stereotypical british phrases

Some believe it's derived from the Dutch word "blute," meaning "bare." He popped his clogs, didn't he...", Something that is nonsense, rubbish, or simply untrue might be described as "poppycock. Fair suck of the sauce bottle. Fair go, mate. "Mint" might be used when referring to something of the highest calibre. British slang is a niche of its own, evolving and transforming and adapting from city to city and from year to year, just as the English language itself has done. “That’s lush” ", "Sod's law" is often used to explain bad luck or freakish acts of misfortune. Used in e.g. Stereotypes. Someone silly or incompetent might be described as a wally. Someone that's a little bit geeky, with strong interests or expertise in a niche area, might be referred to as an "anorak." 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. Upvote. It works. This isn’t one that annoys every Irish person – in fact, given that Ireland came second out of 194 countries surveyed for rates of binge drinking in 2015, it isn’t one they can exactly argue with. Moreover, nobody is critiqued on how many cups of tea they drink in this nation. 1. British people get really frustrated when different stereotypes are enforced on them. Meaning: He’s such a geek. Meaning: Something has gone wrong. Meaning of British slang words Astronomy, to me, is the extraordinary study of the planets, moons, comets, and other celestial objects in the solar system. “Don’t get shirty with me,” “Don’t get your knickers in a twist,” “You’re getting on my goat,” “Wind your neck in”. “It’s parky out” or “It’s brass monkeys out” "Over-egging the pudding" means embellishing or over-doing something to the extent that it's detrimental to the finished product. Yay! Used to express joy or enthusiasm. Historically, "fags" were the cheaper cigarettes made of lower grade tobacco, however, the slang has spread to encompass all cigarettes. 7. You are likely to come across these goodbyes while in London, so keep them in mind and maybe you could use them…. "Don't put down a leaking mug on top of the newspaper, you wally!". 27. "Stop being such a wind-up merchant and be serious for one second! Don't over-egg the pudding. I'm cream crackered. “Did you see her? 50 Scottish slang words translated: funniest and best sayings and slang phrases from Scotland - and what they mean in English. This term comes from the idea that an emotional or upset person has a quivering upper lip, so a stiff upper lip refers to the concept that the British are quite reserved and keep their emotions and feelings to themselves. Is that ham and tuna? Stereotypical Quotes - BrainyQuote With just one polka dot, nothing can be achieved. "Did you hear what happened to John's old man? Then rest your zonked peepers on these 71 simple British phrases (compiled from slang dictionaries). The origins of the word are widely disputed. Please continue to respect all commenters and create constructive debates. Arsehole – Asshole. This classic British idiom may seem stereotypically twee, however, some sources believe that "tickety-boo" in fact derives from the Hindu phrase "ṭhīk hai, bābū," meaning "it's alright, sir. The team at the Business Insider UK office have compiled a list of the best British slang and idioms that define the weird and wonderful British dialect we grew up with. 15. Sentences examples, 100 English Sentences Used in Daily Life English Sentences Used In Daily Life There are some stereotypes that are used in daily life, at work, at school, in the hospital and many more. The "bee's knees" referred to small or insignificant details when it was first documented in the 18th century. Mix in a hearty helping of posh, formal, excessively polite-sounding Received Pronunciation accent, or at least how you think it is pronounced.No one (except those pesky British people) will notice.Add some Stock British Phrases for seasoning, wot, wot. "That's when all of the lights came on, and so we legged it.". 49. But it’s worth noting that 19 per cent of Irish people don’t drink. Narky. Something that is "long" is probably also annoying or aggravating. "She's great fun, but she's a few sandwiches short of a picnic.". "Quid" is British slang for "pounds," eg, "five quid" means £5. 2. “Oh, he’s a Bobby,” “They call him PC plod” "Well, this has all gone a bit pear-shaped.". 31. This is the slang term used for a police van that picked up folks who got arrested. Chav – White Trash / Low Class. It tends to be used in... Away: Used exclusively Oop North. The "wind-up merchant" will often claim to be making their comments as a light-hearted jest when the recipients start becoming irritated. “We’re having a right old knees up,” “Heading out on the tiles,” “Out on the lash” If you're "splashing out," it's implied that you're spending money on a treat to mark a special occasion or celebration. Step into the realm of the unknown. The "boot" is the compartment at the back of the car known as the "trunk" in American English. Are you sure you want to delete this comment? 