13 British Slang Words We Should Totally Bring To JMU | The Odyssey Online
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13 British Slang Words We Should Totally Bring To JMU

Because "wonky" is just really fun to say.

Hayley Hall
Jun 13, 2016
James Madison
289
13 British Slang Words We Should Totally Bring To JMU
Wikipedia.org

One of the most interesting things I’ve noticed while studying abroad is the reflexive nature of words; specifically, how the meaning of some words are different in cultures that speak the same language. I’ve come to appreciate British slang so much that I truly think these words can have a place in our culture at JMU, if not for practical use, then just for fun! These are some of my newly found favorites.

1. Bugger/Buggered

Part of Speech: Can be used as a noun, a verb, and occasionally an adjective.

Definition: annoying/ an annoying person

Example: Oh you got an A on that chem test you didn't study for? You lucky bugger!

2. Queue/ Queuing

Part of Speech: Noun/Verb

Definition: A line or the action of getting in line.

Example: I wanted to grab a Starbucks before class, but the queue was too long, OR people are already queuing up for the football game, go Dukes!

3. Loo

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: The restroom

Example: I’m going to the loo. (Simple, but much less crude than the American alternative “I’m going to pee”).

4. Quid

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Slang for the type of currency used.

Example: Punches are such a great deal, I got a ton of snacks from Market for only 8 quid!

5. Barmy

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: Crazy.

Example: You'd be barmy to miss the day drink this Saturday!

6. Fruity

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: Frisky

Example: I'm feeling fruity, let's go to Forest tonight.

7. Dodgy

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: Sketchy

Example: Forest can be a bit dodgy sometimes, but for the most part it's alright.

8. Cheeky

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: Sassy

Example: People always laugh at Sarah's cheeky commentary.

9. Fancy

Part of Speech: Verb

Definition: To like, admire, or take interest in.

Example: You’ve been staring at that girl all night, you totally fancy her.

10. Git/Twit

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A stupid or annoying person.

Example: He's such a git for forgetting our group project meeting / Don't forget next time, you little twit!

11. Wonky

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: Strange and/or unusual.

Example: Well, the DHall food can sometimes be a bit wonky, but usually tastes pretty good.

12. Rubbish

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: Trash; a waste.

Example: You can't come out tonight? That's rubbish, do your paper tomorrow!

13. Cheers

Part of Speech: More of an expression.

Definition: Thank you/goodbye/congratulations...anything you want really as long as it is positive.

Example: Thanks so much for getting me a bagel, cheers!

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