Even if you spend your days binge-watching Doctor Who while drinking tea and keeping an eye on the events unfolding in the royal family, there is one thing you will need some (a lot of) time to make sense of, and that is British slang. While slang in any country is usually quite different from the common language, British sayings will literally have you scratching your head trying to discern their meaning, and wishing someone actually took the trouble and wrote a British slang dictionary.
Every time you try to make sense of British expressions, remember that the Brits are well known for their dry sense of humor, and it often shows in their speech. Another thing to keep in mind is that slang in London will be different from slang in Manchester or Edinburgh, so don’t get too confused. At least try not to.
To help you out a little bit, we collected some of the most common British phrases that have people raise their eyebrows when they hear them. Which ones do you find the most hilarious or confusing? Vote for them, and if you know any other British words and expressions used in colloquial speech, make sure to explain them in the comments.
#1
Gobsmacked
Meaning: you’re so shocked, you don’t even know how to react.
Meaning: you’re so shocked, you don’t even know how to react.
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25points
#2
Bonkers
Meaning: a synonym for “crazy.” It is usually used when you find something mind-blowing.
Meaning: a synonym for “crazy.” It is usually used when you find something mind-blowing.
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24points
#3
Knackered
Meaning: tired to the point where you can’t be bothered by or interested in anything around you.
Meaning: tired to the point where you can’t be bothered by or interested in anything around you.
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24points
#5
Prat
Meaning: keep this one for that one person you really don’t like. A prat is someone very full of themself who, in reality, is rather stupid.
Meaning: keep this one for that one person you really don’t like. A prat is someone very full of themself who, in reality, is rather stupid.
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23points
#7
Lost the plot
Meaning: according to the Brits, if you become very angry or irrational, to the point where you begin acting ridiculously, you’ve lost the plot.
Meaning: according to the Brits, if you become very angry or irrational, to the point where you begin acting ridiculously, you’ve lost the plot.
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22points
#8
Chuffed
Meaning: if you describe yourself as chuffed, you’re happy or delighted.
Meaning: if you describe yourself as chuffed, you’re happy or delighted.
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22points
#9
Mate
Meaning: normally means “friend,” but listen to the tone, it can very well be used sarcastically.
Meaning: normally means “friend,” but listen to the tone, it can very well be used sarcastically.
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22points
#10
Mug
Meaning: this is what Londoners call people who they think to be stupid.
Meaning: this is what Londoners call people who they think to be stupid.
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21points
#11
Muppet
Meaning: used to insult a person who is clueless, ignorant, and generally not very bright.
Meaning: used to insult a person who is clueless, ignorant, and generally not very bright.
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21points
#12
Bloke
Meaning: a man of any age. Usually used the same way Americans use “dude.”
Meaning: a man of any age. Usually used the same way Americans use “dude.”
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20points
#13
Trollied, Plastered
Meaning: if you’re either trollied or plastered, it means you’ve had too much alcohol.
Meaning: if you’re either trollied or plastered, it means you’ve had too much alcohol.
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20points
#14
Can’t be arsed
Meaning: you can’t be bothered about something, and you’re saying it in a not very polite way.
Meaning: you can’t be bothered about something, and you’re saying it in a not very polite way.
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20points
#15
Chav
Meaning: describes a young hooligan who lives to make trouble.
Meaning: describes a young hooligan who lives to make trouble.
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20points
#18
Throwing a wobbly
Meaning: you’re an adult, you’re having a tantrum, and honestly, you should know better.
Meaning: you’re an adult, you’re having a tantrum, and honestly, you should know better.
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19points