British Slang For Kiss (11 Examples!)

Kissing is one of those things where, simply due to the fact of how commonly it is done and seen, there tends to be a great many slang terms to describe it.

This is true of British slang just as much as it is true of any other nation’s slang.

Today, we’re going to look at some of the most common British slang terms for kiss—so let’s get started.

In This Article

Snog

Starting off with what is undoubtedly the most common British slang term for kissing, we have “snog” or “snogging”.

To snog means to tongue kiss someone, usually for a long time, although it can just have the simpler meaning of a long or passionate kiss.

“Did you see him snogging Amy last night?” for example.

This one is not a very old phrase, only first appearing with this meaning in around 1945.

We are not at all sure of the origin of the phrase, though some claim it came from the British Raj.

Peck

Next we have peck, definitely the polar opposite kind of kiss as a snog.

To peck is to very lightly kiss someone, often on the cheek.

This could be used to describe a kiss from a partner or lover to your grandma giving you a kiss on the cheek.

“He gave me a peck on the cheek before he left,” for example.

This is plainly derived from the word peck meaning a bird’s peck, the way it pecks quickly and then brings its head back.

When it took on this meaning, though, is a mystery.

Canoodle

Canoodle is another one with somewhat varied meanings, especially over time.

It has meant a few different things since the term originated, but today it usually means to kiss and cuddle, particularly for young people.

“Stop canoodling in the corridor, you too,” for instance.

It originated in the 19^th Century where it first meant to cheat or deceive, perhaps deriving from an Irish word.

It had the sense of “messing around with someone you shouldn’t” shortly after in the sense of being unfaithful to one’s wife or husband.

Cop off

Next we have “cop off”, another very common phrase used to describe a certain kind of kissing in British slang.

It typically means two people making out on a night out or something similar to that, whether or not they know each other.

“I was copping off with this girl at the bar,” for example.

Originally, this meant stealing something from someone.

When it came to mean having a relationship and then, in turn, simplified to just mean kissing is not really clear, though it seems to have happened in the last century.

Necking

Necking is another one that some might consider somewhat vulgar but is no doubt universally understood throughout Britain.

The sense is that you are, again, tongue kissing someone to the extent that your tongue is going down their neck. “I’ve just seen him necking some other girl,” for example.

This one originated in the 19^th Century, which meant to embrace in a sensual way.

This is first attested by 1825 when it shortly after came to mean kissing.

Smooching

Next, we have smooching which, while a slang term that does get used, is perhaps used more ironically and as a joke.

It’s kind of childish and cartoonish, and not taken all that seriously. “I’ll get out your way so I don’t have to watch the smooching!” for example.

This one ultimately derives from a very old term from the 16^th Century, smouch, which meant to kiss.

In 1932, it was altered to smooch.

Tonsil tennis

Tonsil tennis is another one which is, as you might expect, not really used that seriously.

It’s meant as a joke, and is a reference again to the fact that French kissing involves one another sharing tongues, essentially.

“I saw you playing tonsil tennis with that guy last night,” for example.

Again, it’s unfortunately not clear where this one comes from.

It’s plainly quite recent, not being attested anywhere before the year 2000.

Getting amangst

Next we have a highly regional slang term which is used mostly in the north east of England, “getting amangst”.

This is another way of saying that two people were snogging, kissing, and making out for a long time.

“Were you getting amangst with him last night?” for example.

We don’t know where this one comes from either since it has very rarely been used in writing and is, as I said, so regional. It perhaps is as old as the 19^th Century.

Getting off

Getting off is another pretty universal slang term for kissing in British English.

Though it’s perhaps a newer term and may not be understood by some of the older generations, it is used across the country by numerous generations.

“I hope I can get off with her tonight,” for instance.

This one originally meant to have sex with someone but was slowly changed over time in Britain at least simply to mean kissing.

Elsewhere in the English-speaking world, it retains a broader meaning.

Saliva swapping

It should not be much of a surprise that many of the slang terms for this intimate act seem somewhat vulgar.

“Saliva swapping” is another way to describe kissing someone deeply with tongues and open mouth.

“I’d better use some mouthwash if I wanna go out for some saliva swapping,” for example.

This is another one that is very recent, and seems to have started being used in the 1960s or 70s.

We don’t know when for certain, though.

Frenching

Finally, we have “Frenching”, a very concise way to describe kissing someone with tongues.

As I said, “French kissing” means this kind of kissing, though you won’t often hear this full phrase.

It’s considered a bit archaic, now.

However, it has been replaced by “Frenching” to a large degree.

“He’s over there Frenching that girl,” for example.

The term French kiss originated in the 20^th Century, and at some point was shortened simply to “Frenching”.

So, there is definitely no shortage of slang phrases for kissing in British English.

Everything from the most pleasant and endearing euphemisms for kissing to the more vulgar and perhaps unpleasant ways of describing this sacred act.

If you’re in Britain, you may be looking to get off with or snog a local!

More in British Slang

Founder - @PollyWebster

Polly Webster is the founder of Foreign Lingo and a seasoned traveler with a decade of exploration under her belt.

Over the past 10 years, she has journeyed to numerous countries around the globe, immersing herself in diverse cultures, traditions, and languages.

Drawing from her rich experiences, Polly now writes insightful articles about travel, languages, traditions, and cultures, sharing her unique perspectives and invaluable tips with her readers.

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