Need a British slang translator? Look no further! Here is my English slang word list that will help you learn some common British slang.
Let’s start with introductions. What should you say if someone says, “Alright?” This is a natural way to say “Hi, how are you?” and there are two common replies:
Reply 1: I’m fine thanks
Reply 2: Alright?
Even though the second reply is said with rising intonation, like a question, it can be used to mean ‘I’m fine’ or ‘I’m ok thanks’).
a doddle = easy
iPhone’s are a doddle to use
Example 1: iPhones are a doddle to use
Example 2: Don’t worry, the test is a doddle
Learning English online is a doddle. Click here to find out more about online English lessons.
full of beans = have lots of energy
Example 1: You’re full of beans today. Did you sleep well?
Example 2: I feel full of beans after my morning run
I find that lots of sleep and regular exercise helps me to feel full of beans.
give me a bell = call me
Give me a bell later
Example 1: Give me a bell later
Example 2: I’ll give you a bell when I finish work
Please do not actually give me a bell! I have no space to store lots of bells!
grub = food
Example 1: I prefer pub grub to takeaways
Example 2: I’m hungry, let’s get some grub
This is an informal word so you wouldn’t use it if you were in a fine dining restaurant.
not my cup of tea = I do not like it
Horror films are not my cup of tea
Example 1: Horror films are not my cup of tea
Example 2: Football is not my cup of tea
You might not hate it, but if you’re not a big fan of something, you can use this expression
posh = looks expensive / high class
Example 1: a posh restaurant
Example 2: he speaks with a posh accent
Do you want to sound just like the queen? She has a very posh accent!
smart = dressed in clean, neat and often formal clothes
You look smart in your new suit
Example 1: We need to wear smart clothes to the posh restaurant
Example 2: You look smart in your new suit
Going for a job interview? You should probably wear your smart clothes. This helps to make a good impression.
to waffle = to talk a lot without saying anything interesting
Example 1: Stop waffling and get to the point!
Example 2: I sometimes waffle when I’m nervous
Do you know anyone who waffles? Do you waffle when you’re nervous? Try to focus on what you want to say so your friend doesn’t get bored listening to you.
This building is a bit wonky
wonky = shaky or unstable
Example 1: This table is wonky
Example 2: Be careful, the chair is a bit wonky
Have you seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It’s a bit wonky, but it hasn’t fallen down yet…!
Here is the full English slang word list. Try to use these words and expressions in your everyday conversations to improve your English and sound more like a native:
- Question – ‘All right?’ Reply – ‘I’m fine thanks or Alright?’
- a doddle = easy
- Full of beans = lots of energy
- Give me a bell = call me
- Grub = food
- Not my cup of tea = I do not like it
- Posh = looks expensive / high class
- Smart = dressed in clean, neat and often formal clothes
- Waffle = to talk a lot without saying anything interesting
- Wonky = shaky or unstable
Let’s see how many of these expressions we can use in one sentence…
For me, this is not going to be a doddle but it’s alright because I’m full of beans (I had a big breakfast this morning). Tell you what, give me a bell when you’re ready to have a go. Me, I’m off for some pub grub.
or
Pub grub is not really my cup of tea, I prefer going to posh restaurants in my smart clothes, as long as my friend doesn’t waffle too much and the tables aren’t wonky.
Now it’s your turn. How many can you use in one sentence. Good luck!
Watch the video of this post to practise your listening and pronunciation:
