S T E W S E N S E I

BRITISH
SLANG
A N D H O W T O U S E
T H E M
BRITISH
SLANG
AND HOW TO USE THEM
BY STEW SENSEI

"Let's crack on!"

 02

HOW GOOD
4 Bespoke
5 Blimey
IS YOUR
10 Dodgy
6
7
Bloke/Chap
Chuffed
11 Gutted BRITISH?
12 Have a gander 18 Pissed
8 Crack on
13 Knackered 19 Skive
9 Dishy/Fit
14 Lost the plot 20 Sorted
15 Lush 21 Ta!
16 Minging 22 Tenner
17 Nosh/Grub 23 Whinge

"Those
Words are
lush!"

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stew.sensei.english Slang
 Welcome
03

Within these pages, we will have the chance to

experience a small element of British culture by
looking at some of the words used within this tiny
group of nations.

There are 6 key parts to each word:

1) A Definition
2) A star ranking
3) What type of word it is
4) Synonyms (alternative words)
5) A little description from me
6) 3 examples of how it is used
7) Other vocabulary

Within some examples, you may find some new words or

phrases as well. There will be a key at the bottom of the
page explaining what any high level words or phrases
mean.

Let's start our journey through

British English
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 04

Adjective
BESPOKE Synonyms: custom-made, tailored
Meaning: Something made for a particular
person.
The only formal saying within this book, "bespoke" is a word used to
describe something that is custom-made for someone. It is used by
companies across England to describe personalised items they are selling
to their customers.

"I'm looking for a new engagement ring, but I can't

seem to find anything I like."
"Have you considered getting a bespoke ring made?
That way, you can have it designed exactly the way
you want it."

"I'm thinking about revamping my living room, but

I don't want it to look like everyone else's."
"Why don't you hire an interior designer to create a
bespoke space that reflects your personal style and
preferences?"

"I need a new website for my business, but I haven't

the foggiest where to start."
"You should look into getting a bespoke website
built. A professional web developer can create a site
that's tailored to your specific needs and goals."

Conversation Vocabulary
haven't the foggiest = to have no idea about something
look into = to try and find out about something
revamp = to change something in a way to improve it

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Exclamation
BLIMEY Synonyms: geez, gosh, OMG
Meaning: Used as an expression of surprise.
An expression that I use regularly, "Blimey" is an older phrase that we
are starting to hear less of these days. Often replaced by swear words,
you will hear this phrase on TV during the daytime.

"Blimey, it's pouring outside! I don't think we're

going to make it to the pub without getting
drenched."
"I know, it's absolutely chucking it down. We
might have to wait it out for a bit."

"Blimey, did you hear about Jane? She's decided to

quit her job and backpack around the world for a
year."
"No way, really? Blimey, that's quite a bold move. I
wish I had the guts to do something like that."

"Blimey, this curry is spicy! My mouth is on fire."

"I did warn you it was a bit hot. Blimey, you're not
turning into a wimp on me, are you?"

Conversation Vocabulary
chucking it down = training heavily
drenched = extremely wet
have the guts = to possess courage to do something
it's pouring = raining heavily
mouth is on fire = said after eating something extremely spicy
pub = a place in the UK to meet friends and drink alcohol
wimp = someone who lacks courage

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BLOKE/CHAP
Nouns Synonyms: lad, man, geezer
Meaning: Words used when
referring to a man.
Towards the south of England, you are more likely to hear the word
"bloke". In the north you are more likely to hear "lad" or "laddie". Chap
is heard in a lot of older films, but less so in today's speech.

"Who's that bloke over there talking to Sally?"

"Oh, him? That's her new boyfriend. They've been
seeing each other for a few weeks now."

"Have you seen the new chap in accounting? He

wouldn't stop rabbiting on when I met him."
"Yes, I've met him a few times. Seems like a decent
chap, very friendly, but a bit of a chatterbox."

"I need to get my car fixed, but I don't know

anything about engines."
"You should take it to that bloke down the road. He's
a great mechanic and his prices are cheap as chips."

