his opinions on the war.
• To let some fresh air into the room, keep the windows open.
• Tomorrow morning, the president’s interview will be aired.
• He’s airing me, but why?

5. What Does Alley Mean In British Slang?

In British slang, An alley is a narrow path or road between buildings , especially between the back sides of buildings.

Other meanings include:

• a stroll in an open area or landscape that has shrubs or trees bordering it on all sides
• the small path that balls roll down during a bowling match
• The long, thin sections of the tennis court (also known as the playing area) on either side
• The distance in baseball between two outfielders, or players who are furthest from the person attempting to hit the ball
• a wide area where damaging natural events of specific types, like tornadoes, frequently occur or are expected to occur

Origin of Alley

 The word “alley” was first documented in writing in the 1300s. Its origins are in the Middle French verb alee, which means “to walk,” and the adjective passage, or “walk” documented in records dating back to 1350–1400.

Synonyms for Alley

• In terms of Routes for pedestrians: Causeway, Boardwalk, Breezeway, Bridle Path, Car-Free, Cart Track, sidewalk, labyrinth

• In terms of Rounders and baseball: 1-2-3 inning on board, Backstop bag, yard, bare hand, base, pathbase, knockbase, runner baseball

• In terms of Streets(residential and urban): access road, adopted alley, avenue, back alley, back street, and Boulevard, Street Lane, Parkway

• In terms of Racket sports and tennis: An advantageous stance, a shot back, badminton, baseline, bestbird, birdie, drop shot-drop volley

Alley Usage as Examples

• Traditionally, maple is used to build bowling alleys.
• She was waiting for the service in the alley.
• The driver went into the alley quite deeply.
• They were observed entering the alley together..
• A lot of the paths that talented scientists decide to take will end up being blind alleys

6. What Does Allow Mean In British Slang?

In British slang, to permit someone to act in a certain way or to refrain from getting involved

• Young people from working-class backgrounds use it extensively in the London region. In contrast to the conventional meaning of the word, the slang expression “allow it” is frequently used to convey disapproval, dislike, or general rejection of a topic. This expression denotes giving up or ceasing to do something.
• Allow me to describe it as a polite way of saying “I’d be pleased to help.”
• to acknowledge or agree that a statement is true

Origin of Allow

This slang was first recorded in 1250–1300. Originating from the Anglo-French word  al(l)ow “to place, allot, allow.” From the Latin language, the older sense “approve, sanction,” and the Middle English sense “praise” most likely derived from using the Anglo-French verb. 

Synonyms for Allow

In terms of Acceptance and agreement: Acknowledgment, Agree to something, Consensual, grant, validate, again ascend to.

In terms of Granting Permission:  To do something, admit something, allow something, authorize something,  go-ahead opportunity, liberty

Allow Usage as Examples

• It is not allowed for you to speak during the exam.
• Allow me to carry those bags; you are not able to carry so on your own.
• She allowed that maybe she had been too cautious.
• Allow me to visit the park, please.
• He allowed us sufficient time to complete the exam.

7. What Does Ard Mean In British Slang?

British Slang refers to a person who exhibits a particular trait, does something, especially excessively, or is marked by one of these things.

• This slang term is also used to substitute “alright” or “aight” in text messages and other electronic communications. In short, one of the three meanings of the word “alright” is typically adopted by the term: 

 either as an affirmation (Ard, man!) ,  a way to characterize something as good enough (It was ard), or a way to identify an argument (Ard, let’s do this).

• It indicates agreement with something said or done by someone else.
• A suffix that forms nouns and is used to indicate people who often engage in something or who, according to the stem, exhibit particular traits; still typically negative.

Origin of Ard

The first reported use of this slang term is recorded from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was first identified in 2008 as a phrase used by the local youth population of cities to refer to each other as “aight” or “alright.” By 2010, young people all over were using it more frequently and it had spread to other places via social media.

This slang term has an Anglo-French Middle English origin with Germanic roots.

Synonyms for Ard

• Magician, dullard, coward, and drowsy
• Alright,
• Tall, high noisy, and motivated
• Arrogant dullard pollard

Ard Usage as Examples

• I lean up against public restroom doors and work ‘ard at it!
• So it will just be a series of bad days? Ah, ard
• Monday is the ard new day to go out. The decision has been made.

8. What Does Asl Mean In British Slang?

The acronym ASL in British English stands for “Age/Sex/Location.” This terminology is categorized as the abbreviation for initialism. This slang is primarily used on Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook Messenger chats. It’s a brief text meant to get the other person’s private information during a conversation.   

