20+ Best British Slang Start With “T”

We all know that time can change everything in our lives. We become young from a child. Like this, over time British slang also change with their creativity, culture, and meaning. In this article, we will discuss the British slang started with T – their history, cultural changes that affect their meaning, and, currently, their meaning and usage.

Let’s explore the article with the shade of time to learn more about slang and its use in daily life sentences for better mutual understanding.

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

In British slang, Ta means to say thank you. It is informal slang, mostly used in casual conversations between friends and colleagues to show regard or respect.

Origin of Ta:

Its roots are traced back in the late 8th to 11th centuries to the Danish language. It originates from the Danish word tak, which means thank you in the Danish language.

It shows a historical connection between the Danes and the English about the time of the Viking Invasion and settlement in England.

It was most frequently used in the late 1700s. Evidence of its first use was found in the writing of an artist, Mary Delany, in 1772.

Synonym of Ta:

I am grateful, much appreciated, thanks a lot, thanks a bunch, cheers, I understand it, many thanks, I could not have done it with you, much obliged, thank you for having my back, please accept my deepest gratitude, I have to give credit where it’s due.

Examples of Ta:

Ali: Here is your Birthday gift, man, in advance.
Farman: I love it. Ta

Alizy: You can rest I will make tea for you;
Fatima: Ta for your act of kindness.

Mother: I made macaroni and sandwiches for your picnic.
Mosan: Ta, I love you so much.

Student: May I help you, teacher in carrying all these notebooks for you?
Teacher: Ta Yes, please.

Farman: I have completed the assigned task and uploaded it to the website. You can check.
Ali: Ta! I will check.

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

The British slang tosser means foolish, obnoxious, or annoying person. It is a derogatory term we can say that folks use it rudely or offensively to insult someone. People use it in their informal conversation when they are angry or contemptuous of a person.

Origin of Tosser:

The slang tosser is derived from the verb toss. The use of tosser was recorded in the 1970s and it is used as a broader term to insult anybody with rudeness and use of offensive words such as jerk, foolish, or idiot.

Synonym of Tosser:

Dullard, knobber, idiot, slingshot, heaver, hurler, propeller, trebuchet, prat, fool, imbecile, wanker, moron, git, nitwit, twit,

Examples of Tosser:

Do not behave like a tosser by speaking loudly, miss. Accept your mistake that you are wrong.
I want to work with something other than such a tosser who always leaves the project in between.
Farman is not a friend. He is a tosser who feels happy to put anybody in trouble.
Do not run like a tosser and help us to move out of this tough situation.
Our manager is a tosser who always puts all the blame on his team members.

3- What Does “Togs” Mean In British Slang?

The British slang togs means clothes. It is an informal slang used by folks in casual conversation. In ancient times, people used the term togs to refer to their clothing or attire.

Origin of Togs:

The roots of the slang togs are traced back to the 18th or 19th century. It originates from the French (toge) and Latin (toga) words that were used to refer to the garment worn by the Romans.

Over time with linguistic and regional changes, it makes its path towards English as togs. Firstly, people use the term to refer to the outer clothes and then to overall attire.

Synonym of Togs:

Wardrobe, threads, duds, wear, apparel, attire, garments, getup, garb, costume, dress, gear, raiment, vestment, uniform, habit, array.

Examples of Togs:

Hi lady! I love your togs. From where did you buy these lovely togs?
Yesterday, when I was getting late for the office, I just wore the togs and ran without having breakfast.
The teacher asked the students if they had to wear their karate togs for the karate class.
Mother packed all her children’s togs for the picnic.
Ali bought a swimming togs for his son.

4- What Does “Taking The Piss” Mean In British Slang?

The slang taking the piss means to tease, ridicule, or mock at someone. It can be used as a derogatory term by making someone fun or not taking anything seriously. Folks use it in a way that does not give expressions but gives contemptuous treatment.

Origin of Taking the Piss:

There are two suggestions about the origin of the slang taking the piss;

One is that it originates from the phrase piss proud.

Another theory suggests that it comes from the word piss which means worthless, inconsequential, and not valuable.

