Word Bank
Phrases, WORDS LIST
When learning any language, spending time with a native speaker is the best way to learn the real language. English native speakers often use idioms and phrases that, unless you know them, will leave you looking pale faced. Whilst the list is endless, here are some of the most popular common words and phrases the British use.
Cheers
One of the most used and underrated words. It has many meanings. It can be said when toasting drinks, used as an informal alternative to thank you and is often used to say goodbye at the end of an email
Have a Butcher’s. (Cockney Rhyming).
Derived from the term “Butcher’s hook”. Meaning to have/take a look at something.
“Jimmy, look at this, come here and have a butcher’s.”
The Bee’s Knees (idiom).
Meaning something is awesome or really good.
“The movie yesterday was the The Bee’s Knees, I highly recommend it.”
Bespoke (adj).
Used to describe something that is custom made, like a bespoke suit or a bespoke holiday package.
Bog standard (adj).
Something that is distinctly ordinary and regular.
“I had dinner in that new curry house last night, the food was bog standard”
Knackered (adj)
Means that you are very tired or fatigued . Can also mean broken
“I’m knackered lads, I need to sit down and have a rest.”
To be Chuffed (adj).
Used when on is very pleased or happy about something.
“I’m chuffed about my exam results, I worked so hard.”
Chock-a-block (adj).
When a lot of things are packed or jammed close together,
“The traffic was Chock-a-block last night, took ages to get home.”
Lost the Plot (idiom).
When somebody is acting crazy, silly or just being an idiot.
“Henderson, you were such a dick last night, you really lost the plot.”
See a man about a dog (idiom).
Used as an answer when you don’t want to reveal where you’re going.
“Where you going Matty?”
“I going to see a man about a dog, speak to you later”
Budge up (Phrasal Verb).
Used when asking somebody to make space so you can sit down.
“Hey, can you budge-up a little, there’s plenty of space.”
On a Bender (idiom).
Refers to a very long sustained session of drinking.
“Not seen Alex since he went off on a weekend bender“
Chinwag (idiom).
Means to gossip. A long conversation between female friends.
“Don’t be silly, all the girls are coming around to have a good old chinwag”
Fit (Adj).
Has obvious meanings, but is also used to describe a person as attractive.
“Did you see the new office manager, he is well fit”
Houses or Minging (adj).
Used to describe something as ugly, very bad or unpleasant.
“Dude, I kid you not, that chick you pulled last night was houses.”
To gallivant (verb).
Used to describe a person has been wondering all over town in search of fun or excitement.
“Kay was gallivanting all over town, not sure what time or who she came back with”
Legless or rat-arsed (adj).
This word is used to describe somebody that is extremely drunk.
“Peter was completely legless last night, he drunk way too much cheap vodka”
Sod’s law (idiom).
Meaning that, whatever can go wrong will.
“The one day I go out without a brolly, is the day it rains, that’s Sod’s Law”
Not the sharpest tool in the box (idiom).
Used to describe a person that is rather dumb, basic and often makes silly mistakes.
“Paul got arrested for Jaywalking. He never was the sharpest tool in the box”
Take the Mickey (Cockney Rhyming).
Derived from the term “Taking the Mickey Bliss” meaning to take the piss, to tease, joke, mock or to ridicule somebody.
“£4k for that old heap, are you taking the mickey?
Do you know any other typical British phrases? Please send me a message and let me know.
For more great English phrases, check the tags below for other pages.
