Are you just naturally curious about the terms used daily by the British, or are you looking to increase your knowledge to satisfy your love of all things British? Fortunately, you are in the right place because this article will present you with the best British Slang, starting with O.
There are many different types of British Slang started with O, so we’ve gathered a list of those you should know and understand their true meanings in this post. If you want to interact more efficiently with your audience, you need to be aware of some common jargon spoken by people with British accents.
Now, let’s learn some fantastic, unusual, and rarely-seen terminology used in British English.
What Does On Point Mean In British Slang?
On Point in British Slang commonly means “Exactly right” or “perfect.” Slang-wise, the phrase usually describes someone as “looking sharp” or “on their game.”
Other Meanings
- In British Slang, “on point” refers to a performer or athlete who has achieved something unique or reached a hot streak.
- On point also uses the adjective “excellent” a lot, especially when describing something that appears good or is in its most excellent form.
- On point frequently describes a joke or observations as “spot on.”
Origin Of On Point
Let’s look for an ancient history lesson for On Point British slang with multiple historical uses.
Origin of On-Point British Slang In Terms of Armed Forces
The first has to do with armed forces and those in law enforcement, where a person is always on guard or at their place of duty. This is from the late 1880s.
Origin of On-Point British Slang In Terms of Dancing
In the second, a dancer is on point when balanced on their toes; it includes dancing. This phrase was in use in the first decade of the 1900s.
Origin of On-Point British Slang In Terms of Law
The third concerns the law. One point outlined something “relevant” in legal contexts as far back as the 1930s. Consider the main idea only.
At first, it’s challenging to determine which of these three meanings directly gave rise to the Slang. But it’s simple to see how being “accurate,” “in form,” or “alert” came to be perceived as a mark of perfection and style.
Origin of On-Point British Slang In Terms of Hip-Hop Lyrics
Hip-hop is also responsible for this. Hip-hop lyrics from the 1990s often use the term “ready to go,” which after that evolved to mean “being on one’s game” or “right on.”
Afterward, in the 2000s, a stylish team was explicitly mentioned on point.
Synonyms For On Point
- In terms of appropriate, perfect, and flawless
Exceptional, elegant, stylish, arcadia, Perfective, idyll, peaceful, idyllically flawless, paradise non-utopian, perfective, idealistic, cherry on top of the cake, more romantic than white
- A person or their remarks are relevant to the topic if they are on point.
On-Point Usage As Examples
- Its topic is on point, at least.
- Her flavoring is always on point
- Typically, appeals are on-point legal issues.
- Although I predicted what would happen, his strength and counterstrike were on point
- They have now been transformed and appear on point
- For the past few episodes, her performance has been on point
- My skill for matching clothes is on point, and my hair even matches.
What Does On The Fiddle Mean In British Slang?
In British Slang, on the Fiddle means when someone plays the Fiddle, they make money through unlawful or illegal means. When someone steals money from their job, they are playing with fire, especially when they are using fraud as a protection.
Other Meanings
- On the Fiddle means being dishonest or taking benefit of the system too much.
- In British Slang, the saying on the Fiddle comes from the elevated edges of the squared dinner plates used on board ships. It is often referred to as a nautical term.
- In British Slang, the raised borders on the Fiddle stopped Food from rolling or sliding off during rough waves. Giving enough Food to fall onto the Fiddle was essential for playing the instrument. Other sailors might assume those who were given extra Food were making shady deals with their ship’s staff or cooks.
Origin Of On The Fiddle
On the Fiddle in British Slang originally started in British English in the middle of the 19th century. It most likely comes from playing an incorrect tune and combining the use of the violin, also known as a fiddle, with fraud or lying.
It is often used to describe people who commit fraud, take advantage of legal flaws, escape taxes, or alter systems to their benefit.
The British forces adopted “On the Fiddle” during World War II. That’s the initial use of it that has been found in print. By 1961, it had been fully established in British popular Slang to be used as the title of a Sean Connery movie.
The term “acting fraudulently” dates from the middle of the 20th century. Court records would be a good starting point for looking for phrases like “on the fiddle” associated with minor crimes.
This is a complete list of all the criminal cases that were heard in The Bailey between 1674 and 1913, and during that entire duration, no one was ever charged with being ‘on the fiddle.’
