UK Slang – 143 British Slang Words and Phrases

When you decide to study English in the UK, you’ll quickly realise that everyday conversations sound very different from English taught in textbooks. Native English speakers often use slang, informal phrases, and expressions that can be confusing for international students.

If you want to learn English in the UK and speak more naturally and confidently, understanding British slang is key. This blog introduces the top British slang words and phrases that English learners most often hear while studying, working, socialising, and exploring in the UK.

Why British Slang Matters When You Learn English

Learning British slang helps international students:

• Understand real conversations with native English speakers in the UK.
• Improve their listening and speaking skills.
• Communicate more naturally and confidently in daily life.
• Adapt faster and connect with the local community when studying English in the UK.

At Oxford International, students learn practical English used for everyday life and in real settings.

Top 143 British Slang Words and Phrases

A Slang Words Phrases

1. Ace

Used to describe something that is awesome. A word that is popular in the north and amongst youngsters.

2. Any road

When you hear this, the person isn’t asking you to pick a road! They are most likely substituting it for “anyway” and the context could be “any road are you from China or Japan.”

3. A load of tosh

Used to describe something that is not very good. For example, your lecturer might describe your essay “as a load of tosh” …. harsh!

4. A Kent face

Commonly used in Scotland when a person has seen a person they know, such as “I saw a few Kent faces in the library”. This idiom has nothing to do with the surname or the place. It is taken from an old English word that means “to know”.

5. Adam and Eve

Cockney rhyming slang for believe. “Can you Adam and Eve it!”

6. Ace

In the UK, “ace” means excellent or brilliant and is used to informally describe something great, like “That meal was ace!”

7. Alright

Used as a short form to casually say “You alright?” as a way of greeting someone. You can say “Alright?” as a way to greet a friend informally, instead of saying “Hello, how are you?”

B Slang Words Phrases

The phrase does not relate to bees or knees but is an idiom for excellent. It became popular in the 1920s along with “cat’s whiskers.”

8. Bees knees

Refers to something as excellent. Popular in the 1920s, it’s used to describe the best of something. For example: “Those shoes are the bees knees!”

9. Bite your arm off

Don’t be alarmed if someone says this. No one is about to literally bite off any part of your anatomy. It is used to describe willingness. For example someone might say to you ”they will bite your arm off if you offer to write their essay.”

10. Brassed off

Considering the Brits are good at hiding their emotions, we still have plenty of words to describe when we are not happy with something. One of which is “brassed off.”

11. Bits ‘n Bobs

Used these days when you want to say you have an odd selection of things for example you could say “I have a few bits’n bobs in the fridge. I’ll see what I can make”. However, it was originally used to describe loose change in your pocket.

12. Bob’s your uncle

The origins of this saying and how it is used today differ. The saying originally meant you could get anything or do anything if you had the right connections because it came about after the 20th British Prime Minister, Lord Salisbury, famously appointed a nephew into an important political post for which he didn’t have the relevant experience. Today it is more commonly used to say everything is OK.

13. Butcher’s hook

Originates from the East End of London and is a rhyme slang for take a look.

14. Bonkers

Used to refer to something or someone as crazy, insane, or utterly senseless. It can be used to describe overwhelming situations as well, such as “I’m so busy it’s bonkers!” as well as people who are highly enthusiastic or irrational, like “He’s bonkers about her.”

15. Bloody

In England, “bloody” is used to intensify a word in place of others like “very” or “extremely”. It can be used to express emphasis or answer, including “bloody smart” or “bloody terrible”. This can be considered slightly rude to use, but it’s generally seen as a mild curse word.

16. Bloke

Another word for a man.

C Slang Words Phrases

17. Cheerio

No, it is not just a breakfast cereal but also one of the many words used to say goodbye in the UK. “Ta ta” is popular in the North of England and you will also hear “laters” and “see ya”.

18. Cheesed off

A quirky euphemism for being unhappy. Obviously, you would be unhappy if your cheese went off! It can be used in casual and formal situations. For example, someone could say, “I’m cheesed off that you ate the last piece of cake.”

19. Chin wag

Means to have a long chat and its origins come from a Welsh word meaning empty. It is believed that the word originates from a pub in North Wales where the landlady would ensure people drunk more than they intended by going around with a jug of ale and toping people’s glasses up by saying “chin wag” – which is Welsh for your cup is empty.

