We’ve all been there. We’re watching a charming British TV show and enjoying all it has to offer and then suddenly you Introduction hear a word used in a strange way and you don’t understand the meaning.

While Americans and the British speak the same language, the British use many words differently than we do. So, we thought it would be fun to write a dictionary to - geared towards viewers of British TV.

IN THIS BOOK No longer will you have to scratch your head about the mean- ing of something. With this dictionary by your side, you’ll al- • General Word and Phrase Dictionary ways have a way to translate from Brit speak to American Eng- • Cockney Slang Guide lish.

• Scots English Guide It was not possible to include every word the British use differ- • Scouse English Guide ently without it becoming an actual dictionary so we’ve lim- ited the list to more common words and phrases. Most of our • Yorkshire English Guide definitions are based on comparisons to so • West Country English Guide that’s the perspective from which we have written.

• London Slang We’ve excluded words that basically have the same meaning • Australian English in both American and British English and there are a lot of words that were cut because there is no need to be redundant, • Amusing British Place Names we wanted this text to be a quick reference. • And More!!! Other British Slang Dictionaries separate words by category, we dispensed with that and made one master dictionary of all British English words and created several sections exploring distinct dialects of British English (such as Scouse, Yorkshire, West Country, etc).

1 A bit of warning, we have included everyday words as well as offensive and derogatory terms. This is for educational pur- poses and we certainly don’t advocate insulting people. But it would be nice to be armed with the knowledge of what a par- ticular insult means.

If you feel we’ve forgotten a word, there is a handy form in the back of the book that you can cut out send it to us so we can consider it for inclusion in the next edition.

Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonathan

Anglophile-in-Chief

Anglotopia

2 Air Biscuit - n - A fart. Anchors - n - Brakes on a Airy-Fairy - adj - Some- car. one who is lacking in Ankle-biters - adj - A de- A strength or ability. rogatory term for children. Alcopop - n - Canned or Anorak - n - 1. A nerd or carbonated fruit drinks someone who is geeky with alcohol in them. about something like a Aled up - adj - To be planespotter, trainspotter drunk as the result of or Anglophile. 2. A light drinking ale. waterproof jacket perfect Alight - v - To disembark for rambling in the coun- or get off a mode of trans- tryside. port like a train or bus. Answerphone - n - An an- All fur coat and no swering machine. Bit of an knickers - adj - A woman outdated term now that who looks good on the sur- voicemail is common. AA - abbr - The British Ace - n - Excellent or won- face but has no substance. Anti-clockwise - adv - It Automobile Association, derful. All Mod Cons - n - A means the same thing as whom you call when your Action man - n - The home or car with all the ‘counter clockwise.’ car breaks down. equivalent to the U.S. G.I. modern conveniences. Antenatal - adj - Prenatal A&E - n - Accident and Joe or a man that does ma- All mouth and no trou- care. Emergency, what Ameri- cho things. sers - adj - To be boastful Argue the toss - v - To dis- cans would call the Emer- Advert - n - An advertise- without justification. pute something at length. gency Room. ment or commercial. All over the Gaff - n - To Argy-bargy - n - Trouble, A - Levels - n - The high- Aerial - n - A television an- be disorganized. noisy or having an argu- est level of secondary edu- tenna, usually located on All over the shop - adj - ment. cation that culminates in a the roof. 1. To be disorganized. 2. Arrows - n - Another word series of standardized Aeroplane - n - How the Everywhere for darts, the actual darts tests. British spell ‘airplane’. All to pot - adj - Some- themselves, not the game. Abattoir - n - A place Afters - n - Another name thing that’s gone com- Arse - n - Buttocks. where an animal is butch- for the dessert course at pletely wrong. Arse about Face - Back to ered. dinner. Allotment - n - A garden front. Abdabs - n - To be scared AGA - n - A massive cook- plot in a shared commu- Arsehole - n - An asshole. or frightened of some- ing range modeled with a nity garden. Arsemonger - n - A per- thing. vintage look. Alright! - e xlam - A simple son worthy of contempt. Absobloodylootely - n - Aggro - n - Abbreviation of greeting. It’s not a ques- Arse-over-tit - adj - To To agree with someone "aggravation". Something tion asking how you are. fall over, often as the re- highly in a rather enthusi- that is rather annoying. Aluminium - n - It’s just sult of alcohol. To be in- astic fashion. Somewhat Agony Aunt - n - A news- Aluminum. toxicated. vulgar. paper advice columnist. Amber nectar - n - Lager (beer).

3 As rare as hen’s teeth - adj - Something that’s rare. ASBO - n - Anti-social behavior order - a pun- ishment on people who repeatedly disturb the peace. Aubergine - n - Other- wise known as an egg- plant. Aussie kiss - n - Oral sex on a woman. Autumn - n - The British don’t have Fall, they have Autumn, the sea- son that precedes win- ter. Axe - n - A guitar. Axe wound - n - .

