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British Slang: Everything You Need to Know from A to “Zed”

By Christina Maness

If you thought the only accident you had to avoid in the United Kingdom was driving on the wrong side of the road, prepare yourself…Brit-speak can get you into some sticky situations. British people may technically speak the same language as Americans, but some words and phrases do not perfectly translate across the pond. Here’s a quick guide to some of the island’s favorite words and phrases:

Driving: The British seem to use an entirely different language when referring to their cars. If you tell someone their car needs gas, someone is likely to wonder why you would want to give their vehicle a nasty case of indigestion. Britons refer to gasoline as petrol and take their cars to petrol stations to fill up their tanks. Try not to get too confused when the British drive around in their car looking for a car park. You might be tempted to think that a Brit is looking for a nice recreational spot for vehicle play time, but rest assured NASCAR-fearing passengers, this driver is simply looking for what Americans typically refer to as a parking garage. Americans might feel more comfortable using the word lot in this situation, but the British actually use this term to refer to a group of people. For example, if you grab your seatbelt in fear while looking for a car park, the driver might be tempted to say “You Americans are an anxious lot!”

Food: When it comes to food, the British may use some words which are confusing too. When ordering food at a pub, if you ask for chips, don’t be surprised when your plate comes out stacked with French fries. The British have too much national pride to give their friends across the Channel any credit for the perfect complement to fish and peas. If you actually want your American potato chips, make sure to ask for crisps. Unfortunately, when you are offered a biscuit with your coffee, you aren’t going to get your favorite buttermilk breakfast companion to jam and gravy, but don’t be too disappointed…a biscuit refers to a cookie. Of course, if you want a beer, just ask for a pint.

Going out: People in Great Britain love going out, and have reserved a large portion of their slang for its associated activities. When chatting up a handsome British bloke or beautiful dame, don’t be surprised if someone tries to snog you…British people enjoy kissing Americans. If you fancy (adore) this Briton, enjoy some snogging, but be cautious…snogging may lead to shagging (consult Austin Powers for this definition). Now don’t think that the British only keep things hot and heavy: If someone says they want to be your mate, avoid thinking about Biology 101… this individual just wants to be your friend. Cigarettes are banned from pubs and clubs in the United Kingdom, and many people will line the outside of streets smoking fags on a typical evening. Don’t immediately assume when someone shouts “I hate the smell of fags!” in the street that British people are homophobic… they just like to avoid cigarette smoke.

Other words that may arise during these conversations:

Getting pissed–don’t worry, the British aren’t angry people, variations of this phrase refer to getting drunk, which is a jolly activity in the UK.

Stag party or hen party–this refers to occasions when groups, which are exclusively male or female, go out on a pub crawl.

“On the pull”–when someone is “on the pull” they are usually looking to “pick up” someone they fancy at a pub or a club.

Knackered–after a long evening of drinking, British would typically use this term to describe being tired. Often when knackered, the British will lie-in, which means to sleep in longer than usual.

A Particular Item of Clothing: Most importantly, be careful when you say pants… This is the easiest “accident” to avoid, if you remain consciously aware of the fact that Brits refer to underwear as pants and use trousers to describe the clothing which goes over these private garments. It rains quite often in the UK, and if you make the mistake of announcing that “your pants are wet,” most Brits will either think you have a bladder problem or “take the piss” out of you. Rest assured, however, it will probably be the latter case, and by taking the piss, they don’t intend to collect a urine sample for proof of a medical condition, but to poke fun at you for the misunderstanding.

Christina and her sister in front of the London "Eye".

Don’t panic, if you find yourself getting tripped up by these words or other slang while in the United Kingdom, British people are pretty forgiving and will have no problem explaining their language after kindly taking the mickey out of you (a slightly more polite term for poking fun). Just remember to say “ta” or “cheers” (thanks) to your Brit friend for helping you to better understand British culture.