88 VERY BRITISH PHRASES THAT WILL CONFUSE ANYBODY WHO DIDN'T GROW UP IN THE UK

slumped

Lacking in energy; usually after a long period of exertion. "Do we have to go to the dinner party tonight? I'm ______."

leg it

Make a run for it; run away; scarper. "That's when all of the lights came on, and so we _____ed ____."

bender

"Bender" Someone on a spree of excessive drinking and mischief is "on a ______." Benders often last over 24 hours, and so you might say that someone is on "a weekend ______," or a "three-day ______." "I bumped into him towards the end of his four-day ______. He was a wreck."

cost a bomb

"Cost a _____" Expensive. "Your watch is gorgeous." "I should hope so, it cost a _____."

over-egg the pudding

"Over-______ing the _______" means embellishing or over-doing something to the extent that it's detrimental to the finished product. 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." This is still used in English in the phrase "egging someone on" to do something. In "over-______ing the ______" analogy, someone is over-exciting, or over-mixing, the batter too much before it bakes -- resulting in a tough or dense cake. "We get it -- you've injured yourself. Don't over-____ the _____."

(the) Nick

"The _____" can refer to prison, while "to _____" also means to steal. The origins of the phrase are largely debated online, however, it's believed that "to ____" as in to steal influenced the slang term for prison, as being imprisoned is similar to being "stolen" away. "Did you just ____ that?" "Don't get caught, or you'll end up in the _____!"

Bob's your uncle

"_____ ____ ____" The very British equivalent to "Hey presto!" or "Et voila!" This phrase is used to describe a process which seems more difficult than it actually is. "Press down the clutch, put it into gear, then slowly ease off the clutch again. _____ _____ _____-- you're driving!"

mint

"_____" might be used when referring to something of the highest calibre. Derived from "_____ condition," which refers to something pre-owned that retains its pristine condition, although something that's just "_____" doesn't have to be pre-owned. "Those shoes are ____!"

innit

"______ " is an abbreviation of "isn't it" most commonly used amongst teenagers and young people. This phrase is used to confirm or agree with something that another person has just said. "It's really cold today." "_____."

gaff

"______ " is an informal word for "home." Although the origins of this phrase are largely unknown, a ______ in the 18th-century was a music hall or theatre, and so it's believed to derive from this. "What are you up to this weekend? We've got a party at our _____, if you fancy it?"

Chinese whispers

"______ ______" are rumours that have been circulated and watered down until they only vaguely resemble the truth. The phrase originates from the game "______ ______" commonly played at children's parties. A phrase is whispered around a circle and the last person to hear the phrase has to guess what the initial phrase was. "Simon heard from John that you were fired." "What? No. I just had Friday off work." "Oh. It must have been ______ ______."

Hank Marvin

"______ ______" is Cockney rhyming slang for "starving." "I'm _____ ______ " means "I'm hungry" or "I'm ravenous." _____ _____ is a British musician from the 1960s and 1970s, and is a pretty obscure reference nowadays. _____ played guitar in Cliff Richard's backing band in the 1960s. "When are we going to eat? I'm _____ ____."

pissed

"_______ " usually means "angry" in the US. However, in the UK, someone that's "______" is most probably drunk. "Oh leave him alone, he's ______!"

butchers

"_______ hook" is Cockney rhyming slang for "look." Therefore, if you're "having a _______," you're having a look at something. "Would you take a ______ at this broken bike for me?"

skive

"____ing" is the act of avoiding work or school, often by pretending to be ill. "______" is derived from the French "esquiver," meaning "to slink away." "He ______ off school so we could all go to Thorpe Park on a weekday."

geezer

A "______ " is a man that could be described as "suave" or "dapper," and is often suited and booted. Men from east London are also commonly referred to as "_____s." ______ is thought to stem from the 15th century "guiser," which meant well-dressed. "That guy's got such swagger -- he's a proper ______."

