British slangs are fun, exciting, and easy to learn. If you’re visiting Great Britain, have English friends, or are just fond of learning and trying new things, exploring popular British slang is the way to go!
A set of informal words used in conversations than written language is called slang. There is a sea of slang that British people use in their routine discussions, but without a dictionary or Google, you won’t be able to crack the fluid definition.
British are typically misinterpreted as harsh about their language and traditions. It is often predicted that English people use funny slang to cover the hidden roughness of a term, but if you ask us, we believe British English is just as fun as any other language is.
It’s hard to keep up with the ever-changing slang vocabulary, but we have compiled a list of the most used British slang words to teach you how to wear the British flag and be chuffed.
American vs. British English: The fiasco
The language is the same, but the vocabulary, accents, spellings, and grammar are different in American and British English.
Color and color, grey and gray, tyre and tire are all correct spellings; the only difference is that of the region. Similarly, another significant difference between UK English and US English is vocabulary. Take, for example, the American term fries, which are called chips in the UK. There are so many more pity differences between the two dialects, which makes it even more essential to learn British slang words for Americans!
20 most commonly used amusing British slang
If you’re an American or from any nationality other than British, you might sometimes feel a bit odd out of the group.
It’s entirely possible to visit the UK and not be able to understand what the bartender just said, don’t worry, we won’t let you get embarrassed!
From Alright? to ta ta, we have shortlisted the most popular and exciting British slang words for you to start learning the slang vocabulary without a dictionary in hand.
1. Alright?
Americans might think alright means, okay but it actually is an interrogative term in the UK. This British slang means he is asking if you’re doing fine and are well. In easy words, Alright? It is the equivalent of How are you in British English.
2. Mate
If you have a British friend or ever met anyone from the land of the Queen, you would have heard them saying, mate. Not to break your little heart, but you aren’t particular if a British person calls you mate. You can meet a stranger in the streets of London, and they’d call you mate. Mate is another widely used British slang, which literally means friend but is used in an exchange of the word “excuse me” at times.
3. Chuffed
Chuffed is just another posh, expensive-looking synonym of happy. If you are proud of something or joyful over someone, the best British slang word to explain happiness is chuffed.
4. Lad/Chap
Like mate, lad or chap are other synonyms for calling or excusing someone. Lad is British slang for a boy, while chap is typically used for man.
5. Fancy
This is yet another exciting word popular in British culture and is used as a posh synonym in the US. To fancy someone indicates that you find that particular someone attractive and appealing. If that person fancies you too, you should go out and score it!
6. Rip off
It’s a relatively simple term that means something’s not worth it. It’s a rip-off, which means a thing is not as good as it sounds.
7. Gobsmacked
When someone has exciting, unpredictable news for you, you get surprised or astonished in American terms, but in British slang words, you’re gobsmacked. They have the same meaning.
8. Cheers
Clinging your wine glasses together and shouting cheers isn’t the only way to use this word. In British slang vocabulary, cheers can also be used as a hi, bye, or thanks.
9. Blinding
The term is a positive word used to describe something beautiful or eye pleasing—for example, a blinding date or a blinding dress.
10. Bloody
Ever heard Gordon Ramsay swearing at the contestants in a cooking show? He uses the term bloody a lot. It’s the British version of the word “really.”
Bloody hell also manifests shocking expressions.
11. Bugger off
The term is less harsh than telling someone to go away or f**k off. It’s a less mean version but has the same meaning.
12. Innit?
Heard British personnel talking? It’s their accent that changes aren’t it to innit, a shorter form of the phrase. It’s attractive, innit?
13. Posh
The British slang word posh is used worldwide among English speakers. The term means fancy or expensive.
14. Poppycock
Meaning nonsense, stupid, or garbage, this British slang is a positive word to insult someone.
15. Snog
The word sounds like it means to hide, but in reality, it is one of the romantic British slang words. Yes, snog means to kiss, also typically called a make-out.
16. Spooning
Spooning is another joyful word in romantic British slang that means two very separate things.
Spoony refers to foolish while spooning means to cuddle with a special someone, lying on your side, fitting like spoons. It is a rather romantic term.
17. Having a giraffe
This term can certainly not be used in literal terms. Having a giraffe means you’re joking or have a laugh, which is often used sarcastically.
18. Butters
Butter is smooth, creamy, and tasty, but the British slang word butters refer to someone who’s highly unattractive.
19. Knackered
Exhausted or drained after a day of backbreaking work? You can express yourself as knackered. The term is relatively new to the 20th-century slang book. Before that, the term knack was used for killing or slaughter.
20. Ta ta
Do you want a sound more friendly with your goodbyes? Use the British slang word ta ta or laters instead of the not-so-exciting term “bye.”
Closing Note
Learning the slang from the UK is not enough if you want to fit in. Learn to communicate them properly with an accent. That’s when they make the most sense. Stop faffing around; use these blinding British slang in your daily conversations. Slang dictionaries keep altering and getting a hold of the expressions. You should start implying them around chums. Stay chuffed!
