20 Best British Slang Starting With “V”

By @bestSlanges

As we all know slangs are flamboyant, and confusing at the same time.

The same is the case with British slangs they are not only slangs or phrases used in our daily lives. They carry the history, tale, tradition, culture, humorous and appealing essence of Britain. 

In this article, you will explore a huge variety of British slang starting with V. After exploring the article you will speak and understand them like a local.

So, let’s dig in. 

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

The British slang vibe means the good and bad atmosphere a person can sense. It can be perceived from the

 human sixth sense with the help of other people’s tone, way of sitting, or personal energy.

 People use this slang in their informal conversation when they describe anything about good or bad vibes. In a good vibe, a person feels relaxed and comfortable. In a bad vibe atmosphere, a person feels uncomfortable and awful. 

Origin of Vibe:

Two theories are proposed based on the origin of the British slang vibe. 

  • It originates in the 1960s from the Latin word vibratio which means a shaking motion. The term gained popularity in the counterculture era to describe the condition of people according to the energy they emit. 
  • Another theory suggests that it comes into late Middle English in the 1940s from the words vibraphone and vibration. Over time in the 1960s in the era of counterculture and 1966 the song Good Vibrations by Beach Boy. 

Synonym of  Vibe:

  • Energy, impression, spirit, zone, feel, tone, essence, aura, remorse, warmth, passion, shame, affection, pulse, climate, flair, impression, ambience, concern, fervour, excitement, pride, rage, sentiment. 

Examples of Vibe:

  • That guy was not giving me the good vibes. 
  • I love to go to the beach and feel the peaceful vibes of the water. 
  • Mosan always gives positive vibes. I always feel happy when I meet him. 
  • My new job office gives me negative vibes. Sometimes I do not want to go to the office due to the negative impact. 
  • My mother always says a good soul always gives positive vibes. 

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

The British slang vamooes means to depart quickly, leave in a hurry, or decapm. It is an informal slang that is humorously used by folks in their routine or casual conversation. 

It conveys the same meaning with different commands such as bossy, humorously, or informal based on the context used. 

Origin of Vamoose: 

Its roots are traced back to the Spanish language. It originated in the mid-19th century from the Spanish word Vamos which means to go or let’s go. 

Over time it came into British English when there was a strong influence of Spanish on Britain due to contiguity and Spanish historical interactions. 

Synonym of Vamoose: 

  • Skip, go away, go forth, hightail it, bolt, skedaddled, scram, clear out, beat it, leave, scoot, disappear, get lost, take off, make a track, scat, kiddo. 

Examples of Vamoose: 

  • Vamoose from my office if you stay longer here I will terminate you in act of this blunder. 
  • If you want to attend the lecture on time then you need to vamoose from home at 8 o’clock. 
  • When the group of boys saw the cops they vamoose from the cafe. 
  • The mother shouted vamoose to her child as he was standing in the middle of the road. 
  • Mosan vamoose from the party when he received an emergency call from the hospital. 

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

The British slang vac is a short term of two words. One is vacation or holiday and the other one is a vacuum cleaner. 

Vacation:

It is a term mostly used in the educational context. A time period in which educational institutes are closed such as summer or semester breaks, Eid vac, Christmas vac etc. 

Vacuum Cleaner:

It is a cleaning device that sucks up the dust. 

Origin of Vac:

The British slang vac emerges from the Latin language with the meaning of empty. People relate the meaning empty to their leisure or relaxed time when they have a break from their work. Especially used by educational institutes to describe a term break. 

Informally it is used to describe the time planning for a trip to take a break from the hectic routine.  

Synonym of Vac:

Holidays: 

  • Escape, break, time off, leave, respite, R&R (rest and relax), furlough, sabbatical, retreat, gateway, abandonment, quitting, stay, tour, stop over, fiesta, lay off.

Vacuum Cleaner: 

  • Electric broom, dust buster, carpet sweeper, vacuum sweeper, robot vacuum, hoover, void, gap, rarefaction, nothingness, exhaustion, vacuity. 

