If you're new to the language or just want to be able to communicate with the locals, it's important to know some of the slang used in Britain. In this blog post, we'll give you a crash course in British slang and teach you how to use it in your everyday life. So whether you're planning a weekend away in London or just want to sound like a real Brit, keep reading!
British Slang You Need to Know
Dodgy
The word dodgy can be used to describe anything you’re a bit concerned about. It can be used to mean anything that’s low-quality, potentially dangerous or unreliable.
Example:
“I don’t think that chicken has been cooked properly, it looks dodgy.”
Loo
This means toilet and is probably one of the most common slang words in Britain.
Example:
“I’ll be right back, I just need the loo.”
what does shattered mean in British slang?
shattered shattered British slang used to mean "exhausted" or "very tired." It's an informal way of saying someone is completely worn out, physically or mentally.
"I’m shattered after that long day at work."
“I’m shattered, I was up studying all night.”
Quid
Quid is a British slang word you will hear a lot in Britain and it means pound (£).
Example:
“Can I borrow a few quid.”
Skint
This British slang also has to do with money but this time it means you don’t have any.
Example:
“I’m skint and I don’t get paid until next week.”
Cheers
While cheers are used for a celebration toast with drinks, in Britain you can also use cheers as a replacement for a more informal thank you.
Example:
“Cheers for buying me a drink.”
Gutted
If someone is gutted it means they are very disappointed or upset depending on the context.
Example:
“The concert got cancelled, I’m gutted.”
Cuppa
Cuppa is possibly the most important British slang you could learn. It’s short for a cup of tea and is used daily by the majority of Britons.
Example:
“Do you want to come over for a cuppa?”
Jiffy
This word means in a short amount of time. It’s usually said with enthusiasm but not always.
Example:
“I’ll be back in a jiffy.”
Wonky
The word wonky has a few slightly different meanings depending on context. It can mean something doesn’t work quite right, something is unstable or something is not straight.
Examples:
“I have a bit of a wonky knee at the minute.”, “Don’t sit on the wonky stool.” and “That shelf looks a bit wonky.”
Naff
Naff is a British slang used to describe something that is lacking in style or taste and is normally used after the phrase ‘a bit’.
Example:
“I think wearing socks with sandals looks a bit naff.”
Kip
This is just another word for sleep, but is closer in meaning to the word nap.
Example:
“I’m going to have a kip before we go out later.”
Daft
The word daft can be substituted for silly or foolish. While it’s mostly used in a light-hearted way it can come across as rude if you say it to a stranger.
Example:
“Don’t be daft, I’m not going to the beach in winter.”
Do
Do is often used as a replacement for the word party.
Example:
“I’m going to a birthday do tomorrow.”
what is gobsmacked
The word "gobsmacked" is an informal British slang term that means being completely amazed, astonished, or shocked to the point of being speechless.
Origin
"Gob" is a slang word for mouth in British English.
"Smacked" refers to being hit.
Together, "gobsmacked" suggests being so surprised that it's as if you've been hit in the mouth, leaving you stunned.
Example:
I was gobsmacked when I won the lottery.
I was gobsmacked by how beautiful the villa design was!
He was gobsmacked when he saw his exam results.
Taking the Mickey
You may have heard this phrase in a British movie or television show, but it has nothing to do with a character named Mickey (or the famous Disney mouse)! The full phrase is to take the Mickey out of someone, which means to make fun of a person, and is usually phrased as a question:
I have a feeling you’re being sarcastic. Are you taking the Mickey out of me?
Bloke
In addition to the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland also frequently use these UK slang phrases. The phrase "guy" or "dude," which is just another word for "man," is the American equivalent of "bloke."
My classmate, Jim, is a really nice bloke. / Did you see a bloke wearing a red jacket?
Innit
Innit is a popular British slang term derived from the phrase "isn't it". It is commonly used in informal speech, particularly in British English
It’s widely used across the UK and understood in both casual conversations and among friends. Would you like examples of other British slang terms?
Thank you
In British slang, common ways to say "thank you" include "Cheers" for casual gratitude, "Ta" as a short informal thank you, and "Nice one" to appreciate helpful actions. For a polite tone, "Much obliged" works well, while calling someone a "Legend" shows high praise for going above and beyond. Each adds a unique British charm to conversations.
We have the perfect course if you enjoyed learning these British slang words and want to know more. Our General English course is great for those who want to learn about all aspects of life in the UK slang. We cover topics from basic vocabulary to conversation skills and everything in between. Sign up today and start learning the language that will help you communicate with anyone from anywhere in the world.