4 Baps - n - Another name Bedsit - n - An apartment for a woman’s breasts. where the bedroom serves Barking - adj - Insane or as the living space similar B crazy. to a studio apartment. Barmpot - n - A stupid per- Beeb - n - Shorthand for son that has the added dis- the BBC. tinction of being clumsy. Belisha Beacons - n - The Barmy - adj - To be yellow flashing lights at a crazy or insane. pedestrian crossing in the Barnet - n - Another name UK. for human hair, Cockney Bell-end - n - The end of roots in the location of Bar- the male genetalia. Also an net. insult to call someone stu- Barney - n - To be in big pid. “Don’t be such a bell- trouble. end.” Barrister - n - A lawyer Belt Up - interj - Shut up. Baby batter - n - Semen. Bare - n - To say that there that practices in front of Bender - n - 1. An epic alco- Backhander - n - Bribe. is a lot of something. higher court judges. hol drinking session. 2. A Back passage - n - Anus. Baltic - n - To describe Bash on - interj - To go on derogatory term for a male Back scuttle - n - Anal in- something as very cold, regardless of the problems homosexual. tercourse. referring to the Baltic re- facing you in a situation. Bent - n - A derogatory Badger - v - To annoy gion. Bean - n - 1. An ecstasy pill term for a homosexual. someone incessantly. Banger - n - Short term for 2. The female clitoris. Berk - n - An idiot or irri- Bagsie - v - Calling dibbs the traditional English sau- Bearded clam - n - Fe- tating person. on something. For exam- sage. When served with male genetalia that’s cov- Bespoke - adj - Something ple, I call bagsies on the mashed potatoes, it's ered in pubic hair. that is custom made for front seat of the car. called bangers and mash. Beat the bishop - v - To you. i.e. bespoke cabi- Bairn - n - Another word Bang on - adj - Exactly or masturbate. netry. for baby, usually used in correct. Beavering - v - To work Best of British - v - To Scotland. Bang out of order - adj - industriously at some- wish someone good luck. Baldy notion - n - To have Totally unacceptable. thing. Not used as much Bevvy - n - An Alcoholic an idea or a clue about Bank Holiday - n - A pub- these days because of what drink. something. lic holiday in the UK. Usu- the word ‘beaver’ means in Bill, The - n - A slang term Ball bag - n - Scrotum. ally they don’t have any American English. for the Police. Balloon Knot - n- The special meaning other Bee’s Knees, The - adj - Billy no-mates - n - A per- anus. than a day off that allows a Something that is awe- son who doesn’t have any Ballsed up - adj - A situa- long weekend. However, some and wonderful. friends. tion that’s all messed up. Christmas, Boxing Day etc Bedfordshire - n - Bed or Billy - n - Amphetamine Bally - n - Short for Bala- are usually Bank Holidays bedtime. Said as “I’m off drugs. clava, a type of mask that as well. to Bedfordshire.” Bin - n - A trashcan. covers your face. Bap - n - A breadroll.

5 Bin liner - n - A garbage Blinking - adj - Bog standard - n - Nor- slang 'Boracic Lint' - bag that goes in a trash- Damned. mal or average. Skint. can. Bloke - n - Guy or man. Bogie - n pron - A boo- Bottle - n - To have a lot Bin man - n - Garbage Bloody - adj - The Brit- ger. of nerve. He’s got a lot of man. ish equivalent to the Boiler - n - An unkind bottle! Bint - n - A derogatory word damn and it is con- term for an ugly woman. Bounder - n - A useless word for woman who is sidered a mild curse Bollard - n - Metal person. just above a prostitute. word. post that usually indi- Box - n - A rather rude Bird - pron - An attrac- Blooming - adj - A much cates a place one should way to refer to the fe- tive girl or woman. lighter way to say not drive into. male genitalia. Biro - n - A ball point bloody. The American Bollocks - n - 1. Male tes- Boxing Day - n - The pen. equivalent would be ticles. 2. Something that day after Christmas. A Biscuit - n - What Ameri- ‘darn.’ is rubbish or crap. public holiday where eve- cans call a cookie. As a Blow off - v - Fart. Bollocking - n - To be ryone has the day off but corollary it has nothing Blower - n - Telephone. punished severely or doesn’t really have any to do with what Ameri- Blub - v - To cry. told off. special meaning any- cans call a biscuit. Bob - n - 5 pence piece Bolshie - adj - A rebel. more. Bits and bobs - n - Bits (used to be a shilling) Bolt-hole - n - A hidea- Braces - n - Suspenders. and pieces. Bob's your uncle - in- way place, usually a Brackets - n - Parenthe- Blag - v - To scam some- terj -There you have it! country cottage. ses. ‘( )’ thing. Blagging is to pre- Bomb - n - A splendid Brassed Off - adj - To tend to be someone else Bobbie - n - Police offi- success. be fed up with some- to steal their personal cer. Bonce - n - The top of thing that's frustrating information or access Bobbins - adj - Some- one’s head. you. Similar to 'pissed their bank accounts. thing that’s crap. Bonfire night - n - Also off' in American English. Bleeding - adj - Another Bodge - v - Something known as Guy Fawkes Break wind - v - Fart. use of the word bloody. haphazard or cobbled Day, fireworks and bon- Brekky - n - Breakfast. Blighter - adj - A man or together. fires are usually held to Brew - n - A cup of tea. a boy. Bodge job - n - A poorly celebrate the capture of Brick - n - A person that Blighty - n - An older done job. Guy Fawkes. you can rely on. term that simply means Bodger - n - A person Bonnet - n - The hood of Bricking it - n - Some- Britain. who works with wood, a a car. one who is terrified. Blimey - interj - Exclama- wood turner. Bonny - adj - Scottish for Brill - adj - Short for bril- tion similar to “Oh no!” Boff - v - To have sexual beautiful. liant! or “Oh dear!” intercourse. Boot - n - The car’s Brilliant! - adj - Excla- Blinding - adj - Some- Boffin - n - Policy wonk trunk, opposite of the mation for something thing that is uniquely or someone that is knowl- bonnet. that is awesome. wonderful edgeable on a subject. Boozer - n - A pub or Brolly - n - Umbrella. Blink - adj - Something Bog - n - The toilet. bar. Brownfield land - n - that’s not working. “On Bog roll - n - Toilet pa- Boracic - n - Without Former industrial land the blink.” per. money. From rhyming

6 vants that work at the cen- ter of the European Un- ion. E Ex-Council - n - An apart- ment or house that used to be public housing but has since been bought by the tenants (and perhaps sold on but it will always be known as ex-council). Expat - n - Someone who lives abroad. Eyetie - n - Someone from Italy - an offensive term.