Synonym of Taking the Piss:

Mock, ridicule, tease, satirize, taunt, poke fun at, joke around, roast, take the mickey, banter, humiliate, scoff, jeer, scorn.

Examples of Taking the Piss:

Mosaan is always taking the piss of Khan’s accent from when he knows he is from Peshawar.
Are you taking the piss? These sandals absolutely match my outfit.
Some teachers always try to take the piss off me in front of the Principal because they want to make their numbers in front of higher authorities.
You are the most genius member of our team. Do not take the piss, man.
Do not take the piss, Micheal, by telling all this nonsense stuff.

5- What Does “Totty” Mean In British Slang?

The slang totty means an attractive person especially used for women. It is informally used to refer to women in a dated way or the sexiest. Folks can use it as a way to praise women for their appearance, outfit, or beauty.

Origin of Totty:

There are different theories about the etymology of the slang totty.

One theory suggests that it originates from the word tot, which means small child or young. Over time, it evolved into a young, attractive woman.
Another theory suggests that it comes from the word tot, which means to add up, add up, or catch. Folks use this slang term to refer to a lady who looks extra attractive in addition to its group.

Synonym of Totty:

Stunner, beauty, hottie, eye candy, knock out, dish, babe, beauty, fox, moonshine, canned heat, alky, cocktail, tipple, rotgut.

Examples of Totty:

Look at that tooty dude.
She is tooty, isn’t she?
Last night the party was full of totty.
Micheal invited a tooty to our lunch party also.
Boys in the club stare at all the totty and never stop to think about them.

6- What Does “Tack” Mean In British Slang?

The British slang tack means cheap, low-priced, showy, or flashy. It is informal slang that is used to refer to an item of low quality, affordable, or low-price decoration. Folks can use it in a derogatory manner if they do not like or have the poor quality of an object.

Origin of Tack:

It originates in the late 13C from the Old French word tache, which means larger nail, pin, or clasp.

Synonym of Tack:

Economical, disgraceful, affordable, low, base, reasonable, disgusting, worthless, thrifty, frugal, budget-friendly, cost-effective, distasteful, unscrupulous.

Examples of Tack:

The shop was full of tack dresses.
During online shopping, they delivered tack decoration pieces to my friend.
I know price does not matter in gifts, but it is just st tack gift from all of the others.
The restaurant near my house charges too much bill of their tack food.
I can’t believe this a picky person like you buy a tack dress?

7- What Does “Tucked Up” Mean In British Slang?

The British slang tucked up has two meanings based on the context used in;

It means comfortable, cozy, peasant, enjoyable, and snug.
In another context, it means in a tough, problematic situation, or troublesome.

Both are used in informal conversations between friends according to the situation or based on the context requirement.

Origin of Tucked Up:

There are two theories on the etymology of the slang tucked up.

Its roots are traced back to the Middle Dutch and Middle Low German words tucked around 14c. It means to gather, grab, stretch, or draw up.
Another theory suggests that it originated from the Old English word Tucian, which means to pluck, pull, or plunk.

But over time its meaning evolved in a term of being snug or in a problem with the sense of pulling and extracting. Its first use was recorded in the 1580s.

Synonym of Tucked Up:

Snuggle down, cushy, comfy, intimate, tucked in, secure, cuddled up, wrapped up, snug as a bug in a rug, warm, safe, restful, easeful, on the bed of roses.

Examples of Tucked Up:

Comfortable:

The mother tucked the baby into the blanket.
The new bed in Arslan’s room is so tucked up that I do not know when I slept yesterday.
Sarah tucked up on the bed with a lot of books.

Problematic:

Due to an emergency, Ali was tucked up in the hospital.
She tucked up because she missed the university bus and has a final semester exam today.
Palestinian doctors are tucked up in the hospitals due to the shortage of fuel and electricity.
Mosan is tucked up because of his new job. Everyone in his department is rude and does not have the concept of management.

8- What Does “Take It Easy” Mean In British Slang?

British slang “take it easy” has two interpretations based on the context.

It means not to worry, relax, or be agitated to do something in a hurry.
In other contexts, folks use it in a goodbye manner. People use this informal slang to calm down a person happily spending time before they meet again.