Synonyms For On The Fiddle
- In terms of scam
Pull a stick, hustle, screw, beat, sting, middle trick, bleed, scam, con, shell game, bunco scheme, trick device, jig pyramid, Ponzi scheme, fake, clever soaking technique
phony fake, ripping off, trick, and fake thimblerig trick
- In terms of fidgets
Play with your fingers, fidget, and interfere with the trifle.
On The Fiddle Usage As Examples
- As treasurer, he got fired for being on the Fiddle.
- Of these constructors, half are on the Fiddle. They are claiming social benefits while working.
- My boss was on the Fiddle for years before the company was audited.
- If anybody finds out I was on the Fiddle while serving as the company accountant, my career will end.
- Politicians are always playing on the Fiddle, searching for how to use their authority powers to earn a little extra cash.
What Does On The Turn Mean In British Slang?
On the turn, British Slang means the ocean is starting to enter or exit when the tide turns
Other Meanings
In other words, British Slang also refers to how to change or begin to change. It is used incredibly positively in the act of modifying.
On the other hand, British Slang refers to Food that is no longer in its natural state. It is on the verge of going rancid if it is on the turn, such as milk, seafood, or other items.
Origin Of On The Turn
In turn, British Slang originated from Middle English. It is partially from Anglo-French Turner, who was turned to turn, from Medieval Latin. It is partially from Old English, from Tyrnan & turning to turn, from the medieval period Latin tornare, from Latin, to turn on a lathe, from tornus lathe to Greek tornos. Anglo-French is on the turn, turn shifting, and circuit (from turn to turn).
Synonyms For On The Turn
- In terms of changing or modifying
Alter, make alterations to, change, adjust, adapt, amend, improve, revise, recast, reform, reshape, refashion
- In terms of food rancidity
Rotten, evil, foul, down foul, rank, sour, and stale.
On The Turn Usage As Examples
- I was hoping that my luck was on the turn.
- She expressed her wish to live to witness the turn of the century.
- Rollo said, “She’s on the turn,” pointing to the set rather than the tide.
- The tide was higher but on the turn, splashing slowly against the rocks at the bank of the river.
- When lifting the right leg on the turb turn, keep it straight and near the body.
What Does OTT Mean In British Slang?
In British Slang, OTT means ‘over the top’ in the text. If one thing is placed on top of another, it completely covers the other.
Other Meanings
In social media, OTT means something that is overstated, exaggerated, and, of course, extreme methods.
In British Slang, OTT meaning in chat refers to something so unconventional, overemphasized, or overpowering that it is considered crazy, unbelievable, ridiculous, etc.
- Lacking control, restriction, or a sense of in-proportion
- Beyond what is expected, typical, regular, or appropriate
According to Military In British Slang
The meaning of the OTT platform in the military refers to going over the highest point of the parapet before digging a hole, as in issuing an attack against the enemy. It means exceeding a target, quota, or limit.
Origin Of OTT
In British Slang, the adjective OTT was first used in the 1980s. The OED’s earliest proof for OTT dates from 1982, in a piece of writing by A. Barr and P. York.
Synonyms For OTT
Exaggerating, playing down, Bloviate indicates to exaggerate something, Cartoonish, catastrophize, fulsome, overboard with, grandiloquent, overinflated, make a mountain out of a molehill, make little of something, or make much of something, Make something out of something or someone, Mild meal minimization, Overrated, protested excessively, overlooked, and underestimated.
OTT Usage As Examples
- I apologize. I now realize that blaming you for being a thief was an OTT
- The style of each design differs significantly. Some are delicate, while others are incredibly over-the-top.
- The drugs sent over the top will already have been sold as soon as they arrive.
- He tries again but gets hit by his left side over the top.
- He can get over the top of everything slightly clear and change it away.
- The little monsters messed out the over-the-top scene.
What Does Old Chestnut Mean In British Slang?
In British Slang, an Old chestnut is a topic, concept, or joke discussed or repeated so often that it is no longer funny.
Old Chestnut says Slang is anything that has evolved into silly, boring, overused, or outdated.
If you call a statement, story, or joke an old chestnut in a sentence or a hoary chestnut, you can mean it’s old and has been echoed so many times that it is no longer exciting. An old chestnut meme means venerable’ joke has already been told many times.