Earner - n - A job that Enplane - v - To get onto earns good money. an airplane. Easy Peasy - n - Some- Entail - n - An old English thing that is really easy to custom that controlled do. how a large estate was in- Eating irons - n - herited and what could be Silverware/cutlery done with it. Ecosse - n - The Entrée - n - The appetizer French name for Scotland. portion of a meal. Eejit - n - An idiot. Essex girl - adj - Deroga- Effing - adj - A polite way tory term for a girl from to say ‘f*cking.’ Essex that does not have Egg Banjo - n - A fried egg any class. sandwich. Estate agent - n - A real- Elastoplast - n - A band- tor or real estate agent and aid. generally they’re not very Electrics - n - The electri- respected. cal fittings in a house. Estate car - n - A station Elevenses - n - Means hav- wagon. ing a snack mid-morning. Eurosceptic - n - A per- End-piece - n - End of the son who is against British male genitalia - another involvement in the Euro- way of saying “bell-end.” pean Union. Engaged - adj - To be busy Eurocrat - n - A deroga- with something. tory term for the civil ser-

12 Fiver - n - Five pounds ster- Freesat - n - A selection of ling. free channels you can re- Fizzy drink - n - Soda-pop ceive via satellite with a F or soft drink. dish and a receiver. Flag - adj - To be tired or Freeview - n - A selection lose all energy. of digital channels you can Flat - n - An apartment. view for free if you pur- Flatmate - n - A room- chase a Freeview receiver, mate in your flat. which usually has added Flog - n - An attempt to features. sell something that may Fringe - n - Hair bangs. not be worth the money Fry-up - n - Another name being asked. for the full English break- Fluff - n - Dryer lint. fast as most of the meal is Flutter - v - A brief go at fried in some form. gambling. Full English - n - A full Faff - v - To dither or screw Fanny - n - A woman's va- Fly tipping - v - The act of English breakfast usually around, pussyfoot around. gina. Not for use in polite dumping your trash in a consists of eggs, sausage, Fag - n - A cigarette. conversation. place you’re not supposed black pudding, bacon, Fag-end - adj - The used Feck - n - An exclamation to. mushrooms, baked beans, stub of a cigarette, and by of anger of frustration Football - n - What Ameri- hash browns, and half a extension the unpleasant similar to f*ck. cans quaintly call soccer. tomato. and worthless loose end of Filch - v - To steal some- Football Pitch - n - A Full Monty - n - The en- any situation. "It was the thing. field where British Foot- tire take or everything that Fag End of my shift, and I Flannel - n - Baby’s wash- ball is played. is desired. was knackered". cloth Footie - n - A shorthand Full stop - n - Period. The Faggot - n - A type of sau- Flash - adj - Something term for Football. type at the end of a sen- sage. that is showy or ostenta- Footpath - n - A public tence. Fairie cake - n - Also tious. path through the country- Fun fair - n - Carnival or known to Americans as a Film - n - A movie. Brits side for walking. amusement rides. cupcake. would generally say they Fortnight - n - Two weeks. Fairy lights - n - The gen- want to see a film not a Often used in the UK eral name for Christmas movie. when talking about time. Lights. Filth - n - A not so nice Freehold - n - Owning Fancy - v - To desire or term for the police. both the land and the want to do something. Fit - adj - A word used to building on the land. Fancy dress - n - To wear describe an attractive Sometimes in Britain a dif- a costume. woman or male. ferent person owns the Fancy dress party - n - A Fitted - v - To have some- land and the building. See party where costumes are thing installed. ‘leasehold’. worn.

13 Ginger beer - adj - De- Green fingers - n - Some- rogatory term for a homo- one who is adept at the gar- sexual. dening arts. G Git - n - An incompetent, Greenbelt - n - The land stupid, annoying, or child- around cities and town in ish person. Britain that is left undevel- Give over - interj - To give oped to preserve the envi- up. ronment. Give way - interj - To yield Greenfield - n - Land that when driving. can’t be developed or built Give You a Bell - v - upon that’s left to exist for Means to call someone on the purpose of pretty land- the phone. scapes. Glop - n - Thick substance GP - n - General Practitio- or unappetizing food. ner - your regular family Go - v - To try something. doctor. Gaffe - n - A home. Gear lever - n - The stick i.e. To give it a go. Grizzle - n - To grumble or Gaffer - n - The boss. shift in a manual car. Gob - n - Your mouth in a moan, see whingeing. Also Gaffer tape - n - Duct Gearbox - n - A car’s trans- derogatory sense. Shot a fussy baby. tape. mission. your gob! Grockle - adj - A deroga- Gagging - v - Desperate in Geezer - n - Someone Gobshite - n - Bullshit. tory term for a Tourist, pri- a derogatory way. i.e. She you respect. Gobsmacked - adj - Flab- marily used in Southern was gagging for it. Geordie - n - Someone bergasted, dumbfounded, England. Garden - n - Back yard. from the Newcastle area. astounded, speechless. Grotty - adj - Something Gash - n - Derogatory term Made famous in Geordie Golf buggy - n - Golf cart. that is gross. used for the female genita- Shore, a spin-off of MTV’s Googly - n - A cricket ball Growler - n - A very rude lia. Jersey Shore. that bounces around ran- term for female genitals Gatropub - n - A pub that Get off - v - To make domly when it lands. covered in pubic hair. serves food, sometimes out with someone. Gone off - v - Something Guff - v - Fart. pretentiously. Get on - v - To do some- that’s gone bad or expired. Guinea - n - A older unit of Gay - adj - Something that thing. Commonly used in Gormless - adj - Someone currency that meant 1 is bad, e.g. "It was 'gay' be- ‘How did you get on?’ lacking in common sense. Pound and 1 Shilling. ing mugged." Get the Nod - v - To get Grammar - n - A text- Gutted - adj - To be devas- Gazump - n - To accept a permission to do some- book. tated or shocked about higher offer on something thing. Grammar School - n - something. at the last minute. Get your end away - v - Elementary school. Guv'nor - n - The boss. GCSE’s - n - Academic To have sex. Grand - n - Used in place Gyp - n - Something that’s tests that take place before Giddy - n - To get dizzy or of thousand (i.e. "This an irritating pain. the A-levels (many stu- experience vertigo. house is worth 140 dents stop here and ‘gradu- Ginger - n - A person grand"). ate’). with red hair. Grass - n - A snitch.

