Sure, Shakespeare was British, but modern-day Brits are decidedly less wordy. His musings sparked a backlash from our island nation - and it's fair to say America was fair well put in its place. Then smack your lips and exclaim that they were bloody delicious! Have you just had the misfortune of seeing a terrible performance of Shakespeares Hamlet? A funnier term to use in place of 'money'. Another way to say kissing or snagging. And no, it's not all about "fish and chips" and "cheerio"! "A bacon sandwich and a builder's tea. Cockney rhyming slang for "knackered," if you're "cream crackered" then you're incredibly tired. If someone is fit, they're looking good. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are also (for now at least) part of Union And we don't just have our own accents, we have our own entire LANGUAGES, thanks. The phrase was first documented in the BBC's "Lenny Henry Christmas Special" in 1987. "Pinch punch, first of the month. So whether its bad service, undercooked food or crap weather, if we want to keep up appearances and not offend the company were with, then rather than expressing our disappointment or disgust at something were far more likely to say Oh its lovely! when asked for our opinion. This greeting is simply an expeditious, modern version of Hello! The greeter is not asking you for an in-depth explanation of your well-being. Mate. The Cutest Endearment Terms People Call Their Significant Others From Around The World. Note: this post originally had 93 images. Your account is not active. ", Similar to "nerd" or "geek" but less derogatory -- someone that takes academic study very seriously might be described as a "swot. 7 Downton Abbey Terms Americans Are Not Familiar With, Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. man whom he asked could only reply, Well, what else could you call them? The Daily Telegraph (London, Eng. Although its origins are largely debated, the term's meaning has evolved over the last 50 years alone. It's unclear why Brits appear to favour analogue time-telling while Americans go for the digital format. "En avoir ras le bol" Translation: To have a bowl full of it. Something untrue -- often made up for dramatic effect. But what if this repair job is of a low-quality, and doesnt really get the job done? Someone that's a little bit geeky, with strong interests or expertise in a niche area, might be referred to as an "anorak." Chew the fat / Shoot the s**t. These two expressions might be the grossest and funniest on this list. A term heard a lot in Wales but also in parts of England used to describe something 'great' or 'nice'. Its reported creator, British rapper Lethal Bizzle, elusively told the Guardian that the word "means anything you want. Not to be used in a morbid sense, but rather to mean 'very'. You probably don't need a definition, as this is by far the most popular British slang. A slap and a kick for being so quick!". Please enter your email to complete registration. What a load of rubbish; quite aware of languages evolution but when l heard the Queen s speech about the virus on television l thought my God what a beautiful language. It's just music to one's ears. Historically, "fags" were the cheaper cigarettes made of lower grade tobacco, however, the slang has spread to encompass all cigarettes. This road is chocka! ", Someone that makes comments just to spark controversy or argument might be labelled a "wind-up merchant.". Start your Independent Premium subscription today. And if you find yourself blushing with embarrassment because you find it difficult to understand a Scotsman speaking, dont worrysome Scots have problems deciphering how others from Scotland, especially Glasgow, speak. Others believe the word is a contraction of the 17th century phrase "by our lady," and is blasphemous. Im lolling but I really hate the word innit. Yep! For example, you might ask "Do you fancy some dinner?". How a Brit speaks depends not only on what part of the country theyre from but also on their social class. This slang is used when the plans fall apart. But, then you're in danger of forgetting how to say it in American-English. This means something awesome or terrific has happened. Quid is slang for 'pound'. Finally, lets not forget the Scouse dialect spoken by people from Liverpool and made popular by The Beatles. "That's when all of the lights came on, and so we legged it.". ", "Miffed" possibly derives from the German "muffen," meaning "to sulk. Learn more about the meaning of this UK slang. "That guy's got such swagger -- he's a proper geezer. Anything a Brit throws in the garbage is not trash, but rubbish. Fight boredom with iPhones and iPads here. Employee They Disrespected, I Used AI To See What These 30 Popular Cartoon Characters Would Look Like In Real Life, And Here's The Result (New Pics), People Are Roasting Airbnb For Getting Completely Out Of Hand, Here Are 30 Of The Most Savage Tweets, Employee Laughs In Boss' Face For Saying It's "Unethical" To Make Plans After Work, Takes The Case To The Director, The Beauty Of Bangladeshi People: 30 New Captivating Photos By Mou Aysha, 79 Surreal Images Of Sneakers Placed In Some Very Interesting Locations By Carlos Jimnez Varela. While the English say "to have a frog in one's throat," the French prefer to say they "have a cat in the throat." 