chinwag

A "good old ______ " is a good chat, catch up, or gossip with someone. The action of chatting away -- with the jaw bobbing up and down -- resembles a _____ "____ing" like a dog's tail. "Those two are having a proper _____ -- I haven't been able to get a word in edgeways for half an hour!"

par

A "_____ " breaches social and common courtesy, eg, a disrespectful comment could be seen as a "_____." "_____" can also be used as a verb, eg, "You just got _____ed." This slang term could be a British abbreviation of the French "faux pas," meaning an embarrassing or tactless remark in a social situation. "I don't mean this as a _____, but did you remember to wash this morning?"

(a) dog's dinner

A "_____ _____" is a mess or fiasco -- sometimes also referred to as a "_____ breakfast." "You've made a _____ _____ of that."

pea-souper

A "_____-_____" is a thick fog, often with a yellow or black tinge, caused by air pollution. The idiom was first used to describe the thick, choking smogs that settled over London, caused by lots of people burning fossil fuels in a close vicinity, as early as 1200. The smogs were compared to ____ soup due to their colour and density. "Be careful when you're driving -- it's a _____-_____out there."

Sod's law

A British axiom that boils down to the idea that: "If anything can go wrong, then it definitely will go wrong." "______ law" is often used to explain bad luck or freakish acts of misfortune. This is more commonly known in the US as "Murphy's law." "Of course my toast had to land on the floor butter-side-down. It's _____ law."

fag

A cigarette. A "_____ end" is also the ratty bits towards the ends of a reel of fabric, which are the worst and the cheapest bits of the reel. Historically, "_____s" were the cheaper cigarettes made of lower grade tobacco, however, the slang has spread to encompass all cigarettes. "Could I pinch a ____, please?"

shambles

A disorganised mess or chaotic environment might be described as a "______." "What's happened here? This is a ______!"

(a) curtain twitcher

A nosey neighbour, often caught peering out on their street's activities from a curtained window, might be referred to as a "______ ______." "He's obsessed with anything that happens on this street. He's a bloody _____ ______, but he still won't sign for our packages."

botch (job)

A repair job that's been completed in a hurry and will probably fall apart reasonably soon is considered a "______ job." "Sam did a ____ job on these shelves -- they're wonky!"

(go) pear-shaped

A situation which has quickly evolved into an accident waiting to happen might be described as "gone _____-______." The phrase is reportedly old slang from the Royal Air Force and was used to described awry expeditions and flights. "Well, this has all gone a bit _____-_____."

cack-handed

A task performed in an awkward or uncomfortable fashion, usually clumsily, would be described as "____-_____." "_____" is old-fashioned slang for faeces. "He handles a screwdriver very ____-_______ly."

brolly

Abbreviation of "umbrella." "Grab your ______, it's drizzling outside."

(the) full Monty

After "The ____ ____" film was released in 1997, there was some international confusion over the phrase in which it was taken as a euphemism for stripping. However, "the ____ _____" actually refers to pursuing something to the absolute limits. "The ____ ______" historically refers to an old tailor called Sir Montague Burton. Going "the _____ _____ " meant purchasing a full three-piece suit, a shirt, and all of the trimmings. "Our Christmas dinner had everything from sprouts to Yorkshire puddings. If you're going to have a roast, have the ____ _____!"

anorak

Although it's more often used as a synonym for raincoat, an ______ is something slightly different in playground slang. Someone that's a little bit geeky, with strong interests or expertise in a niche area, might be referred to as an "______." This probably originates from the "uncool" appearance of ______ coats and the people wearing them. "Thomas is such an _____ when it comes to train trivia."

cheeky

An act which could be deemed as impolite or shameless, but for some reason comes across as funny or endearing to others, would be described as "______." "Joe's children are absolute rascals -- they tied my shoelaces together last week!" "Those _______ monkeys."