Origin of Take It Easy:

Its roots are traced back to the 20th century. It originates as a colloquial slang from the relaxed and slackened attitude of the British culture. It became popular in the mid-20th century, in the 1940s and 1950s, in the era of Jazz and Pop culture influence.

It became more popular after the release of the song Take it Easy by Eagles in 1970.

Synonym of Take It Easy:

De-stress, kick back, unwind, take time off, loosen up, take it slow, take a break, slow down, rest, take time out, chill out, calm down, loaf, drowse, idle, repose.

Examples of Take It Easy:

Do not panic. Take it easy and take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
The doctor asked the patient to take it easy. He would be fine in some days.
Refrain from studying too hard. Take it easy. You will perform well in exams.
Take it easy and enjoy the party. We will meet again soon.
Mother, take it easy; she will come back after five months.

9- What Does “Ta Ra/ Toodle Pip” Mean In British Slang?

The British slang Toodle pip / Ta ra both have the meaning to say goodbye, farewell, or adieu.

Ta ra means to say goodbye in a sense to meet again soon or see you later.
Toodle pip is the ancient way to say goodbye with a feeling of longing for years, nostalgic, or wistful memories.

Origin of Ta Ra/Toodle Pip:

Ta Ra:

Its roots are traced back to Northern England in the 1950s or the mid-20th century. It is derived from the word ta, which is the childish way to say goodbye.

Toodle Pip:

It originated in the 20th century during the period of the Brtian interwar. It is derived from combining two words, Toodle- OO AND pip. Toodle-oo, an informal way to say goodbye, is also derived from the French word tout à l’heure, which is also used to say goodbye. Pip pip is the sound of the horn of automobiles used to take the way a person can go.

Synonym of Ta Ra/Toodle Pip:

Cheerio, see you, will meet soon, catch you later, hooray, soo long, bye, farewell, lat, take care, au revior, farewell, leave-taking, swan song, abandon, vacate, retire.

Examples of Ta Ra/Toodle Pip:

Ta Ra:

Mosan: ok, now I have to go.

Nisar: Ta ra! Will meet in the school tomorrow.

Mother: Do your breakfast.

Sarah: I am getting late, Ta ra.

Numl: Can we talk later because I have to go to attend a meeting?

Faris: Ok Ta Ra.

Ali: I am going with my father to my grandmother’s house.

Mother: Ok Ta Ra.

Snam: OK, guys, now it’s time to leave.

Colleague: Ok Ta Ra.

Toodle Pip:

Michael: we are moving abroad with our father.

Mosan: That sounds great. Toodle pip.

Asra: We will catch up with our whole group in the next month.

Ali: ok, toodle pip.

Teacher: It’s your last day at school, but we will meet again.

Students: We really miss our school teacher. Toolde pip.

Noah: I have to leave now because tomorrow is my chemistry exam. So I have to study.

Eisa: Ok Toodle Pip.

Rohan: sometimes, we do not want to say goodbye to our friends. But I have to leave now.

Akbar: I can understand. You can go now, Toodle pip.

10- What Does “Trooper” Mean In British Slang?

The British slang trooper has different meanings based on the context used in;

It means a person who is strong, resilient, hard-working, and bears all the hardships with bravery without saying anything. We can also say that a person who can accept diversity.
In another context, the slang trooper is also used to refer to a police officer. Folks use informal slang in their conversation to refer to a police officer of state police as a state trooper.
It is also used to mention a person who uses harsh, bad, shaggy, and coarse language.

Origin of Trooper:

There are two theories about the origin of the slang trooper.

Its roots are traced back to the 17th century. It originates from the French word troupier, which means a member of a troop. In ancient times, folks used the slang to refer to a cavalry soldier.
Another theory suggests that it emerged from the English word trouper in 1959, which means an acting member of a troupe. It also has the concern with soldiers that have a tough personality to endure diversity.

Because the lower rank soldiers have to face tough situations, including harsh and profane language, with time its meaning also expanded in a broader spectrum.

Synonym of Trooper:

Police Officer:

Detective, fighter, militiaman, defender, guardian, legionnaire, sentinel, infantryman, recruit, combatant, enlistee, meter maid, lawman.

