25 more brilliant British English slang words and phrases
Sound like a native Brit with these slang expressions!
Do you know these British English slang words and phrases?
[Last updated on 10/12/2024]
English slang words and phrases bring colour and creativity to daily interactions, but they can be puzzling for language learners and even native speakers from different regions! Following the success of our first blog featuring 25 British slang expressions, we’re back with another round of uniquely British phrases.
This blog has 25 more brilliant British English slang words and phrases to understand conversations with locals in the UK. These expressions will help you navigate casual chats, understand British humor, and feel more confident in informal settings. Dive in and expand your vocabulary with these fun and quirky phrases!
26. mint condition
Meaning
describes something that is in new or excellent condition.
Example
He bought his motorbike five years ago and it is still in mint condition.
27. peanuts
Meaning
a very small amount of money.
Example
I was paid peanuts to work in a bar when I was at university.
28. the bee's knees
Meaning
describes someone or something as great, outstanding or excellent quality.
Example
She thinks that she’s the bee’s knees on the dancefloor, but her friends don’t agree!
29. tell porky pies
Meaning
to tell a lie
Example
He said he hadn’t cleaned the house because he had an important meeting. But he was telling porky pies. He was at home watching football on TV.
30. take the biscuit
Meaning
describes someone’s action as annoying, outrageous, stupid or disappointing.
Example
I said he could borrow my car for the afternoon, but he brought is back the next day. That really takes the biscuit.
31. top-notch
Meaning
describes something as high standard or excellent quality.
Example
That new Italian restaurant downtown is top-notch. The food was amazing and the service was great.
32. wing it
Meaning
to do something with little planning or preparation.
Example
I didn’t have time to plan my speech at the wedding, so I had to wing it!
33. easy-peasy
Meaning
describes something as very simple/easy to do.
Example
Learning to drive was easy-peasy, but the driving test was more difficult and I had to do it a second time.
34. hang out (with)
Meaning
to socialise and spend time with another person or group of people.
Example
She’s going to hang out with some of her university friends on Friday evening.
35. bog standard
Meaning
describes something as ordinary and without special qualities or features.
Example
I bought a bog standard computer yesterday. It’s fine for what I need, but doesn’t have any special features.
36. cheap as chips
Meaning
describes when something costs a small amount of money.
Example
We found a cosy little guesthouse by the beach last weekend and it was cheap as chips.
37. chop chop
Meaning
used to tell someone to do something quickly and without delay.
Example
Chop chop. We need to leave now or we’ll be late.
38. break a leg
Meaning
used to wish someone good luck before an important event (e.g. give a performance).
Example
Our director told us to break a leg as we prepared to go on stage.
39. at a loose end
Meaning
describes when you do not have anything to do or any plans.
Example
If you’re at a loose end, why don’t you come and help me to paint the house.
40. a knees up
Meaning
a lively party or a celebration.
Example
We had a great knees-up on Saturday night for my birthday.
41. chock-a-block
Meaning
describes a place that is full of people or things.
Example
The shops are always chock-a-block with people just before Christmas.
42. a shambles
Meaning
describes something that is badly organised or in a state of disorder.
Example
I went to a recruitment fair yesterday and it was a complete shambles.
43. skive (off)
Meaning
to avoid a duty or a task, such as work or school.
Example
He said he was sick, but I think he’s just skiving off work today.
44. waffle (on)
Meaning
to talk a lot without giving any interesting or useful information.
Example
Whenever we meet up, she waffles on about her own problems and it gets annoying!
45. donkey's years
Meaning
a very long time.
Example
They’ve been living in that house for donkey’s years. I remember it from when I was a child.
46. minted
Meaning
describes someone who is extremely rich and has a lot of money.
Example
My boss is absolutely minted. Have you seen his cars and photos of his apartments in London and New York?
47. not too shabby
Meaning
used to describe something, or how someone feels, as good or better than expected.
Example
We watched the sequel to that movie at the weekend. It had some bad reviews, but actually it was not too shabby.
48. cheers
Meaning
used to say “thank you”.
Example
Cheers for driving me to the train station this morning.
49. have a butcher's
Meaning
to have a look at something
Example
I had a butcher’s at some job adverts last night and found some positions that might interest you.
50. catch up (with someone)
Meaning
to talk to someone and update each other about what you’ve been doing.
Example
It was great to catch up with my old school friends. We haven’t spoken for ages.
Ready to use British English slang words and phrases?
With this second collection of 25 English slang words and phrases, you’re now equipped with even more phrases to add a British touch to your conversations. These expressions are ideal for casual chats with friends or understanding British locals more easily.
Keep in mind that slang is typically informal, so use these phrases in relaxed, friendly situations rather than formal or professional settings. Learning these expressions not only boosts your conversational skills but also helps you connect with British culture and humour on a deeper level. Practise them often, and soon they’ll feel like second nature!
You an also check out our collection English idioms and phrasal verbs to expand your vocabulary for other topics.
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