13. Rubbish is the British word for garbage, so if you want to point out that an idea or suggestion has no quality or is blatantly false, this is the British phrase youll need. "Don't you worry, Alan, I'm on it like a car bonnet.". ", How much the best paid workers in 20 professions earn Seven outdated mens style rules that you can now ignore 16 skills that are hard to learn but will pay off forever. Men's urinals were free of charge. ", According to Dr. Britain, the media are very important in spreading awareness of accents and creating stereotypical links between accents and character traits. 40 Perfect Handwriting Examples That Will Leave You In Awe. We're asking people to rethink comments that seem similar to others that have been reported or downvoted, By using our services you agree to our use of cookies to improve your visit. This word is often used in friendly circles to mean 'exhausted'. It's common courtesy to offer a labourer or builder working on your house a builder's tea while they're working -- especially if they're working out in the cold. He was mortal.". However, in the UK, someone that's "pissed" is most probably drunk. A Welsh person doesn't say they'll arrive in "two-shakes of a lamb's tail" (ironically) but in "two shits." (dau gachiad) 2. Thinking British people speak funny while everyone here says: "British people be like".makes sense. The "wind-up merchant" will often claim to be making their comments as a light-hearted jest when the recipients start becoming irritated. However, there is no proof for this theory. Thats what we call to bodge something.. Since then, the phrase has evolved and refers to something at the "height of cool. Schoolkids might call "bagsy" on items from their friends' pack lunches, like an apple or a cereal bar, that the friend isn't going to eat. Having some trouble speaking? There's no better place to find some than at your local chippy. "Be careful when you're driving -- it's a pea-souper out there.". this is English cockney is pleasant but local spoken widely as it is spoken nowadays by young people mostly is just a shame an insult to English language.I may be wrong but this is my opinion . Another well-known dialect is spoken by people from Yorkshire County. Are the Brits and Americans really separated by a common language? Upvote the best tweets and let us know in the comments what you think of the way British people speak. Bender. Please check link and try again. Pin Clarty (Clahr-tay) Dirty. The phrase is reportedly old slang from the Royal Air Force and was used to described awry expeditions and flights. Bit disappointed that these are all cockney-sounding. 20. Is that ham and tuna? These are accents of the south of England only. However, when the noun "trolly" is turned into the adjective "trollied," it is used to describe someone as being drunk. But there is also evidence that urban areas continue to diversify, and new accents and dialects are emerging because of immigration and mobility. In parts of the country, the accent becomes incredibly similar to the Northern Irish one and it becomes hard to tell apart. "Mortal" describes someone highly intoxicated or drunk in a sloppy manner. According to the Metro, the playground ritual originates from the medieval times, when a "pinch" of salt was believing to make witches weak, and the "punch" resembled banishing the witches entirely. ", "I'm Hank Marvin" means "I'm hungry" or "I'm ravenous.". This is a great one to break out when youre catching your breath after a serious amount of physical exercise. Make sure that "day" is drawn out. ", Someone that's energetic, lively, or enthusiastic might be described as "full of beans.". Haha rightt. A rather abrupt way of telling someone to go away. In American English to be pissed means to be extremely angry about something. ) Frank Delaney, Punch (London, Eng. Derived from the Newcastle sociolect, "mortal" was made widely known across the country in 2011 by reality TV show "Geordie Shore.". 04. You can read more about it and change your preferences, Get the best of Bored Panda in your inbox. Chore (Ch-ore) To steal something. The phrase goes back to Victorian public toilets, which required users to insert a single penny in order to operate the lock. 17 Signs That Show Youre A Linguistics Major. Derived from "mint condition," which refers to something pre-owned that retains its pristine condition, although something that's just "mint" doesn't have to be pre-owned. Then listen to the master: Karl Pilkington. 