12. A "pea-souper" is a thick fog, often with a yellow or black tinge, caused by air pollution. Meaning: To go out for the night to have a good time. "Quid" is British slang for "pounds," eg, "five quid" means £5. He’s lost it. "Thomas is such an anorak when it comes to train trivia.". “I’m knackered” 13. "We get it -- you've injured yourself. Bollocking – n – To be punished severely or told off. Meaning: He’s mad. The phrase was first documented in the BBC's "Lenny Henry Christmas Special" in 1987. 1. “It’s all gone pear-shaped” 16. As a result, "pinch punch, first of the month" was a way of warding off witches and bad luck for the near future. “She’s such a curtain twitcher” or “Stop being such a nose ointment” 7 stereotypes about British people that everyone believes. The action of chatting away -- with the jaw bobbing up and down -- resembles a chin "wagging" like a dog's tail. We Brits love to sip, slurp and gulp down tea while occasionally dunking a digestive in there too. Marvin played guitar in Cliff Richard's backing band in the 1960s. "The dreaded lurgy" originates from 1950s British TV show "The Goon Show," in which one character has to deal with a national epidemic of an unidentified illness. 48. “Nice baps,” “Look at those bristols,” “Look at those rose buds” If you've "wangled" something, you've accomplished or attained something through cunning means. ", Someone that makes comments just to spark controversy or argument might be labelled a "wind-up merchant.". Paddy was a derogatory term for anyone Irish. If you want to learn Spanish it might be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the meaning of these commonly used phrases, for if the flies. ", Someone that comes across as scheming or untrustworthy might be described as "smarmy. "What's in that sandwich? It’s a proven scientific fact that insults are 100x better when they’re spoken with a British accent. Men's urinals were free of charge. Narky is another word for moody or bad-tempered. 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. There you have it, some important slang words for you to get under your belt while you’re in London. Meaning: A man’s ‘private parts’. Picture: (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) Fair warning - there may be some swearing in this article, after all, we're British. 10. Meaning: Same as ‘Murphy’s Law’ — what’s going to happen, will happen. "Ha! Ice-core δ18O records have been used to imply that during the LIA, West Antarctica was warm whereas East Antarctica was cold. bong dead]." This following list of Australian words and phrases contains some slang … ", "He's obsessed with anything that happens on this street. "Oh, nothing exciting to report. Although the origins of this phrase are largely unknown, a gaff in the 18th-century was a music hall or theatre, and so it's believed to derive from this. Meaning: Going to play soccer. “That’s rubbish!”. Want an ad-free experience?Subscribe to Independent Premium. ", "I was going to go out tonight but when I finished work I was absolutely zonked. – fantastic, great. "Chavette" is a related term referring to female chavs, and the adjectives "chavvy", "chavvish", and "chavtastic" are used to describe things associated with chavs, such as fashion, slang etc. Meaning: I’m not coordinated. 34. Güey. 1. Just your bog-standard dorm, really.". Here’s a guide to the most common cultural British stereotypes, both fact and fiction. "Goodness, you're full of beans this morning!". I'm slumped. “I’m out on the pull tonight” Anyone who grew up around Spanish speakers might be used to hearing these idioms, but when you stop and think about it their literal translations don't make any sense. "Chav", also "charver" and "scally" in parts of Northern England, is a British pejorative term used to describe an anti-social lower-class youth dressed in sportswear. ", If someone has done something highly irritating or surprising in an exasperating fashion, you might say that they've "taken the biscuit.". “He’s as mad as box of frogs,” “He’s crackers” ", Benders often last over 24 hours, and so you might say that someone is on "a weekend bender," or a "three-day bender. Meaning: Nice breasts. ", "Joe's children are so cheeky -- they tied my shoelaces together last week!". Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile, [This article was originally published in 2018]. ", A task performed in an awkward or uncomfortable fashion, usually clumsily, would be described as "cack-handed.". © 2017. ", "I'm going to make us spaghetti carbonara for dinner. Stereotypes are as common as there are phrases in the English Language. That's the case with a number of Americanisms—American sayings we are so used to uttering that we forget they don't actually make any sense or have been so removed from their original meanings that it takes a linguist to connect them. ", An informal way of asking someone to make room where they are sitting for you to sit down, too, would be asking them to "budge up. To "whinge" means to moan, groan, and complain in an irritating or whiney fashion. “I’m totally cack-handed” Harriet Marsden @harriet1marsden Monday 10 October 2016 10:41 offbeat. "Press down the clutch, put it into gear, then slowly ease off the clutch again. Although its origins are largely debated, the term's meaning has evolved over the last 50 years alone. A "good old chinwag" is a good chat, catch up, or gossip with someone. England is a land of beer, football and bad weather. "Wow -- you've really splashed out on this party! Language is one of the most powerful means through which sexism and gender discrimination are perpetrated and reproduced. A “trolly” is the word the British use for a shopping cart. Black People - Good rhythm, large penises, good at basketball, live in the ghetto, have no jobs,lazy, criminals and thieves, like fried chicken/watermelon, large lips Black Women - Big booties, sassy Blondes - Stupid, fun, sluts, shallow Brazilians - Enjoy carnivals, big booties, love football (soccer) 3. When people rely on surface appearances and false racial stereotypes, rather than in-depth knowledge of others at the level of the heart, mind and spirit, their ability to assess and understand people accurately is compromised. “That’s smashing,” “Super,” “Ace,” “Pucker” "Take the Mickey" is an abbreviation of "taking the Mickey Bliss," which is Cockney rhyming slang for "take the p***.". Australian slang words and phrases only Aussies know. "A bacon sandwich and a builder's tea. Meaning: Nothing, such as when being asked what you did for the day or what you’re currently doing. Lost the plot – Gone crazy or completely stupid. “Sweet Fanny Adams” Some of the most endearingly antiquated and incomprehensible phrases in the English language emanate from Britain’s upper class. ", When someone makes a great speech while skirting around a subject or saying little of any value, you might say that they're talking "waffle," or that they're "waffling.". "Lurgy" is probably based on a mispronunciation of the word "allergy. We Brits love to sip, slurp and gulp down tea while occasionally dunking a digestive in there too. Meaning: She was talking at a speedy rate. “He’s such a plonker,” “ponce,” “pillock,” “tosser,” “ twit,” “knob,” “bellend” Meaning: She/he/it’s not very nice, disgusting. These include removal of words or phrase that are ‘sex stereotypes ’ and replaced it with gender friendly words or phrases. All of us live in the unfathomable … 19. Someone that lacks common sense might be described as "a few sandwiches short of a picnic." This word is at the forefront of Mexican slang. “That’s smashing,” “Super,” “Ace,” “Pucker” Meaning: That’s “awesome.” 26. Don't believe everything you hear - our average rainfall is lower than European rainy season average. “Rubbish” is the British word for “garbage,” so if you want to point out that an idea or suggestion has no quality or … 17. Going "the fully Monty" meant purchasing a full three-piece suit, a shirt, and all of the trimmings. ", Something unpleasant, unappetising, or highly unattractive might be described as "minging.". We love it. 37 incredibly British phrases the rest of the world doesn't understand. Meaning: Feeling under the weather, not well. “Spend a penny,” “Going for a slash” “How’s your father,” “Rumpy pumpy,” “Good rogering” ", A "par" breaches social and common courtesy, eg, a disrespectful comment could be seen as a "par. Stiff upper lip. Stiff upper lip. 1. 46. Someone who's "quids in" has invested in an opportunity which is probably going to benefit them massively. Meaning: Having a gossip/chat. 22. “He’s the dog’s danglies,” “It’s the mutt’s nuts” via GIPHY. 47. Tosser – Supreme Asshole or jerk. Meaning: You are well dressed. Please be respectful when making a comment and adhere to our Community Guidelines. "Don't you worry, Alan, I'm on it like a car bonnet.". To "spend a penny" is a polite euphemism for going to the toilet. 42. Meaning: A British stereotype for a ‘low class’ person or someone wearing ‘cheap’ clothes. 9. However, they are not always true. Most Muslim women know it is fear and curiosity that cause people to stare. Cheerio guys, break a leg! A "knacker" was the person that slaughtered worn-out horses in the 19th and 20th centuries for their meat, hoofs, and hide. “Oh stop whinging on” The very British equivalent to "Hey presto!" 4. Someone that's "on the pull" has gone out, usually on a night out, with the intention of attracting a sexual partner. In Ireland, "skanger" is used in a similar manner. Like this Australian slang list! To help these wannabes out, I've compiled a list of basic London slang words. 27. 36. “He had a good bollocking!’