Resilient:

Steadfast, adaptable, difficult to keep down, buoyant, flexible, sturdy, tenacious, durable, robust, quick to recover.

Examples of Trooper:

Accept Diversity:

Despite her child’s serious condition, she is still working such a trooper.
Army makes the delicate Mosan into a trooper.
All parents are like troopers who can bear all the hardships for their children’s future.
After an injury during the car racing, she still completed the race with a smile.
We need to make our children troopers so they can bear the hardships of life.

Police Officer:

The state trooper group raided Farman’s house.
Ali was caught by the state trooper when he was snatching the mobile phone from a young guy.
Micheal called a state trooper for help who was wandering in the street when a car hit his friend.
The crowd thanked the trooper for saving a child’s life.

Profane Language:

After losing the game, she talks like a trooper.
I do not want to go with him because he always gets angry about little things and reacts like a trooper.
Behave yourself, man do not act like a trooper. Accept that you are wrong.
We have some people in our professional lives who always talk like troopers without the consideration of anyone.

11- What Does “Turf Out” Mean In British Slang?

The British slang turf out means to move out, leave, reject, or evict a thing or person forcefully. It is used to displace from a specific location, place, or position.

Origin of Turf Out:

It emerged in the 19th century from the English word Turf, which means the layer of soil and grass. These layers are used to cover the ground. Over time, the slang turf out means to remove something forcefully from its place.

Synonym of Turf Out:

Chuck out, exclude, evacuate, boot out, cast out, throw out, turn out, dismiss, oust, banish, remove, eject, displace, drummed, expel.

Examples of Turf Out:

The teacher turf out him from the class.
Ali was turfed out of his apartment by the apartment owner because he had not paid the rent for two months.
Mosan turfed out the Micheal from his wedding party.
The doctor turfed out the children from the hospital.
The cafe owner turf out the group of young boys from the cafe because they misbehave with the waiter.

12- What Does “Trundling” Mean In British Slang?

The British slang trundling means to move slowly, heavily, or forcefully. People use this slang in their conversation when they refer to motion involving weight or push to move strenuously.

Origin of Trundling:

Its roots are traced back to Middle and Old English. It emerged in the 16th century from the Old English word Trindan, which means to roll or turn. Over time, the term evolved into a broader spectrum as trindle. It refers to a wheel used to move heavy objects.

Synonym of Trundling:

Rolling, sailing, navigating, wandering, roaming, Trotting, bussing, gliding, scurrying, tumbling, hopping, jetting, motoring, traipsing, jaunting, peregrinating.

Examples of Trundling:

The vehicle trundled due to the destruction on the road.
Why are you trundling be active? We have to complete the project.
In the training camp, the soldiers trundle because they were exhausted after 2 hours of drill in the hot weather.
In the morning, kids are trundling with their sleepy eyes.
Sarah was trundling due to the weight of heavy grocery bags.

13- What Does “Trolleyed” Mean In British Slang?

The slang trolleyed means extremely drunk or intoxicated. It is everyday slang used by folks to describe a person who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs as much as their physical and mental behavior is diminished.

Origin of Trolleyed:

The exact origin of the slang trolleyed needs to be clarified. But it emerges in association with the word trolley. A trolley or cart is a vehicle that is used to transport goods and is mostly used while doing groceries. The untidy and unsteady motion of the trolly is used in resemblance to the movement of the highly drunk person.

Synonym of Trolleyed:

Fuddle, drunk, blotto, smashed, buzzed, make someone’s head spin, elated, blind, loaded, drunk, hammered, plastered, delirious, sloshed, dizzy, captivated, three sheets of the wind.

Examples of Trolleyed:

Last night in the club, the whole group of university students was trolleyed.
Micheal misbehaved with his fiance because he was trolleyed.
Be careful not to trolley at the party.
Cops arrest Mosan because he is driving the car while trolleyed.
Stay away from me, dude. Right now, you are trolleyed, and you do not know what you are doing.

14- What Does “Throw A Curved Ball” Mean In British Slang?

