25+ Must-Know British Slang Words And Phrases

Are you moving to the United Kingdom for your higher studies? If you are an international student moving to the UK, then you must be worried about how you will adjust to the new culture. Many students who go to study abroad face problems in a new culture, as there are cultural and language differences.  

What is a British Slang? 

With a history as old as the 19^th century, the existence of British Slag Words dates way back. Since then, the use of British Slang Phrases has been changing and evolving. These were first used by the British Military, and then many Americans got influenced as well. Till date, the use of British Slang Terms is common, especially in the new generations.  

Since these words and phrases are so common among the British people, you will be surprised to know that British Slang for Kids also exist. To make your life a little easier when you are there, we have curated a list of Modern British Slang and Popular British Slang that will help you understand what the people are trying to say. 

Most Common British Slang are given below, along with the British Slang Translations. We will also provide you with an example of how these British English Slang are said in a sentence, so that you can also use them effortlessly. So, without any delay, let’s crack the code for student survival in the United Kingdom. 

British Slang Dictionary 

Imagine you move to London, become friends with the local people from there and when you hangout, you often misunderstand what they are saying. It is tough and a struggle people don’t talk about. While there are some Regional British Slang that people can make out by their use in a sentence, there are some British Slang that go over our head. To make the conversations smoother and better, take notes of the top British Slang that are used in daily life. So, let’s begin: 

A List Of British Slang Words And Their Meanings

Any Road 

Meaning: You may think that the person in front of you is asking you to pick a road out of two. But what they really mean is ‘Anyway’. 
Example: “Any road, are you from New York or Chicago?” 

Blimey 

Meaning: Another common British Street Slang, which is used an expression of being surprised. People use it when they are suddenly surprised. 
Example: “Blimey! That is an excellent opportunity”. 

Bloody 

Meaning: You definitely would have heard this one in series, movies, or by people. If you haven’t, then no, it does not mean blood. It actually means adding emphasis or giving importance to something.  
Example: “That’s a bloody huge package”. 

Bonkers 

Meaning: This is a British Slang Quiz for you, because you must guess what the person saying it means. It is often used to portray crazy or mad and is often used after the word ‘completely’ or ‘go’. 
Example: “The weekend is finally here! It’s time to go Bonkers!”. 

Brolly 

Meaning: You may hear this slang in Australia as well. This means an Umbrella. 
Example: “If I had slightest idea of rain today, then I would’ve carried my Brolly”. 

Buzzin 

Meaning: You may hear this British slang in parties. It means being tipsy and excited. 
Example: “Man, that cocktail was so good. I’m totally Buzzin’”. 

Cheeky 

Meaning: As lively as the slang sounds, it actually means that someone has shown disrespect or was impolite, but it came out as amusing or charming. 
Example: “You should never be cheeky to your teachers!” 

Cracking 

Meaning: This British Slang is used to describe a person or a thing, and it usually means good or excellent.  
Example: “He scored a cracking rank in his exams”.  

Dead 

Meaning: We know what you’re thinking, and no, it’s not being dead. This is another British Slang that puts emphasis on something and means ‘very’. 
Example: “I need to eat something, I’m dead hungry”. 

Faffing Around 

Meaning: This is also a common British Slang, which is often said when someone is wasting their time, or not doing something that is productive.  
Example: “Instead of Faffing Around, why don’t you just complete your work?” 

Fiver & Tenner 

Meaning: This slang is an easy one, and you will start using it in no time. In this slang, Fivers refer to the Five Pound Notes, while the Tenner (you obviously know by now!) are the Ten Pound Notes.  
Example: “I have a few Fivers and Tenners. I think that’ll be enough for the movie ticket”. 

Gutted 

Meaning: This may leave you confused. But the meaning of this British Slang is to be extremely upset or devastated about something. People may also use this slang to show how disappointed they are. 
Example: “I am truly gutted for being dropped out of the team”. 

Kerfuffle 

Meaning: To avoid confusion, you must know what this slang means. It means a fight, fuss or a disagreement. 
Example: “I got into a Kerfuffle with the bar’s owner over their service”. 

