When it comes to talking about where we live, every culture has its own set of terms and phrases, and Britain is no exception. In fact, the British have a particularly rich vocabulary for the places people call home, ranging from the quaint to the … Read more
Wishing someone good luck is a common thread in conversations, especially when they’re about to tackle something big. In Britain, they’ve got their own spin on this tradition. Sure, they say “good luck,” but where’s the fun in stopping there? Their versions range from the … Read more
Sailors are perhaps not as big a part of people’s lives as they once were. There was a time when the only way you would get from one country to another was via the sea. Nowadays, that’s not the case, but nonetheless sailors still hold … Read more
By far the most common British slang word for friend is “mate”. This is used by just about everyone in all parts of Britain. It’s so common that it is really the only primary slang term for friend used anywhere in Britain—though you do have … Read more
There are, in any given language, countless different ways you can say something is good using slang terms. This is just as true of British English as it is of any other language, indeed perhaps even more so than the average. For any intensity of … Read more
Menstruation is something that most people prefer to talk about in euphemisms. There is, of course, nothing wrong with menstruation—it is a perfectly natural thing that almost half the global population has to go through in some way or another. At the same time, it’s … Read more
Insults are, for better or worse, often the bedrock of national slang. They are among the oldest terms in any language, and this is certainly true of British English. The British have developed a beautifully diverse and varied tapestry of insults, varying from the mildest … Read more
The most common British slang for face is “mug”. This one is used and understood throughout most of Britain. Another common but less widely used term is “phiz” or “phizog”. Some others include “clock,” “kisser” or “dial”, though these are much less common. “Boat race” … Read more
There are several British slang terms which can go in place of “no”. Simple alterations of no, such as “nope” or “nah”, are most common. Common phrases for no such as “not on your life,” “not on your nellie,” or sometimes phrases like “you’re joking” … Read more
Britain has some of the oldest and most notorious prisons in the world. Its rich history involves a great many kings and other high and mighty folks imprisoning their political enemies and being imprisoned themselves. Out of such a long history of imprisoning and prisons, … Read more