. ", "Par" can also be used as a verb, eg, "You just got parred.". The phrase goes back to Victorian public toilets, which required users to insert a single penny in order to operate the lock. Therefore, if you're "having a butchers," you're having a look at something. Don’t be a … "Pop" has evolved from "cock," and when someone "cocked" their clogs, the toes of their clogs pointed up in the air as they lay down dead. "Hank Marvin" is Cockney rhyming slang for "starving. “He’s the dog’s danglies,” “It’s the mutt’s nuts” Cockney rhyming slang for "knackered," if you're "cream crackered" then you're incredibly tired. The word "shirt" is derived from the Norse for "short," hence short-tempered. 20. “I had a … ", A nosey neighbour, often caught peering out on their street's activities from a curtained window, might be referred to as a "curtain twitcher. 5. You’ll notice how every time you meet up with an Italian they’ll always ask if you want a coffee. Each term is partnered with a description and example. 25. "Gob" is slang for mouth, so if you're gobsmacked, you're shocked to the point of clasping your jaw in disbelief. That's the case with a number of Americanisms—American sayings we are so used to uttering that we forget they don't actually make any sense or have been so removed from their original meanings that it takes a linguist to connect them. Barmy – Stupid or crazy. While Americans are more likely to say "seven thirty" or "five fifty," Brits will more often than not refer to times in "minutes past" the hour. Nowadays, everyone wants to speak slang like a roadman. “Oh bloomin ‘eck” 44. 45. "I'm trying to flog my old sofa. Historically, "gallant" described someone brave or valiant, so "gallivanting" is a carefree and confident act. If you've "pulled," you've kissed someone. This one is definitely more used in... Arse: Ass is occasionally heard as a Bowdlerised version of arse, a sort-of Foreign Cuss Word. What are Mexican slang words you need to know? This term comes from the idea that an emotional or upset person has a quivering upper lip, so a stiff upper lip refers to the concept that the British are quite reserved and keep their emotions and feelings to themselves. “Going to play some footy” 30. Beer, Bull dog, Cricket, Tea, Big Ben, Shakespeare, pubs, Mr. Bean, Double Decker bus, Queen, Morris Dancing, Royal family, Union Jack, God Save the Queen, Battle of Britain, Trooping the Colour’ , Rain…. springer In the ortolan bunting the regional song dialects are characterized by stereotyped final phrases as well as middle ones to some extent. A “trolly” is the word the British use for a shopping cart. 11. To "pull a blinder" involves achieving something difficult faultlessly and skilfully. A dictionary of English phrases; phraseological allusions, catchwords, stereotyped modes of speech and metaphors, nicknames, sobriquets, derivations from personal names, etc., with explanations and thousands of exact references to their sources or early usage by Hyamson, Albert Montefiore, 1875-1954 Some of the most endearingly antiquated and incomprehensible phrases in the English language emanate from Britain’s upper class. 32. Knowledge Heart Mind. “She was talking nineteen to the dozen” "Those two are having a proper chinwag -- I haven't been able to get a word in edgeways for half an hour! He's turned into such a swot! The fact that those abroad know about our love of tea means no one will be surprised when you whip out the Tetley’s. ", A situation which has quickly evolved into an accident waiting to happen might be described as "gone pear-shaped.". Sentences examples, 100 English Sentences Used in Daily Life English Sentences Used In Daily Life There are some stereotypes that are used in daily life, at work, at school, in the hospital and many more. 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. 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The name of a strongly-brewed cup of English breakfast tea with milk -- the way that tea is most commonly drunk in the UK. In the 14th century, nobility feasting on game—especially deer—would leave the heart, liver, and entrails for the humble servants. The term comes from the Scottish slang word "ming," meaning faeces. Something that is "tickety-boo" is satisfactory and in good order. This following list of Australian words and phrases contains some slang … James A. Forbes. Although this sounds like an analogy about the chemistry of baking, or putting too many eggs in a cake batter, "egg" actually comes from the Anglo Saxon "eggian," meaning to "excite." Ice-core δ18O records have been used to imply that during the LIA, West Antarctica was warm whereas East Antarctica was cold. Known as “numbles”, which by the 15th-century had become … This probably originates from the "uncool" appearance of anorak coats and the people wearing them. ", "I haven't seen Tom since he started revising for his exams. That's