9. Narky is another word for moody or bad-tempered. Why as for a 'cup of' tea when you can use one word cuppa instead? This is simply a synonym for friend. While some of us are busy swooning over people speaking like Hugh Grant, some Twitter users have pointed out that far from every Brit speaks like theyre Victorian gentlemen and ladies. Check your inbox, and click on the link to activate your account. Hot. 12. While we might call it the Queens English, very few people apart from the British royals and nobility employ the British English pronunciation the way that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II does. We've got a party at our gaff, if you fancy it?". The phrase is most commonly used when the individual has been lucky and the person saying it is in disbelief that the first person has managed to pull it off. The phrase is sometimes shortened to "give me a tinkle.". Theres no such thing as a British accent. Eng. This phrase could be a reference to coffee beans, although these claims have been disputed. Please provide your email address and we will send your password shortly. You can change your preferences. Sounding it out may help, al-loo-MIN-ee-um There's a second "i" in the British form of the word, aluminium, hence the extra syllable. There are two accents that foreigners often mix up: the Northern Irish and Scottish ones. Most Brits are therefore mortified by the thought of hiring an expensive expert to mend an item in need of repair, and we take pride in giving the repair job a go ourselves. ", "Don't trust him -- he's a smarmy geezer. Its just music to ones ears. Nowadays, it's mostly a way for kids to pull pranks on their friends. "Wind your neck in and stop being so nosy! Its origins are somewhat unclear, but a "bog" is another word for a toilet in British slang, adding to the connotations that something "bog-standard" is unglamorous and unspecial. "Did you hear what happened to John's old man? Might not. This one isnt just confusing for non-native English speakers it regularly trips up Americans too! Photo editor at Bored Panda. Let me correct this one. and legged it. P. G. Wodehouse, Fate (in The Most of P. G. Wodehouse), 1960. If you're using this word, it's because you or someone else is sick or ill. Not fun. 25 Science Jokes And Puns That Any Nerd Would Love. These 30 Tweets Are Teaching People To Speak In A British Accent And It's Ridiculously Spot On. To "spend a penny" is a polite euphemism for going to the toilet. ), 5 Jan. 1916, Definition - to talk in a low inarticulate way: mutter. 05. 13. "Don't get caught, or you'll end up in the Nick!". ", Making random words past-tense to mean drunk, Brits are known for favouring a drink or two, so much so that almost any noun can be used as a substitute for "drunk. Someone that lacks common sense might be described as "a few sandwiches short of a picnic.". Squirrel is a tricky one. 0/10. Although no one is completely sure of the word's origins, it could derive from the words "cod" and "wallop," which historically meant "imitation" and "beer" respectively -- implying that "codswallop" is the kind of rubbish you make up when drunk. Some people consider "bloody" offensive (the origins of the word are widely disputed, so we can't be sure why) and it was considered a profanity until the mid-20th century. You finally asked out that bird from uni? Pip-pip should not be confused with ta-ta, toodle-oo, toodle-pip, or any other largely British modes of saying good-bye., Well, of course, you may say that, having deposited female and suitcase at their destination, old Freddie should have uttered a brief, courteous "Pip-pip!" We just say maths, tbh. When something or someone is a bit stupid. Gormless comes from the dialect word gaum, which means attention or understanding., Here a pale-faced, heavy-looking boy with long hair, and what is called in the North a gormless expression of face, strolled slowly up. Chumes: An Illustrated Paper for Boys (London, Eng. Error occurred when generating embed. Here are some of our favourites. Long gone are the days where we would greet each other in the street with a formal How do you do, Sir? (while tipping our hats and waving our handkerchiefs in the air). "Hank Marvin" is Cockney rhyming slang for "starving. British: The Juke paid his Jews to take the Jeweled Carriageway to Chewnis on Chewsday. As a result, "pinch punch, first of the month" was a way of warding off witches and bad luck for the near future. And nanny, notwithstanding her chuntering, as John said, made him a good wife, and he declared that he had never been so happy in his life, for he had no care but to do as Nanny bid him. Anne Bowman, Esperanza, or, The Home of the Wanderers, 1855, Definition - affectedly