A guide to British English: Vocabulary and expressions

Words and phrases to help you speak British English when in London

You will hear these words and phrases spoken across London. Even if you're an English speaker, these are unique to the UK and may help clear things up.

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In'it ✅

Short for "Isn't it." Often put at the end of sentences for extra effect or added drama.

As an example… “The weather is proper shite today, innit.”

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Alright? 👋

Alright? = How are you?

As an example… Colleagues passing each other in the hallway

• Colleague 1: “Alright?”
• Colleague 2: “Alright?” (with a subtle head nod)

Neither colleague breaks stride.

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Mate 🤝

A common term used to address a friend, buddy or acquaintance.

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Pants 👙

Underwear. Yes, they are worn on the lower half of your body, but in the UK, they're crucially the bottom layer.

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Quid 💷

A slang term for a pound (£).

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Fiver 5️⃣

Five pounds (£).

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Tenner 🔟

Ten pounds (£).

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Geezer 👨

Originating from cockney East London, this is a way of affectionately referring to a man.

As an example… Two guys at the pub.

• Friend 1: “The first beer is on me”
• Friend 2: “Cheers geezer!”

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Bollocks 🤬

A slang word used to express disbelief or disagreement, similar to "nonsense."

It can also mean, 'testicles.'

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Nosh 🥪

Food, a meal or eating. It can be used as a noun to describe a snack or a full meal, and can also be used as a verb meaning to eat or enjoy food.

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Scran 🌯

Food. Similar to "nosh," it can be used as a noun to describe a meal or food in general.

As an example... "I'm hungry, let's grab some scran."

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Smashing 🤩

Fantastic or great. A term mostly used by posh people.

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Skive 😏

To avoid work or responsibilities.

As an example… “It's Monday and I'm definitely skiving off work today.”

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Fit 😍

Someone that is attractive or sexy in appearance.

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Butters 🥴

Someone that is unattractive or ugly in appearance.

Hench 💪

Someone who is physically strong, muscular, or well-built.

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Peng 👌

Either someone or something as attractive, good-looking, or appealing.

Talking about someone as an example… “Ohhh that bartender at the pub is totally peng.”

Talking about something as an example… “Mate you got to try the pasta here, it's absolutely peng.”

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Lips 💋

If you lips someone you kiss them. Can also be used as lipsing' like you would use kissing or lipsed' for kissed.

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Snog 😘

The same as lips, to kiss or make-out.

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Offie 🍾

An alcohol shop. Short form of 'off licence.

As an example... "This pub is packed, I'm skint and the weather is nice. Let's go to the 'offie' and then drink in the park."

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Rudeboy 👨🎤

A term that originated in Jamaican culture but has since been adopted across London. Originally, it referred to a rebellious or defiant young man, often associated with the ska and reggae music scenes. Today it means someone who is stylish and full of swagger.

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Skint 😬

Broke or poor.

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Loo 🚽

A polite and informal term used to refer to a bathroom, restroom or toilet.

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Blimey 😱

An expression of surprise or shock.

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Tipple 🥃

Often used to refer to enjoying a favourite alcoholic beverage or indulging in a particular drink for pleasure.

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Brolly ☔️

Umbrella. Something that you need regularly in London.

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Crisps 🥔

In British English, 'crisps' refer to what other countries would call 'potato chips' that come from a plastic packet.

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Cuppa 🫖

Short for 'a cup of tea.'

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Minging 🤢

Something or someone as unpleasant, unattractive, or disgusting. It is often used to refer to something that is dirty, foul-smelling, or in a state of disarray. It can also be used to describe a person who is unappealing or unhygienic.

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Sick 🤮

Vomit.

As an example... "Watch out, there is a puddle of sick over there."

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Lash 🍺

Alcohol or drinking alcohol.

As an example... "I went out on the lash last night and now I've got a chronic hangover."

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Aubergine 🍆

The vegetable also known as, 'egg plant.'

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Pepper 🫑

If you're from Down Under you call these, 'capsicum.'

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Fag 🚬

A cigarette or smoke.

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Rubbish 🤦

Nonsense or garbage.

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Gutted 😢

Used to express disappointment or sadness about something.

As an example… "Arsenal lost on the weekend, absolutely gutted."

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Cheerio ✌️

Goodbye.