Brought to you by the people who originally brought you the English language, some of the language’s greatest slang phrases come from the same island. England has a rich heritage of profound literature (one must look no further than Shakespeare) and that reflects itself in the way that people use language. Since the middle ages England has been a source of interesting slang and accents. In fact, a vast majority of English accents and dialects are found within the small area of the British Isles although the English speaking world as a whole is significantly larger. Even if you are just trying to enrich your cultural learning, looking back at British slang can be a very informative and interesting crash course in the history of the language. And of course, unless you are actually British you will probably not understand some of the words and phrases on this list. Even some Brits might not get all of them. When you do finally get around to visiting London, however, you will be well prepared to understand everything that you hear and to blend into the local culture. So, whatever your reason for learning, these are 25 super cool British slang phrases to liven up your vocabulary!
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Donkey's Years
Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia Meaning: ages, as in “I haven’t seen you in ages (donkey’s years)”
Daft Cow
Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia Meaning: a really dumb person
Collywobbles
Source: wikipedia, Image: pixabay Meaning: stomach pain or queasiness brought on by anxiety
Crusty Dragon
Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia Meaning: a piece of snot or a booger
It’s Monkeys Outside!
Source: wikipedia, Image: pixabay Meaning: It’s really cold outside!
Pavement Pizza
Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia Meaning: puke or vomit
Puff
Source: wikipedia, Image: Todd McCann via Flickr Meaning: fart
Shambolic
Source: wikipedia, Image: pixabay Meaning: to be in a total state of chaos
Spend A Penny
Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia Meaning: use the bathroom
Starkers
Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia Meaning: completely naked
Tickety-Boo
Source: wikipedia, Image: Charles LeBlanc via Flickr Meaning: everything is great (everything is tickety-boo)
Snookered
Source: wikipedia, Image: freestockphotos.biz Meaning: to be in a really bad situation
Skive
Source: wikipedia, Image: pixabay Meaning: someone who is really lazy or useless
Shirty
Source: wikipedia, Image: pixabay Meaning: to be ill-tempered
See A Man About a Dog
Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia Meaning: something you say as an excuse for leaving in order to conceal your actual destination e.g. the bathroom
Off One’s Trolley
Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia Meaning: crazy or out of one’s mind
Legless
Source: wikipedia, Image: pixabay Meaning: completely drunk
Made redundant
Source: wikipedia, Image: o5com via Flickr Meaning: to be fired
Lose The Plot
Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia Meaning: to go crazy
Minted
Source: wikipedia, Image: pixabay Meaning: to be really rich
Knackered
Source: wikipedia, Image: pixabay Meaning: to be really tired
I’m Off To Bedfordshire!
Source: wikipedia, Image: pexels Meaning: I’m going to bed!
Gobsmacked
Source: wikipedia, Image: pixabay Meaning: to be amazed
Gormless
Source: wikipedia, Image: pixabay Meaning: to be completely clueless
Gobby
Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia Meaning: somebody who is loudly opinionated
