25 brilliant British English slang words and phrases

English expressions to sound like a local!

Learn British English slang expressions

[Last updated on 10/12/2024]

British English slang expressions add personality and charm to everyday conversations. Whether you’re exploring London, chatting with British colleagues, or just watching British TV shows, understanding these phrases can enhance your experience.

In this blog, we’ve choosen 25 brilliant British English slang words and phrases to help you sound more like a local. If you’re an English language learner, you can discover the unique ways Brits express themselves and expand your English vocabulary with slang expressions that add a British touch to your English!

British English slang

1. not my cup of tea

Meaning
describes something that you dislike or are not interested in.

Example
My friend invited me to an art gallery on Saturday, but it’s not my cup of tea.

2. give someone a bell

Meaning
to telephone someone.

Example
Give me a bell later so we can make plans for the weekend.

3. a chip off the old block

Meaning
describes someone who has a similar character or personality to one of their parents

Example
My nephew is a chip off the old block when it comes to computer games. He’s just like his dad.

4. get a move on

Meaning
used to tell someone to hurry up.

Example
You need to get a move on. I don’t want to be late for the cinema.

5. go pear-shaped

Meaning
describes something that goes wrong or has problems.

Example
We were going to buy a new house, but everything went pear-shaped when my husband lost his job.

6. give it some welly

Meaning
used to tell someone to make more effort and use more energy to do something.

Example
You really need to give it some welly so that you can finish this job today.

7. raining cats and dogs

Meaning
describes when it rains very heavily.

Example
I don’t want to go out for a run today. It’s raining cats and dogs.

8. happy as Larry

Meaning
describes when someone is extremely happy.

Example
I’m happy as Larry because we’ve just finished our final university exam.

British English slang phrases

9. get shirty

Meaning
describes when someone gets angry or annoyed and not in a polite way.

Example
So many customers get shirty when they have to wait on the phone for more than a couple of minutes.

10. in a (right) pickle

Meaning
describes when someone is in a difficult or problematic situation.

Example
Jack drunk a bit too much wine at the staff party and got himself in a right pickle.

11. fine and dandy

Meaning
describes something as very good or going well.

Example
I’m fine and dandy thanks. I’ve got a great job and still have time to meet up with friends and go to the gym.

12. throw a spanner in the works

Meaning
describes something (or someone) that creates a problem for a planned activity or project.

Example
This snow storm has thrown a spanner in the works with our holiday. All flights are cancelled!

13. knackered or cream-crackered

Meaning
to be extremely tired or exhausted.

Example
I’ve been working long hours this week and I’m completely knackered (cream-crackered).

14. take the mickey (out of someone)

Meaning
describes when you make jokes about someone or tease them and make them look silly.

Example
We were taking the mickey out of our grandfather because he still can’t send text messages on his phone.

15. Bob's your uncle

Meaning
used to emphasise that something will be fine or is easy to do (e.g. a task or a set of instructions).

Example
Take the car to the mechanic. They’ll repair it this afternoon, and bob’s your uncle!

16. hold your horses

Meaning
used to tell someone to wait and think about something before making a decision.

Example
Hold your horses. You don’t need to make such an important decision right now.

British English slang expressions

17. a piece of cake

Meaning
describes something that is very easy to do.

Example
My new job is a piece of cake because I’ve done this so many times before already.

18. in a jiffy

Meaning
describes when something will happen in a very short time (in the future).

Example
Can you just wait for me at the train station? I’ll be there in a jiffy.

19. to whinge (about something)

Meaning
to complain about something in a way that annoys other people.

Example
You’re always whinging about your job. Why aren’t you looking for new one?

20. hang on

Meaning
to wait for a short time.

Example
Can you hang on for a few minutes? I need to do send an email before we go out.

21. a happy bunny

Meaning
to be happy and satisfied with a situation.

Example
I’m a happy bunny because it’s Friday and I have the whole weekend to relax.

22. full of beans

Meaning
to be lively, energetic and enthusiastic.

Example
My best mate is always full of beans first thing in the morning.

23. cheesed off

Meaning
to be angry and annoyed.

Example
He’s really cheesed off because the concert tickets have already sold out.

24. dodgy

Meaning
describes (1) someone as dishonest, evasive, or strange or (2) something as dangerous or low quality.

Example
We think that this electrician is dodgy and need to get his work checked.

25. chinwag

Meaning
an informal conversation between friends.

Example
I had a great chinwag with my old friends about what we used to do at university.

Ready to use British English slang words and phrases?

Now that you’ve explored these 25 English slang expressions, why not try them out the next time your chatting with a Brit? These phrases are perfect for informal conversations and adding a bit of fun to your interactions.

However, remember that they’re quite informal and best suited for friendly, relaxed settings. Avoid using them in professional environments or formal situations with strangers. Mastering these expressions will not only boost your English conversational skills but also help you connect with British culture!

We also have a collection English idioms and phrasal verbs for other topics invite you to take a look.

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