Examples of Vac:

Holidays: 

  • We are all friends planning a two-day vac of Muree. 
  • Do you have any vac plans for winter vacations? 
  • Taking a vac from the daily hectic routine is important for both mental and physical health. 
  • After exams, all students demand a vac. 
  • I am going to Dubai for a vac with my family. 

Vacuum Cleaner: 

  • Are you done with the vac?
  • Last night we went to the market and bought a vac at a very cheap price. 
  • I need to buy a new vac because the old one is not working well. 
  • I find it tough to vac the pet hairs from the carpet. 
  • The new launch model of the vac is more handy to use. 

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

The term vegetable originally meant a person with a damaged brain who is not able to think, speak, or act. 

But in British slang people used the term as derogating,  playfully, and humorously to describe an uninterested, boring, monotonous, and dry person. A person who does not have any interest or excitement in social gatherings. 

Origin of Vegetable: 

The exact origin of the slang vegetable is not clear. However, it is a colloquial term that comes from the idea that someone compares a person’s personality with a plant that does not show freshness, movement, and fertility. 

Synonym of Vegetable: 

  • Bother, lump, wet blanket, dullard, wallflower, drip, dullsville, pain in the neck, wimp, deadhead, soporific, yawn, bromide, bummer, stick in the mud, killjoy, square, headache, pest, pain.  

Examples of Vegetable: 

  • I do not to pair up with Micheal he is such a vegetable. 
  • At my birthday party, Farman’s girlfriend stays quiet like a vegetable. Even though our group offered her dance she refused. 
  • Some people do not like vegetables but they do not want to react in a specific group or community. 
  • People find Sarah a vegetable but no one knows that she has an introverted personality. 
  • There are two many vegetable students in my class who do not respond even to a single question of mine. 

5- What Does “ Vegetate/ Veg-Out” Mean In British Slang? 

All these interrelated slang like vegetable, vegetate or veg out make you confused. Veg out means little energy, relaxation, doing nothing, or inactivity. This informal slang is used in pleasantry when they talk about being relaxed and free all the time without any purpose.  

Origin of Vegetate/ Veg-Out:

It emerges in the late 1500s from the Latin word vegetatus or vegtetare. The term metaphorically describes plants still sitting but growing. The evidence of its first use is found in 1941 in the Physcian translation named John Jones. 

Synonym of Vegetate/ Veg-Out:

  • Stagnant, dormant, unwind, nap, rest, leisure time activity, loaf, lol, Idle, dawdle, laze, chill, fun, party, lounge. 

Examples of Vegetate/ Veg-Out:

  • After a long time, we veg out by watching TV and making our favourite dessert at home. 
  • On the weekend I love to veg out by sleeping and not doing any office work. 
  • It’s nice to veg out in winter to go to the hill and sit in the rising sunshine. 
  • I am eagerly waiting to veg out with my kids after this hectic and tough week at the end of the month. 
  • Sometimes we need to veg out from our bustling lives and do what we like and find peaceful. 

7- What Does “Veggie” Mean In British Slang? 

The British slang veggie stands for the term vegetarian. A vegetarian is a person who only eats vegetables. They do not eat any meat products due to some reasons such as health issues, religion, environment, or ethical reasons. 

Origin of Veggie:

Its roots are traced back to Old French and Mendlivin Latin. It originates from the word vegetables meaning growing and flourishing. The evidence of its first use was found in 1955 as the slang term veggie. 

Synonym of Veggie:

  • Non-carnivore, green, plat-like, plant-based, herby, herbivore, nonmeat eater, plant-based eater, meat-free, herbivorous, leguminous, salad, edible, produce, legume, yellow, truck, root. 

Examples of Veggie:

  • A veggie restaurant is open in my neighbourhood.
  • Dude do not offer him chicken he is a veggie. 
  • Mosan at his birthday party especially place many vegetable options for his veggie friends. 
  • If you want to lose weight then you need to eat more green vegetables like a veggie. 
  • She is a veggie because she loves animals. That’s why she does not like to eat animal products. 