dench

An adjective used to advocate something that is impressive or agreeable, ______ is the equivalent of "solid" or "cool" when used in response to someone else. Its reported creator, British rapper Lethal Bizzle, elusively told the Guardian that the word "means anything you want." "I'm going to make us spaghetti carbonara for dinner." "______."

doddle

An easy task is a "_______." The word could be a variation of "toddle" -- like a young child's first steps. "This will be a _____."

spanner in the works

An event that disrupts the natural, pre-planned order of events could be described as a "______ in the _____." The phrase describes the mayhem caused when something is recklessly thrown into the intricate gears and workings of a machine. "By getting pregnant, Mary threw a _____ in the ____."

budge up

An informal way of asking someone to make room where they are sitting for you to sit down, too, would be asking them to "______ ____." It's similar to "scoot over" or "move over." "Hey, there's loads of room on that bench. ______ _____ and make some room for us, too!"

clanger

An obvious and indiscreet mistake or blunder. "You dropped a ______ there." He was always dropping ______s (= making embarrassing mistakes or remarks).

gobsmacked

Astounded; bewildered; shocked. "_____" is slang for mouth, so if you're _______, you're shocked to the point of clasping your jaw in disbelief. "I was ______!"

bagsy

Calling "______ " is the equivalent of calling "shotgun" or "dibs" when something, like the front seat of the car, is offered up to a group. Schoolkids might call "______" on items from their friends' pack lunches, like an apple or a cereal bar, that the friend isn't going to eat. "Does anyone want thi--" "_______!"

cream crackered

Cockney rhyming slang for "knackered," if you're "_____ _____" then you're incredibly tired. A "knacker" was the person that slaughtered worn-out horses in the 19th and 20th centuries for their meat, hoofs, and hide. So, if you're "ready for the knacker's yard," you're exhausted beyond relief. "This week's done me in already, and it's only Tuesday. I'm ____ ______."

mortal

Derived from the Newcastle sociolect, "______" was made widely known across the country in 2011 by reality TV show "Geordie Shore." "______" describes someone highly intoxicated or drunk in a sloppy manner. "Did you see Scott last night? He was ______."

zonked

Exhausted; tired. "I was going to go out tonight but when I finished work I was absolutely _______."

take the biscuit

If someone has done something highly irritating or surprising in an exasperating fashion, you might say that they've "taken the _______." "Taking the ______" is the equivalent of taking the nonexistent medal for foolishness or incredulity. "I could just about deal with the dog barking at 5:30a.m., but the lawnmower at 3 a.m. really takes the _______."

lurgy

If someone's "caught the _____," they're suffering from cold or flu-like symptoms. "The dreaded ______" originates from 1950s British TV show "The Goon Show," in which one character has to deal with a national epidemic of an unidentified illness. "_____ " is probably based on a mispronunciation of the word "allergy." "She's come down with the dreaded _____."

pants

If you say that something is ______, you mean that it is very poor in quality. [British, informal] The place is _____ , yet so popular. "That is _______."

wind your neck in

If you want to tell someone to not concern themselves with issues that don't directly affect them, you might tell them to "_____ their ____ in." This classic phrase is another way of telling someone that their opinion is not appreciated in the given scenario. "____ your ____ in and stop being so nosy!"

wangle

If you've "______ed" something, you've accomplished or attained something through cunning means. "I _____ed some first-class seats by being nice to the cabin crew!"

gutted

Not to be confused with literally being disembowelled, someone that says they're "______" is devastated or extremely upset. "I was absolutely _____."

chuffed

Overjoyed; full of pride. "I heard you got the promotion. Congratulations! You must be ______."

swot

Similar to "nerd" or "geek" but less derogatory -- someone that takes academic study very seriously might be described as a "______." "_______ " can also be used as a verb. "I haven't seen Tom since he started revising for his exams. He's turned into such a _____!" "Yeah, he's been _____ing like mad for his Spanish exam."

miffed

Slightly irritated or annoyed. "______ " possibly derives from the German "muffen," meaning "to sulk." "I was a bit ____, I can't lie."