14 Higgledy-piggledy - adj - Something all jumbled up or in disarray. H High street - n - Main street. High tea - n - Late after- noon light meal that usu- ally involves a cup of tea. Hill-walking - n – Hiking. Hire - v - To rent some- thing. i.e. A hire car. Hire car - n - A rental car. Hob - n - A range or stove. Hockey - n - Field hockey. Holiday - n - What we would call a vacation or Hacked-off - adj - An- Have a go - v - To give any time off of work. Brits noyed or stressed. something a try. usually get 28 days paid Haggis - n - Legendary Have a go hero - n - A per- holiday. That’s not a typo. Scottish dish consisting of son that attempts to de- Hoodie - n - A young per- a sheep’s minced heart, fend their home or prop- son usually known for liver, and lungs cooked in erty against an intruder their misdeeds who are its own stomach with on- with force. identified by their distinc- ion, oatmeal, and spices. Haver - n - To ramble inco- tive clothing, a hooded Haha - n - Trench dug at herently. sweatshirt. the end of a garden in Having kittens - interj - Hoover - n - A vacuum place of a fence to the view To be extremely nervous. cleaner. isn’t spoiled. Head boy - n - Highest Hoovering - v - The act of Hand-luggage - n - Carry- achieving boy in a class vacuuming. on baggage. similar to valedictorian. Horses for Courses - v - Handbag - n - A woman’s Health and Safety - n - To each his own. purse. An all encompassing term Housing Estate - n - A Handbags - n - A harm- of derision geared towards sub-division but it can less fight useless safety rules and also mean a public hous- Handbrake - n - Parking/ regulations. ing estate as well. Emergency brake in a car. Helmet - n - 1. The glans Hum - n - A bad smell. Hard shoulder - n - of the penis 2. A fool. Shoulder on the side of the Hen night - n - Bache- road that’s paved. lorette party. Hash - n - The # symbol. Her Majesty's pleasure - v - To be put into prison.

15 Power Cut -- nn - An elec- Pull -- vv - To have sex tricity black out. with someone. Poxy - - adj - Crappy. Pump -- nn - Gym shoes. Pram - - nn - Baby’s Puncture - - nn - Flat tire. stroller. Punt -- vv - To give some- Prang - - nn - Minor car ac- thing a try, cident. Punter -- nn - A cus- Prat - - nn - A particular tomer or patron. type of idiot, jerk, or Purse - - nn - A little bag asshole. that holds change. Prawn - - nn - Shrimp. Pushchair - - nn - A child’s Prefect -- nn - Head boy in stroller where the child a school. sits upright. Prep school - - nn - A type Put paid - - vv - To settle a of boarding school for matter. children. Presenter - - nn - A radio or TV anchorperson. Pub -- nn - Public house, the local bar. Pub Grub - - nn - Simple food usually served in pubs or bars. Fish and Chips is a great example of Pub Grub. Differs from the type of food served in a gastropub, which is fancier. Public school - - nn - De- spite the confusing name, a public school is actually a private exclu- sive school like Harrow or Eton. Also called an ‘independent school’. Pudding - - nn - The des- sert part of meal - not actual pudding. Pukka - - interj - The genu- ine article.

24 Q

Quango -- Acronym - - Quim -- nn - Female genita- Quasi-autonomous non- lia.lia. governmental organiza- Quite - - nn - A general term tion. An organization that means ‘kind of’. that’s usually started by the government or has gov- ernmental powers that’s not run by the govern- ment. It is usually a place to send troublesome politi- cians by giving them cushy jobs. Examples are the BBC and Visit Britain. See, TV show Yes, Minister. Quay - - nn - A dock where boats are unloaded. Pro-- nounced key. Queue - - n, v, pron. - A line or to stand in line. Quid - - nn - 1 Pound Sterling (e.g. "That car only costs 500 quid.") Quids-in - - nn - To be in profit or to be all in on something.

25 R

Rag & bone man - - nn - AA - Rodger - - vv - To have sex. scavenger who makes Romp - - vv - To have sex. value out of garbage. Ropey -- adj - Something Randy - - adjadj - To be sexu- that’s rather iffy. ally aroused. Roundabout - - nn - A traffic Rat-arsed - - adj - Quite circle. drunk. Row -- n, pron - An argu- Razz - - vv - Vomit. ment. Reckon - - adv - To believe Rozzer - - nn - A police offi- something is true. cer. Registration - - nn - A car’s RSPCA -- Acronym - Royal license plate. Society for the Prevention Removal men - nn - A mov- of Cruelty to Animals. ing company that helps Rubber-- nn - An eraser you move house.e. (does not mean a con- Return ticket - - adj - AA - dom). round-trip ticket. Rubbish - - nn - 1. Garbage 2. Rent boy - - nn - A male pros- A nicer way to say bullshit. titute. 3. To criticize. Revise - - vv - To study. Runner -- vv - To run out on Right -- adj - To emphasize the bill at a restaurant. the meaning of something. Rucksack - - nn - Backpack. “He was a right git.” Ring piece - - nn - The anus. Rocket - - nn - Arugula salad.

26 Serviette - n - Napkin. Skive - v, n - To be lazy or Shag - v - To have sex. take an unwarranted day Shambles - adj - A chaotic off, pull a sickie. S mess of something. Skivvies - n - Another Shambolic - adj - Some- word for underwear or un- thing in complete disarray dergarments. similar to a shambles. Slag - v - A whore. To call a Shandy - n - A mixture of woman a slag is a grievous lager with Lemonade (see insult. definition of lemonade.) Slag off - v - To denigrate Shat - n - Another way of someone, start rumors, saying ‘shit’ but in the past usually in the victim's ab- tense. sence. Shattered - adj - To be Slap - n - Cosmetic make- emotionally devastated or up, used in a derogatory extremely tired. way to indicate the person Sack - v - To fire someone Scrummy - adj - Some- Shedload - n - A large is wearing too much. or be fired from your job. thing that is delicious. quantity of something. Slap head - n - A bald Saloon - n - Standard 4 Scrumpy - n - Alcoholic Shilling - n - A form of cur- man. door family sedan car. apple cider. rency before Britain Slapper - n - A slut. Samey - adj - Something Scupper - v - To obstruct. switched to the decimal Slash - v - To urinate. that’s similar. Sectioned - v - To be com- that means five pence. Sleeper - n - Railroad tie. Sarnie - n - Sandwich. mitted to a mental health Shirty - adj - Irritable. Sleeping policemen - n - Savoury - n - Non-dessert facility against your will. Shite - n - Shit. A speed bump in the road. food. See a man about a dog - Shop - n - A store. Slip-road - n - An exit on/ Scarper - v - To run away. v phrs - Attend a secret Sick - n - The standard off ramp on a highway. Scone - n - Buttery biscuit, deal or meeting or to go to term for vomit or to throw Smarties - n - A chocolate usually served with tea the toilet. up. “Oh man, I’m covered candy similar to M&M’s with clotted cream and Sell-by-date - n - Expira- in sick.” but are unrelated to the jam. tion date (like on food). Sickie - n - To take a day American candy also Scotch egg - n - A Scotch Sellotape - n - Scotch off of work or school but called Smarties. egg consists of a hard- tape. not actually be sick. Smashing - adj - Awe- boiled egg wrapped in sau- Semi-detached - n - Usu- Skinfull - n - The amount some! sage meat, coated in bread- ally a pair of houses that of alcohol needed to make Smeg - n - Smeg is a vulgar- crumbs and deep-fried. share a common wall and one drunk. ism or expletive used Scouser - n - Someone are mirror images of each Skint - adj - To be broke. throughout the TV Show from Liverpool. other - a duplex. Also, Skip - n - Dumpster. Red Dwarf . Although no Scrotty - adj - Dirty. called a ‘semi’ for short. Skipping - v - Dumpster specific meaning is ever Scrubber - n - Someone Sent down - v - To be sent diving. given, it and its derivatives who is dirty or perceived to prison. Skirting board - n - Base- are regularly used as a de- poor, an offensive term. Septic - n - An American. board. rogatory term.

