British Slangs in London
When you live in a particular area or region for long, you naturally pick up their nuances, habits, cultural elements and language. This is particularly true for a multicultural city like London, where its hard for the local language and customs to not rub off on you.
Since the city houses people from diverse backgrounds, the slangs used in London reflect the same. You would go out with your ‘mates’ not ‘friends’ and ‘ace’ an exam. This guide is going to introduce you to the most commonly used slangs in London, which will be helpful for you if you are touring or visiting the city.
Instructions
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1
“Alright”
Used when one means to ask if everything is okay? -
2
“Banged up”
What you will be if you were put in prison. -
3
“Backhander”
This has two meanings. One is if somebody is made a payment secretively to do or not to something. And the second is when somebody is given a ‘backhander’ across their face, that means, hit hard on the face with the back of the hand. -
4
“Bimbo”
This is a derogatory term used for women and refers to someone with limited intelligence and minimal common sense. You will be better off not using this slang.
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5
“Boozer”
Used for a pub/bar, or somebody who has a drinking problem.
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6
“Chief”
Mainly used to signify respect. While ‘sir’ is commonly used in formal and informal settings to refer to someone with respect, chief is mainly used as a slang.
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7
“Gaff”
This is one of the more commonly used slangs in London. It describes somebody’s house or place of living, for example their flat or residential complex, or it can be used to refer to somebody’s embarrassing mistake.
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8
“Gobsmack”
Used to convey surprise and astonishment.
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9
“Knackered”
This is what you'll be in London if you're extremely tired and exhausted.
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10
"Loaded"
Used for somebody who has a lot of money. -
11
"Keep your hair on"
You'll be told to do this if you are in a stressful situation. It means you should stay calm. -
12
"Skint"
Used for somebody who is broke. -
13
"Muppet"
Muppet is also considered derogatory, indicating that a person is silly or dumb. -
14
"Footie"
This is a popular slang for football. So when in London, you will go out to play footie, not football. -
15
"Wimp"
Used to describe a coward or somebody who is extremely docile in his manners.