Conversation Vocabulary
chatterbox = to have no idea about something
cheap as chips = to try and find out about something
down the road = close by; on the same street
rabbit on = to talk non-stop (without stopping)
see someone = to change something in a way to improve it

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Adjective
CHUFFED Synonyms: thankful, glad
Meaning: pleased or happy.
A word commonly used in Britain, "chuffed" is used when describing
pleasure or happiness.

"I heard you got promoted at work.

Congratulations! That's awesome!"
"Thanks, mate! I'm absolutely chuffed about it. It's
been a long time coming."

"Did I hear that your little one made the school

football team?"
"Yes, I did. He's over the moon about it. I've never
seen him so chuffed in all my life."

"I don't think I did very well in my interview. I

was so nervous."
"Oh, I'm sure you did fine. Don't split hairs over all
the details. And if you did get the job, you'll be
absolutely chuffed, won't you?"

Conversation Vocabulary
a long time coming = something arriving after a long period of time
awesome = great; superb
little one = a young child
over the moon = extremely happy
split hairs = worry/overthink about something insignificant

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Phrasal
CRACK ON Synonyms: speed up, hurry up
Verb Meaning: to proceed or progress
A great phrase to use whenever you want your friends, partner, or
quickly.
family to go faster.

"I'm going to grab some lunch. Do you want to

come?"
"No thanks, I think I'll stay here and finish this
report. You crack on and we'll catch up later."

"I don't know if I can finish this project on time.

I'm snowed under!"
"Don't worry about it. Just take a deep breath and
crack on. We'll help you out if you need it."

"I'm shattered today. Do you mind if we take a

break?"
"We can take a break if you want, but I'd rather
crack on and get this done. It's almost time to call
it a day anyway."

Conversation Vocabulary
call it a day = to agree to stop doing something
catch up = to talk to someone after a long time apart
grab some food = to get some food to eat
shattered = extremely tired
snowed under = extremely busy from tasks
take a deep breath = pause to recover

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Adjectives
DISHY/FIT Synonyms: beautiful, handsome
Meaning: words used to describe an
attractive person.
2 great words to use when you are describing someone to your friends.
"Dishy" is used in reference to men, but "fit" can be used for both sexes.

"Have you seen that new personal trainer at the

gym? He's so fit."
"I haven't seen him yet, but I've heard the ladies are
flirting with him a lot."

"I saw that film last night with that dishy actor in
it. What's his name again?"
"I think you're talking about Chris Hemsworth. Yes,
he's definitely easy on the eyes."

"I'm going on a date with that girl from the coffee

shop tonight. She's so dreamy."
"Oh, her? She's quite fit, isn't she? I think she's a
good catch."

Conversation Vocabulary
dreamy = having a pleasant or charming appearance or manner
easy on the eyes = having an attractive appearance
flirt = to show interest in someone in a playful or teasing way
good catch = a person who is considered desirable or a good match
for a romantic relationship.

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Adjective
DODGY Synonyms: shady, iffy, untrustworthy
3 meanings:
1) dishonest or unreliable.
2) potentially dangerous.
3) of low quality.
A versatile word that has negative meanings. When you hear someone
use this word, you know that you need to watch out.

"I'm thinking about buying a used car, but I'm

worried it might be dodgy."
"You should have a mechanic check it out before
you buy it."

"Did you see the news about that dodgy company

that was selling knock-off products?"
"Yes, I heard about it. They were definitely up to
some dodgy business practices."

"I smashed down some seafood last night and

now I feel really sick."
"Uh oh, that sounds dodgy. You might have eaten
something that wasn't fresh."

Conversation Vocabulary
check it out = to examine or investigate something
knock-off = a product that is a cheap copy of a more
expensive item
smash down = to eat something fast

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Adjective
GUTTED Synonyms: disheartened, crushed
Meaning: Bitterly disappointed or upset.
Britain is known for being a nation of complainers and you are likely to
hear this word a lot. Often used when describing a football teams
performance. Unfortunately, some fans use it more than others.

"Did you hear that we lost the match last night?

We were so close to winning."
"Yeah, I heard. I'm absolutely gutted. We had such
a good chance to make it to the finals."

