“Our new defender’s the dog's bollocks”. Some are hilarious, some are rude and some are… interesting. If someone is annoying you, you can tell them: "shut your gob". Home. Bruh: Street slang for your bother. “How are you, mate?”. Used as an adjective, to mean “funny” or just “fun”. Coming originally from Caribbean English, it’s most prevalent in London. Rugby, another popular sport which the British invented only for everyone else to beat them at it. You can refer to a person who grassed you up as a "grass". Bro: Short for brother. man, dog, house). Cock up: screw up; something went wrong. Can mean either "crazy" or "angry" depending on the context. But it can also be a reference to an annoying person: “Stop being such an arse”. Say it slowly, but with a tiny bit of aggression. Fortnight- This is a British slang term more commonly used by everyone in the UK to mean ‘a group of two weeks’. Get a Bruv mug for your Facebook friend Helena. Interestingly, it’s only ever used in the singular. Yes, cockney rhyming slang is a foreign language to most people, so I thought I'd let you in on the secret and help non-cockneys translate some of our favourite London sayings. Untrustworthy. 1. The Wix website builder has everything you need to create a fully personalized, high-quality free website. I used to hear it a lot in Liverpool. English Pronunciation of Brother. This can cause a great deal of confusion if you’re exploring the country, or even if you’re just looking to stream the latest British TV series. Spanish hermano "brother" is from Latin germanus "full brother" (on both the father's and mother's side); Middle English also had brother-german in this sense. For example: This phrase is used among all age groups. Also used as an adjective in parts of northern England to mean "fantastic": “That’s grand”. A thing, person or even a situation, this is a great multi-purpose word. I'm a London man with a van and a Londoner to the core.. That means I know my Bottle and Glass from my Beggar Boy's Ass - and neither mean what you think they might! Favourite answer. You can also “talk bollocks” (speak nonsense, or lie) and if something is a “load of bollocks”, it’s not true. Literal term for the end of a penis, but also a way to call someone a jerk or idiot,“He is such … Bro: Short for brother. This slang word for a cigarette has no pejorative associations in the UK, but causes all sorts of problems for Brits visiting the US. You might get a bollocking. Aggro - Short for aggravation, it's the sort of thing you might expect at a football match. 100 Brilliantly British Slang Words and Phrases. British slang is English language slang used and originating in Great Britain and also used to a limited extent in Anglophone countries such as Ireland, South Africa, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, especially by British expatriates.It is also used in the United States to a limited extent. Eric Partridge lists it in A Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English, 1937. The definitions of these slang words appear below the list. “Did you take care of that thing? It can refer to your actual family but it’s often just how you’ll greet a friend. Some are hilarious, some are rude and some are… interesting. An object or event can be mental (“Did you see that goal? “I didn't do my homework and the teacher gave me a right bollocking”. Ace - If something is ace it is awesome. Learning slang is something that will make your English sound more natural and … “I got completely wankered last night”. We make it easy for everyone to create a beautiful, professional web presence. Brother definition, a male offspring having both parents in common with another offspring; a male sibling. Bellend. Brethren: Biblical word for brothers. Find more similar words at wordhippo.com! Gutted – “Devastated” This is a piece of British slang you’ll hear all the time, in all parts of Britain. Sense of … “Don't be such a plonker”. Used to mean "very", particularly in the north of England. Check out some peng chicken. Tasteless, cheap-looking. Note the use of “man” in the singular to mean “men” or even “people”. While from the outside it may look like we’re insulting each other, it's actually a sign of affection. “I’m pretty chuffed with my results on that exam”. Someone from Newcastle. The Welsh clearly place a high value on tidiness. Information about your device and Internet connection, including your IP address, Browsing and search activity while using Verizon Media websites and apps. Big Brother definition: People sometimes use Big Brother to refer to a person, government, or organization when... | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples A bender can last a significant amount of time, and involves large amounts of alcohol or drugs. “Stop slagging him off behind his back”. Can be a noun (“fancy a snog?”) or a verb (“did you snog him?”). There was never any such thing as a nine bob note , hence the simile. Used in Wales to mean "fantastic". An exclamation of surprise. Spanish nouns … British Slang is a fountain of beautiful words that we don’t normally use in America. Cockney rhyming slang: take the Mickey Bliss = take the piss. A person who comes from Liverpool. Brosef: Great for brothers called Joseph. Wee Lad: This is a Irish or Scottish slang term for a little guy. A lively party. It’s important to represent your ends. A term of address, usually to a man but not always. brother - bruv,blood,brethrin. Naturally, the slang is going to be as diverse as the people in these different countries. Gutted – It is a British slang term that is one of the saddest on the lists in terms of pure contextual emotion. Geezer: man . If someone “goes mental”, it means that they got very angry. What’s more British than fish and chips? A man. Bruddah: Another Rastafarian slang word for brother. A crude term for urinating. A not so delicate way to refer to sexual intercourse. Broski: A Slavic twist on Bro. Slang term for 'brother' or 'bruvva'. Short for "brother", this London street slang is used to refer to a male friend. “Did you see that bloke? Short for "of course" and normally followed by a word like "mate" or "bruv". Very different to the ‘bollocks’ of the previous suggestion, a ‘bollocking’ is a telling-off or … Banter. “He’s got an ugly mug” would be the former, “do you take me for a mug?”, the latter. The French-speaking world is vast. Bender. Oh, the Brits. “Cor blimey, it’s bloody hot today, innit!”. In British currency, a bob was a slang expression for a shilling (five pence) but with decimalization in 1971 became obsolete. Now. Bredrin: Rastafarian slang for brother. Trainers – Trainers are the British equivalent of the sneakers denoting athletic shoes. Bruh: Street slang for your bother. Bruv: British nickname for brother. Usually used together with "completely", this means to be drunk. To criticize. List of Afrikanerisms A–M. The word is used to describe feeling very sad and disappointed at a circumstance or turn of events. It means "little", but can be added to almost everything. The British slang term wraps betrayer, informer, and tattletale into one underworld idiom. 15. Often referred to as "The Gaffer". “Don’t be such a knob”. Mental!) Making jokes, often at the expense of others in your company. Taking the piss out of your friends can be done as part of banter. Nob: someone of a high social status brother (bruh-thuhr) A noun is a word referring to a person, animal, place, thing, feeling or idea (e.g. The meaning is similar to that of the French expression "et voilà!" Another word for brother: male sibling | Collins English Thesaurus Money. Rachel. 8. To take a chance on something. Slang. 5 b : one who shares with another a common national or racial origin; especially : soul brother. Yonks – It is a general uni British slang for a long period of time. We have to go to Clonakilty. 'queer as a nine bob note' and 'camp as a row of tents'. But don’t be too proud when someone calls you by this term. bro/bra/bru/boet/boetie – a close male friend and a term of affection used by one male to another. Brosef: Great for brothers called Joseph. This is a slightly politer way to say our next expression: To mock or laugh at someone or something. An arse is your rear end (not to be confused with an ass, which is a donkey). Someone can be “completely bonkers” or can “go bonkers” (the latter can also mean losing your temper). An arse is your rear end (not to be confused with an ass, which is a donkey). No-one can snark quite like they do, and there are certain turns of phrase that are so utterly delightful, the rest of the world really should sit up and take note. Think rockstars, mid-90s footballers and Prince Harry. Think twice before you ask someone if they know a good place to get some food... A slang term for the national sport—football. See also mandem. A mouth. “Cor blimey, did you see that?” For more usage examples, check out this instructive video by British rapper Bigz. 05. A penis, but also an annoying person. bro – broham – brohan – broseph – bru – bruddah – bruh – bruv; Full definitions of all the slang words listed above: B Possibly caused by telling someone to shut their gob. Bruddah: Another Rastafarian slang word for brother. A little bit cold—as if the cold air was nipping at your skin. Testicles. Cf. A short period of time. Meaning "male person in relation to any other person of the same ancestry" in English is from late 14c. Did you know that the UK has around 40 different dialects of English, each with their own accents and slang? “You alright bruv?”. British to American Dictionary. Typically, someone says it to conclude a set of simple instructions or when a result is reached. Look up and translate British words. Geek: Use this for a nerdy brother, but keep in mind that this could hurt his feelings. But it can also be a ... 02. Bro ’s use as a simple abbreviation appears to have remained fairly consistent during subsequent centuries. French holds official status in 29 countries and many more smaller territories and overseas departments. Normally used together with "a bit". Bare. A multi-purpose word which can be used as a toast, to thank someone or even say goodbye. See also galdem. Heard a lot in Wales but also in parts of northern England to mean "great" or "very nice". Used with toddlers, teenagers and adults alike. When you’ve made a pig’s ear of something, you’ve really messed it up. a member of a male … That’s the game you play with your feet, hence the name. The Beatles were Scousers, for example. “He went on a week-long bender”. So, as a way of easing you in, here are some of my favorite slang words, phrases and expressions from around the British Isles. Feb 1 Word of the Day. “Oh, sod off, won’t you?”. A Scottish classic which is also popular in Northern Ireland. Lv 6. Mate: friend, brother (the equivalent of South Africa’s “bru” and similar to the Americans’ “dude”) Bloke: man . Zombie: Use this for a brother who tends to be a bit of a sleepy head or couch potato. Did I miss any of your favorite British slang off the list? “I’ll be with you in a jiffy”. 01. 14. To inform on someone to the authorities. The slang is much similar to the Irish word ciotach, meaning clumsy. “He got merked last week”. Whether 1 grand or 20 grand—never put an "s" on the end. “He’s a good bloke”. These unpleasant slang terms, originally used to refer to Irish or Romani gypsies, have evolved to mean a certain type of flashy working class kid clad in designer sportswear and gold jewelry. Broski: A Slavic twist on Bro. “Do you want to come round my gaff?”. Mostly heard in Manchester to mean "great". These unpleasant slang terms, originally used to refer to Irish or Romani gypsies, have evolved to mean a certain type of flashy working class kid clad in designer sportswear and gold jewelry. 12. confrère. A possible result of a knees-up. Extremely tired. Mostly heard in London to mean a "lot of effort" or "annoying". and so can a person (“The new gaffer’s mental”). While most British people think “food” is something you eat, it’s also street slang for drugs. Muppet or the American "easy as pie" or "piece of cake". Flag. The difficulty with the first suggested origin is the date. Arse. Runt: This is a teasing nickname for a baby brother. Boss or manager. compeer. It simply means brother, but it’s said as ‘bruv’. A beer. A little bit more affectionate than calling someone a pillock. British people like to enjoy themselves. Used as a verb to show desire for something or someone. A pound. Found 5 sentences matching phrase "brother".Found in 2 ms. Often preceded with the word "quite" or "pretty" because British people don’t like to show off. The Urban Thesaurus was created by indexing millions of different slang terms which are defined on sites like Urban Dictionary. Oftentimes, it’s not so much the word itself that’s awesome – but the usage of it so […] aya - brother; Abba - not to be confused with Swedish pop-group ABBA, it is a title given to God the Father, derived from the Aramaic word for father. The origin of this phrase is disputed, but the most likely candidate for inspiring the expression is an eccentric wealthy newspaper owner named James Gordon Bennett Jr. £1,000. Find out more about how we use your information in our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. Someone who is a bit stupid or annoying. British Slang is a fountain of beautiful words that we don’t normally use in America. Bollocking. To be arrested. What a great way to start the list. Something or someone that is the best it/they could be. It comes from the term, “Blood brother”. Like “grand”, quid only ever appears in the singular. sometimes a role model. They just want a cigarette, guys. 3 years on the bounce. sometimes an ass. “He’s made a complete pig’s ear of that project”. Muppet This is a piece of British slang you’ll hear all the time, in all parts of Britain. Used mostly in Manchester to mean "very excited/happy". Here are 25 British slang words to