theukquestions

[theukquestions]

Some Common Phrases From the UK and What They Mean

Many of these phrases you might not of heard of or you’ve heard of them but never understood what they meant. Here, I’ll explain what they mean and use an in context example. Any questions or want to know what something means? Drop a question or message :)

Bagsy"

Calling "bagsy" is the equivalent of calling "shotgun" or "dibs" when something, like the front seat of the car, is offered up to a group.

Example: Hey, I bagsy the front seat!

Bees Knees

This is absolutely awesome or the absolute best of the best. I have no idea of why bees have great knees mind.

Example: This curry is the bees knees!

Bog-standard"

Something that is "bog-standard" is completely ordinary with no frills, embellishments, or add-ons. It’s what you see is what you get and just basic.

Example: I just got the bog standard room in the hotel as I wasn’t paying that price.

Cosr a bomb

Kind of doesn’t make sense except perhaps bombs are expensive to produce but basically something is incredibly expensive. Sometimes an absolute is added for extra emphasis.

Example: I went to that restaurant yesterday but the food cost a bomb

Faff

To "faff" is to waste time doing very little. Faff" comes from the 17th century word "faffle," which means to flap about in the wind.

Example: stop faffing and help me carry this to the car

Gaff

To rhyme with the above it’s an informal word for your home.

Example: right let’s head back to my gaff

Nick

The Nick means prison but to Nick means to steal something.

Example: Craig is in the Nick - he nicked a bicycle and knocked the rider over

Whinge

Yo complain or mown about something often in childish or obnoxious way.

Example: Stop whinging it’s only a little mud.

Swings and Roundabouts

Either way it doesn’t matter what the outcome is.

Example: You can buy the black or white one either way it’s just swings and roundabouts

The Elephant in the Room

Something that’s glaringly obvious or important but is being deliberately ignored.

Example: Let’s discuss the Elephant in the room - why is Mark not talking to you?

Snog

French kiss.

Example: stop snogging you two!

Mint(ed)

Used to describe something really good or top quality. However if you’re minted, you have a lot of money.

Example: James’ party was mint! I swear his parents are minted

Half Past

Where US citizens say five thirty many Brits will use the term half past to mean the time midway between two hours.

Example: I better go it’s already half past seven

Stroke the (insert pet)

To pat or pet an animal.

Example: I stroked Harry’s Lab yesterday he’s such a cutie

Bloody

It can be used in its literal sense or as an intensifier and to add emphasis.

Example: it’s bloody cold outside

Knackered

Can have multiple meanings so you need to look for context. Knackered can mean really exhausted and tired or it can mean something is completely broken without chance of repair.

Example: I was knackered yesterday a I spent all day trying to fix my car but it’s completely knackered

[theukquestions]

List of names for men and women in the UK and any specifics you need to know:

Bloke: normally and endearing term and often describing the kind of person he is.

Example: Jack is such a nice bloke isn’t he?

Lad: another name for a male and quite often a young male. It can have connotation of someone who is a little mischievous sometimes.

Example: Matt is such an interesting lad.

Fella: Often similar to bloke, it just tells you that he’s a man.

Example: that fella looks a bit drunk.

Gent: a very nice and polite man or sometimes a well respected man it’s shorthand for gentleman.

Example: Tim is such a gent.

Bird: a word for a female. It’s common in certain regions of the UK and it’s sometimes derogatory and sometimes affectionate.

Example: She’s a beautiful bird is Jenna.

Lass: female version of lad

Example: she’s a funny lass.

Lady: female equivalent of gent.

Example: Samantha is such a lady, she just ignored his rude comment.