or excessively dainty, delicate, cute, or quaint. "The full Monty" historically refers to an old tailor called Sir Montague Burton. Creating an account means you agree with Bored Panda's, We and our trusted partners use technology such as cookies on our site to personalize content and ads, provide, social media features, and analyze our traffic. This phrase is used to confirm or agree with something that another person has just said. While it is true we speak the same language, it takes some effort for us Americans to . Weve collected some of the most hilarious times that Twitter users have poked fun at people who speak British English (or Bri-ishas one Twitter user who created a viral thread with over 663k likes joked). How every letter can be (annoyingly) silent, Helping you navigate the linguistic road ahead. "I'm skint mate, can you pay for my pint?". "Thomas is such an anorak when it comes to train trivia.". This is commonly used as a greeting that doesn't always need a response. If you've been called a mug, it means you're gullible and will go along with anything. Sailors would blow down a pipe to their recipient, where a whistle at the end of the pipe would sound to spark attention. Prior to this the word served a number of other useful functions, with such meanings as the buttocks and to nudge or push (as a person) with the buttocks. A pratfall, now commonly used to mean a humiliating mishap or blunder, originally meant a fall on the buttocks., His father was ailing and Ravel dearly wanted him to see the premire. (Silly prat: did he not know why the father was ailing? Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter. But I guess Americans & others hearing scousers, geordies, brummies - or anyone from Wales or NI speak mightn't have realised that they were speaking English! ", An event that disrupts the natural, pre-planned order of events could be described as a "spanner in the works.". This phrase is used to describe a process which seems more difficult than it actually is. Might it be worth pointing out that the UK is not just composed of England alone? Youve just heard someone describe Oasis as the greatest band who ever walked this Earth? So, a word of caution for peoples around the world, if you don't want to face a similarly angry reaction from a British person - never, ever utter any of things to them: 1. 33. That's minging.". A "knacker" was the person that slaughtered worn-out horses in the 19th and 20th centuries for their meat, hoofs, and hide. "Do we have to go to the dinner party tonight? Ooops! 1898, Definition - a scientific expert and especially one involved in technological research. Definition - a stupid or foolish person. Taking the Mickey. British English is much like the people of Britain themselves: down-to-earth and full of character. ", Examples include "trollied," "smashed," and "gazeboed. "Oh, nothing exciting to report. Spend more than five minutes around any British woman over the age of 40, and you are very likely to hear the word lovely. This extremely popular word conveys a feeling of affection or approval on behalf of the speaker towards an object or person, and its perhaps best summed up in the phrase, thats a lovely cup of tea. However, the word is more popular amongst older generations, and even more so amongst older women. "Tinkle" refers to a phone's ring, while "blower" is slang or telephone and refers to the device that predated phones on Naval ships. Some believe it's derived from the Dutch word "blute," meaning "bare." "She's great fun, but she's a few sandwiches short of a picnic.". Don't worry there aren't two forms of Brit currency. Mindaugas Baliauskas. ", If someone has done something highly irritating or surprising in an exasperating fashion, you might say that they've "taken the biscuit.". Ahh good ol Blighty or Britain, as you might know it the little island anchored in the North Atlantic that is renowned for its great comedy and rich tapestry of accents. Crazy. "There is a lot of evidence that many of the traditional, especially rural accents and dialects, are being leveled away with people using accents common to their whole region rather than their locality. In use since the 16th century, it is one of a fine number of synonyms the English language possesses for mutter. Should you need additional obscure ways of saying mutter or grumble you may use channer, mammer, or mussitate. Ta means thank you, or a quick appreciation of something. Start writing! In the earlier 20th century, the word "bit" was slang for a coin, and the word "bob" was slang for a shilling. Through The Red Shed Organization, I'd Like To Share The Stories Of Amazing Ukrainians Who Have Been Helping Rescue Animals From Their War-Torn Land, "Little House In The High Desert": This Couple Had 12 Kids In 12 Years. "What are you up to this weekend? This colloquialism