While the English language and British culture is appreciated worldwide, it doesn’t always make sense. Regarding sayings, certain British phrases have people scratching their heads. We take a look at 22 distinctly British sayings and explain the meaning behind them.
“Have a Cuppa”
To “have a cuppa” is to drink tea, which British people do a lot of. No matter where you go in Britain, you will be asked if you want a cup of tea (English breakfast), even on the hottest days of summer.
“Bagsy”
To “bagsy” something is to put claim to something. For example, you might buy a box of donuts and “bagsy” the chocolate one, which you want to eat ahead of anyone else.
“Pull a Blinder”
When you “pull a blinder,” you have done something amazing that is usually not easy to do. The phrase is often used when watching sports, as in, “Did you see that performance by Jones? He pulled a blinder there.”
“Bob’s Your Uncle”
British people don’t think everyone has an uncle named Bob. The phrase is used at the end of instructions instead of saying, “There you have it.” For example, “You just need to butter two slices of bread, add some lettuce and ham, and Bob’s your uncle, you have a sandwich.”
“Cheers”
Quite simply, “Cheers” means thanks. British people use it when casually thanking someone, or it can also be used as a toast before a drink (usually an alcoholic beverage).
“Mind the Gap”
Mind the gap is to watch the step. This is a common warning on the London Underground (subway) to alert passengers about the space between the train and the platform.
“Taking the Mickey”
When you “take the Mickey,” you laugh at or mock someone. “Mickey” is a slang term for a person and is thought to come from the Cockney rhyming slang “Mickey Bliss.”
“What a Kerfuffle
The word “kerfuffle” sounds like nonsense, and that’s probably because it describes a commotion. British people use this word to describe a situation that’s making them feel confused. An example would be a parent entering a child’s noisy playroom and asking, “What’s all this kerfuffle?” when they see their kids fighting and toys all over the room.
“All Right, Mate?
This is a casual greeting used mostly by young people to their friends. They simply want to know if their friend is okay. To add to the confusion, the term is used in many areas of Britain for people who aren’t friends. For example, someone can say to a store assistant, “All right, mate, how’s your day going?”
“On Holiday”
The term holiday is used in Britain in place of “vacation.” To be on holiday could be leisure time away with friends and family or simply taking annual leave from work. An example would be, “You can’t speak to John today; he’s on holiday today.”
“A Quid”
A “quid” is one pound sterling, which is the slang term for the British currency.
“That’s Pants”
Don’t worry; nobody is trying to look at your pants when they use this phrase. To say something is “pants” means they think it’s bad or of poor quality. For example, “I watched the new Tom Hanks film this week; it was pants.”
“Botch Job”
A botch job is something done poorly, carelessly, or unskillfully. For example, “I had an electrician out today, but they did a botch job as the lights blew as soon as they left.”
“Pop Round”
To pop around means to come over for a visit. Brits use this casual invitation when they are looking forward to a relaxed and informal visit rather than asking you around for a formal dinner.
“I’m Going to the Loo”
The translation of this term is “ I’m going to the bathroom.” The word “Loo” is a very common and informal term for the toilet in Britain.
“Brolly”
A “brolly” is an umbrella. On a rainy day, you may hear a Brit saying, “I forgot my brolly, so I’m soaked right through.”
“Fancy a Pint?”
Other than tea, Brits love nothing more than a pint of beer. A “pint” refers to a specific measurement of beer in a glass. You will usually be asked if you “fancy a pint” at the end of your shift before you head home.
“It’s Minging”
“Minging” is a strong term for something unpleasant or smelly. Brits usually use it when something is unpleasant, for example, “That new restaurant is minging.”
“Budge Up”
When a Brit asks you to “budge up,” they ask you to move over. An example could be “budge up so I can sit on the sofa too.”
“Chinwag”
A “chinwag” is a friendly conversation that Brits have with one another. It is mainly used by women who get together to put the world to the right; for example, “I haven’t seen you in a while, let’s get together for a cup of coffee and a chinwag.”
“Chuffed”
If you hear a Brit saying they are “chuffed,” you have caught them in a happy mood. Someone might say, “I’m so chuffed; my daughter won her dance competition.”
“Doddle”
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