Let me just spare you the endless amounts of confused looks and “what?”s that you will endure with this handy guide to the British lingo. When I got here, I was expecting a lot more of the “posh” British accent that is portrayed whenever there is a British character in any American movie or tv show. Sadly, I was let down.
For those of you that do not know like I did not, the UK has at least a dozen different accents that are remarkably different from each other and nothing similar to what Americans think of as the generic British accent. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to show you how the different accents sound, but I have taken the liberty to write down some of the lingo that is used in this country!
I have arranged the lingo into various categories, so you get the best feel of how the words are used and sort of understand in what context as well as separated them regionally.
Disclaimer: I have heard all of these words used in conversation and have not conducted any additional research for this list.
Common Slang
Nationwide
Bloke = guy (non threatening)
Bird = female (can be taken offensively but not meant to be)
Peak = good/bad (big debate if it is good or bad. (North =Good) (South =Bad))
Fit = person is hot
Mare = nightmare. Having a bad day
Grim = horrible
Grafting = stage leading to relationship
Crepes = sneakers
My G = mate
Tea = dinner (mostly northern slang)
South London
Bruv = friend
Calm = good
Boukey = weird
Cotch = chill / relax
Grafting = stage leading to relationship
Dank/Chun/Peng = awesome/good
Bare = a lot/very
Bait = obvious
Dash = get rid of something quickly
Ends = area in which you live
Yute = young person
Chore = using a lot
Cushty = good
Geordie (Newcastle)
Mortal = wasted
Craic = good/fun
Radgy = angry/moody
Manchester
Buzzin = excited
Sound = something’s good
Angin = horrible
Arkid = when referring to someone younger than you
Mint = good
Scram = food
Mither = bother
English Translation for American Words
Squash = juice
Chips = fries
Crisps = potato chips
Series = season
Hoover = vacuum and action of vacuuming
Brew = cup of tea
Garden = yard
Yard = house
Mate = friend
Pants = underwear
Torch = flashlight
Fag = cigarette
Expressions
Can’t be asked = can’t be bothered to do something
To be fair = to be honest
What you sayin = how are you doing?
Taking the piss = are you joking?
Allow it/ ’low it = let it happen
Do one = go away
There is WAY more slang than just this glimpse of lingo I have provided, but I hope this guide will help you navigate through the extensive vocabulary of British slang. British Slang = Very Confusing.
