Use British Slang Like A Native

o, you are learning English because you fancy living in the UK, do you? Understanding and incorporating local slang into your vocabulary is pretty important if you want to communicate with the locals.

In this article, we will have a gander at the top 10 most common British slang expressions that you’ll hear in daily conversations, along with tips on how to understand, learn, and use them to enhance your own conversations with British people.

No one is saying that you need to use British slang all the time. I mean, you can if you want, but no one is going to make you.

However, British people use slang all the time, so if you don’t want to end up feeling baffled in conversations, it is a good idea to work out what some of these words mean! Even in that sentence, there was a slang word that might have confused you…

Even if you don’t plan on using the words in this post yourself, you are guaranteed to hear them multiple times a day if you spend time communicating with British people at work, at the pub, or even over the internet.

By familiarizing yourself with British slang, you’ll be able to have conversations more confidently and build stronger connections with native speakers. You’ll also be able to understand the cultural nuances and humor, so you can fully appreciate the British way of life. It will also help you fit in and be part of the group.

This common word is used as a casual way of saying “thank you” or “goodbye.” It’s usually heard in pubs, restaurants, and among friends. For example, “Cheers for the help, mate. Cheers!”

This slang term is used to refer to a man, usually in a friendly and informal way. It’s normally used in conversations among friends or when sharing stories about people you know. For instance, you could say, “I met this bloke at the party last night, and we had a great chat.”

When someone is “chuffed,” it means they are delighted or proud. This one is often used to express satisfaction or happiness related a personal achievement or positive outcome. For instance, you might say, “She was chuffed to bits when she received the promotion she had been working hard for.”

This slang word describes a feeling of disappointment or sadness. If something bad happens, or you miss out on something, you can use this one. For example, “I was absolutely gutted when I realised I had missed the last train.”

This colloquial term is almost always used to express physical or mental fatigue. It means being exhausted or extremely tired due to doing to much or a lack of rest. For instance, after a long day at work, you might say, “I’ve been working all day, and I’m absolutely knackered.”

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Short for umbrella, this slang word is commonly used to refer to those things you use to keep the rain off of you. It’s a lighthearted term that you’ll often hear in conversations about the weather or when reminding someone to prepare for rain. For example, you might say, “Don’t forget your brolly; it’s going to rain today.”

When something or someone is “dodgy,” it means they are questionable, unreliable, or suspicious. This term can refer to a person, situation, or object that makes you skeptical or doubtful. For instance, if someone suggests a deal that looks too good to be true, you could say, “I wouldn’t trust that website mate; it looks a bit dodgy.”

This popular slang term is used to refer to the British pound, similar to how “bucks” is used for dollars in American English. It’s a casual and widely recognised term for the currency in the UK. For example, you might ask a friend, “Could you lend me a few quid for lunch?”

It is the shortened version of “brilliant” Used to express something as fantastic, excellent, or amazing, this positive term conveys excitement or admiration. It’s commonly said to describe enjoyable experiences, achievements, or outstanding performances. For instance, after attending an incredible concert, you could say, “The concert last night was brill!”

This slang word is used to describe something as excellent, fantastic, or in some cases, perfect condition. It can also be used to express admiration or approval. For example, if you have a delicious meal, you might say, “This food is mint!” or if you see a well-maintained car, you could say, “That car’s mint!”

To improve your knowledge of British slang, you should get my free book, “the A-to-Z guide of British Slang.”

It’s a 30 page guide coving loads of British slang that we use every day. You will get definitions, usage examples as even chance to make your own sentences to make sure you master these new words.

Whether you’re planning a trip to the UK, studying English for work or school, or simply want to impress your friends with your knowledge of slang, this A-to-Z of British Slang has everything you need. So why wait?

Start exploring the fascinating world of British slang today and take your language skills to the next level!