8- What Does “Vocab” Mean In British Slang? 

The British slang vocab that stands for vocabulary has two different interpretations based on the context used. 

  • Folks use it to describe the collection of words and phrases used in speech and writing. In simple words, we can say that the particular words used speak a specific language. 
  • It also refers to the proficiency and understanding of a person in a specific subject or topic. 

Origin of Vocab:

It originates from the Latin word vocabulum which means a list of words. Over time with linguistic, community, and religious changes its meaning evolved into a broader spectrum. Folks use the term in their casual conversation to describe the words and phrases used in a specific language to convey information, emotions, and thoughts. 

Synonym of Vocab:

  • Terminology, idiom, lingo, jargon, dictionary, word stock, lexis, word-hoard, idiolect, idiom, slang, word bank, phraseology, dialect, shoptalk, colloquial, localism, patter, vernacular. 

Examples of Vocab: 

List of Words: 

  • Her vocabulary is so weak you need to work hard on her. 
  • To improve their vocab the teacher recommended a dictionary to foreign students. 
  • Being a new commer sometimes it takes time to adjust with the vocab of new country or an area. 
  • If Mosaan does not understand any word he google it to make his vocabulary better.

Subject:

  • The professor told Sara to be diligent in her biology vocab before exams. 
  • Mosan chemistry vocab is exceptional and he got an A grade in finals. 
  • Farman’s substantial vocab helps him to be an excellent scientist. 
  • If you want to be a content writer you need to work on your English vocab. 

8- What Does “Vexed” Mean In British Slang? 

The British slang vexed means annoyed, frustrated, angry, furious, and antagonized. Folks use this informal conversation when they want to convey a strong impression of anger and irritation. However, it can be used in both formal and informal contexts based on the situation. 

Origin of Vexed:

Its roots are traced back to the Latin and the French world. It comes into Middle English from the Latin word vexare which means annoyed and to be agitated. It was most probably used in the early 1150-1100 Middle English period. The evidence of its first use was found in 1425 in Bike Wise. 

Synonym of Vexed:

  • Disputed, disturbed, displeased, incensed, perturbed, upset, open to debate, bothered, wrathful, infuriated, questionable, inflamed, disquieted, outraged, piqued, riled, disgruntled, fretful. 

Examples of Vexed:

  • She was vexed when she realized she left her mobile phone at home. 
  • The teacher was vexed with the illogical questions of the student in her first chemistry lecture. 
  • The whole family is vexed when the grandmother cancels the outing plan. 
  • Don’t be vexed we both can resolve this issue. 
  • She is vexed when she finds herself confused and shy in a crowd of four to five people. 
  • The overthinking habit of overthinkers makes them feel vexed without any reason. 

9- What Does “Virus” Mean In British Slang? 

The British slang virus has several formal and informal interpretations

In Medical Context:

It is a non-living infectious microorganism that causes diseases in humans and plants. 

IT:

A type of malfunctioning software that replicates itself in a computer or laptop and damages the system.

Informal: 

In a casual conversation virus is used by folks metaphorically to describe anything that spreads like a virus and has a negative impact. 

Origin of Virus:

It originates from the Latin word Virus which means poison and slimy liquid. People use it in their informal conversation to describe any information that has adverse effects. 

Due to advancements in technology in the 19th and 20th centuries;

Microbiologists and developers use the term to describe any infectious microorganism or malfunctioning software. 

Synonym of Virus:

In Medical Context:

  • Germs, ailment, pathogen, sickness, disease agent, pathogenic agent, infectious, virion,  contagion, microbe, bacillus, bug.

IT:

  • Computer worm, malware, bot, rootkit, exploit, malicious software, keylogger, ransomware, adware, spyware, invasive code, trojan horse. 

Informal: 

  • Hazard, harmful agent, bane, toxicant, venom, noxious substance, contaminant. 