27 Snakes and ladders - n for someone who is men- Stockings - n - Ladies Swot - n - To cram for a - The board game chutes tally challenged. tights. test, to study hard. and ladder. Speedo - n - British ab- Stodgy - adj - Something Snog - v - Passionate kiss- breviation for the speed- that’s old fashioned. ing, not sex. ometer - not to be con- Stone - n - A strange unit Sod - n, v, adj - A idiot, fused with the article of of measure unique to moron, or annoying per- clothing. Britain that measures 14 son. Spongle - n - Someone lbs usually used to meas- Sod Off - v - To tell some- who is high on drugs. ure the weight of a per- one to ‘piss off.’ Spotted dick - n - A type son. Soft-Shoulder - n - of spongecake with rai- Stonking - adj - Some- Roadside shoulder that’s sins in it. thing really big. made of gravel. Sport - n - The British Straight away - interj - Soldiers - n - Little say Sport as a plural in- Right away. strips of bread used for stead of Sports. Strawberry Creams - n dipping into a boiled Spot on - adj - Perfectly - A woman's breasts. egg. correct. Strimmer - n - A weed- Solicitor - n - A lawyer Spots - n - Pimples, zits. whacker. that deals with contracts Sprog - n - A young Stroppy - adj - Unrea- and other personal legal child. sonably grumpy. matters and can repre- Squiffy - adj - Some- Stuffed - v - Sexual inter- sent clients in lower thing that’s gone wrong. course (i.e. ‘get stuffed’). courts, not a barrister. Stabilisers - n - Training Subway - n - A pedes- Sorted - adj - A problem wheels on a bicycle. trian walkway located that has been fixed. Stag night - n - A bache- underground. Sound - adj - To be reli- lor party. Sultana - n - A golden able or trustworthy. Starkers - v - To be com- raisin. Spanner - n - A wrench. pletely naked. Sun cream - n - Sun- Commonly used in the Starter - n - The appe- screen. phrase to ‘throw a span- tizer portion of a meal. Suspenders - n - Gar- ner in the works’ mean- Steady on - interj - Hold ters. ing to break something. your horses. Suss - v - To figure some- Spare - adj, n - 1. To be Steaming - adj - Ex- thing out. at one’s wits end. 2. tremely drunk, or ex- Swede - n - Rutabega. Used in reference to the tremely angry. Sweets - n - Candy. younger sibling of the Sterling - adj - Awe- Swift half - n - A half heir to the throne (i.e. some! pint of beer or lager. Prince Harry). Stick - n - Walking stick Swimming costume - n Spastic - n - A very insult- or cane. - Bathing suit. ing and derogatory term Sticking plaster - n - A Swizz - n - A small con. band-aid.

28 smoothly or proceeding Train-spotter - n - A per- quickly. son who stands around Tights - n - Pantyhose. waiting for interesting T Till - n - Check-out counter trains. in a store. Trainers - n - Gym shoes. Tip - n - A garbage dump Tram - n - A streetcar - ba- or a place that’s a mess. sically a bus on rails. Tippex - n - Whiteout or Tramp - n - Homeless per- liquid paper (something son. that’s rarely used much Travellers - n - A group of anymore). people who travel around Tipple - n - A civilized alco- Britain and live in make- holic beverage. shift campsites - often ille- Titchy - n - Something that gally, modern day Gypsies. is very small. Sometimes called Irish Tits up - adj - Something Travellers, but they’re not Ta - interj - A simple thank Tatty - n - A description that’s gone all wrong. always Irish. They’re uni- you. for something that’s tired Todger - n - Male genita- versally hated by everyone Tackle - n - Male genitalia. and out of fashion. Like an lia. as they often cause a Tad - adj - A little bit of old Seaside resort town. Toe-rag - n - A total scum- blight on the landscape. something. Tea - n - Also known as bag. Treacle - n - Molasses. Take-away - n, v - 1. A fast tea-time, it’s an evening Toff - n - Someone who is Trilby - n - A type of men’s food establishment. 2. To meal. from the upper classes, it’s hat. act of getting food and tak- Tea-break - n - Coffee slightly derogatory. Trolley - n - A shopping ing it home. break. Tomato sauce - n - cart in a store. Taking the mickey - in- Tea-towel - n - A dish Ketchup/catsup. Trollop - n - A woman terj - Pulling one’s chain. cloth. Top-up - v - To top off with loose morality. Taking the piss - n - Telly - n - Short for televi- something, make it full or Trolly dolly - n - Air stew- Mocking, taking advan- sion. add to it. ardess, derogatory. tage of someone. Terraced Houses - n - A Torch - n - Flashlight. Trots, the - n - Diarrhea. Tally-ho! - interj - Good- series of houses that line a Tosh - adj - Nonsense. Trousers - n - Pants/ bye! street and all look the Tosser - adj - A person slacks. Tannoy - n - Public Ad- same. who likes to pleasure them- Tube - n - The London Un- dress (PA) system. Tetchy - adj - Irritable. selves but generally used derground. Tarmac - n - A paved road. Thrupney bits - n - as an insult against an id- Twee - adj - Some- Tart - n - Prostitute or Woman’s breasts. iot. thing that’s quaint. loose woman. Tick - n - To check some- Touch-up - v - To feel up Twig - v - To catch on to Tat - n - Cheap piece of thing off on a list. or grope. something. junk, usually applied to Tickety-boo - adj - When Trailer tent - n - A pop-up Two up, two down - n - A souvenirs. something is going camper. house with two rooms downstairs and two rooms

