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
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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