"I didn't get the job I interviewed for. I fell to

pieces when I got there."
"That's too bad. I'm really gutted for you. I thought
you were a dead cert for that position."

"I can't believe my laptop just crashed. I had all

my work on there."
"Oh no, I'm gutted for you. That's really unlucky.
Do you have a backup?"

Conversation Vocabulary
backup = a thing that can be called on if necessary
crash = to stop working suddenly and completely
dead cert = a situation or outcome that is considered to be
certain or guaranteed
fall to pieces = to become disorganized ineffective, or unable to
function properly

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 12
HAVE A GANDER
Idiom Synonyms: thankful, glad
Meaning: To look at something quickly.
An older phrase which is still used to this day, "have a gander" is a great
idiom to use to ask someone to take a look at something you are doing,
or something you have seen.

"Whatcha doing this afternoon?"

"I'm going to go have a gander at that new
furniture store downtown. I heard they have some
bargains."
"I heard there's a new restaurant opening up in
town. Do you want to check it out?"
"Absolutely! Let's saunter down there and have a
gander at it."

"I'm clueless to where the meeting room is. Can

you help me find it?"
"Sure, I can take you there. But first, let's have a
gander at the map so we know exactly where we're
going."

Conversation Vocabulary
bargin = an item or service that is sold at a lower price
than usual
clueless = having no knowledge or understanding
saunter = to walk in a relaxed or unhurried manner
whatcha = short for "What are you..."

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 13

KNACKERED
Adjective Synonyms: exhausted, faulty
2 meanings:
1) Extremely tired.
2) Worn out or damaged by overuse.
A very common phrase used by workers at the end of a busy day or
week. An even more common phrase used by parents with kids for both
reasons.

"I just got back from my backpacking trip, and I

am absolutely knackered."
"I can imagine. How many miles did you hike each
day? You must be worn out."

"What's wrong? You look absolutely knackered."

"I am. I've been working all day and then had to deal
with a screaming baby all night."

"Did you smash it at the gym?"

"Yeah, it was great., but now I'm completely
knackered. I have a busy evening, so I think I'm going
to take quick a nap."

Conversation Vocabulary
nap = to have a sleep
smash it = to do well at something
worn out = tired

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 14
LOSE THE PLOT
Phrase Synonyms: to get angry, to become crazy
Meaning: To lose ones ability to understand or
cope with what is happening.
Do you or your collegues ever lose the plot at work? This is a great
phrase to use in those moments when times get tough.

"I 'm fuming the boss is making us work on the

weekend again. He's completely lost the plot."
"I know, it's ridiculous. I don't think he realizes
how demoralizing it is for the team."

"I can't believe my sister is dating that guy. He's

such a loser."
"Yeah, I don't know what she sees in him. It's like
she's completely lost the plot."

"I was at a party last night, and some guy got so

pissed that he started shouting at everyone."
"Oh no, that's not good. Sounds like he lost the plot
completely."

Conversation Vocabulary
demoralizing = causing someone to lose confidence
fuming = feeling very angry or outraged
loser = a person who is unsuccessful, unpopular, or
unimportant
pissed = very drunk

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Adjective
LUSH Synonyms: great, fantastic, beautiful
Meaning: Great; Attractive
My favourite word. One that I picked up whilst I studied at
university in Wales and I've never looked back since. Throughout
the UK you will find that everyone has their own word for great
(awesome, ace, class, etc).

"I went to that classy restaurant last night, and the

food was absolutely lush."
"Really? I've been dying to go there. I'll have to
check it out soon."

"I just got back from my vacation, and the beach

was so lush. The water was crystal clear and the
sand was soft."
"That sounds amazing. I'm jealous. I need to plan a
trip to the beach soon."

"I can't stop listening to this new album. The

songs are so lush and catchy."
"I know, right? I've been playing it on repeat all day.
The band are mint."