29 E Gutties - Gym shoes/ Jaked - Being in a state Meltit/melted - To be Trainers. of drunkenness (I was stoned on drugs - (Ah Dejit - Idiot. jaked last night). was pure melted man!). H Jessie/jessy - Wimp/big Mibay - Maybe. F girl's blouse. Minted - Rich/wealthy Haar - Fog. Jobby - Poo; plural form ("Look at his motor, he "jobbies." must be minted.). Dae - From (a ken where Hackit - Ugly. yur dae). Hame - Home "am away Feert - To be scared, hame." K N afeared (I'm feert of the Haud your wheest - dark). Quite. Ken - Term for the word Nae danger - No prob- Fitbaw - Football. Hauf ' - A measure of 'know.' lem ("Ye want mince and Fizzog - Face. whiskey. totties fur yur dinner? Fud - A complete and ut- Hawd - Hold, stop L Nae danger"). ter dobber . "wanty hawd that?" Napper - Head. Hawd yer wheeshd - Lang - Surname. Naw - No. G Stop talking. Lecky - Electricity - often Ned - Acronym for 'non- Hawn - Hand "watch ma used in reference to bills educated delinquent', hawn." (she didn't pay her lecky useless waster, trouble- Gadgie - An old man. Heed/heid - Head "a've maker. Gan - Go. this month). got a sare heed." Liftit - To be arrested by Neeps – Mashed turnips. Gantin - Smelly/really Honkin - Smelly/dirty. Nip - Kiss a single meas- wanting something. the police. Hoose - House "it's in Loaby - Hallway, lobby, ure of an alcoholic spirit, Geggy - Mouth. ma hoose." often whisky. Gingin (pronounced passageway. How? - Why? Loch - Lake. Nippin - Stinging. "ging-in") - Disgusting . Howfin/howlin - Numpty - A useless Glaikit - A fool. Loupin - Cry sore/ Smelly. infested with lice ("My individual/moron. Glasgow Kiss - A head- Nut - 1. Head 2. Or an- butt. heid is loupin."). I other term used for the Glesga - Glasgow. word no. Bobble - Blowjob. M Gomeril - Fool. I dinnae ken - Don’t Gonnae no dae that - know. Magic - Great/excellent. O Please do not do that. Maist - Most. Gowpin - Sore body J Maw - Mum (Aye yer Oaf - Off. part. maw). Oan yer bike - Go away. Gran - Grandmother. Jag - An injection. Mawkit/ manky - Very Oan yer trolley - Go Granda - Grandfather. Jake(y) - A homeless or dirty (Your trousers are away. Guay strangy bairn - unkempt person (usually mawkit!! Ya manky wee Oot - Out. Meaning a baby’s nappy describing an alcoholic). bam!!). Outwith - Outside. needs changing!

44 P Shneeb - Smoke. W Shoogle - To take. Pan - Break or disfigure Skelp - To smack or hit Waldies - Wellies. ("pan the windows in"). someone/thing. Wan - One (number or Peely wally - Pale or Skiddies - Gentleman's referring to an object or pasty. undergarments with person). Pish - Piss. traces of last nights din- Wean - (pronounced Pished - Drunk. ner. "Wayne") - Child. Polis - The police. Skuddy - Naked. Wee small - A child. Pure - Very, totally Solid - Hard, tough. Willy – A man’s penis. ("she's pure no right".) Sook - Big softie (ya wee used to emphasis some- sook). Y thing. Squint - Not straight. Steamin - Drunk. Stramash - A distur- Yer erse is oot the win- Q bance, a noisy racket, or dae - You are revealing a crash your bottom. Quality - Great/excellent Swallae - To swallow, Yin - One (not the num- ("That film was qual- also means alcohol. ber but referring to a per- ity."). son or object). T R Talking oot yer fanny Radge - A fit of rage. flaps - Lying. Roamin - Taking a walk. Tan - Smash windows (I'm gonny tan yer win- S daes). Tanned - To drink/ Scheme - Residential drunk or to vandalize. area usually council es- Tap - To borrow money tate. from someone. Scooby - Clue, (no clue). Tatties/tatters - Pota- Scramble - Go away. toes. Scunner - One who That's a sin - What a pisses you off. shame. Scunnered - To be Toaty - Small/tiny. pissed off. Tube - An idiot/fool. Scunnurt - Fed up Turkish - A piece of (Ah'm pure scunnurt). poop. Shite - Shit. Twally - A person of Shneck - Kiss. lesser intellect.