20. Chuffed

Used to describe when someone is very pleased. You may hear someone say: “I’m chuffed we won!” when talking about their favourite football team, for example.

21. Cheers

A common and friendly word use to say “thanks” or “goodbye”. Cheers can also be used as a toast before taking a sip of your drink.

22. Chips

In the UK, “fries” are what the locals call “chips”.

23. Cuppa

A short form way to say “a cup of”, often used to refer to a “cup of tea”.

24. Cheeky

Refers to the behaviour of someone that is being disrespectful or mischievous in an amusing, endearing, or playful way.

D Slang Words Phrases

25. Don’t teach your grandmother to suck eggs

You may hear someone more senior in years saying this to a younger person when they feel the youngster is being disrespectful by thinking they can teach the older person something.

26. Dishy

Used to describe someone who is attractive.

27. Don’t cry over spilt milk

Someone may say this if you get something wrong or actually spill or break something. The essence of the saying is that you shouldn’t worry about it.

28. Daft cow

Used amongst friends and is an affectionate way of making fun of a female friend when they have done or said something silly. Be aware the meaning changes dramatically when you say this to a stranger!

29. Donkey’s years

Apparently, donkeys live for a long time, so when someone says: “I haven’t seen you for donkeys”, they are saying they haven’t seen you in a long time.

30. Dive

Used to describe a place that isn’t very nice. Someone may say to you: “It’s a dive but the drinks are cheap”.

31. Dodgy

When something is suspicious, questionable, sketchy, or not working properly. It’s often used to describe things you should avoid, such as a “dodgy person”, a “dodgy street”, or a “dodgy stomach”. In general, it suggests something seems “off” and to be careful or aware.

32. Dishy

Used to describe someone as very physically appealing, such as a “dishy new singer”. Although more commonly used in American English, “dishy” can also refer to scandalous or interesting news, such as a “dishy magazine article”.

E Slang Words Phrases

33. Easy peasy

A fun and childish way of expressing something is easy to do or understand. We dare you to use it next time your lecturer is explaining something.

34. Effing and blinding

This expression is used to describe someone who is using unpleasant language. For example, you might hear “She was so angry that she was effing and blinding all the way home!”

35. Eejit

An Irish-based pronunciation of the word “Idiot.”

36. Elevenses

A mid-morning snack before lunch that normally includes a cup of tea and a biscuit.

37. Earful

An expression used to describe someone who is being told off. For example, you may hear someone say “They got an earful for being so loud last night.”

F Slang Words Phrases

38. Full of beans

Full of beans means someone is very energetic and vivacious.

39. For crying out loud

This is a replacement for a rude word. For example, you discover your bike has a flat tyre & you yell “Oh, for crying out loud!”

40. Faff around

If you’re faffing around you look busy, but you’re achieving very little. For example: “I told him to stop faffing around and wash the dishes.”

41. Flogging a dead horse

To try and find a solution to a problem that is unsolvable. For example: “You’re flogging a dead horse by asking Martha to move to the UK – she hates rain”.

42. Fancy

Often means “to want”, “to like”, or “to be attracted” to someone. For example, you may say: “Do you fancy a meal?” or “I fancy her”.

43. Fit

Describes someone who is physically attractive and seen as a compliment to describe both men and women.

G Slang Words Phrases

44. Going to a do

Student life wouldn’t be student life without a fair dose of parties, and if someone invites you to a “do”, say yes because they are inviting you to a party!

45. Gobsmacked

If you are gob-smacked, you are amazed by something or someone. In a good or bad way!

46. Grub

Slang for food and comes from the old English word meaning ‘dig’. The association with digging for food morphed into the slang we use today.

47. Gobby

Used to describe someone who talks a lot and has a lot of opinions, and not necessarily in a good way.

48. Gutted

If you’re extremely disappointed or very unhappy, you could use “gutted” to describe your feelings. For example: “I’m gutted I lost my wallet!”

H Slang Words Phrases

49. Hammered

The slang word used to describe someone who is very drunk. You can say someone is tipsy if they appear to be a bit drunk.

50. Horses for courses

This is a popular saying that means that we all have different tastes, and what is right for one person isn’t necessarily right for another person.

51. Hunky-dory

A cool way of saying that something is just fine!