shirty

Someone short-tempered or irritated might be described as "______." The meaning of this slang has been debated at length. The word "______ " is derived from the Norse for "short," hence short-tempered. However, other people believe that "_____" has connotations of being dishevelled. "Don't get ____with me, mister."

wally

Someone silly or incompetent might be described as a _____. Although its origins are largely debated, the term's meaning has evolved over the last 50 years alone. In the 1960s, someone that was unfashionable might be nicknamed a "_____," according to dictionary.com. "Don't put down a leaking mug on top of the newspaper, you _____!"

smarmy

Someone that comes across as scheming or untrustworthy might be described as "______." Although the adjective's origins remain largely unknown, early documented uses seem to use the word as synonymous with "smear," further suggesting that someone who is "smarmy" is also "slick" or "slippery." "Don't trust him -- he's a ______ geezer."

dim

Someone that lacks common knowledge might be described as "____," whilst someone that's intelligent might be described as "bright." "She's a bit ____."

a few sandwiches short of a picnic

Someone that lacks common sense might be described as "a few ________ short of a _____."

wind-up merchant

Someone that makes comments just to spark controversy or argument might be labelled a "wind-up ________." The "wind-up ______ " will often claim to be making their comments as a light-hearted jest when the recipients start becoming irritated. If you're "winding someone up," you're making them tense or irritated in the same way you wind up a Jack-in-the-box before it pops. "Stop being such a wind-up _______ and be serious for one second!"

on the pull

Someone that's "on the _____" has gone out, usually on a night out, with the intention of attracting a sexual partner. "______ " can also be used as a verb. If you've "____ed," you've kissed someone. "You look nice. Are you going on the ____?"

full of beans

Someone that's energetic, lively, or enthusiastic might be described as "full of _____." This phrase could be a reference to coffee beans, although these claims have been disputed. "Goodness, you're full of _____ this morning!"

quids in

Someone who's "______ ____" has invested in an opportunity which is probably going to benefit them massively. "_____" is British slang for "pounds," eg, "five _____" means £5. "If it all works out as planned, he'll be _____ ___."

chockablock

Something full to the brim, or rammed, could be described as "________." This is sometimes shortened to "_______." "We should've taken the other route. This road is ______!"

skew-whiff

Something that is "____-____" is askew. "Is it just me or is that painting a bit ___-____?"

tickety-boo

Something that is "_____-_____" is satisfactory and in good order. This classic British idiom may seem stereotypically twee, however, some sources believe that "_____-____" in fact derives from the Hindu phrase "ṭhīk hai, bābū," meaning "it's alright, sir." "Everything's ____-____."

bog-standard

Something that is "_____-______" is completely ordinary with no frills, embellishments, or add-ons. Its origins are somewhat unclear, but a "_____" is another word for a toilet in British slang, adding to the connotations that something "_____-______" is unglamorous and unspecial. "How was the hostel?" "Oh, nothing exciting to report. Just your _____-_____ dorm, really."

poppycock

Something that is nonsense, rubbish, or simply untrue might be described as "________ ." This quintessentially British idiom derives from the Dutch "pap" and "kak," which translate as "soft" and "dung." "What a load of _______!"

long

Something that takes a lot of effort and probably isn't going to be worth all of the effort, either, could be described as "_____." This could be due to the lengths that the person will have to go to in order to complete the task. Something that is "____" is probably also annoying or aggravating. "Cleaning the kitchen is _____."

minging

Something unpleasant, unappetising, or highly unattractive might be described as "______." The term comes from the Scottish slang word "ming," meaning faeces. "What's in that sandwich? Is that ham and tuna? That's ______."

codswallop

Something untrue -- often made up for dramatic effect. Although no one is completely sure of the word's origins, it could derive from the words "____" and "_____," which historically meant "imitation" and "beer" respectively -- implying that "_______" is the kind of rubbish you make up when drunk. "Oh, what a load of _____!"