45 Beached Whale (Corn- Coombe (Devon, North wall) - Many meanings, Somerset, Dorset) - most commonly used to Steep wooded valley. West Country English mean a gurt grackle. Combe/Coombe is the sec- Benny (Bristol) - To lose ond most common place- your temper (from a char- name element in Devon acter in Crossroads). and is equivalent to the Billy Baker (Yeovil) - Welsh cwm. Woodlouse. Coupie or Croupie Bodmin (Cornwall) - (North Somerset, Dor- Gone crazy. set, Isle of Wight & Boris (Exeter) - Daddy Bristol) - Crouch, as in longlegs. the phrase coupie down. Cheerzen/Cheers'en Crowst (Cornwall) - A (Somerset, Bristol) - picnic lunch, crib. Thank you (from Cheers, Cuzzel (Cornwall) - Soft Here is a sampling of several Alright my luvver (just then). Daddy granfer (North popular and obsolete words and as with the phrase alright Chinny reckon (North Somerset) - Woodlouse. Somerset) - I do not be- Daps (Bristol, Wilt- phrases common in the English mate, when said by a per- son from the West Coun- lieve you in the slightest shire, Dorset, Somer- West Country. Some of these try, it has no carnal conno- (from older West Country set, Gloucestershire) - words may sound familiar from tations, it is merely a greet- English ich ne reckon 'I Sportshoes (plimsolls or the hit British TV show Doc Mar- ing. Commonly used don't reckon/calculate'). trainers) (also used widely tin. We indicate with each word across the West Country). Chine (Isle of Wight) - in South Wales). Steep wooded valley. Diddykai, Diddycoy, where it’s primarily spoken. Anywhen (Hampshire, Isle of Wight) - At any Chuggy pig (North Som- Diddy (Isle of Wight, time. erset) - Woodlouse. Hampshire) - Gypsy, Acker (North Somerset, Appen (Devon) - Per- Chump (North Somer- Traveller. Hampshire, Isle of haps, possibly. set) - Log (for the fire). Dimpsy (Devon) - De- Wight) - Friend. Arable (Devon, Dorset, Chuting (North Somer- scribing the state of twi- Alaska (North Somer- Somerset, Wiltshire set) - (pronounced shoot- light as in ‘it's getting a bit set) - I will ask her. and the Isle of Wight) - ing) Guttering. dimpsy.’ Allernbatch (Devon) - (From horrible), often Comical (North Somer- Dreckley (Cornwall, De- Old sore. used for a road surface, as set, Isle of Wight) - Pe- von, Somerset & Isle of Alright me ansum (Corn- in Thic road be arable. culiar, e.g. 'e were proper Wight) - Soon, like wall & Devon) - How are Bad Lot (North Somer- comical. mañana, but less urgent you, my friend? set) - E.g. They'm a bad Combe (Devon, Isle of (from directly once in com- Alright me babber (Som- lot, mind. Wight) (pronounced mon English usage for erset) - Similar to Alright bauy, bay, bey 'coombe') - Steep wooded straight away) I be wiv 'ee me ansum. (Exeter) - Boy. valley. dreckley.

46 Drive (Bristol, Somer- Glos and the Isle of pensity for local speak- Mackey (Bristol) - Mas- set & Wiltshire) - Any Wight) - Big or great, ers to add an l to words sive or large, often to driver of a taxi or bus. used to express a large ending with a. benefit. The usual gesture when size often as extra em- Janner (Devon, esp. Mang (Devon) - To disembarking from a phasis That's a gurt big Plymouth) - A term mix. bus is cheers drive. tractor! with various meanings, Nipper (Isle of Emmet (Cornwall and Haling (North Somer- normally associated Wight) - A young boy, North Somerset) - set) - Coughing. with Devon. An old term also a term of endear- Tourist or visitor (de- (H)ang'about (Corn- for someone who makes ment between heterosex- rogatory). wall, Devon, Somer- their living off of the ual men used in the Gallybagger (Isle of set, Dorset, Hamp- sea. Plymothians are of- same way as 'mate'. Wight) - Scarecrow. shire & the Isle of ten generally referred to Now we're farming Geddon (Crediton, De- Wight) - Wait or Pause as Janners In Wiltshire, (Somerset) - Term to von) - Get on, e.g. ‘ged- but often exclaimed a similar word ' jidder ' describe when some- don chap!’ when a sudden thought is used — possible rela- thing is proceeding Gert Lush (Bristol) - occurs. tion to 'gypsy'. nicely or as planned. Very good. Hark at he (Hamp- Janny Reckon (Corn- Old butt (Gloucester- Gleanie (North shire, Isle of wall and Devon) - De- shire, Forest of Somerset) - Guinea Wight)(pronounced rived from Chinny Dean) - Friend. fowl 'ark a' 'ee) - Listen to Reckon and Janner, and Ooh Arr (Devon) - Mul- Gockey (Cornwall) - him. is often used in response tiple meanings, includ- Idiot. Headlights (Corn- to a wildly exaggerated ing Oh Yes. Popularised Gramersow (Corn- wall) - Light- fisherman's tale. by the Wurzels, this wall) - Woodlouse. headedness, giddiness. Jasper - A Devon word phrase has become Granfergrig (Wilt- Hilts and gilts (North for wasp. stereotypical, and is shire) - Woodlouse. Somerset) - Female Keendle teening used often to mock Grockle (Devon, Dor- and male piglets. (Cornwall) - Candle speakers of West Coun- set, Somerset, Wilt- Hinkypunk - Will o' the lighting. try dialects. In the mod- shire and the Isle of wisp. Kimberlin ern day Ooh Ah is com- Wight) - Tourist, visi- Hucky duck (Somer- (Portland) - Someone monly used as the cor- tor or gypsy (deroga- set, particularly Rad- from Weymouth or fur- rect phrase though tory). stock) - Aqueduct. ther away — not a Port- mostly avoided due to Grockle Shell (Devon, Huppenstop (North lander. stereotypes. Dorset, Somerset, Somerset) - Raised Madderdo'ee (Corn- Overner (Isle of Wiltshire and the stone platform where wall) - Does it matter? Wight) - Not from the Isle of Wight) - Cara- milk churns are left for Maid,(devon,exeter) - Island, a mainland per- van or motor home collection — no longer Girl. son. Extremely common (derog). used but many still exist Maggoty (Dorset) - usage. Gurt (Cornwall, De- outside farms. Fanciful. Parcel of ol' Crams von, Somerset, Dor- Ideal (Bristol) - Idea. (Devon) - A phrase set, Bristol, South In Bristol there is a pro- that sums up and dis-

