What Does “Welsh” Mean In British Slang?

By @bestSlanges

Have you recently watched Dal y Mellt? It is a crime thriller series that is aired on Netflix. The purpose of mentioning this drama here is that you have encountered many weird words in the series that make British slang. One of these words is “Welsh,” although the meaning of Welsh differs in the English-speaking language, so what does Welsh mean in British slang? 

It is an informal word if someone does not do things as promised. It is also used offensively sometimes, like if anyone is Welsh on an agreement, a promise, or a deal. In this article, we discuss what Welsh means in British slang. We also highlight its origin, use in daily conversation, synonyms, and alternatives. 

So keep reading and level up your knowledge.

Origin of Welsh

Welsh was first recorded in 1855-1860. It comes from the old English word Wealas and is used to describe the Celtic origin. 

What does Welsh Mean in Texting? 

Welsh is an intransitive verb that is used in an informal tone in several conditions: Like

  • If someone fails to pay the debt, especially the gambling debt
  • If anyone goes back on one’s word
  • If someone draws himself back from something he has agreed to do
  • If someone fails to fulfil the agreement
  • If someone changes his mind on an agreement, position or a promise
  • If someone avoids providing a clear answer

Example of Welsh

Text Conversations:

Friend 1: “John! You are not going to welsh on me.”

Friend 2: “I am sorry, but I have no other option.”

Friend 1: “Salena welshed her promise to help me with the assignment.”

Friend 2: “That is unethical. She should fulfil her promise!”

Social Media Posts:

Twitter: “The government welsh his agreement and apply extra taxes to the foreign students. ”

Instagram: “A renowned footballer welched on his undertakings to join the team this Thursday.”

The above examples show how “Welsh” adds an informal sense of not doing something you promise.

Synonym of Welsh

The following are the synonyms of Welsh, which vary under different conditions. So we discuss them one by one. 

Synonym if someone fails to pay the debt, especially the gambling debt

  • Cheat
  • Deceive
  • Bamboozle
  • Dupe
  • Gull
  • Shaft
  • Sting
  • Rip off
  • Weasel
  • Take to cleansers
  • Scam
  • Stiff
  • Trick
  • Take for a ride
  • Fool
  • Fleece
  • Hoodwick
  • Con
  • Bilk
  • Sandbag

Synonym if anyone goes back on one’s word

  • Retract
  • Withdraw
  • Unsay
  • Revoke
  • Cancel
  • Deny
  • Recall
  • Annul
  • Withcall
  • Apologise
  • Reverse
  • Disown
  • Row back on
  • Forget it

Synonym: If someone draws himself back from something he has agreed to do

  • Back out
  • Withdraw
  • Cop cut
  • Fink out
  • Scratch
  • Pull out
  • Cancel
  • Shy from
  • Resign
  • Cry off
  • Change your mind
  • Drop out

Synonym If someone fails to fulfil the payment or obligation

  • Default
  • Duck
  • Stiff
  • Renege
  • Neglect
  • Fail
  • Shrik
  • Skip
  • Swindle
  • Dodge
  • Duck out
  • Break your word
  • Let lapse

Synonym If someone changes his mind on an agreement, position or promise

  • Cop out
  • Excuse
  • Funk
  • Duck-shove
  • Skive off
  • Back down
  • Cut
  • Avoid
  • Decline
  • Back out
  • Shrink from
  • Skirt around
  • Slide out of
  • Wriggle out of

Synonym if someone avoids providing a clear answer

  • Weasel
  • Shuck
  • Balk
  • Gedge
  • Slip out
  • Dance around the issue
  • Put off
  • Sneak away
  • Beat around the bush
  • Eschew
  • Baulk
  • Elude
  • Hem and haw

Opposite of Welsh

Here are some of the most used opposite words of Welsh

  • Face
  • Meet
  • Progress
  • Press on
  • Crack on
  • Accept
  • Adhee
  • Fulfil
  • Do
  • Take on
  • Ready

Final Words

Welsh is an informal British slogan used sometimes, primarily when someone does not fulfil his promise or denies paying the debt. It is also used in other circumstances, such as withdrawing from the agreement or a post. It has different meanings depending on the condition, but sometimes, it has offensive use. 

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