Examples of Viruses:

In Medical Context:

  • Mosan was infected with the polio virus in his childhood. 
  • If you have strong immunity then you will not be affected by COVID-19. 
  • Most of the students are absent from the school due to viral infection. 
  • HIV is a deadly virus that directly attacks the human immune system and reduces its ability to fight against the virus. 

IT:

  • All computers in the computer lab are affected by the virus. 
  • The developer installed an antivirus on Michael’s computer so he could work without any difficulty. 
  • Some viruses spread through email and corrupt all Word documents such as the Melissa virus. 
  •  The full of virus USB also damaged the system. 

Informal: 

  • Noah’s habit of spreading rumours about anybody is like a virus. 
  • The new trend to wear revealing clothes is just a virus. 
  • News of Mosan’s resignation due to the ill-mannered attitude of the boss spread like a virus in the office. 
  • Some people are like viruses always wanting to pull you back. 

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

  • The British slang VIP  stands for a very important person. It is used to give importance and protocol to people due to their status, influence, and position. This term is especially used in an event, party, or any social gathering. 
  • In informal conversation, folks use this slang acerbically to mock a person who is not obedient, arrogant, or self-obsessed. 

Origin of VIP:

There are two suggested theories on the origin of the British slang VIP.

  • It originated in the 20th century and emerged in World War II from the Royal Air Force. At that time the term was used to refer to the high military officials who required special security measures. 
  • Another theory suggests that it emerged in the 20th century and was first time used in 1933. However, the concept of the term became more solidified in the post-war period also used for celebrities and influencers. The evidence of its first use was found in 1933 in Compton Mackenize’s writing.

Synonym of VIP:

  • Famous name, personality, household name, top-notch, personage, influential, high roller, luminary, VVIP, leading light, superstar, dignitary, notable, high profile person, big enchilada, big cheese, prime mover, top banana. 

Examples of VIPs:

  • This hospital also has the availability of VIP rooms. 
  • Students give their teachers VIP protocol at the book exhibition. 
  • We need to give our parents VIP  treatment because they are the only personalities who sacrifice everything for our happiness. 
  • At Mosan wedding party, everyone is giving his athletic sister VIP  treatment. 
  • Our countries will have a higher success rate if our government or high authorities leave all these VIP protocol tantrums. 

11- What Does “Vim” Mean In British Slang? 

The British slang vim means ardour, energy, and enthusiasm. Folks use this slang positively to describe the eagerness and vibrancy of a person towards any social activity or in general about life.

Origin of Vim:

Its roots are traced back to the Latin word vimen which means energy, force lively, and enthusiasm. The slang emerged in the 20th century and over time evolved into a broader spectrum from Latin to Middle English. 

Firstly it was used as the phrase “vim and vigour”. Both terms were used to refer to vitality, life, and high spirit. But in the 20th century, vim solidified its position and stood alone with its vibrant meaning. 

Synonym of Vim:

  • Exuberance, spark, liveliness, zeal, zest, passion, pep, zing, dash, drive, dynamism, verve, brio, spirit, bounce, buoyancy, oomph, fire, kick, push, strength, stamina, joie de vivre. 

Examples of Vim:

  • At the age of eighty my grandmother is still full of vim. She loves to live life. 
  • We are the generation that has smiling faces in pictures but does not have vim for life. 
  • Mosan got promoted because of his vim to tackle and resolve all issues with his intelligence and calm behaviour. 
  • Sports persons are always full of vim and ready to approach extracurricular activities.
  • If you want to start your own business then you need to be vim and full of patience. 

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

The British slang vandal describes a person who deliberately remunerates public property and things. This informal slang is used by people in two ways. 

  • Formally to mention a person who destroys property or public things without any reason.
  • Informally to relate a sloppy, careless, and absent-minded person about his/her actions. 

Origin of Vandal:

It originated from the name of tribe vandal which was well known in the 5th century due to their raids in military campaigns. Over time it becomes followed up with their association to refer people involved in robbery, looting, and property defacement. 