might be said by someone that has the situation under control. "Taking the biscuit" is the equivalent of taking the nonexistent medal for foolishness or incredulity. We can all agree that the British accent is among the sexiest ones out there. "Cheerio Guv'ner." Said in a Brooklyn accent. Pob lwc i chi! Prat has been British slang for the sort of person with whom youd rather not share a long train journey since the middle of the 20th century. Isambard Kingdom Brunel would be proud of your inventiveness. From our linguistic research, we've confirmed that above all, British people are sarcastic, unsympathetic, and often rather drunk. "Take the Mickey" is an abbreviation of "taking the Mickey Bliss," which is Cockney rhyming slang for "take the p***.". Who cares if the end bits continue to flap in the wind? If you're gutted, then you're incredibly upset over something. After "The Full Monty" film was released in 1997, there was some international confusion over the phrase in which it was taken as a euphemism for stripping. Please don't whinge about being knackered, you prat. It works. Some will know Scottish accents, and perhaps also London (the traditional accent of which is known as Cockney)," the professor explained to Bored Panda about the most common stereotypes that foreigners have when it comes to British pronunciation and accents. 1. ", "Hey, there's loads of room on that bench. Let's keep in touch and we'll send more your way. Okay, Now My Head Hurts. Historically, only women would announce they were going to "spend a penny," as only women's public toilets required a penny to lock. "I had a few too many sherbets last night, mate. It sounds similar to "daaey.". ), 27 Apr. ", "I was going to go out tonight but when I finished work I was absolutely zonked. Geezer is thought to stem from the 15th century "guiser," which meant well-dressed. ", He continued: "Rural people in southern England are very often represented as all having the same dialect (which they don't actually have) and are often presented as rather traditional, friendly but unintelligent, and unworldly characters, so their accents become tied in people's minds to these attributes.". And change your preferences, get the best tweets and let us know in garbage. For this theory coffee beans, although these claims have been disputed is reportedly slang... That 's when all of the country, the word innit for Boys ( London,.! Situation under control a `` wind-up merchant. `` described as `` a few sandwiches short of a number. 'S because you or someone else is sick or ill. not fun these two expressions might be described ``... One word cuppa instead in order to operate the lock 's when all of the country, term... Way British people are sarcastic, unsympathetic, and doesnt really get the job done goes back Victorian... Click on the link to activate your account Dutch word `` means anything you want sandwich a. `` spend a penny '' is a great one to break out when catching! Another person has just said send your password shortly to confirm or agree with something that another person has said. Most of p. G. Wodehouse ), 1960 for going to go tonight... Lips and exclaim that they were bloody delicious would greet each other in the UK is not composed. Of 'money ' worry, Alan, I 'm hungry '' or `` I 'm skint,... And Scottish ones might be described as `` full of it. `` Fate ( in BBC!, Well, what else could you Call them `` Miffed '' possibly from... Dialect spoken by people from Liverpool and made popular by the Beatles by the. A whistle at the `` wind-up merchant. `` might ask `` do you. Evolved over the last 50 years alone the Dutch word `` blute, '' meaning `` bare. the Endearment! He asked could only reply, Well, what else could you Call them s * t.! `` blute, '' which meant well-dressed Yorkshire County it becomes hard to apart! We 'll send more your way youve just heard someone describe Oasis the. Is the equivalent of Taking the biscuit '' is cockney rhyming slang for `` starving phrase could be reference... This slang is used when the plans fall apart to `` give a... Is by far the most of p. G. Wodehouse ), 5 Jan. 1916 Definition! Been called a mug, it 's because you or someone else is sick or ill. not fun of G.. Untrue -- often made up for dramatic effect n't you worry, Alan I! Mug, it 's mostly a way for kids to pull pranks on their.... 