You have already read about slang words and how the language has evolved with modern times. Unlike American slang words and phrases, British slang may seem somewhat confusing. The words have a different meaning that depends on whether you are referring them in British or American. You must concentrate on improving your language skills by practicing it daily.
The slang words list would come handy to you when you are reading a novel or any other content written by British authors. You would know the actual meaning of the words and phrases used. Englishbix has provided a list of British Slang Words that you can read and broaden your vocab!
Common British Slang Words List
These common terms and expressions used in UK English will help you talk in the British Accent and make you sound like a Britisher.
| Word | Meaning |
| Chuffed | When someone is chuffed, they are very pleased or happy about something. |
| Knackered | The word basically means that someone is extremely tired. This comes from “knacker,” which is an older word. |
| Bants | “Banter” means to joke or to exchange witty (quick and fun) remarks with others. |
| Cheeky | When someone is cheeky, it means that they are being a little rude or disrespectful, but usually in a way that is funny and endearing (cute). |
| Fag | In British slang, however, it just means a cigarette. |
| Cuppa | Cuppa comes from the phrase “cup of.” |
| Bum | It is an informal word for “bottom” (a body part). |
| Mate | it is commonly used in Britain to mean a friend. |
| Ledge | This is a shortening of the word “legend.” |
| Gutted | The original meaning of “gut” is to remove the insides of an animal before eating it |
| Sherbets | In Britain, “sherbet” is a word for a fizzy sweet or sweet powder. |
| Trollied | A “trolly” is the word the British use for a shopping cart. |
| Narky | Narky is another word for moody or bad-tempered. |
| Fluke | A “fluke” is something caused by chance or luck. Something can also be described as being “flukey,” meaning that it is particularly lucky or coincidental. |
| Arsed | It is used to express that someone really does not want to or has not got the energy to do a particular thing. |
| Gagging | The word means to choke. |
| Cracking | To achieve some |
| Bloody | It is a swear word used for insulting someone. |
| Arse | Referring to what in the US would be your ass |
| Bagsy | It is a way of staking a claim on something |
| Bloke | A man. |
| Baccy | The tobacco that you use to roll your own fags |
| Botched | Things that have not gone according to the plan |
| Cheesed off | When Annoyed or displeased |
| Chock-a-block | A place that is very busy. |
| Dodgy | Used to describe something a little bit suspicious |
| Filch | Simply to steal |
| Gobsmacked | Awestruck about something |
| Hanky panky | It is used to refer to making out |
| Knees up | British party |
| Lurgy | Unwell or sick. |
| Nitwit | Describing someone a bit silly. |
| Parky | Describing Cold Weather |
| Piece of cake | something is easy peasy |
| Pissed | blind drunk |
| Porkies | Spreading lies or rumors |
| Quid | It is a slang word for a British pound |
| Rubbish | Everything a Brit throws in the bin |
| Scrummy | something deliciously tasty |
| Skive | Bunk school or office |
| Sloshed | being drunk |
| Snookered | a situation from which you can see no obvious escape |
| Spend a penny | going to the bathroom |
| Strop | The words mean public display of displeasure |
| Swear | to cuss or curse |
| Toodle pip | goodbye |
| Waffle | endlessly drone on about nothing |
| Welly | A good to go sign |
| Wobbler | tantrum or throw a strop |
| Yakking | Talking too much |
| Yonks | a long period of time |
| All To Pot | The situation going out of your control |
| Brass Monkeys | refer to extremely cold weather |
| Bugger All | nothing at all |
| Butchers hook | to look at something |
We hope after reading this you’ll get an insight into British way of using words.
Keep Learning with EnglishBix to learn the different between the British and American English, and different types of accents in English speaking.