I Slang Words Phrases

52. I’ve come over all peculiar

A peculiar saying used to describe someone who becomes unwell very quickly.

53. I’m not being funny but I haven’t got all day

A popular saying in Wales that simply means “hurry up!”

54. I’m easy

Next time you are in a restaurant and your friends are debating what to order, just say: “Order whatever. I’m easy”. That’s a signal that you’re happy with whatever they order.

55. I’m off to Bedfordshire

Rhyming English slang for when someone is tired and wants to go to bed. Get it?

56. It’s brass monkeys outside

Used when it is bitterly cold. The origins of this saying refer to the brass handles on doors which get very cold. This bit makes sense but the monkeys bit of this saying is baffling, even to the Brits.

J Slang Words Phrases

57. Jammy

If you are a lucky person, you might be described as flukey or jammy.

58. Jim jams

Slang for pyjamas. As a student, you’ll hear: “I think it’s time to put on my jim jams and get into bed – I’m exhausted!” quite a lot!

59. Jar

Slang for a pint of beer. For example: “Let’s meet after the lecture for a few jars.”

60. Jiffy

This is a quintessentially British saying meaning you’ll do something immediately. You might say it to show you are keen, for example: “If you’re cooking dinner I’ll be there in a jiffy.”

K Slang Words Phrases

61. Knees up

If someone says they went to “a right knees-up over the weekend” they are talking about a wild party. Your response should be why wasn’t I invited?

62. Kerfuffle

A fuss or commotion. For example: “What’s all the kerfuffle about? I’m only two hours late!”

63. Keep your hair on

Can you lose your hair if you get too angry or excited? That’s what this idiom suggests. For example: “Keep your hair on – I only accidentally deleted your dissertation.”

64. Kip

Means sleep.

65. Knackered

Used to express that you’re very tired or exhausted: “I’m knackered this morning!”

L Slang Words Phrases

66. Last order

You will hear bar staff, in pubs, shout this and ring a bell at 11pm or at 10.30pm on Sunday to let customers know they have 20 minutes in which to finish their drinks.

67. Lurgy

If someone has the lurgy stay away, it means they are ill and possibly contagious.

68. Let down

Can be used in a multitude of ways and means you thought the experience was not good. For example: “That film was such a let down”

69. Lairy

Used to describe a loud/brash person. For example: “Tom gets a bit lairy after a few drinks.”

70. Leave it out

Means you want someone to stop doing or saying something that you find upsetting or annoying.

M Slang Words Phrases

71. Minted

If someone is described as minted, it means they are rich, so become their best friend immediately!

72. Mitts

A mitten is a kind of glove. But Brits have shortened the word and made it slang for hands. For example: “I’d love to get my mitts on a new camera!”

73. Mind your P’s and Q’s

Means to be on your best behaviour. For example: “My parents are very conservative – mind your p’s and q’s.”

74. Miffed

Another way of saying you are confused or annoyed. For example: “She is really miffed that she’s not been invited to the party.”

75. Mate

A very common and informal way to refer to a friend. It can also be used more broadly as a term between men and women, similar to “pal” or “dude”.

76. Mug

In UK slang, this means a foolish or gullible person that is easily tricked or taken advantage of.

N Slang Words Phrases

77. Not my cup of tea

A saying used when something is not to your liking. For example: “My boyfriend loves football but it’s not my cup of tea”.

78. Numpty

If someone does or says something inappropriate, wrong or a bit silly you might hear a Brit saying “You numpty you’ve got your T-shirt on back to front.”

79. Naff

Used to describe something that is of poor or inferior taste. Example: “I don’t like my flat, the furniture is a bit naff.”

80. Nosh

Slang for food. For example: “Shall we get some nosh before our lecture?”

O Slang Words Phrases

81. Old chestnut

If you tell the same joke or story too many times your bored friends may say “oh no not that old chestnut again “ in a sarcastic voice.

82. On the lash

Means to drink excessive amounts of alcoho,l and you may hear Brits saying, “Are you out on the lash tonight?”

83. Oh my giddy aunt

Another expression for “Oh my God!” and used to show shock or surprise.

84. One off

An expression used to describe something unique. For example: “I bought this one-off dress from a student studying fashion.”

85. Odds and sods

Another way of saying ‘bits and pieces.’ For example: “My glasses were in the drawer with all the odds and sods.”