Lad 

Meaning: This is a pretty easy one, and you will get it the first time you hear it. It means younger men or boys. 
Example: “That Lad’s a gentleman with ladies”. 

Minging 

Meaning: Okay, first of all, it is pronounced as Ming-ing. This is one of the most popular British Insults Slang. It is used to describe something as disgusting or gross. 
Example: “The design on that dress is absolutely Minging”.  

Nosh 

Meaning: A common, popular and simple UK slang for Food. 
Example: “We’ll stop for some nosh on our way”. 

Pied Off 

Meaning: With a long sigh, we want to tell you that if you ever get Pied Off, we’re sorry! This British Slang means to get rejected. 
Example: “She totally pied me off without even going on a date”. 

Proper 

Meaning: This is another British Slang for ‘very’.  
Example: “I really need a proper hot cup of tea to fight this cold”. 

Slag Off 

Meaning: This slang is not used often, but you should know it in case. It means to mock someone. 
Example: “She slagged me off so much when I couldn’t win the bet we made”. 

Throwing a Wobbly 

Meaning: If we have one advice for you, then we would tell you to not throw a wobbly. This British slang means throwing a tantrum. 
Example: “He’s just a child, he will throw a wobbly if he doesn’t get his pizza”. 

To Leg it 

Meaning: We hope you never do it, but the meaning of this British Slang is to physically run away from problem or trouble. 
Example: “The police came there, of course we had to leg it!”. 

Plastered 

Meaning: This is a British word for being drunk. It is also referred to as Trollied. 
Example: “That 5th glass of beer left me totally plastered”.  

Bollocking 

Meaning: Not really a punishment, but bollocking is given when a person does something that they should not have. 
Example: “If you don’t submit the thesis by end of the day, sir will give you a proper Bollocking”. 

Alright? 

Meaning: This can be considered as a battle of British Slang vs American Slang. Americans use this saying quite often, but they express genuine concern when saying it. On the other hand, when British people say it, they are often just greeting each other. 
Example: “Long time! You alright, Max?” “Yeah! You alright, Fred?” 

I’m Chuffed to Bits 

Meaning: A saying that expresses satisfaction, happiness and excitement. British people often use this phrase after an achievement and is followed by words like “pretty” and ““quiet””. This is because British people aren’t one of those who like to show off.  
Example: “I finally got accepted to my dream college. I’m chuffed to bits!”. 

What a load of Poppycock 

Meaning: Adulting is hard, and there are so many things that annoy or irritate us. Derived by the words ’Pap’ and ‘Kak’, this saying translates to “soft dung”. British people often use this saying instead of saying ‘That is nonsense”. 
Example: “They didn’t accept you despite your super credentials? What a load of poppycock!” 

Don’t get your Knickers in a Twist 

Meaning: This British saying is a way of saying not to get hyper or upset over something. 
Example: “You knew he will leave the city in a while, so don’t get your knickers in a twist!” 

Budge Up 

Meaning: This is an informal way of asking someone to scoot over or move over. Remember this one, because you’ll need it when traveling around the United Kingdom. 
Example: “Hey mate, budge up! I need to sit too”. 

She’s a Few Sandwiches Short of a Picnic 

Meaning: One of the favorite British slangs. This is an insulting and funny British slang, that basically means someone is not that clever, or are little dim. Did you know? It was first used in 1987. 
Example: “I think it’s best to not give her such a huge task. You know, she’s a few sandwiches short of a picnic”. 

Innit? 

Meaning: This British slang is pretty understandable when used in a sentence. It translates to “Isn’t it?” 
Example: “This pasta is just heavenly, innit?” 

Conclusion 

If you are a student or wanderer who is planning to explore the United Kingdom this year, then this blog is going to be very helpful for you! In this blog, we have covered the most common 30 British slangs that are used in every other sentence. Moreover, the meanings old British slang is also given above, so that you can take a note and prepare yourself for the new culture, slangs and environment! All the best!