British English Slang | 20 Words

British slang adds a lot of personality and charm to conversations. Learning these terms can help you sound more like a local and understand casual British English better. Here are 20 slang terms you can start using today, complete with definitions and examples!

1. Chuffed

Definition: Very pleased or happy.

Example: "I’m absolutely chuffed with my promotion!"

2. Gobsmacked

Definition: Extremely surprised or shocked.

Example: "I was gobsmacked when I won the competition."

3. Knackered

Definition: Very tired or exhausted.

Example: "After working all day, I’m completely knackered."

4. Skint

Definition: Broke; having no money.

Example: "I can’t go out tonight—I’m skint until payday."

5. Bloke

Definition: A man (informal).

Example: "He’s a friendly bloke who lives next door."

6. Fancy

Definition: To like or be attracted to someone or something.

Example: "Do you fancy going out for a drink later?"

7. Ace

Definition: Brilliant; excellent.

Example: "That new restaurant was ace—we should go back!"

8. Cheeky

Definition: Slightly rude or playful in a charming way.

Example: "He made a cheeky comment about my cooking."

9. Dodgy

Definition: Suspicious or unreliable.

Example: "That website looks dodgy—don’t enter your credit card details."

10. Faff

Definition: To waste time or do something in an overly complicated way.

Example: "Stop faffing about and get ready; we’re late!"

11. Mate

Definition: Friend (informal).

Example: "I’m meeting my mate for a pint after work."

12. Gutted

Definition: Very disappointed.

Example: "I was gutted when I didn’t get tickets to the concert."

13. Naff

Definition: Uncool or tacky.

Example: "That shirt is a bit naff—are you sure about it?"

14. Cracking

Definition: Excellent or great.

Example: "We had a cracking time at the party last night."

15. Mug

Definition: A fool or someone who is easily tricked.

Example: "Don’t be a mug—check the terms before signing the contract."

16. Zonked

Definition: Completely exhausted.

Example: "I’m zonked after that hike; I need a nap."

17. Barmy

Definition: Crazy or foolish.

Example: "You must be barmy to swim in the sea during winter!"

18. Loo

Definition: Bathroom or toilet.

Example: "Where’s the loo? I need to wash my hands."

19. Waffle

Definition: To talk a lot without saying much.

Example: "He spent the whole meeting waffling about nothing important."

20. Peaky

Definition: Looking ill or unwell.

Example: "Are you feeling okay? You’re looking a bit peaky."

Sign-Off: Sprinkle these terms into your conversations to sound like a true Brit! Want to learn more slang or need clarification? Hit reply—I’m here to help!

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