The British slang for throwing a curved ball means to surprise someone with your action or a piece of information. This informal slang is used in casual conversation when a person receives an unexpected source of amazement or eye opener. It can be used in the sense of happiness, sadness, and shock.

Origin of Throw A Curved Ball:

It originates from baseball when a pitcher throws the ball in a curved manner with a spin. So that is difficult for the batter to predict the exact coming way of the ball and hit properly. In the mid-19s it evolved as metaphorically to describe another type of surprise and unexpected actions.

Synonym of Throw A Curved Ball:

Amaze, astonish, flabbergast, hoodwink, outwit, catch off guard, deceive, jolt, wonder, fillip, confound, mislead, outmaneuver, wrinkle, outfox, kicker, bewilderment, awe, consternation.

Examples of Throw A Curved Ball:

The teacher throws a curved ball when announcing the surprise test.
The sudden death of Iran’s President throws a curved ball.
The doctor threw a curve ball to the Sultan family when he diagnosed him with cancer.
After meeting the sudden resignation of Nofil throws a curved ball at everyone.
Hadi throws a curved ball on Haly’s birthday by proposing to her.

15- What Does “TipTop Shape” Mean In British Slang?

The slang tip-top shape means to be in the best condition, excellent, marvelous, first class, or top-notch. It can be used in any sense, for example, physical appearance, health, quality, or overall well-being.

Origin of TipTop Shape:

It emerged in British English in the 19th century with a mixture of two words: tip and top. Tip means end and top means excellent, top-notch, or at high quality or place. The evidence of its first use was recorded around 1965.

Synonym of TipTop Shape:

Hitting one’s stride, good form, excellent condition, peak form, prime condition, winning streak, perfect form, outstanding health, pristine health, superb condition, optimal health, being at the top of one’s game, fine fettle.

Examples of TipTop Shape:

After a regular check-up doctor told me my mother was in tip-top shape.
It’s been one year but my laptop is still in tip-top shape.
If you want to maintain your figure and be in tip-top shape, you need to do a walk and exercise.
After six months of Army training, Ghazi is now in tip-top shape
In my cafe, we use fresh vegetables and meat to make sure our food is in tip-top shape.

16- What Does “Tick” Mean In British Slang?

The British slang tick has many interpretations based on the context.

A short period or a moment.
Angry, frustrated, exasperated, or annoyed.
Buy something on credit or delay the payment.
To scold or admonish someone.

Origin of Tick:

The slang tick has different origins based on the context. But a short period and buying something on credit is the most used in British. We can discuss only their origins.

A Short Period or a Moment.

It originates from the ticking sound of the clock, which indicates a small unit of distance or an instant.

Buy Something on Credit:

It originated in the 17th century from the ticked, which the shopkeepers use to keep a record of customers so they can extend their credit. Shopkeepers also use it to make bills for items.

Synonym of Tick:

A Short Period or a Moment.

Bit, flash, stage, minute, point, occasion, twinkling, second, jaffy, date, instant, hour, juncture, shake.

Buy Something on Credit:

Procure on installment, secure on credit, get on credit, obtain an installment, charge purchase, procure on credit, acquire on credit, purchase on installment.

Examples of Tick:

A Short Period or a Moment.

The boss asked me to make the project outline in a tick.
The new CEO of the company is a genius. He solves all the complicated situations on a tick.
Wait a tick, I will be there.
It is in my personality that if there is a crowd around me, I do not want to stay there a tick.
The teacher solved the conceptual question in a tick.

Buy Something on Credit:

She bought the new mobile phone on Tick.
Will you give the grocery to Tick?
Farman purchased the whole furniture of his office on tick.
In our university life, we get burgers and drinks on tick.
Due to financial problems, she paid the rent on time to the apartment owner.

Frustrated:

Your ill-mannered behavior makes me ticked, so be disciplined next time.
If you still need to complete the project, it ticked off the manager.
The daily hectic routine ticks me up.
Being a working lady sometimes ticks you off because you do not have time for yourself.

17- What Does “Tea Leaf” Mean In British Slang?

The British slang Tea Leaf is a rhyming slang that means thief, robber, shoplifter, or mugger. It is used humorously to mention or refer to a person in an informal conversation.