Conversation Vocabulary
catchy = pleasing to the ear or memorable
classy = stylish, sophisticated, and elegant
crystal clear = completely clear; see-through
dying to do smth = feeling a strong desire or longing to do
something
mint = amazing

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Adjective
MINGING Synonyms: nasty, awful, disgusting
Meaning: Very bad, ugly, or unpleasant
The opposite of the previous word, minging is a word that has
become more popular in the last 10/15 years. A great word to
describe something that you do not like.

"Did you try that sandwich from the convenience

store? It was absolutely minging."
"Oh no, I'm glad I skipped it. What was wrong
with it?"

"I can't believe I have to wear these scruffy shoes to

the party tonight. They're so minging."
"Yeah, they're definitely outdated. You could
always borrow a pair of mine if you want."

"I woke up with a sore throat and a fever this

morning. I feel absolutely minging."
"That's too bad. You should take some medicine
and rest up."

Conversation Vocabulary
outdated = no longer fashionable, current, or useful
rest up = to take a break or rest
scruffy = unkempt, messy, or untidy in appearance
to skip smth = to intentionally miss or avoid something

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NOSH/GRUB
Nouns Synonyms: food
Meaning: Food
Whilst growing up, these two words were used a lot. Mum
would often say, "grub's up" (meaning "food's ready") and my
friend's would often want to "go for some nosh". Nosh is
becoming less common these days however.

"I'm starving. Do you want to go grab some grub at

that new burger place?"
"Sure! If we go now, we can get back to work just
in the nick of time."

"I'm meeting some friends for a drink after work.

Do you want to come along and have a bit of
nosh with us?"
"That sounds like fun. I'm game."

"I'm having a barbecue this weekend. I'll make

sure there's plenty of grub for everyone."
"Sounds like fun. I'll bring a few drinks and some
snacks to share."

Conversation Vocabulary
come along = to accompany someone
I'm game = willing and enthusiastic about doing something
in the nick of time = just in time
starving = extremely hungry

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Adjective
PISSEDSynonyms: tipsy, smashed, leg-less, drunk
Meaning: Drunk
Maybe you have heard of "pissed" before, but in the American way.
"pissed" can also mean "annoyed", but in Britain it's more common
to hear it used within pubs and clubs referring to someone who has
had a few too many drinks.

"Did you see Tom at the bar last night? He was out
of it. He could barely stand."
"Yeah, I saw him. He definitely needs to learn to
pace himself when he's drinking."

"I had a few too many beers at the party last night.
I was pretty smashed by the end of the night."
"I figured as much. You were definitely a bit rowdier
than usual."

"I don't remember much from last night. I must

have been really pissed."
"Yeah, you were pretty out of it. You kept telling
everyone that you loved them."

Conversation Vocabulary
out of it = feeling disconnected, confused, or disoriented
pace oneself = to plan and manage one's time or resources
rowdy = wisely
noisy, disorderly, or unruly
smashed = very intoxicated from consuming alcohol

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Verb
SKIVE Synonyms: play truant, slack off
Meaning: to avoid work or a duty.
This word is often used in the workplace. It's used to describe those
lazy co-workers, who do not seem to be available when they are
most needed. Also used when someone has a day off at an important
time.

"I don't really feel like going to work today. Do

you want to skive off and go to the beach instead?"
"That sounds tempting, but we really should go to
work. I don't want to be in the dog house for
skiving off."

"I caught my little brother trying to skive off

school this morning. He said he didn't feel well,
but I think he was just trying to avoid a test."
"I used to do that all the time when I was his age. It
never worked, though. The teachers always caught on
to what I was doing."

"I'm thinking about taking a day off next week to

go on a road trip. Do you want to skive off work
and come with me?"
"As tempting as that sounds, I really can't afford to
skive off work right now. Maybe we can plan a trip
for the weekend instead."
Conversation Vocabulary
be in the dog house = to be in trouble or out of favor with someone
catch on = to understand or grasp a concept or idea
tempt = to entice or attract someone to do something

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Adjective
SORTED Synonyms: fixed, resolved, settled
Meaning: organised, arranged, or dealt with
satisfactorily.
Whenever a situation is finished or fixed, my go to phrase is "it's
sorted". It's an easy way to put across your point quickly and
efficiently, although it may confuse any Americans you encounter.