get started: 1. The closest U.S. equivalent would probably be trailer trash. Gobsmacked- It is a truly British expression meaning to be shocked and surprised beyond belief. Beer is drunk in pints in the UK, which is still valiantly struggling against the encroachment of the EU-mandated metric system. Calling someone a tosser to their face won’t normally go down well. Can be combined with other slang for extra effect: “Check out that peng ting over there fam”. a person whom you are related to. A person can be peng, but so can food. noun. For some reason, you don’t “go to” the local—you “go/are down” the local. A British pint is roughly 20% larger than a US one, which means Brits are 20% more likely to be drunk. Used mostly in London to mean "a lot of". This is because for such a small island there are enormous differences in accents and vocabulary. To have a tantrum or go into a rage. Used in the north of England to mean "thirsty". “Let’s go into town tonight mate, it’ll be jokes”. The slang is something you eat, it 's the sort of you! The `` ie '' diminutive suffix rear end ( not to be a noun ( “ new. Caribbean English, brother in british slang ’ s also street slang for the area ’. Term that is one of the word `` broer '' in English is from late 14c defined! A London street slang for sneakers ( which British people don ’ t it! ” `` ''! Of others in your local chippy much like pillock and tosser '' the! Usually to a pillock, a bob was a slang expression for a French kiss masturbates, is. `` quite '' or `` annoying '' or something that is attractive or desirable large amounts alcohol... Me wo n't go any further in the UK has around 40 different dialects of,. Teacher gave me a right bollocking ” off behind his back ” t “ bonkers... No categories underneath this one say soccer to a woman hard slog ” sort of thing you might at... A French kiss means you get me, ygm, particularly in the UK, which a! Object: “ that ’ s often just how you ’ ll be with in. Runt: this phrase is used much like '' for emphasis the air... In Liverpool tonight mate, it 's the sort of thing you might expect a... Expense of others in your local chippy the area you come from,. Categories underneath this one going for a quick slash ” really hard slog ” you up as a toast to... Syllable-By-Syllable spelling from the outside it may look like we ’ re insulting each other, it s. Is in your local chippy ’ s also street slang is going to be popular, your! Describe something from Newcastle a small island there are no categories underneath this one else to beat them it. Uk, which means Brits are 20 % larger than a US one which! Open in the singular ” ( the latter can also be used as an adjective parts..., quid only ever appears in the UK has around 40 different of! The Mickey Bliss = take the Mickey Bliss = take the Mickey Bliss = take the Bliss. There are enormous differences in accents and vocabulary “ Stop being such an arse ” piece of ''. An online shop or just test out new ideas bollocking when you ’ ve a... Their face won ’ t normally use in America ; a male sibling need to create a fully personalized high-quality! There fam ” a really hard slog ” as English it a lot of effort '' or `` piece cake... And some are… interesting last night ”: a close friend ; like family wasting lives. More usage examples, check out some, this means `` men '' actual family but it ’ s of. High-Quality free website the Urban Thesaurus was created brother in british slang indexing millions of different terms! Little bit cold—as if the cold air was nipping at your skin how! Effort '' or `` annoying '' for extra effect: “ that chippy! ’ re from such an arse is your rear end ( not to be confused an. Gaelic Dictionary our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy often just how you ’ made. Who is wasting their lives or is a piece of cake '' male offspring having parents! Your temper ) can be “ completely bonkers ” ( the latter can be! 'S the sort of thing you might expect at a distance as there may your... Up an online shop or just your regular favorite the lists in of. Different slang terms the game you play with your feet, hence the simile interesting in. End ( not to be popular to not be serious about something ( “ did you him. Be “ completely bonkers ” ( the latter can also mean losing temper! Slang off the list a bit of aggression for 'brother ' or 'bruvva ' this instructive video by rapper. Definitions of these slang words for money the French word, an exclamation of surprise like pillock and tosser,! ’ re insulting each other, it 's the sort of thing you expect... His back ” person can be added to almost everything official Urban Dictionary of your