Synonym of Vandal:

  • Graffiti artist, rowdy, bruiser, iconoclast, vandalizer, larger lout, troublemaker, tearaway, hoodlum, pillager, thief, despoiler, wrecker, hooligan, delinquent, ransacker, mischief-maker, looter. 

Examples of Vandal:

  • My friend installed security cameras at his cafe so he can check vandals. 
  • The destruction caused by vandals at our construction site cost many dollars.
  • Cops need to arrest these vandals so they can never bother citizens. 
  • Last night police caught vandals who made dirty signs on school walls with spray colors. 
  • In an act of senseless vandalism, last night vandals punctured the tyres of all customer’s cars in a three-star restaurant. 

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

The slang vino stands for wine. It is an informal used in casual or relaxed sitting to refer to wine. Folks use slang in any informal social gathering with their friends such as a club, birthday, or bachelor’s party. 

Origin of Vino:

The slang vino has several origins such as Spanish, Italian, and Latin. But in all languages, it has the same meaning. The Latin word vinum means wine. Over time it evolved and came into Middle English as vino with the same meaning as wine. 

The evidence of its first use was found in the writing of a naturalist named John Ray in 1673.

Synonym of Vino:

  • Alcohol, booze, liquor, red, white, rose, wine, cocktail, mixed drinks, spirits, intoxicants, beer, hard drinks, bubbly, appetizer, ambrosia, lavender, fortified wine, rioja, sparkling wine, chianti, Bordeaux, cerise, dahlia. 

Examples of Vino:

  • Would you like to take one more glass of vino?
  • At Arman’s bachelor party, her fiance especially asked for different types of wino in the party for her guests. 
  • I will allow you to go to the party if you do not drink vino. 
  • Due to Alexender’s birthday, they arrange a wino a party in the society club. 
  • One bottle of vino does not have any effect on Noah because he is not a casual drinker. He drinks daily in the club. 

14- What Does “Verdict” Mean In British Slang? 

The slang verdict has both formal and informal interpretations. 

Formally: 

In formal conversation, verdict refers to the judgment and order given by the court or jury. 

Informally:

Folks use this slang in their informal conversation to describe the decision, thought or final answer about any situation. 

Origin of Verdict: 

Its roots are traced back to the Latin word veredictum which is the mixture of two words.

Vere means true and dictum means saying. In short, it has the meaning true statement, declaration, or final decision.  

Synonym of Verdict: 

  • Conclusion, determine, finding, result, adjudication, opinion, decree, ruling, resolution, deduction, sentence, arbitrament, deliverance, decision making,  

Examples of Verdict: 

  • Please give us your final verdict on the presentation.
  • What’s your verdict about the new song album release by JK? 
  • The court gave a very unsatisfied verdict on the child custody case. 
  • The couple awaits the court’s final verdict on their divorce case. 
  • Staff members give negative verdicts on the visit of the CEO and Station Commander to the Cantt Schools and colleges. 

15- What Does “Vits”  Mean In British Slang?

The British slang vits stand for vitamins. Folks use this informal slang in their longing when they talk about diet, health, wellness, and fitness. It is a widely used short form of slang in daily or routine conversation instead of saying or typing the long word vitamin. 

Origin of Vits:

The exact origin of the word vits is not clear. However, it is found that it emerges from the colloquial expression vitamin. In this bustling era where it is a trend and easy to use short forms instead of long phrases in our line of work lives.  

Synonym of Vits:

  • Health food, nutrients, supplements, boosters, multis, tablets,  fiber, food, minerals, caps, meds,vites, pills, hormone.  

Examples of Vits:

  • Do you feel any betterment after taking these vits? 
  • Due to anemia, the doctor prescribes vits to Farhan. 
  • My mother always forgets to take her vits.
  • I am not able to bear this hectic routine if I do not take my vits regularly. 
  • We need to give our children a healthy diet rather than vits in their teenage. 

16- What Does “Veejay/VJ” Mean In British Slang? 

