The 50 Most Important British Slang Words Every English Learner Should Know
A comprehensive guide with meanings and real-life examples
British English is famous for its rich slang. Understanding it will help English learners follow conversations, enjoy British films and TV shows, and sound more natural when speaking with native speakers. Below are 50 of the most useful and commonly heard British slang words, explained clearly with simple examples.
Everyday British Slang (Very Common)
1. Cheers
Meaning: Thank you / goodbye
Example: Cheers for your help!
2. Mate
Meaning: Friend
Example: Alright, mate? How are you?
3. Bloke
Meaning: Man
Example: That bloke over there works with me.
4. Loo
Meaning: Toilet
Example: Excuse me, where’s the loo?
5. Fancy
Meaning: Like / want
Example: Do you fancy a coffee?
6. Brilliant
Meaning: Very good
Example: That’s a brilliant idea!
7. Knackered
Meaning: Very tired
Example: I’m absolutely knackered after work.
8. Chuffed
Meaning: Very pleased
Example: She was chuffed with her exam results.
9. Gutted
Meaning: Very disappointed
Example: I was gutted when the concert was cancelled.
10. Sorted
Meaning: Resolved / arranged
Example: Don’t worry, it’s all sorted.
Food, Money & Daily Life
11. Brew
Meaning: Tea
Example: I’ll put the kettle on for a brew.
12. Quid
Meaning: Pound (£)
Example: That sandwich cost five quid.
13. Takeaway
Meaning: Food to eat at home
Example: Let’s get a Chinese takeaway tonight.
14. Chips
Meaning: French fries (thick-cut)
Example: Fish and chips is very British.
15. Bangers
Meaning: Sausages
Example: We’re having bangers and mash for dinner.
16. Dodgy
Meaning: Suspicious / unreliable
Example: That website looks a bit dodgy.
17. Skint
Meaning: No money
Example: I’m skint until payday.
18. Bargain
Meaning: Very good price
Example: This jacket was a real bargain.
Personality & Feelings
19. Cheeky
Meaning: Playfully rude or bold
Example: He gave me a cheeky smile.
20. Naff
Meaning: Uncool / bad quality
Example: That film was a bit naff.
21. Miffed
Meaning: Slightly annoyed
Example: She was miffed about being late.
22. Gobsmacked
Meaning: Very surprised
Example: I was gobsmacked by the news.
23. Daft
Meaning: Silly
Example: Don’t be daft! That’s not true.
24. Mad
Meaning: Crazy / strange
Example: That’s a mad idea, but it might work.
Social Life & Conversations
25. Pop in
Meaning: Visit briefly
Example: I’ll pop in later to say hello.
26. Pop off
Meaning: Leave
Example: I’m going to pop off now.
27. Catch up
Meaning: Talk after time apart
Example: Let’s catch up over coffee.
28. Hang about
Meaning: Wait
Example: Hang about a minute.
29. Give it a go
Meaning: Try
Example: I’ve never done it, but I’ll give it a go.
30. Fair enough
Meaning: That’s reasonable
Example: Fair enough, I understand.
Travel, Work & Situations
31. Queue
Meaning: Line
Example: We had to queue for tickets.
32. Off sick
Meaning: Not working due to illness
Example: He’s off sick today.
33. On holiday
Meaning: On vacation
Example: They’re on holiday in Spain.
34. Rubbish
Meaning: Garbage / terrible
Example: The weather today is rubbish.
35. Ace
Meaning: Excellent
Example: That concert was ace!
36. Crack on
Meaning: Continue working
Example: Let’s crack on and finish this.
Informal & Fun Slang
Meaning: Making fun of someone
Example: Are you taking the mickey?
38. Bits and bobs
Meaning: Small items
Example: I just need to buy a few bits and bobs.
39. Lads
Meaning: Group of men / friends
Example: I’m going out with the lads.
40. Full of it
Meaning: Not telling the truth
Example: He’s full of it if you ask me.
41. Cheerio
Meaning: Goodbye
Example: Cheerio! See you tomorrow.
42. Wicked
Meaning: Very good
Example: That game was wicked.
Expressions You’ll Hear a Lot
43. I reckon
Meaning: I think
Example: I reckon it’ll rain later.
Meaning: Ultimately
Example: At the end of the day, it’s your decision.
45. No worries
Meaning: It’s okay / you’re welcome
Example: Thanks! No worries!
46. You alright?
Meaning: Hello / how are you
Example: You alright, mate?
47. Sound
Meaning: Good / okay
Example: That plan sounds sound.
48. Proper
Meaning: Very / really
Example: It’s proper cold today.
49. To be gutted
Meaning: Extremely disappointed
Example: She was gutted she missed the train.
50. Leg it
Meaning: Run away quickly
Example: We had to leg it to catch the bus.
Final Tips for English Learners
British slang is very common in spoken English, but not always used in formal writing.
Some slang is regional, so meanings may vary slightly.
Learn slang in context, not as isolated words.
Listening to British TV shows, podcasts, and films will help reinforce these expressions naturally.
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