English may be a language I share with my new British friends, but there are definitely times when it seems like they’re speaking a foreign language. After living in England for the past two months, my ears have gotten used to these foreign sounding slang words and how to properly use them when talking to other British friends.
I have compiled a short list of some of the most common slang words and phrases I’ve heard the past couple of months, how they would translate into American words and the proper way to use them in a sentence.
Gutted – Another way to say disappointed or upset. “Did you see that football match last night? I’m completely gutted Everton lost.”
Knackered – Tired or exhausted. “Being in lectures all day has left me knackered.”
Quid – Equivalent to saying pound. “This top was only three quid.”
The British one pound coin
Squidge – scooch, smush, squish. “There’s enough room on the bed if we all squidge.”
Cheers – an alternative way to say thanks, as when getting a tea or someone holds a door open for you. Also what you say when you drink. “Cheers, mate.”
Wellies – short for Wellingtons, another word for rain boots. “It’s so muddy I should have worn my wellies.”
Posh – upper class, smart. “Have you heard his accent? It’s quite posh.”
Queue – line, to wait for something. “This queue is taking forever.”
Washing up – do the dishes. “Make sure you do the washing up after you’ve eaten.”
Chirps – said when two people are observed to be flirting, most of the time to another person in the room, not the people flirting. “See those two over there? Chirps!”
Plaster – adhesive bandage or band aid. “Anyone got a plaster? I’ve cut myself.”
Take the piss – make fun of. “We’re only taking the piss out of you. Don’t worry.”
Banter – generally harmless joking that occurs between friends. “I’m just here for the tea and banter.”
Chav – abbreviation for council house and violence, used to describe young people who dress in tracksuits and wear sideways flat-billed hats. Sometimes accompanied by gold chains. “Did you see all those chavs back there?”
Half six, half eight, half two, etc. – another way to say the time, instead of six thirty or eight thirty, etc. “We need to be there by half three.”
To be fair – used when trying to justify certain actions. “To be fair, I did have four beers by that point.”
Twat – used as an insult. Actually a slang word for a woman’s genitals. “Why are you being such a twat?”
Need a Wee - having to use the toilet. “Guys, wait for me! I really need a wee.”
Chunder – vomit, puke, generally relating to drinking. “I was so sick I thought I was going to chunder.”
Bender – another way to call someone gay or homosexual. “He’s such a bender, I swear.”
Also, a few British tidbits I’ve heard along the way.
“I don’t know what we’re queueing for, but let’s queue for it.” – Sophie
Proving that the British stereotype for their love of queues is completely true.
“I like to complain about the weather.” – Oliver
Also proving the British love to discuss the weather, especially when it’s raining, which is most of the time.