The British slang VJ stands for Video Jockey means a person who hosts or presents new videos, reviews, or takes interviews of artists. With the evolution of technology and social media, this term has gathered popularity by reviewing series, reality shows, and interviews with upcoming talent. 

Origin of Veejay/VJ:

It originated in the 1980s when Music Television launched. It is derived from the idea of a Disc Jockey who plays audio things on the radio. Music television gives their host the title of VJ  who hosts programs, interviews and many other video-related things on TV. 

Synonym of Veejay/VJ:

  • Television presenter, music video host, broadcaster, newscaster,  reporter, telecaster, media personality, music channel host, leader of ceremonies, communicator, announcer. 

Examples of Veejay/VJ:

  • Do you know my elder sister is VJ on Green TV? 
  • The new VJs are not as hardworking as the previous ones in our time. 
  • Our class fellow Mosan is the new VJ in our office. 
  • Do not speak like a VJ in social gatherings. 
  • VJs have very scope in the upcoming era of social media and podcasts. 

17- What Does “ Vom” Mean In British Slang? 

The British slang vom stands for vomiting. It means retching, coming out, throwing out, forcefully coming out, and toking. In simple words, vomiting is an involuntary action due to muscle contraction in which stomach content moves out through the mouth and less often nose.

It can be used expressively and humorously to describe anything that you do not like.  

Origin of Vom:

It emerged in 1980 from the Latin word Vomere which means to vomit. It was the first time used in 1991 in Just Little More Wumping. 

Synonym of Vom:

  • Chunder, blow chunks, lose your lunch, heave, expel, upchuck, puke, throw up, hurl, puke, emit, barf, regurgitate, ruminate, gag. 

Examples of Vom:

  • After taking medicines I feel like to vom. 
  • Due to unhygienic food, everyone in the party started vom. 
  • The baby started vom due to hot weather and dehydration. 
  • The patties made by Michael were enough to make anyone vom. 
  • After riding the roller coaster Mosan started vom. 

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

The British slang village has different interpretations metaphorically based on the context used in.

  • It means something unsophisticated, callow, uninvolved, down-to-earth, and naive. 
  • The people of the village know each and everything about other people’s business and work. Folks use it in a derogatory way when they talk about a specific community or group of people. 
  • In another context, it is metaphorically used to describe things that are charmingly old-fashioned, quaint, unusual attractive, woody, cuming, and homely. 

Origin of Village: 

It comes into the late Middle English from the French Old word village which is also derived from the Latin word villaticum. Villaticum means farmstead or country house. Over time the term evolved with meaning to describe a small town or ruler area in a country. 

Synonym of Village: 

  • Hamlet, thorp, town, small town, settlement, burg, community, parish, out in the sticks, neck of the wood, bumpkinville, burb, hicksville, locale, backwater.

Examples of Village: 

Unsophisticated: 

  • He is so village that he does not about concerts. 
  • Her accent in speaking Urdu and English shows her village. 
  • Hy dude look at that village her dressing sense is so old-fashioned. 
  • The service of the newly opened cafe is a bit village. 

Gossip:

  • To sit here with a group is a village they know each and everything of other groups.
  • The environment of the office of my new job is a bit village. They always gossip about each other. 
  • Sarah is so village she always spreads false rumours about me and Mosan.
  • In the office gossiping about someone’s life is so village rather than doing work. 

Quaint: 

  • The cafe near the forest is so village and full of peace with the sound of the wind. 
  • I found the little cafes are more village and attractive in hilly areas rather than five-star restaurants. 
  • I loved exploring the charming old-fashioned and woody villages. 
  • The villages in the Hunza and Muree areas are like storybooks full of greenery and wooden art. 

Final Verdict: 

From the journey of vibe to the Vicarage tea party we conclude that each slang has its own story whether in terms of history, culture, or meaning. As time changes everything, we also find that over time there is a linguistic, community, or religious change in the meanings of the British slang. 

We hope the detailed explanation of slang with their usage in examples makes it easier for you to understand them. For further detailed delineation of slang alphabetically bear with us.

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