Origin Of Old Chestnut
The Old Chestnut origin is the expression’s derivation from an option for old chestnut status. The story goes that in 1816, William Dimond, an author and musical manager, performed a musical comedy called Broken Sword at London’s Royal Covent Garden Theatre, where a character continued to tell the same stories.
One is about a cork tree, and it gets interrupted each Time by someone else who says, “Chestnut, you mean? I have heard that you tell the prank twenty-seven times, and I am 100% sure it was something of a chestnut.”
In the 1880s, numerous American newspapers started using ‘chestnut’ in the same way as we do now, as a synonym for old, often-repeated stories, and the expression became widely used after that. The ‘old’ was added later to increase the intensity.
Synonyms For Old Chestnut
Tedious, bored, unnoticed, routine, banally, basic, dull as ditchwater, marmoreal, memorial, insignificant, middle-aged, stale, Mundane, Stodgily, stodgy, watch the clock, wearisome, exhausted, well-worn, outdated, stagnant, obsolete, decay, uninterested, static, dried out, and faded.
Old Chestnut Usage As Examples
- But, like many old chestnuts, this one has become rotten.
- This defensive posture is an old chestnut.
- This play is undoubtedly an old chestnut.
- We agree that it is an old chestnut, even an old-fashioned one, but we don’t think it is incorrect.
- This is an old chestnut and tied in a lot of nonsense.
What Does On The Lash Mean In British Slang?
On the lash in British Slang refers to consuming excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages, especially with friends:
In British Slang, On the Lash means to go out for drinking socially. It typically involves too much alcohol or beer consumption.
Origin Of On The Lash
The phrase originated as an old submarine expression – an extensive hangover felt the same as a flogging (a common underwater or marine punishment), so several sailors addressed their hangover as “being lashed’, which transformed into ‘going out on the lash’ – an intense drinking session.
Synonyms For On The Lash
Drinking Alcohol, After-hours, barhop, barhopping, drinker, Drinking game, Time to drink up, drown your sorrows, hangover, hatch, lash out hours, outdrink, overdrink, paint, Paint the town red, travel, ply, spike, increase, surge
On The Lash Usage As Examples
- He was out on the lash with his friends.
- He broke his ankle during an entire night on the lash.
- We enjoy going on the lash, consuming a few beers, and having a good time.
- Frank was on the lash for a 24-hour suspension.
- His condition became worse while he was on the lash.
What Does OFC Mean In British Slang?
In British Slang, OFC meaning in chat refers to multiple meanings, but most commonly, it means “of course.” Sometimes the F stands for an incredibly insulting epithet: of f* * *ing course (Of Fucking course)
If it’s a more severe but still casual discussion, or if the people messaging don’t typically swear during their communication, it’s a safe bet that it simply means, “of course.”
What does OFC mean on TikTok, Snapchat, and WhatsApp chat? All have the same single answer. OFC is a common initialism used in text messages and social media. It can mean either “of course” or “original female character.” When you come across this initialism in the wild, you are most likely looking for one of these two definitions.
OFC is commonly used in messaging and on social networking sites. The meanings stay clear no matter where you see them. Pay attention to the context and tone to determine which OFC definition is referred to. For example, if you’re watching TikTok videos about a subculture or fanfiction, OFC most likely refers to a unique female character.
Otherwise, it will denote “of course” or its cursing equivalent.
Other definitions include “Oceania Football Confederation” and “Oxford Farming Conference.” However, these will likely differ from what you’re looking for.
The tone of the conversation and the connection between the individuals determine whether someone uses it as a swear word.
Origin Of OFC
OFC does not exist in the original material but is invented by the creator of the fanwork.
Synonyms For OFC
- In terms of Of Course
By all means, certainly, definitely, without a doubt, indeed, unquestionably, naturally, obviously, indeed, and undoubtedly.
- In terms of female characters
Film, heroin, lead, and protagonist, diva
OFC Usage As Examples
- I’m concerned about the absence of OFCs in the author’s fiction.
- I’ve decided to come back and include another OFC in my novel.
- Rey from Star Wars has been my preferred OFC character for the last few decades.
- When she asked if he’d like to watch a Nicolas Cage film this night? He said we were OFC!
- OFC I am wearing a simple black dress on the date as this is my lucky dress.
What Does Oh My Giddy Aunt Mean In British Slang?
Oh My Giddy Aunt in British Slang refers to an additional term or expression for “Oh my God!” that conveys shock or surprise.