P Slang Words Phrases

86. Piece of cake

To describe something as a “piece of cake” means you think it’s easy to do. For example, you might say “this essay is a piece of cake.”

87. Pip pip

An old-fashioned way of saying goodbye.

88. Plonk

Used to describe wine and the reference is that it isn’t the best quality wine.

89. Porkies

If you are accused of telling a “porkie” it’s serious. It means someone thinks you are lying. The saying comes from an old Cockney rhyme that used pork pies and substituted “pies,” for “lies” and it later got shortened to “porkies”.

90. Put a sock in it

If you have had enough of someone talking you can tell them to put a sock in it. It is totally fine to use amongst friends but even you think your lecturer is going on a bit we advise you keep the thought to yourself!

91. Pissed

This means very drunk.

Q Slang Words Phrases

92. Quid

Slang for one-pound sterling.

93. Queenie

An affectionate term Brits use to refer to Queen Elizabeth II.

94. Quasimodo

Cockney rhyming slang for soda water.

95. Quack

Slang for a doctor that is suspected of not have the correct qualifications.

96. Queen mum

Cockney rhyming slang for the backside (bum).

97. Queen of the south

Cockney rhyming slang for mouth.

98. Quid

A “quid” is British slang for the pound sterling (£) and references one pound. If you want to say ten pounds (£10), you could say “ten quid”.

R Slang Words Phrases

99. Reem

English slang for something being nice, good or cool and originates from Essex. In fact, to learn how to speak like someone from Essex, you should watch The Only Way Is Essex.

100. Rank

Slang for something that is horrible, in bad taste or actually smells unpleasant.

101. Rinsed

Can be used in a couple of ways. The first is if you defeat someone in an argument, fight or other competition. The second context is when someone pays over the odds for something.

102. Rosie lee

Cockney rhyming slang for a cup of tea.

103. Rubbish

This can mean garbage or trash, or it can mean something that’s bad, worthless or untrue. For example: “That film was rubbish!” meaning the film was not very good, or “that’s a load of rubbish!” meaning “that’s not true!”

S Slang Words Phrases

104. See a man about a dog

What you say when you jokingly don’t want to reveal where you are going, such as going to the toilet.

105. Stop faffing around

If you hear this and it’s aimed at you, finish off whatever you are doing fast! The implication is you are taking too long or you are not doing it efficiently.

106. Skive

If you don’t want to go to that 9 am lecture (understandable) or rather spend the afternoon in the student’s union then suggest skiving off to a couple of like-minded people, but be prepared to be labelled a skiver by your more studious class fellows.

107. Shirty

One way to describe someone who is ill-tempered.

108. Stitched up

When someone has taken advantage of you. For example, when a classmate nominates you to lead a presentation you can certainly claim to “have been stitched up.”

109. Shagged

This can mean a number of things some ruder than others. But the most common use is when someone is expressing how tired they are.

110. Snog

Means kiss.

T Slang Words Phrases

111. Taking the piss

If you hear this being used it means one person is shocked at what another person is doing or saying.

112. Throw a spanner in the works

You are likely to hear this saying when something goes wrong or someone makes a mistake.

113. Tickety-boo

Means “OK” and may have originated from a Hindi word meaning everything is fine. It’s one of those nice-sounding words you will hear when someone wants to express that everything is going exceptionally well.

114. The offie

The off-licence is the equivalent to an American convenience store, licenced to sell alcohol.

115. Trundle

Means to move slowly and clumsily.

U Slang Words Phrases

116. Umpteen

Means a relatively large, but unspecified amount, of something and is generally used when someone is annoyed. For example, you may hear a Brit saying “For the umpteenth time, I said no I will not take the dog for a walk!”

117. Up for it

Slang for being enthusiastic/willing to participate. For example: “I like bowling, I’m up for it tonight.”

118. Uncle ned

British slang for bed.

119. Up the spout

When you have wasted something such as money. For example, “Everything I earned over the summer has gone up the spout trying to keep this flat warm.”

120. Under the cosh

Used when you feel under pressures or restricted. For example: “She is under the cosh to deliver that project on time.”

121. Uni

Short form for university.

V Slang Words Phrases

122. From the valley’s

An expression used to describe people from Wales, owing to the number of valleys (which is the low area between hills) in Wales.

