A Guide to British Slang, Because Banter

The Luxe Nomad is all about immersing in the local culture. And in the United Kingdom — despite the English language — we’re sometimes a little lost in translation — especially when conversing with the young’uns. So, we’ve come up with a list of British slang to help you get by, blend in and banter like a true Londoner while travelling.

Read also: Why It’s Okay to be a Tourist and Not a Traveller

St. Paul's Cathedral
St. Paul’s Cathedral

#1 A Cheeky Nandos

Definition: More than a national delicacy (albeit its South African / Portuguese origins) Nandos is a culinary experience that deserves its own adjective; cheeky.

Used in a sentence: “Know where we can grab a cheeky Nandos around here?”

#2 Arsey

Definition: Describing someone’s or one’s own sulky mood.

Used in a sentence: “He was being arsey last night when his team lost the match.”

#3 Banging

Definition: Something utterly fantastic.

Used in a sentence: “The party last night was banging, too bad you were jet-lagged, mate.”

#4 Bollocks 

Definition: Used to describe speech of complete nonsense, or definitely untrue.

Used in a sentence: “You’ve been everywhere in Asia, have you? What bollocks you on about?”

#5 Fit

Definition: Someone of physical attractiveness, as opposed to general health and muscle tone.

Used in a sentence: “I’m not from around here but I think you’re well fit — care to grab a pint with me?”

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Big Ben

#6 Gutted 

Definition: To be disappointed or devastated about a situation.

Used in a sentence: “She was absolutely gutted when the museum was closed — again.”

#7 Innit / Dunnit

Definition: A butchery of “isn’t it” and “doesn’t it”, used at the end of a sentence for rhetorical confirmation or approval.

Used in a sentence: “That Christmas market looks good, dunnit?”

#8 Knackered 

Definition: Pure exhaustion.

Used in a sentence: “I just landed, innit, I’m knackered!”

#9 Pissed 

Definition: Definitely drunk, not to be mistaken for anger.

Used in a sentence: “Let’s get pissed.”

#10 Take the Piss 

Definition: When you’re joking around, or making fun of something or someone.

Used in a sentence: “No need to get arsey, mate, I was only taking the piss.”

Street stalls in Shoreditch
Street stalls in Shoreditch

#11 Chuffed

Definition: The opposite of gutted — that is to say, extremely pleased, happy, excited, or all of the above.

Used in a sentence: “I’m absolutely chuffed about this hotel room — it looks smashing!”

#12 Bants

Definition: An abbreviation of “banter”, which means to exchange witty and enjoyable conversation with someone.

Used in a sentence: “She was fit, but the bants was lacking.”

 #13 Bum

Definition: To seek permission to take something from someone without the intention of necessarily paying them back for it.

Used in a sentence: “Mind if I bum a fag off you?”

#14 Arsed

Definition: Not to be confused with arsey, to be arsed is to not be bothered.

Used in a sentence: “Do we have to get up that early for brunch? I can’t be arsed.”

#15 Ledge

Definition: The abbreviation of “legend”, which is an exaggeration used to describe someone that’s done something great, or is just a well-liked person.

Used in a sentence:  “Everyone knows James, he’s an absolute ledge in London!”

Ace (amazing)getaways

Photo credits: Main, 1, 2, 3 and 4

The Luxe Nomad

Like you, we love to travel but we think that staying at beautiful places shouldn’t come with a hefty price tag. That’s why we’ve gone out there and snagged the best design and luxury hotels and resorts in the Asia Pacific region at rates you won’t believe. WanderLuxe is our little corner of the world where we share our inspirations and thoughts about travel!

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