47 misses things that can- (still very commonly not be comprehended or used). believed. Sprieve (Wiltshire) - Piggy widden (Corn- Dry after a bath, shower wall) - Phrase used to or swim by evaporation. calm babies. Spuddler (Devon) - Plimmed, -ing up Somebody attempting to (North Somerset) - stir up trouble. e.g. Swollen, swelling. That's not true, you spud- Poached, -ing up dlin' bugger! (North Somerset) - Thic (North Somer- Cutting up, of a field, as set) - That — said know- in the ground's poaching ingly, i.e. to be make dia- up ,we'll have to bring lect deliberately the cattle indoors for the stronger. winter. Wambling (Dorset) - Proper job - (Devon, Wandering, aimless Cornwall, West Dorset, (see A Pair of Blue Somerset, Isle of Wight) Eyes by Thomas Hardy) Something done well Wuzzer/wazzin (Exe- Pummy (Dorset) - Ap- ter) - Was she?/Was ple pumice from the he? cider-wring . Where's it to? - Where Scag (North Somer- is it? (Devon,Dorchester, set) - To tear or catch where's it to? It's in Dor- (“I've scagged me jeans set.) on thacky barbed wire. Young'un - Any young I've scagged me 'ook up person 'Ow be young 'round down 'by Swyre un? or where bist goin' 'ed”). youngun? Scrage - A scratch or Zat (Devon) - Soft. scrape usually on a limb BBC Voices Project. Slit pigs (North Somer- set) - Male piglets that have been castrated. Smooth (Bristol & Somerset) - To stroke (e.g. cat or dog). Somewhen (Isle of Wight) - At some time

48 Watter - Water. Wed - Married. Wekken - To wake. While - Until. Wi - With. Wuthering - Blustery, windy. Y' - You. Yon - That over there. Yonder - Over there. Yorksher - Yorkshire. Yure - Your.

51 Cocky, de' - Night watch- La' - Lad. man. Lid - See la'. Come 'ead - Lets go. Lets Made up - Very happy Scouse English do it. about something. Crocky - Croxteth district. Manc - A lowly cotton mill North end. worker. de' - The. Meff - A smelly, badly Deffo - Definitely. dressed person. Divvy - A stupid person. N' dat - Something else. Do one - Go away. No need - An exclamation Echo, 'de - Liverpool’s eve- of disapproval. ning newspaper that is Noggsy - Norris Green dis- written and staffed by trict of the city. North end. fools. North End, de' - North Fat Wap - An overweight end of the city eg. Noggsy, person. Crocky, de' Brook, Walton. Scouse English is primarily spo- Arl Fella - Father Gary Ablett's - Ecstasy On one - To act in a reck- ken in the Merseyside area of Eng- Auld baig - Old woman. tablets. less manner. Geggin' in - To join in on On top te fuck - A bad land and it’s closely associated pron; Owld baig. Az if - I don't believe that. something when you situation. with the city of Liverpool and it’s Bail - Go Away. aren't invited. On you - Staking a claim surrounding areas. The Scouse Beaut - An idiot Giz - Give. for next go on a spliff. accent is highly distinctive, and Better beaut - An extreme Gobshite - Annoying Per- Ozzy, de' - Hospital. has little in common with those idiot son or someone who does Paddy's Wigwam - The something stupid. Catholic Cathedral. used in the neighboring regions Bevied up - Drunk. Bevvy - Beer Is right - I agree. Plazee Scouser - A per- of Cheshire and Lancashire. A Bifter - A cigarette or joint Is wrong - An argumenta- son who adopts a Scouse nickname for some from this area Bizzies, 'de - The Police. tive response to is right. accent and mannerisms in is simply as ‘scouser.’ Here is a Blag - Lie. Jarg - counterfeit, fake, attempt to appear cool. selection of words unique to Blaggin' me 'ead - Lying poor quality. Posh twat - Someone Jerk in bed - Birkenhead; from certain areas of the Scouse English. to me. Blert - A lightweight. Usu- a town on the wrong side south end or from down ally from down south. of the River Mersey. south. ‘ad off - Someone else’s Blind scouse - Vegetarian Jigger - 1. A girocheque. 2. Probe - Legendary Liver- poor fortune. version of the scouse na- A back alleyway. pool record label and re- ‘ang on a mo' - please tional dish. Kidder - See la'. cord store. wait a moment. Bombed out church, de' Knock off - Stolen goods. Professional Scouser - ‘ave off - a spot of impro- - St. Luke’s. Knowsley - Officially not eg. Jimmy Tarbuck, Cilla vised good fortune. Boss - Very good. Scouseland. Black, Stan Boardman. ‘ar 'ey - Oh no! Butty - Sandwich. Kopite - LFC (Liverpool Rocket - Beginning and Arl arse - Cruel. Clobber - Clothes. Football Club) fan. end of the M62 motorway.

52 royal'ozzy - The Royal Hospital. Sack it la' - Stop that. Don't do it. Sayers pastie - Scousers lunch. Scally - Archetypal Liverpool youth. Scratch - Signing on the dole. Shanks - The legendary Bill Shankly. Skag Head - Heroin addict. Slotted a boss hatrick - Scored 3 goals. Soft Lad - Friendly name for a fool. Sou-ey - Southport, an affluent and small former resort town north of the city. Famous for being robbed blind during English Bank Holidays. South End, de' - South end of the city eg. Aigy, Speke, Garston see Mud Man, Allerton. Sozz - Sorry. Speke - Airport now re-branded as John Lennon International. Also district. South end. Swerve on it - Not bother with it. Ta' - Thank you. Tellin' ye' - Emphasizing agreement. Texan - A beaut with a high opinion of him/herself. Tocky - Toxteth district of the city. South end. Trabs - Sports shoes. Wabs - Ganja. Whopper - An idiot. Woolyback / Wool - A person from Runcorn, Wirral, Wigan, Warrington, Southport etc. Ye ma - Your mother. Ye wha? - Pardon. Yez/Youz - You (plural). You'll Never Walk Alone - LFC anthem. Show tune popular- ized by Gerry and his ferry.

53 Yarn - To talk. Yeah-no/yeah-nah - Non-committal expres- sion with various applica- tions.

63 A Note on Sources

Much of the information in this book was culled from our own knowledge of British English. We did countless hours of research watching British TV and writing down words and phrases. We also drew on several sources, including Wikipedia, Wiktionary and countless other freely available sources on the web. We wanted to make this dictionary as comprehensive as possible, so our lists of words are made up from multiple sources combined into one master list we developed on our own. We have also used words that we’ve learned while on our many travels throughout Britain.

64 About the Author

Jonathan Thomas is the founder of Anglotopia.com - the website for people who love Britain. He’s a passionate Anglophile who loves everything British. Jonathan and his wife Jackie travel to Britain often for both research and pleasure. His dream is to one day make his home in Dorset with his beautiful wife Jackie.

65