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British Words: Decoding These Unique Words

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British words in English are full of unique words and phrases that may be unfamiliar to non-native speakers. Whether you’re learning English as a second language or just want to expand your vocabulary, understanding British words can be a fun and rewarding experience. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common British words and phrases, along with their meanings and usage.

British Words – Image

British Words: Decoding These Unique Words

Basic British Words

Common British Words and Phrases

Here are some common British words and phrases that you should know:

Word Meaning
Cheers Thank you or goodbye
Mate Friend
Ta Thank you
Blimey Expression of surprise
Bollocks Nonsense
Bugger Expression of frustration
Chuffed Pleased or delighted
Knackered Tired
Gutted Disappointed

British Word Lists

Here are some word lists that will help you learn new words and their meanings:

Clothes

Word Meaning
Jumper A knitted garment worn on the upper body
Trousers Pants
Wellingtons Rubber boots

Food

Word Meaning
Biscuit A small, sweet baked good
Crisps Potato chips
Pudding A sweet dessert

People

Word Meaning
Chap A man or boy
Lass A girl or young woman
Old chap An older man

Practical Application of British Words

In School

When you’re in school, using British English vocabulary can help you communicate more effectively with your teachers and classmates. Here are some common British words and phrases that you might encounter in a school setting:

Word Meaning
Maths Mathematics
Revision Studying for an exam
Holiday Vacation
Secondary school High school
Uni University
P.E. Physical education
Headteacher Principal

Example sentence: “I’m really looking forward to my holiday next week. I need a break from all this revision!”

At Work

If you’re working in a British company or communicating with British colleagues, it’s important to know some common British words and phrases that are used in the workplace. Here are some examples:

Word Meaning
CV Curriculum vitae (resume)
Annual leave Paid time off
Colleague Coworker
Tea break Coffee break
Toilets Restrooms
Lift Elevator
Queue Line

Example sentence: “I’m going to take my tea break now. Do you want to join me?”

Around Town

Finally, let’s look at some British words and phrases that you might hear or use when you’re out and about in a British town or city:

Word Meaning
Loo Toilet
Cashpoint ATM
Car park Parking lot
Flat Apartment
High street Main shopping street
Pub Bar
Queue Line

Example sentence: “Excuse me, do you know where the nearest cashpoint is?”

Slangs: An Interesting Part of British Words

Word Meaning
Ace Excellent
Par To reject or refuse
Fam Family or close friends
Mate Friend
Quid Pound sterling
Arse Rear end
Dodgy Suspicious or unreliable
Ends Neighborhood
Gob Mouth
Lad Young man
Sod Annoyance or frustration
Gobsmacked Amazed
Nosh Food
Bloke Man
Chuffed Pleased
Grand Good
Bloody Swear word
Mug Foolish person
Naff Uncool
Dishy Attractive
Skive To avoid work
Pissed Drunk
Snog Kiss
Bonk Have sex
Bonkers Crazy
Dead Very
Fancy Like or desire
Fiver Five-pound note
Gutted Disappointed
Jammy Lucky
Faffing Wasting time
Kip Nap
Bugger Swear word
Toff Upper-class person
Daft Silly
Skint Broke
Tenner Ten-pound note
Cheeky Disrespectful but in a playful way
Proper Very
Sick Cool or impressive
Bollock Swear word
Tosser Foolish person
Bugger all Nothing
Pillock Idiot
Strop Bad mood
Aggro Aggression
Banter Playful teasing
Barmy Crazy
Bender Drinking binge
Bollocks Nonsense
Cheers Thank you or goodbye
Dosh Money
Fag Cigarette
Have a strop Be in a bad mood
Innit Isn’t it
Jiffy A short amount of time
Knees-up A party or celebration

Here are some example sentences to help you understand how to use these words:

  • “That party was ace!”
  • “I asked her out, but she parred me.”
  • “I’m going out with the fam tonight.”
  • “Me and my mate are going to the pub.”
  • “Can I borrow a quid?”
  • “He kicked me up the arse.”
  • “That guy seems a bit dodgy.”
  • “I’m from the ends.”
  • “Shut your gob!”
  • “He’s a proper lad.”
  • “This is sodding ridiculous.”
  • “I was gobsmacked when I saw her.”
  • “I’m starving. Let’s get some nosh.”
  • “He’s a nice bloke.”
  • “I’m chuffed to bits.”
  • “Everything’s grand.”
  • “Bloody hell, that was close!”
  • “Don’t be a mug.”
  • “That outfit is so naff.”
  • “She’s really dishy.”
  • “I’m going to skive off work early.”
  • “He got completely pissed last night.”
  • “They had a snog in the park.”
  • “They went back to his place and bonked.”
  • “He’s gone completely bonkers.”
  • “I’m dead tired.”
  • “I really fancy her.”
  • “Can you lend me a fiver?”
  • “I’m gutted that we lost the game.”
  • “He’s so jammy, he always wins.”
  • “Stop faffing about and get to work.”
  • “I need a kip.”
  • “Bugger off!”
  • “He’s such a toff.”
  • “Don’t be daft.”
  • “I’m skint this month.”
  • “How much is that? A tenner?”
  • “That was a bit cheeky of you.”
  • “That was a proper good night out.”
  • “That’s sick!”
  • “You’re talking bollocks.”
  • “Don’t be a tosser.”
  • “I’ve got bugger all to do today.”
  • “He’s a complete pillock.”
  • “She’s in a strop.”
  • “I don’t want any aggro.”
  • “We always have banter at work.”
  • “He’s barmy, he thinks he can fly.”
  • “He’s been on a bender all weekend.”
  • “That’s a load of bollocks.”
  • “Cheers mate!”
  • “Can you lend me some dosh?”
  • “I’m going outside for a fag.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common British words used in everyday conversation?

Here are some common British words used in everyday conversation:

Word Meaning
Cheers Thank you, goodbye
Mate Friend
Bloke Man
Loo Toilet
Queue Line
Rubbish Garbage
Brilliant Great
Cheers Thank you
Fiver Five pounds
Tenner Ten pounds

What are some British slang words that I should know?

Here are some British slang words that you should know:

Word Meaning
Chuffed Pleased
Knackered Tired
Gutted Disappointed
Blimey My goodness
Bollocks Nonsense
Chav A young person who is perceived as aggressive and uncultured
Gobsmacked Amazed
Lush Great
Sorted Organized
Wanker Idiot

How can I improve my British vocabulary?

Here are some tips for improving your British vocabulary:

  • Read British books, newspapers, and magazines.
  • Watch British TV shows and movies.
  • Listen to British podcasts and radio stations.
  • Practice using British words and phrases in conversation.

What are some commonly used idioms in British English?

Here are some commonly used idioms in British English:

Idiom Meaning
Break a leg Good luck
Bob’s your uncle There you go
Cost an arm and a leg Very expensive
Piece of cake Easy
Pull someone’s leg To tease someone
Keep your chin up Stay positive
A penny for your thoughts What are you thinking?
Let the cat out of the bag Reveal a secret
It’s not my cup of tea I don’t like it
Bite the bullet Face a difficult situation bravely

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Word Meaning
Cheers Thank you, goodbye
Mate Friend
Bloke Man
Loo Toilet
Queue Line
Rubbish Garbage
Brilliant Great
Cheers Thank you
Fiver Five pounds
Tenner Ten pounds

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Word Meaning
Chuffed Pleased
Knackered Tired
Gutted Disappointed
Blimey My goodness
Bollocks Nonsense
Chav A young person who is perceived as aggressive and uncultured
Gobsmacked Amazed
Lush Great
Sorted Organized
Wanker Idiot

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  • Practice using British words and phrases in conversation.
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  • Cambridge English website
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  • Oxford English Dictionary website
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Idiom Meaning
Break a leg Good luck
Bob's your uncle There you go
Cost an arm and a leg Very expensive
Piece of cake Easy
Pull someone's leg To tease someone
Keep your chin up Stay positive
A penny for your thoughts What are you thinking?
Let the cat out of the bag Reveal a secret
It's not my cup of tea I don't like it
Bite the bullet Face a difficult situation bravely

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