If you’re an American planning a trip to the UK, studying some British English phrases is a wise idea.
While a different accent is part of the equation, Brits use many phrases that Americans don’t. Understanding these can be incredibly helpful during your travels.
Believe it or not, American English is actually older than British English, which changed how people sounded by adding a soft “r”.
Let’s dive into some phrases that were described as “lifesavers” on trips to England.
1: Have a Chinwag
The phrase “have a chinwag” doesn’t involve your chin or a dog’s tail. It is a British phrase meaning to “have a chat”.
Chinwag is an informal way of speaking. You should use this word with your friends. While it covers any kind of chat, it can sometimes imply a gossipy conversation.
2: She’s So Gobby
Americans might find the word “rude” harsh. Brits prefer using “gobby” to talk about a rude person. The source suggests you might laugh saying it. Gobby can also describe someone who talks too much.
3: The Bee’s Knees
“The bee’s knees” is a British phrase used when referring to something someone is fond of. It’s described as being fun to say. 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 use dollars and bucks, while Britons have pounds and quid. Quid is an informal way to talk about money among friends. However, the source advises against using quid when paying for a 5-star meal.
5: It’s All Gone Pear-Shaped
Hearing the word “pear” in this phrase means something went wrong. “Pear-shaped” is a substitute for “wrong” that Americans would understand.
For example, you might hear someone say, “We wanted to go to the beach, but it’s all gone pear-shaped” on a rainy day. This means plans didn’t go as intended.
6: Ta-Ta
“Ta-ta” might not be a foreign word for Americans, but it can feel weird to say the first time. It stands for “Talk to you later”.
You might also hear Brits say, “Ta-ta for now”. It is an informal phrase, so don’t use it with your new boss.
7: Curtain Twitcher
It’s easy to guess where “curtain twitcher” comes from. The phrase refers to a nosy person. According to Readable, the term was coined in the 1940s.
It described people who constantly watched their neighbors by peeking through their windows.
8: For Yonks
If someone says they’ve lived somewhere “for yonks,” they mean a really long time. This phrase is also used in Australia.
You might hear “in yonks” instead, as in “I haven’t been here in yonks”. Knowing this phrase can be useful when traveling.
9: I’m Knackered
When you get off a red-eye flight at Heathrow, you’ll likely be “knackered”. This is British slang for tired. “Knacker” can also mean to break something. So, listen carefully if Brits are having a chinwag about something you knackered.
10: That’s Rubbish
“That’s rubbish” is a phrase frequently heard in Europe. In this context, it means “That’s nonsense”. “Rubbish” is also a common British word for garbage. You might be directed to put the rubbish in a bin. A “bin” is what Britons call a trash can.
11: Sort of Bloke
Americans might find the word “bloke” rough-sounding. However, in the UK, being called a bloke is a compliment. Bloke is informal for “guy”. Common phrases include “He’s a lovely sort of bloke” or “He’s a lovely bloke”.
12: Blimey
“Blimey” is both a single word and a phrase. Brits use it when they are excited and surprised about something. It’s comparable 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” does not have a negative connotation. It means great or excellent. A person can look smashing in an outfit.
A view, such as of London Bridge, can also be described as smashing. The source notes it’s a word that’s hard to stop using.
14: All Go To Pot
You wouldn’t want your travel plans to “all go to pot”. This phrase means that plans didn’t go as planned. Furthermore, no alternative could fix the situation. When something fails miserably, Brits commonly say it has all gone to pot.
15: Use a Brolly
While England is the driest country in the UK statistically, you’ll still need a “brolly”. In 2023, there were 171.5 days with 1 millimeter or more of rainfall. A brolly translates to “umbrella” in American English.
16: Brass Monkey
“Brass monkey” is a phrase you might adopt quickly, especially if you’re from a warmer climate. It means extremely cold weather.
Although heavy snowfall isn’t common in England, cold, damp winters are frequent. These conditions lead to brass monkey weather.
17: Sod Off
Be cautious when using “sod off” until you understand its context. The gentler version means “go away”. However, there is a rougher version involving an f-word. Some Britons use “bugger off” as an alternative to sod off.
18: Mind the Gap
“Mind the gap” is a phrase that can become stuck in your head after using the underground (subway).
It is a frequent announcement on the public transportation system. The warning tells people to be careful of the space between the station platform and the train.
19: And Bob’s Your Uncle
Brits sometimes end simple instructions with “And Bob’s your Uncle!”. This is used after explaining how to do something straightforward.
It signifies that the task is complete and easy. The source finds it fun to say, though questions why it’s used instead of “Voilà”.
20: Posh Nosh
“Posh nosh” is described as another fun British phrase to say. It refers to high-quality food. For example, pastries at an upscale afternoon tea could be called posh nosh. The phrase is used for any fancy food item.
21: She’s Lush
Anyone can be described as “lush,” as it is in the eye of the beholder. In American English, “lush” often describes thick foliage. However, in British slang, “lush” means attractive.
22: Rent a Flat
If you’re staying in England for an extended period, you might need to find a “flat”. A flat is what Brits call an apartment.
While Brits will understand “apartment,” “flat” is catchy and widely used. You might find yourself using it eventually.
23: Tea and Crumpets
A “crumpet” is a common food served at tea time. It is a type of griddle bread. Crumpets have small holes, making them perfect for soaking up butter and jam.
Brits also eat “biscuits” with tea, which are cookies, not traditional American buttery biscuits.
24: Fish and Chips
“Chips” can be a misleading British term, often heard with “fish and chips”. Unlike the thin potato chips Americans are familiar with, Brits use “chips” to refer to thick french fries. This distinction is important in a food context.
25: Going on a Holiday
In American culture, a holiday is a specific, widely recognized day. In the UK, however, “holiday” is used to mean personal vacations.
So, if a Brit says they’re going on a holiday to Spain, they mean they are taking a vacation there. They aren’t necessarily celebrating a Spanish holiday.
Alicia Richards