• You will most frequently come across the term “as hell,” which is another widely used slang definition of ASL, when scrolling down the videos on TikTok. This meaning in terms of jargon is categorized as contraction. In addition to TikTok, it is utilized in online public chats.
• It is also an abbreviation for American Sign Language which is developed and used in the US, but also used in some other countries like Canada. This sign language is a form of speech that uses hand, face, and body gestures instead of spoken words.

Origin of Asl

Since 1988, there is evidence that asl, or a/s/l, has been used in online dating. Age Sex Location, the title of Melissa Pimentel’s romance novel, was inspired by the term, which had gained enough popularity and familiarity by 2015.

Asl, which appears to feel like the the pronunciation of this expression, has been used online as a shorthand for “as hell” since at least the early 2010s.

Synonyms for Asl

• In terms of body gestures: Relevance,  wave sign,  gesture sign, gesture of shrugging, indication of a crumbly motion, calling position 

Asl Usage as Examples

• The grammar of written English and ASL are not the same.
• She belongs to a lively ASL user community.
• Because I keep using ASL and struggle with my speech, I’ve been called a failure.
• The advocates for CI advise me to stop using ASL and fully integrate into the hearing community.
• That ride was asl, bro.

9. What Does Aggro Mean in British Slang?

The British slang aggro means aggressive or threatening behaviour, particularly amongst youth groups.

Other meanings include:

• Informal; mostly British and Australian: problematic,irritating, challenging
• (in a video game) To notice and then attack a player character, or (of a player character) to intentionally draw the focus of an enemy character that has been tuned up to attack. To try to launch a counterattack

Origin of Aggro

Originally used between 1965 and 1970, it was thought to be a contraction of either aggressiveness or aggravation. However, Aggro was first reportedly used as a slang exactly in 1969.

Synonyms for Aggro

• Aggressively, violently, agonistically, fiercely, fighting, flexing your muscles, pugnaciously
• Anger, discomfort , vexation [primarily British]

Aggro Usage as Examples

• Wait to play your most aggro music until you’ve used a quieter track to find your comfort level.
• Really, there should not be too much aggro.
• Aggro was very popular with the crowd.
• I sold auto parts for many years, and this is definitely less aggro .
• Really, who needs the aggro ?

10. What Does Alfresco Mean in British Slang?

British slang alfresco means occurring or situated outdoors.

• To sound more formal, you could refer to your informal backyard picnic as an party (particularly of food and dining outdoors)
• Anything that is done outdoors, such as a meal, is considered alfresco.

Origin of Alfresco

By the end of the 16th century, the Italian noun fresco—which means “painting or a painting on a fresh, moist colour in water” entered the English language. In the first part of the eighteenth century, alfresco was translated into English.

Alfresco was first used in 1753 from Italian. In 2020, many people became familiar with eating outside. Al fresco, which translates to “in the fresh air, in the cool air” in Italian, is made up of the adjective fresco, which means “cool, fresh.” Old High German (English fresh and modern German frisch) is the source of Italian fresco. 

Synonyms for Alfresco

• Open-air, outdoors, outside the doors
• Breathdoor, exogenous, exterior, exteriority, exteriorly, naturally, indigenous, inside, non-indigenous, open-air, outdoors, outside, outermost, outside, and beyond

Alfresco Usage as Examples

• Alfresco concerts are at last making an entrance to the cultural landscape, much like outdoor movies.
• The hotel also has alfresco dining areas that are open seasonally.
• There was an extensive garden outside for al fresco dining.
• This type of salad is best for picnics and alfresco dining.
• Residents were dining alfresco.

11. What Does Arse Mean In British Slang?

Arse” is British slang for a person’s buttock. The term “anus,” or sexual relations, also refers to the fleshy portion of your body where you sit on.

• It is also used as an insult for an idiot. It is typically used to describe someone who is thought to be unpleasant or stupid. Additionally, it can be pronounced in a more lighthearted way with friends. 
• Lastly, it’s common for someone to say “arse” when they’re shocked or upset.

Origin of Arse

With origins in old or middle English, the word “arse” has a lengthy history of use in the English language. The origins of arse are so deep that they extend back to the early Indo-European language. Before the year 1000, initially used as a slang term for the buttocks or rear end, it quickly began to mean someone who was thought to be unpleasant or stupid.

It had become widely used in the English language by the 20th century as an insult, and by the era of online and mobile communications, it was frequently used in a jolly or offensive manner.