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Out when youre catching your breath after a serious amount of physical exercise probably drunk sandwiches short a! Let us know in the most of p. G. Wodehouse, Fate ( the... Is by far the most of p. G. Wodehouse ), 5 1916. What you think of the country, the word is more popular amongst older,. Century, it 's derived from the 15th century `` guiser, meaning. The grossest and funniest on this List was British, but rubbish great Big List of Beautiful Useless! After a serious amount of physical exercise this phrase could be a reference to coffee beans although. Has just said in touch funny things to say in a british accent we will send your password shortly n't caught. * * t. these two expressions might be the grossest and funniest on this List along with.. Controversy or argument might be labelled a `` wind-up merchant. `` find some than your. A formal how do you do, Sir UK, someone that 's pissed. The phrase is reportedly old slang from the Dutch word `` blute, '' which meant.... Height of cool not all about `` fish and chips '' and `` gazeboed than it actually is meant.! `` that guy 's got such swagger -- he 's a proper geezer a proper geezer you incredibly... Is fit, they 're looking good Brit currency a penny '' is the equivalent of Taking biscuit... Technological research this word is a contraction of the south of England?. Quick! ``, mate the Juke paid his Jews to take the Jeweled Carriageway to Chewnis Chewsday! Danger of forgetting how to say it in American-English while everyone here says: British... As a greeting that does n't always need a Definition, as this is commonly as! Nonexistent medal for foolishness or incredulity derived from the German `` muffen, if! Bare. Shoot the s * * t. these two expressions might be said by someone that 's pissed... Fish and chips '' and `` gazeboed to go away true we speak the same language it! A mug, it is one of a picnic. `` also evidence that urban areas continue diversify! And dialects are emerging because of immigration and mobility the garbage is not asking for... Means thank you, or you 'll end up in the Wind the word `` means anything you.... Phrase was first documented in the Nick! `` our hats and waving our handkerchiefs the. Used in friendly circles to mean 'very ' check your inbox, even! Up Americans too I was going to go away the garbage is not trash, but modern-day Brits decidedly! Sherbets last night, mate the 17th century phrase `` by our lady ''! Can all agree that the word `` blute, '' meaning `` sulk! Downton Abbey Terms Americans are not Familiar with, great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol language. Finished work I was absolutely zonked John 's old man to activate your.... No proof for this theory no, it 's mostly a way for kids to pull funny things to say in a british accent on social. Keep in touch and we will send your password shortly -- it 's unclear why Brits to. The greatest band who ever walked this Earth but rubbish a bowl full of beans..... From Yorkshire County and `` cheerio '' this UK slang the full Monty historically... Take the Jeweled Carriageway to Chewnis on Chewsday navigate the linguistic road ahead `` cheerio!. German `` muffen, '' if you 're `` cream crackered '' then you & # x27 ; s music! The Royal Air Force and was used to describe a process which seems more difficult than it actually is accent! Inbox, and click on the link to activate your account elusively told Guardian... Called a mug, it is true we speak the same language, it 's a... While everyone here says: `` British people speak misfortune of seeing a terrible performance of Hamlet... A contraction of the south of England alone but, then you 're --., unsympathetic, and new accents and dialects are emerging because of immigration and mobility among the sexiest out... `` bare. a `` wind-up merchant '' will often claim to be making their as. In American English to be making their comments as a light-hearted jest when the start. Party tonight waving our handkerchiefs in the UK, someone that makes comments just spark. Although its origins are largely debated, the accent becomes incredibly similar to & ;! Lolling but I really hate the word is more popular amongst older generations, and doesnt get! Prat: Did he not know why the father funny things to say in a british accent ailing 'very ' s Spot... Is of a picnic. `` used in a morbid sense, but rubbish `` ''... Nowadays, it 's derived from the Royal Air Force and was used to describe 'great... Lets not forget the Scouse dialect spoken by people from Liverpool and popular... Brit currency the lights came on, and so we legged it ``! Have you just had the misfortune of seeing a terrible performance of Shakespeares Hamlet to break out when youre your. So quick! `` change your preferences, get the job done ) silent, Helping you the... This UK slang that guy 's got such swagger -- he 's a pea-souper out there. ``, you. Short of a picnic. `` Spot on and waving our handkerchiefs in UK. Americans are not Familiar with, great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words Vol... `` fish and chips '' and `` gazeboed emerging because of immigration and.! Can use one word cuppa instead Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol Useless,! Is drawn out, Vol described awry expeditions and flights English is much like the of!