Planning a trip across the pond to the United Kingdom? While you might speak the same language, you’ll quickly discover that British English has its own unique charm and a lexicon of phrases that can leave Americans scratching their heads.
Interestingly, American English is actually considered older than British English because the original settlers brought their native tongue to America before upper-class citizens in England changed how they sounded by including a soft “r”.
This newer British accent spread and continues to dominate southern English speech today.
Beyond the accent, many words and phrases differ between the two countries. Studying these phrases can be incredibly helpful for Americans visiting the UK. Let’s dive into 25 British expressions that might make Americans say “Huh?”
1. Have a Chinwag
Despite the name, this phrase has nothing to do with your chin or a dog’s tail. In Britain, to “have a chinwag” means to have a chat.
It’s an informal way of speaking, best used among friends. While it covers any type of chat, it can often imply a gossipy conversation.
2. She’s So Gobby
While “rude” might sound harsh in American English, Brits prefer using “gobby” to describe a rude person. The word “gobby” can also mean someone who talks too much.
3. The Bee’s Knees
This fun-to-say phrase is used when referring to something one is fond of. You can use it in sentences like, “I think he’s the bee’s knees” or “Those shoes are the bee’s knees”.
4. A Few Quid
Americans have dollars and bucks, and Britons have pounds and “quid“. “Quid” is an informal way to talk about money. It’s best used among friends and not recommended when paying for an expensive meal.
5. It’s All Gone Pear-Shaped
Hearing the word “pear” in this context isn’t good news. If something has “all gone pear-shaped,” it means it has gone wrong. For example, “We wanted to go to the beach, but it’s all gone pear-shaped”.
6. Ta-Ta
This might not be unheard of in America, but it feels strange for Americans to say. “Ta-ta” stands for “Talk to you later“. You might also hear “Ta-ta for now”. Remember, it’s too informal to use with your boss.
7. Curtain Twitcher
This phrase describes a nosy person. The name is quite literal, referring to people who constantly watch their neighbors through their windows. The phrase was reportedly coined in the 1940s.
8. For Yonks
If someone has been somewhere “for yonks,” they’ve been there for a really long time. This phrase is also used in Australia. You might also hear “in yonks,” as in, “I haven’t been here in yonks”.
9. I’m Knackered
After a long flight, you might feel “knackered,” which is British slang for tired. The word “knacker” can also mean to break something, so pay attention to the context.
10. That’s Rubbish
This phrase means “That’s nonsense“. “Rubbish” is also the common British word for garbage. You might be directed to put the rubbish in a bin. As a bonus, “bin” is the British word for trash can.
11. Sort of Bloke
While “bloke” might sound rough to some Americans, being called a “bloke” is actually a compliment in the UK.
It’s an informal word for “guy“. Phrases like “He’s a lovely sort of bloke” or “He’s a lovely bloke” are common.
12. Blimey “Blimey“
This is a single word used when someone is excited and surprised. It’s similar to saying, “Wow“. An example is, “My American friend is traveling to Europe for the first time to see me. Blimey! I can’t believe it!”.
13. That’s Smashing
Despite sounding negative, “smashing” has a positive meaning. It means excellent or wonderful. A person can look smashing in an outfit, or a view can be smashing.
14. All Go To Pot
You don’t want your plans to “all go to pot”. This means they didn’t go as planned, and there’s no alternative to fix it. It’s often used when something fails miserably.
15. Use a Brolly
Even though England is statistically the driest country in the UK, you might still need a “brolly“. A brolly is a British word for an umbrella.
16. Brass Monkey
This phrase refers to extremely cold weather. Cold, damp winters in England can be described as brass monkey weather.
17. Sod Off
Be cautious with this one until you understand the context. The gentler version of “sod off” means “go away“. There is also a rougher version involving an “f” word. Some Brits use “bugger off” instead.
18. Mind the Gap
This phrase is frequently heard on the public transportation system (the underground or subway). It’s a warning to take care of the gap between the boarding station and the train.
19. And Bob’s Your Uncle
This is used after explaining simple instructions to someone. It means something like “And there you have it!” or “It’s as simple as that!“.
20. Posh Nosh
“Posh nosh” refers to high-quality items, particularly fancy food. Pastries at an upscale tea restaurant could be described as posh nosh.
21. She’s Lush
While Americans use “lush” for dense foliage, Brits use “lush” as slang for attractive. Anyone can be described as lush.
22. Rent a Flat
If you’re staying in England for a while, you might look for a “flat“. A flat is what Brits call an apartment. While Brits understand “apartment,” “flat” is very common.
23. Tea and Crumpets
Crumpets are a common food served at tea time. They are griddle bread with holes, perfect for soaking up butter and jam. Brits also eat “biscuits” with tea, but these are cookies, not the buttery biscuits Americans know.
24. Fish and Chips
In the classic dish “fish and chips,” “chips” are not the thin, crispy potato chips Americans are used to. British chips are thick french fries.
25. Going on a Holiday
In the UK, “holiday” refers to personal vacations, not necessarily a specific recognized day of the year. So, if a Brit says they are going on a holiday to Spain, they mean they are going on vacation there.
Alicia Richards