123. V.A.T

Slang for vodka and tonic.

124. Veg-out

Slang for relaxing. As a student, you’ll want to veg-out every time an essay has been submitted. To veg-out properly you have to order pizza and find a really naff movie to watch in your jim-jams.

125. Vibe

Slang for feelings, atmosphere, mood. For example, you may go to a club and say “I like the vibe in here the music is reem.”

126. Vino

English slang for cheap wine.

W Slang Words Phrases

127. Watering hole

This is one of the many British slang words for a pub.

128. Wonky

Another word for shaky or unstable. You can use it to refer to a person or an object. For example, you might say a chair has a wonky leg.

129. Wangle

Means to get or do something that is a bit devious. For example: “I wangled an extension on my essay by telling the lecturer my cat died.”

130. Wee

A Scottish word for small. In England it’s a euphemism for urine. Confused? Don’t be. If a Scottish person says they want a wee drink they want a whiskey. If an English person says they want a wee direct them to the nearest toilet!

131. Wind-up

If you wind someone up it means you are teasing or taunting them.

132. Well in it

An expression used when someone is in trouble.

X Slang Words Phrases

133. X-ray eyes

You might use the expression “have you got x-ray eyes” to question what a friend is telling you. For example, “How do you know Yinbo ate the rest of the pizza – do you have x-ray eyes?”

134. Xtra

Used to describe something that is very good. You may hear: “that double chocolate chip ice cream is xtra!”

Y Slang Words Phrases

135. Your round

If you go to a pub with a group of friends, it is most likely that one person will buy the whole group a drink. This will continue until everyone in the group has bought a drink. If it is your turn someone may say: “It is your round”.

136. You’re a keeper

Used affectionately to describe someone who is nice or someone who has a good attribute. For example, you might hear “You can cook – you’re such a keeper.”

137. You what

Brits mostly use this when they haven’t heard or understood what was said. On some occasions, it might be used when someone disagrees with you. You’ll know which one it is by their tone and body language.

138. Yakking

Used to describe someone who talks too much about things that aren’t of interest to you. Example: “My lecturer wouldn’t stop yakking on and on today.”

139. Yonks

When you haven’t seen someone for a long time. Example: “God, I haven’t been to a lecture for yonks!”

140. Yank my chain

If you tease someone about something they are sensitive about they could say to you “stop yanking my chain” to tell you to stop it.

Z Slang Words Phrases

141. Zonked

Used when someone is sleeping or by someone who is expressing they are super tired.

142. Zebra crossing

Often used to describe the black and white horizontal markings on the road where pedestrians can cross.

143. Catch a few Zzzzzzzzzz

Used when you want to go to sleep.

How to Use British Slang Words and Phrases

Using British slang words and phrases correctly can help you learn English in the UK more naturally and confidently. Follow these tips:

• Use slang in information conversations – Use UK slang as much as possible when speaking with friends, classmates, or in casual settings. Avoid using lag in formal emails, on exams, or for academic writing.
• Observe native speakers – Listen to UK English slang by watching TV shows, listening to podcasts, or listening to conversations to understand proper usage and context.
• Start with common British slang terms – Learn a few essential British slang words and phrases first, and gradually add more to your vocabulary as you go along and become comfortable.
• Practice often – Use slang as often as possible during casual conversations or for informal writing to reinforce your understanding and improve your English communication skills.

FAQs About British Slang Words and Phrases

Q: What is UK slang?

A: UK slang refers to information words and expressions commonly used in everyday British English. These include words and phrases you might hear while living, studying, socialising, or exploring in the UK.

Q: Why should I learn British slang when I study English in the UK?

A: Learning British slang helps you better connect with and understand native speakers, follow conversations, and communicate naturally. Learning British slang also helps improve your confidence and interact with locals.

Q: Can I use British slang in formal writing practices or on exams?

A: No, you should not. Slang words and phrases are best used in casual and informal settings only. Avoid using slang in formal writing, academic assignments, or professional communication.

Q: Where can I learn common British slang words and phrases?

A: You can learn UK slang, English slang, and British phrases at Oxford International English Schools through conversation practise, guidance from your teacher, and real-life interactions with native speakers.

Published on – 10th February 2019

Modified on – 29th January 2026 with the latest information.

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