Origin of Tea Leaf:

It originated in London in the 19th century as cockney rhyming slang. In rhyming slang, a word is replaced with a phrase that rhymes with it. It was used as a code by working Londoners to mention a thief. Over time, it was widely used by folks to say a thief or robber in casual conversation.

Synonym of Tea Leaf:

Burglar, pirate, pickpocket, mugger, sniper, swindler, embezzler, larcenist, bandit, criminal, crock, punk, scrounger, housebreaker, owl, stealer.

Examples of Tea Leaf:

Micheal is a tea leaf, so be careful with him.
You need to be aware yesterday a tea leaf took my mobile from the class.
People caught the tea leaf in the mall who were trying to steal clothes from the garment section.
Do not leave your car unlocked in the street. There are tea leaves everywhere that might take it.
The police arrest the tea leaf in case of snatching mobile from the people.

18- What Does “Toff” Mean In British Slang?

The British slang toff means upper class, wealthy person, or high social status. It is used in a derogatory way to mention the elitism, haughtiness, and arrogance of the elite class.

Origin of Toff:

It originates in the 19th century from the word tuft, which refers to the gold tassels worn on the caps of students belonging to rich families. With time, it evolved into toff to mention the wealthy or elite class.

Synonym of Toff:

Wealthy person, nob, glamour boy, fine gentleman, cavalier, swell, stud, playboy, spark, coxcomb, blade, don Juan, ladies man, young blood, posh person, crock, beau Brummel, buck, jay.

Examples of Toff:

Look at that toff. He always shows off her luxury cars.
Mosan is a real toff who always spends money without thinking.
Last night in Michael’s bachelor party the club was full of toffs.
Do not behave like toff that you are better than anybody here.
Sarah’s boyfriend is a toff he always gives her expensive gifts.

19- What Does “Titchy” Mean In British Slang?

Tichy is an adoring, loving, and caring British slang. It means small or little in the sense of endearment, mostly to refer to children and younger ones.

Origin of Titchy:

It originates from the word titch and the nickname Little Titchy. It was the nickname of Harry Relph, a comedian in a British music hall who is 4 feet tall. People use this term to refer to small things. In the 20th century, it became widely used in British culture in the short form of titchy.

Synonym of Titchy:

Miniature, small, minute, tiny, little, weensy, tidly, pint-sized, atomic, microscopic, eensy-weensy, wee, itsy, nanoscopic, witsy, ickle, small size, compact.

Examples of Titchy:

Look at that puppy. He is so cute and titchy.
What are you doing here, titchy?
Hy young man, before two years ago, you look so titchy.
Will you pass me that tichy piece of paper?
I really love this Tichy and cozy sofa set.

20- What Does “Tamping” Mean In British Slang?

The British slang tamping means extremely angry, furious, frustrated, and annoyed. People use this informal slang in their daily routine conversation when they get upset or angry about something.

Origin of Tamping:

It came into British English in the 1940s and derived from the word tamp. Tamp refers to bouncing a ball up and down vigorously. Over time, with linguistic, regional, and community changes, it evolved into tamping.

Synonym of Tamping:

Displeased, galled, annoyed, frustrated, furious, irritated, resentful, piqued, convulsed, fuming, fierce, hateful, angry, victimized, choleric, offended, bitter, outraged, mad, ill-tampered, indignant, sullen, uptight, cross.

Examples of Tamping:

Today, the teacher is tamping because the students have yet to complete the assignment that was assigned one week before.
I had never seen Motaz in a bad mood, but today, in the meeting, he was tamping and losing his temper.
Why are you tamping? Be relaxed. Everything will be fine.
The father is tamping on the school staff when he knows his child is missing from the school.
Ali is tamping today. Is there anything that happened in the office, man?

Final Verdict:

Language is an emotion, expression, and the soul of any place. But as things become old, language also becomes old with its origin and hiding a story in it in the form of history. Due to community, people, and especially linguistic changes new generations explore and compare the current and old meanings of the slang.

We hope in this article the detailed description of both old and current situations helps increase your knowledge. We are sure now that you become an expert in understanding British slang, starting with T. If you want to explore more slang with all other alphabets, stay tuned with us.