boot

The "_____" is the compartment at the back of the car known as the "trunk" in American English. "Shove the shopping in the _____."

builder's tea

The name of a strongly-brewed cup of English breakfast tea with milk -- the way that tea is most commonly drunk in the UK. It's common courtesy to offer a labourer or builder working on your house a _______ tea while they're working -- especially if they're working out in the cold. This is probably how the term came about. "A bacon sandwich and a ________ tea. Now that's a proper breakfast."

on it like a car bonnet

This colloquialism might be said by someone that has the situation under control. "How's the report going, Steve?" "Don't you worry, Alan, I'm on it like a car _____."

bee's knees

This phrase became mainstream in the USA in the 1920s despite its British origins, but its popularity in the States has dwindled since the turn of the century. The "______ _____ " referred to small or insignificant details when it was first documented in the 18th century. Since then, the phrase has evolved and refers to something at the "height of cool." "The Beatles are the ______ ______."

flog

To "_____ " means to sell something -- usually quickly and cheaply. "____ing " also refers to whipping a racehorse in order to make it move faster, so there is some speculation into whether you ____ goods in order to make them shift faster, too. However, there is no proof for this theory. "I'm trying to _____ my old sofa. Do you know anyone that might be interested?"

spend a penny

To "_____ a _____" is a polite euphemism for going to the toilet. The phrase goes back to Victorian public toilets, which required users to insert a single ______ in order to operate the lock. Although it sounds crude, the phrase is actually considered a polite way of announcing that you are going to visit the bathroom. Historically, only women would announce they were going to "_____ a ____," as only women's public toilets required a ______ to lock. Men's urinals were free of charge. "I'm going to _____ a _____."

pop your clogs

To "_____ your _____" means to die. This cheery phrase is widely believed to originate from Northern factory workers around the time of the industrial revolution. When they were working on the factory floor, employees had to wear hard ______ to protect their feet. "_____" has evolved from "cock," and when someone "cocked" their ____, the toes of their _____ pointed up in the air as they lay down dead. "Did you hear what happened to John's old man? He _____ed his ______, didn't he..."

faff

To "_____" is to waste time doing very little. "______ " comes from the 17th century word "faffle," which means to flap about in the wind. "We were just _____ing about."

splash out

To "______ _____" means spending significant amounts of money on a particular item or event. If you're "______ing ____," it's implied that you're spending money on a treat to mark a special occasion or celebration. "Wow -- you've really ______ed _____ on this party!"

whinge

To "______" means to moan, groan, and complain in an irritating or whiney fashion. "Quit _______ing."

gallivanting

To "_______ " means to roam, or to set off on an expedition, with the sole intention of having some light-hearted fun. Historically, "gallant" described someone brave or valiant, so "_____ing" is a carefree and confident act. "Off they go again, _____ing."

(pull a) blinder

To "pull a ______" involves achieving something difficult faultlessly and skilfully. 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. "And did you see that equalising goal in the last minute of injury time? He pulled a ______ there."

take the mickey

To "take the ______ " means to take liberties at the expense of others -- and can be used in both a lighthearted and an irritated fashion. "Take the ______" is an abbreviation of "taking the _______ Bliss," which is Cockney rhyming slang for "take the p***." "Hey! Don't take the ______."

fit

Used to describe someone physically attractive, usually referring to their physique. "He's ____."

waffle

When someone makes a great speech while skirting around a subject or saying little of any value, you might say that they're talking "______," or that they're "____ing." In the 17th century, to "waff" went to yelp, and quickly evolved to mean to talk foolishly or indecisively. "I wish he'd stop ____ing on." "What a load of ______!"

round

You might buy a "______" of drinks for your friends at the pub, in the understanding that they will each buy you a drink as part of their "_____s" later on. "Whose _____ is it? Is it Steve's?" "No way, these pints were my ______."