"I need to find a new flat by the end of the month.

I'm getting chucked out of this one."
"Don't worry, I know a great real estate agent.
She'll get you sorted in no time."

"My computer's causing me aggro. I can't seem to

get it to work properly."
"Let Steve take a look at it. He's a steady Eddie
with computers. He should be able to get it sorted
for you in a flash."

"I have a big project due next week, and I don't

know where to start."
"Don't stress. We can work on it together and get
it sorted in plenty of time."

Conversation Vocabulary
aggro = a problem or difficulty
flat = an apartment
in a flash = at a quick speed
steady Eddie = a dependable and reasonably skilled person

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Exclamation
TA!
Synonyms: cheers, much appreciated, thanks
Meaning: Thank you
A word that may confuse many people, "ta" is used a lot in may
different areas of England. Just a simple and quick way to say thank
you, it is a very informal expression.

"Thanks for helping me move my furniture. I really

appreciate it."
"No problem, it was my pleasure. Ta for the pizza
you ordered for us."

"I have to go to the post office. Do you want me

to pick up your package for you?"
"That would be amazing, ta. I'll pay you back for the
postage."

"I'm going to nip to the grocery store. Do you need

anything?"
"Actually, could you grab some milk for me? Ta."

Conversation Vocabulary
nip to smwh = to go somewhere quickly or briefly
pick up = to collect, obtain, or acquire something
to grab smth = to quickly take and hold something with your
hand

20+
Essential:
Essential
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Stew Sensei Slang
 22

Noun
TENNER Synonyms: 10 pounds
Meaning: A ten pound note
There are many different words for money in the UK. Above are
just a few of the most common variations that you might hear on a
trip to England.

"Do you have any cash on you? I'm skint. I need to

borrow a tenner for lunch."
"Sure thing, here you go. Just make sure you pay
me back later."

"I found a tenner on the street this morning. Can

you believe my luck?"
"That's awesome. You should treat yourself to
something nice with it."

"How much did those concert tickets put you pin

of pocket?"
"They cost a fortune. I paid a tenner more than I
wanted to, but I couldn't resist."

Conversation Vocabulary
cost a fortune = to have no idea about something
out of pocket = to try and find out about something
skint = to change something in a way to improve it

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 23

Verb
WINGE Synonyms: gripe, moan, whine
Meaning: To consistently complain in an
irritating way
We all know one person at work who likes to whinge. This word is
commonly used to describe a serial complainer, it is used a lot with
children and people who are never happy.

"I'm really tired of listening to your constant

whinging about your job. If you hate it so much,
why don't you pack it in?"
"I know, I know. I just need to vent sometimes.
Sorry for wingeing so much."

"My little brother is always wingeing about his

homework. It drives me crazy."
"I remember doing the same thing when I was his
age. I think it's just part of being a kid."

"I'm feeling a bit under the weather today. Sorry if

I'm wingeing too much."
"No worries. If you need anything, just let me know.
I'm happy to help out."

Conversation Vocabulary
drive me crazy = to annoy, frustrate, or irritate someone
pack it in = to quit, stop, or give up on something
to vent = to express or release strong emotions
under the weather = feeling unwell, sick, or slightly ill

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 24
AND THAT'S IT
Thank you for taking the time to read this ebook about
British slang! I hope that it has been both informative
and enjoyable, and that you have learned something
new about the fascinating and often quirky world of
British English.
Slang is an important part of any language, and British slang is no exception.
From regional variations to new words and phrases that emerge over time, it is a
constantly evolving and exciting aspect of the English language.

I encourage you to continue exploring British slang,

whether through further reading, conversations with
native speakers, or simply by immersing yourself in
British culture. Who knows, you may even find yourself
using some of these slang terms in your own
conversations!

Once again, thank you for reading this

ebook, and we hope that it has enriched
your understanding and appreciation of
the rich and diverse world of British
English.

IF YOU ARE
INTERESTED IN
TAKING LESSONS,
CONTACT ME ON
SOCIAL MEDIA

British
stew.sensei.english Slang