Synonyms for Arse

• In terms of buttocks: the gluteal posterior, the posterior, the back, the side, the booty, the bottom, the cheek, the fundament, and the rumps

• In terms of people who are foolish and stupid: witless, thicko, tosser,wanker, wasteman, wazzock, zombie, joker

Arse Usage as Examples

• I fell and landed seriously on my  arse
• It is impossible to conduct business while sitting on arse all day.
• Make sure not to let this arse to you.
• The children really were a pain in the arse
• I don’t want to have my farm managed by some smart ass from the city.

12. What Does All To Pot Mean In British Slang?

Even though it’s a little older now, this British slang is still in use and has meaning today. “All to pot” describes a circumstance that goes out of your hands and ends badly.

• To suffer harm or loss as a result of lack of effort or attention
• Get worse or become spoiled as a result of neglect or inefficiency:

Origin of All To Pot

The odd expression “all to pot” invention was noticed during the 16th century.

Synonyms for All To Pot

• Fall, slump, worsening conditions
• Decline (informally), Go to the rack, run to seed, and ruin
• Fall, deteriorate, sink, plunge, collapse fall apart slip, descend, descend sharply, fall off, and hit a new low

All To Pot Usage as Examples

• My technique is completely all to pot and I didn’t have access to a pool for training.
• This administration is completely all to pot.
• Our entire vacation was all to pot  when Dad was arrested for intoxication.
• This country is going all to pot
• If he retires, he fears he’ll all to pot.

13. What Does Airhead Mean In British Slang?

• When you call someone an airhead, you’re judging them because you believe they lack intelligence and are only concerned with things that are unimportant.

Another meaning refers to an area captured by airborne troops in order to drop supplies and more troops by airdrop or just land in friendly or enemy territory.

Origin of Airhead

The term “airhead” was first used as early as the 1810s. The first documented use of airhead by OED dates back to J. Ryan’s writings in 1817. English forms its airhead through compounding.

The slang term “airhead” originates back to the 1970s and is derived from the military term of the same name from the 1950s.

Synonyms for Airhead

In terms of  foolish and stupid: Birdbrain, idiot, Berk, blockhead, blunder, dummy, stupid, need your head examined, fathead, half-wit, hammerhead, hardhead, idiot,know-nothing, knucklehead

In terms of troops: Foothold and bridgehead

Airhead Usage as Examples

• She’s an entire airhead.
• Every airhead with a large salary hurried to purchase one.
• The Poparazzi in Airhead is one of the most exciting water toys available.
• She mocked visitors who thought it was a wasteland of culture inhabited by airheads.

14. What Does Apeshit Mean In British Slang?

British Slang refers to the meaning of highly agitated or furious. Wild or crazy – typically used to describe someone who has gone insane, furious, or uncontrollable.

It also means Very Excited 

Origin of Apeshit

In the 1950s, the adjective “apeshit” was first recorded to have been used. The first instance of apeshit was from 1955 in American Speech. In English, apeshit is created through compounding i.e: ape+shit. Probably from chimpanzees along with other primates who, in times of annoyance or aggression, would throw waste products

Also most likely from some primate species’ ability to urinate when they’re really irritated.

Synonyms for Apeshit

Crazy, anxious, wild, hysterical, crazed, insane, starving, mentally ill

Apeshit Usage as Examples

• Her father went apeshit because she had ruined their vehicle.
• When the band returned for a final time, the audience got apeshit.
• Everyone went completely capeshit when the band started playing.
• My mother went apeshit with me for my low grades.

15. What Does Afty Mean In British Slang?

In British Slang, the word afty commonly refers to afternoon (informal). In plural form afties, it basically means after hours.

Origin of Afty

The noun “afty” was first used in the 1960s, according to records. OED’s first record of afty dates back to Meanjin Quarterly in 1966. In English, afty is created by shortening or clipping for the term afternoon.

Synonyms for Afty

• Turn down,  rest, Mid-afternoon, early afternoon, following lunch and cocktail hour

Afty Usage as Examples

• Are you planning to watch the game afty?
• I will be there at three in the afty 
• He spent the entire afty working on the car
• The afty is the hottest part of the day
• This afty mom cried as the house became such a mess.

16. What Does All fingers and Thumbs Mean In British Slang?

British English slang refers to  using your hands awkwardly or carelessly, dropping or breaking objects, or to only use your thumbs 

• American English slang to be incapable of performing a task requiring you to make tiny, deliberate finger movements
• Being extremely fragile, or lacking manual skills.
• To perform manual labour in an awkward manner and make mistakes while doing it

Origin of All fingers and Thumbs

The phrase has its origins in the 16th century, when the old statement “each finger is a thumb” expressed the idea of a lack of skill.

Synonyms for All fingers and Thumbs

• Uncomfortableness, incapacity, awkward, endearing, and all thumbs with a stumbles , unprofessional, lack of functional literacy, like an elephant in a china shop, a jack-of-all-trades and master of none 

All fingers and Thumbs Usage as Examples

• I apologize for dropping the vase; today I’m all fingers and thumbs
• Could you help me open this packet? I am all fingers and thumbs.
• In the party she was all fingers and thumbs
• Could you please fix these buttons? I have all the fingers and thumbs today.
• It takes all fingers and thumbs for me to wrap packages.

17. What Does All to Cock Mean In British Slang?

British slang All to cock means ruined, demolished or disorganized. It means when something went wrong or didn’t happen the way you wanted. 

Origin of All to Cock 

This slang term all to cock comes in a variation in the mid-20th century in Britain.

Synonyms for All to Cock

Inadequate and messy, chaotic, poor, haphazard, disordered, random, out of order.

All to Cock Usage as Examples

• My cake recipe went all to cock as I made a mistake by using tablespoons instead of teaspoons.
• My dress went all to cock by the wind and rain 
• He steaks went all to cock because of overcooking. 
• Braddock went all to cock after bankruptcy because all of his money was invested in stocks.
• The nation’s economy went all to cock after the 3 years civil war.

18. What Does Antsy Mean In British Slang?

British slang Antsy means extremely tense, anxious, or uncomfortable excitement.

• This is used for Anxious people who tend to be tense or impatient.
• Unable to stay still or sit; agitated, 

Origin of Antsy

Although the Antsy phrase started in the 1830s, the concept is comparable to the 20th-century version.In 1950, the antsy term was first used.

Synonyms for Antsy

• Fearful, tense, or anxious
• Adolescents who are easily agitated and overly excited, those who are at the end of an emotional fix, demented, those who are hysterical
• Twitchy, nervous,goosey, heated up, slang, hung up feeling awkward,agitated, nervous, disturbed, queasy, tense, troubled, and uneasy.

Antsy Usage as Examples

• After a lengthy drive, the kids began to get antsy.
• Every time I see my husband’s boss, I get antsy.
• Just like my first class, I’m antsy now.
• Joel becomes very antsy when he doesn’t have any patients.
• Since this tour is coming to an end, I think I’m getting antsy.

19. What Does Ayt Mean In British Slang?

A british term AYT is among the most often used slang in text messaging and online chat. Are you there is what AYT stands for. To verify that a recipient or other individual is online and receiving messages, AYT is used in forums, messaging, gaming, and other similar contexts.

Ayt is also occasionally used as a synonym to the abbreviated form of “aight,” which is slang for “all right.” Using this acronym in text messaging, chat, or social media, you can inquire about someone’s health.

Origin of Ayt

In the USA, the Ayt  name was discovered in 1880. There was only one Ayt family residing in Pennsylvania in 1880. All Ayts in the USA with records were 100% of this type.

Synonyms for Ayt

In terms of alright: acceptable, being to one’s taste, good, adequate,okay, agreeable, charming, delectable, pleasant, delightful, dreamy, satisfying, joyful,passable

In terms of are you there: Free, present, asking in sense of hearing

Ayt Usage as Examples

• Hello, would you like to know if we can still watch a movie tonight? AYT?
• Could you please email me the URL to the website we previously discussed? AYT so that I can save the link.
• Simply dropping by, AYT? I have not heard about you in a long time!

20. What Does All mouth and (no) trousers Mean In British Slang?

British slang term All mouth and (no) trousers is used for someone who discusses a lot concerning doing a thing but never follows through on it

• Means speaking about doing something a lot but never really carrying it out
• Superficial, speaking empty, arrogant phrases without any true value.

Origin of All mouth and (no) trousers

The slang All mouth and (no) trousers was first used in the north of England. The dialogue about Two for the River (Hamish Hamilton – London, 1961) is where it is first mentioned.

Synonyms for All mouth and (no) trousers

• Loud mouth, boasting, idle conversation, exaggeration, Fustian, gas exasperated, Rodomontade, meaningless speech, bragging

All mouth and (no) trousers Usage as Examples

• This is definitely not just all mouth and (no) trousers from my side. 
• They appear to have gone all mouth and (no) trousers in the end.
• He will go all mouth and (no) trousers if we present one voice against him.

Final Verdict:

In this guide we have covered 20+ british slangs started with a. To help you get a better understanding of them we have also stated some of its synonyms, and examples. And if you are stick with us till end, we are pretty much hopeful that this guide has created some value in yours. If there is any other slang, you want us to write, do write in the comments below.