Origin Of Oh My Giddy Aunt
According to Judy Parkinson, it originates from the late nineteenth-century use of the word ‘giddy’ to exaggerate or highlight various phrases.
For example, in 1899, Rudyard Kipling wrote that someone would ‘have to prove that they were right up to the excited point.’ They are extended ways of shouting, my aunt! The British writer, short-story writer, and poet Rudyard Kipling utilized this as an example.
The Oxford Dictionary of English states that it originated as a British English phrase, with variations such as’sainted aunt’. ‘”My aunt!” gasped Scrubbs’ is the first indicated use from 1886. However, it does not mention its origin.
Its origin is Old English, where ‘giddy’ suggests ‘insane, mad, stupid,’ which is precisely where I expected to find it.
Synonyms For Oh My Giddy Aunt
Holy Aunt, sacred aunt, Holy crap, holy, moley, wow, goodness, gracious, Blimey, Bloody Hell, Bloody Nora, Bugger Me Blind, Bugger Me Dead, mind blown, goddamit, havens to Betsy
Oh My Giddy Aunt Usage As Examples
- Did you offer much? Oh, my giddy aunt!
- Your job resignation creates too much fuss. Oh, my giddy aunt!
- I had completely forgotten that I had to go to an urgent meeting. Oh, my giddy aunt!
- I won that hockey game, and I can’t believe it. Oh, my giddy aunt!
- Oh, my giddy aunt! I am utterly shocked that he is now the owner of the company
What Does On And Off Mean In British Slang?
In British Slang, On and Off means If something occurs over an extended period and it occurs at times. It means existing at times but not at others. That is, it is discontinuous.
Regarding a powered switch or button, On and Off in British Slang means it can be in one of two positions: on or off. Having an ‘on’ and ‘off’ position.
Origin of On And Off
In British Slang, the verb “on-and-off” originated in the 1820s. The earliest proof of on-and-off originates from 1823, when Lord Byron, a poet, wrote about it. It was first used as an adverb in the mid-1600s. The verb “on-and-off” has two meanings. This term is now obsolete. It was last documented around the 1850s.
Synonyms For On And Off
Regular as clockwork, erratic, fitful, irregular, irregularity, irregularly, many on-off periodic, periodically, prevalence, regularity, sporadic, Religiously, unsynchronized, occasionally, sometimes, at times, from Time to Time, intermittently, intervals in between, discontinuous
On And Off Usage As Examples
- The basic model has a simple on/off switch.
- I’ve had tooth pain on and off for a few months.
- She and Jett had been in an on-off relationship for a few weeks, and I assume she saw Moira as a threat.
- Katherine bent over to check the laptop’s side for an on/off switch.
- Should we look for someone who understands how to do it, or do we have a simple on/off switch?
What Do Odds And Sods Mean In British Slang?
In British Slang, odds and sods mean Various small and unimportant things. It means several minor and irrelevant things, miscellaneous people or things.
Other Meaning
Odds and Sods In British Slang also refer to Ordinary people with no distinction.
Odds and sods in British Slang is another way to say ‘bits and pieces.
Origin Of Odds And Sods
According to Eric Patridge, the British version of odds and sods originates back to around 1945. Because of the rhyme, it is assumed that sods can be substituted for ends.
Odds and ends likely began as odd ends during the sixteenth century.
Synonyms For Odds And Sods
Bits and pieces, Various small items, stuff, accessories, things, Miscellaneous, unwanted items, bric-a-brac, knickknacks, scraps, fragments, hodgepodge, jumble, leavings, leftovers, litter, mix, mélange, and medley
Odds And Sods Usage As Examples
- There are a few odds and sods to complete before tomorrow’s party.
- The box holds some odds and sods.
- I will never discover what I’m trying to find in this container full of odds and sods.
- I wish my home weren’t filled with odds and sods.
- Despite the odds and sods, untouched Stories has accuracy, tonal collaboration, and a particular topic range.
- It’s made of nylon, which is easy to clean. The front is small and meant for storing odds and sods such as your cell phone.
- My glasses had been in the drawers with all the odds and sods.
Conclusion
In this guide, we have covered 10 of the best British slang terms, starting with O. To help you understand them better, we’ve given you some synonyms and examples. And if you stay with us until the end, we hope this information has added value to your life. Please comment below if you have any other slang suggestions for us to write about.