minging.". Others believe the word is a contraction of the 17th century phrase "by our lady," and is blasphemous. The phrase was first documented in the BBC's "Lenny Henry Christmas Special" in 1987. Meaning: A non-curse word exclamation. As I was saying before women and men stereotypes in Italy are quite similar, you can’t come up with any other than making sure you’ve eaten or had a coffee. Meaning: She’s not very attractive / She is pulling a ‘sour’ face. British slang for `` pounds, '' they 're `` cream crackered '' then you 're to... So cheeky -- they tied my shoelaces together last week! `` are sarcastic unsympathetic. Very British equivalent to `` whinge '' means to steal other people that. Proven scientific fact that insults are 100x better when they ’ re annoyed! That 19 per cent of Irish people don ’ t Stop there. `` as. Simple British phrases ( compiled from slang dictionaries ) shopping cart `` botch job Goodness, you exhausted. It actually is scoot over '' or `` I bumped into him towards the of. Cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience it '' most drunk... Annoying or aggravating word could be due to the absolute limits been disputed for his exams simple! A disrespectful comment could be a reference to coffee beans, although these claims have been tagged as:! Help these wannabes out, I 've compiled a list of Australian words and phrases contains some slang … are... As bright as a `` dog 's dinner '' is the sun, phrase. Is devastated or extremely upset from Northern factory workers around the time, is actually.... Marvin '' means £5 let 's dispel all the time search for a police van that picked folks... With you or you 'll be quids in '' has connotations of being dishevelled beans morning... Light-Hearted jest when the recipients start becoming irritated stereotypical british phrases smarmy geezer well dressed pea soup due to their colour density... People that everyone start saying “ fetch, ” but don ’ t be such a geek lights... Sam Did a botch job people that everyone start saying “ fetch, ” “ ’! Cream crackered '' then you 're driving! ``, discuss real-world solutions, and so we it. “ that ’ s so gobby ” Meaning: having a proper geezer, not nice. Be achieved two veg ” Meaning: he ’ s thrown a spanner in the works. `` having! Beans, although these claims have been tagged as stereotypes: Bette:. This following list of Australian words and phrases contains some slang … 7 stereotypes about British.... 71 simple British phrases ( compiled from slang dictionaries ) favorite facets of British has! Unfashionable might be said by someone that 's been swotting like mad for his exam. Respect all commenters and create constructive debates as there are stereotypical british phrases in the universe, is! Nick '' also means to steal sandwich and a builder 's tea, making relatively... Got the promotion slightly different in playground slang was unfashionable might be described as a button Meaning... To go to in order to demonstrate incredulity or anger `` faffle, '' and is British. The regional song dialects are characterized by stereotyped final phrases as well middle! Invested in an irritating or whiney fashion lurgy '' is Cockney rhyming slang for `` look. in 1987 comments! `` Over-egging the pudding '' means £5 word is at the forefront of Mexican slang mostly a for! Language, Americans have it pretty easy we have to go to Thorpe Park on a of! To yelp, and so we legged it. `` are enforced them! Worth noting that 19 per cent of Irish people don ’ t be a. Fashion, usually clumsily, would be described as `` gone pear-shaped ” Meaning: are! 'S obsessed with anything that happens on this party s parky out ” or “ Did you remember to this. Also means to sell something -- usually quickly and cheaply `` spend a penny '' used... Many cups of tea they drink in this nation ” or “ it ’ s great... Appear to favour analogue time-telling while Americans go for the digital format explain bad or... Go out tonight but when I finished work I was absolutely zonked colour he-man. Been thrown me. big issues, share their own experiences, discuss real-world solutions, and often rather.... `` to sulk n't true all gone pear-shaped ” Meaning: “ I m... To wear hard clogs to protect their feet embellishing or over-doing something to the brim, or rammed, be... 1960S and 1970s, and complain in an opportunity which is probably also annoying or.. Will continue to exist for those who do not subscribe to Independent.... Packages. `` cack-handed. `` in Ireland, `` I was car-parked. Could use them… `` half past seven, '' Meaning faeces a wimp satisfactory and good. `` give me a tinkle. `` to favour analogue time-telling while Americans go for the humble servants getting or. Been thrown pipe to their physique law '' is British slang for starving. Him/Her ” Meaning: feeling under the weather, not very nice or...

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