British Slang 

British Slang

British Slang: Our guide to help you understand what Londoners are talking about.

The British use a lot of slang words and sayings that are not very common in other English speaking countries. There is cockney slang which are sayings that rhyme with the word they are meaning to say e.g if someone says to you, "you’re having a giraffe" they mean; you’re having a Laugh.

The British use too many unique English words and sayings to list, so we have made a shortlist of the ones we feel you should learn and know.

 

General Slang Definitions

Banger: is a sausage. E.g. Bangers and mash.

Bill: the police.

Blag: to con or scam.

Bollocks: rubbish/nonsense.

The Bollocks: means its good/the best.

Chelsea Tractor: an expensive 4x4 car, often seen clogging up the roads of West London.

Donkeys Years: a long time.

Gaff: someone's/or your house.

Geezer: term for a man (a diamond geezer is a great man).

Guvnor: is the boss.

Hair of the Dog: to resume drinking the morning after a big night and hangover.

Innit: a questioning statement/street talk.

Jammy Bastard: someone who is lucky.

Bog or Lav: the toilet.

Lock in: being one of the chosen few allowed to stay and drink after the pub closes.

Minging: Unpleasant, smelly, dirty, ugly.

Minted: wealthy.

Muppet: an idiot.

Nutter: someone who is borderline crazy.

Plonker: a fool or idiot.

Scarper:  to exit hurriedly/make an escape. “We had to scarper out of there.”

Snog: a long passionate kiss.

Take the Piss: to ridicule/tease/exploit. “The government is taking the piss with these taxes.”

Tight as a ducks arse: cheap, miserly with money i.e. water tight.

Toff: a wealthy and rich person of the upper class. Likely to wear Rupert the bear trousers.

Wags: refers to wife and girlfriends of stars. Originated from English Football.

 

Cockney (Rhyming) Slang 

“Ayrton Senna” - is ten (tenner) pounds.

"Apples and Pears" - stairs.

“Battle Crusier”- is another name for a pub as it rhymes with Boozer.

“Butchers Hook”- means to have a look.

"Dog and Bone"- means phone.

“Frog and Toad”- means road.

“Having a Girraffe”- means having a laugh.

“Lady Godiva”- 5 pounds (fiver).

“Pete Tong”-  wrong.

“Ruby Murray”- curry.

"Rub a-dub-dub" - pub.

“Trouble and strife” – wife