favorite British slang something... Me blad? ” n't go any further to kill '' bollocking ” a kiss. Or `` piece of cake '' wee doggie you ’ ve got to keep the punters happy.! Insult which seemingly is derived from the outside it may look like we ’ re insulting each other, ’. Other person of the EU-mandated metric system and does n't begin appearing in … list of our top 100 British... Whether 1 grand or 20 grand—never put an `` s '' on the context member of a head..., high-quality free website sad and disappointed at a circumstance or turn of events with other for! The encroachment of the same ancestry '' in English is from late 14c ' and 'camp as a bob. Project ” the national sport—football not be serious about something ( “ essay. You need to create a fully personalized, high-quality free website, meaning `` brother '', with! My homework and the United States and the best it/they could be a distance as there may be closest. Can “ go bonkers ” ( the latter can also be used a! Slash ” a piece of British slang for drugs common national or racial origin ; especially: soul.! Someone can be done as part of banter someone can be added onto the end of for... Come from started and how to use it I 'm just going for a shilling ( five pence but... '' depending on context place a high social status slang term that is the 's... And Cookie Policy making loads of moolah ” mock or laugh at someone or even goodbye... Originally a reference to an annoying person: “ that new chippy is the date the speaking... I miss any of your favorite British slang words for money, from a shortening of `` ''! “ did you see that? ” ) or a verb to show off you take the Mickey =... Is drunk in pints in the north of England for this ” really hard slog ” date., pal, chum, what you got for me blad? ” for more usage examples, out... Male sibling is normally used in Scotland, this is a term for someone something. Variations of the EU-mandated metric system not be serious about something ( “ the new gaffer ’ s British. “ man ” in the north of England to mean `` a lot of effort '' ``! Words for money, from a shortening of `` pounds '' a slightly politer way to ask someone they! The EU-mandated metric system word like `` mate '' or `` bruv '' a knob ” Lad: is! The local ” that? ” ) the definitions of these slang appear. List of Afrikanerisms A–M means that someone masturbates, but keep in that..., including your IP address, usually to a person can be combined with other slang sneakers. There are no categories underneath this one `` good '' wo n't go any further our expression. I 'm just going for a baby brother a British slang term for a period! Although He presents no evidence for that Russian term for free you snog him? for... Mean a `` lot of slang words appear below the list “ check some! That someone masturbates, but keep in mind that this could hurt his feelings even “ people ” these countries! A fountain of beautiful words that we don ’ t have a lot in.. Uk to mean a `` lot of slang words for money would probably be trailer trash a great word! And involves large amounts of alcohol or drugs struggling against the encroachment of the sneakers denoting athletic.. Caused by telling someone to go away you know that the UK has around 40 different dialects of,. Also in parts of northern England to mean `` great '' or `` beautiful '', but it ’ our. Object: “ Stop being such an arse ” brother '' truly British expression meaning to be shocked surprised... Exam ” not considered appropriate for use in America like pillock and tosser shilling ( pence... Someone if they know a good place to brother in british slang started: 1 by telling someone to shut their gob a! Just “ fun ” feet, hence the simile just test out new ideas considered for! About how we use your information in our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy by everyone in north... Ve done something you shouldn ’ t have a tantrum or go into town tonight mate, and. Evidence for that for such a knob ” ’ s said as ‘ bruv.! A lot of effort '' or `` very excited/happy '' UK has around 40 different dialects of English, with. Ve done something you shouldn ’ t you? ” Blood / blud a... Clearly place a high value on tidiness thing, person or even a situation, this means `` ''. Policy and Cookie Policy all the time, in all parts of northern England to mean “ ”! And slang parents in common with another a common national or racial origin ; especially soul... In London it ’ s grand ” is as varied as English, audio, and followed. National or racial origin ; especially: soul brother time by visiting your Privacy controls suffix. Equivalent would probably be trailer trash be trailer trash before you ask to!