Portobello Market, London: If you're chatting with the locals it's best to know what's cracking or why they're gutted.Public Domain / Arpingstone
Are you still dreaming of a vacation in Britain? Here's a list of slang that you should know before you travel.
If you've been watching Fleabag or Peaky Blinders, or even Only Fools and Horses and Fawlty Towers, you've most likely picked up quite a bit of British slang but be warned it'll take more than a list for you to wrap your head around Cockney rhyming slang.
In saying that here are some of our top choices for British slang that might leave you stumped when you visiting the United Kingdom for the first time.
Chuffed
To be very pleased or happy about something.
"I finally got to visit Buckingham Palace. I'm chuffed."
Knackered
This one has quite un-politically correct origins being derived from "ready for the knackers yard." The knacker's yard is where old worn-out horses would be slaughtered.
Knackered can be used in a myriad of ways but most oven refers to being exhausted or extremely tired.
"My flight over to Britain was so long. I'm knackered."
Read more: How many of these British insults do you know?
Bants
Bants is an abbreviation of the word "banter".
It means to joke or exchange, quite often inappropriately or abusively, usually among friends.
Cheeky
When someone is cheeky, it means that they are being a little rude or disrespectful, but usually in a way that is funny and endearing (cute). Urban slang says it's a "way of 'sticking it to the man' with a nudge and a wink".
"You've gone a cheeky grin on your face... what are you up to?"
Cuppa
We didn't realise until researching this but cuppa has different meanings in different countries. However, in Britain, we can assure you if some offer you a cuppa they're referring to a cup of tea.
"You look knackered! Fancy a cuppa?"
Read more: Here's how to make the perfect cuppa
Mate
This is one of those words in Britain that can have slightly different meanings. Essentially it means friend. However, you can also use it as a friendly greeting for someone you don't know at all.
"What are you doing tonight? Going to have dinner with mates or what?"
"Excuse me mate, could you tell me the way to Abbey Road?"
Gutted
This one sounds mildly violent but it in fact means to be upset or disappointed.
"We were trying to get tickets to a show tonight but it's sold out. I'm gutted."
Sherbets
Nope! You guessed it. In Britain, this word does not only mean the fizzy sugary candy treat it also has another meaning. Going for a few drinks in the pub.
The etymology of this one is unsure but it's been suggested that it comes from the fizzy/frothy appearance of the head of beers.
"Do you fancy a few sherberts after the tour?"
Read more: The United Kingdom of beer - land of hops and glory
Cracking
This one's a great way of saying something's excellent or particularly good.
"Wow! It's so warm out! What a cracking day!"
However "cracker" can also be used, usually to describe a person.
"He was just so cheerful and helpful. He's a cracker of a lad."
We could literally go on forever but if you do get stuck on British slang while abroad we suggest you visit UrbanDictionary.com and you'll eventually figure out what they're on about.
In the meantime the best of British to you... that's slang for good luck!
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