British slang is a language of its own, comprising a vast array of words and entire phrases that sometimes don’t even sound English! If you want to speak like a true Brit, try these must-know British slang terms. 

British slang is a language of its own, comprising a vast array of words and entire phrases that sometimes don’t even sound English! They can leave people gobsmacked in sheer confusion, but these quintessentially British terms are so colourful and expressive, you’ll find yourself using more and more of them as you make a cheeky joke or praise the cracking movie you just saw.

So, if you want to speak like a true Brit, try these must-know British slang terms:

Chuffed 

This is a great adjective to use when you’re feeling very happy about something. To further emphasize how pleased you are, add an appropriate intensifier:

I am well chuffed about scoring a 6 in IELTS. / My boss is dead chuffed that I signed a big client.

Taking the Mickey 

You may have heard this phrase in a British movie or television show, but it has nothing to do with a character named Mickey (or the famous Disney mouse)! The full phrase is to take the Mickey out of someone, which means to make fun of a person, and is usually phrased as a question:

I have a feeling you’re being sarcastic. Are you taking the Mickey out of me? 

Gutted

This is a very expressive adjective that actually sounds like what it means. Try saying the word out loud in a phrase: “I am gutted.” Does that sound like a positive statement? If you answered “no”, then your instincts were right, because being gutted means you’re very disappointed or upset about something.

He is gutted that his start-up wasn’t successful. / I’m gutted about getting a bad score in math.

This widely used British slang "bloke" is another word for "man" and is the American equivalent of "guy" or "dude".
Pronounced “nackered” (with a silent “k” as in “knee”), knackered is a popular term describes the state of being worn out or exhausted.

Bloke

This widely used British slang terms is not only common in the United Kingdom, but also in Australia, New Zealand and Ireland. The American equivalent of “bloke” would be “guy” or “dude”, which is simply another word for “man”.

My classmate, Jim, is a really nice bloke. / Did you see a bloke wearing a red jacket?

Knackered

Use this adjective after a long, busy day at work or school, when you have no energy left but to throw yourself onto the sofa. Pronounced “nackered” (with a silent “k” as in “knee”), this popular term describes the state of being worn out or exhausted.

I’ve been working overtime every day this week, so I’m absolutely knackered.

 

There you have it: the top five British slang terms you must know and understand when talking to a Brit or hoping to sound like one. Have fun with them and use them whenever you can!

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