British slang and sayings explained: How to speak like a true Brit
Mastering British English isn’t just about knowing grammar and vocabulary. It’s about understanding the British slang, sayings, and everyday expressions people actually use. If you want to sound like a local in the UK, you’ll need to learn these phrases – and start using them in conversation.
Siya Patel, one of our interns at Student Luxe, has been keeping a log of common British expressions she’s heard since landing in the UK. Some, brand new to her. Others, familiar phrases with different meanings and uses.
An American university student originally from India, Siya says British English has some surprising and tricky parts that can confuse even fluent English speakers, noting that a lot of meaning can be lost if you don’t understand what certain expressions really mean.
To help you get to grips with British English and avoid misunderstandings, here are 10 everyday British expressions explained:
Chinwag
Translation: A casual chat or gossip.
Example: “I had a really good chinwag with my mate.”
The first time Siya heard a coworker say it, she was totally confused. “Now it just means grabbing tea and talking about nothing for an hour,” she says.
Pardon
Translation: A polite British way of saying “what?” or “excuse me?”
Example: “Pardon me, but please could you show me to the nearest train station.”
“Back home, I’d just say ‘what?’ but here, saying ‘pardon?’ sounds instantly more polite,” says Siya.
Knackered
Translation: Exhausted.
Example: “I’m absolutely knackered after that workout.”
“I met a King’s Guard at a bar who said he was so knackered he went straight to bed,” says Siya. After figuring out what it meant, she now uses it every time she drags herself home after a late night.
Mental
Translation: Something wild or crazy.
Example: “That party was absolutely mental.”
Siya thought it was rude at first, but when someone said, “That pub was mental last night,” she realised that it just meant the place was packed or nuts.
Bloke
Translation: A man or guy.
Example: “I met this bloke at the pub.”
“It’s a really common word here,” says Siya. “People say things like ‘He’s a good bloke’ all the time.”
Prim and proper
Translation: Excessively neat and tidy.
Example: “He always dresses prim and proper.”
Siya recalls someone at work describing their manager as “prim and proper.” “This is definitely something only a Brit would say,” she says.
Neck of the woods
Translation: Your neighbourhood or town.
Example: “He’s from my neck of the woods.”
Siya has found this phrase really handy for understanding when people talk about their local area.
Reckon
Translation: To think or suppose.
Example: “Do you reckon she’ll be here on time?”
Siya notes that when she first heard “reckon” used in “I reckon it’ll rain,” she thought it sounded old-fashioned – but now she says it without even noticing.
Fancy
Translation: To want or like something.
Example: “Fancy a pint?”
Siya says phrases like “Do you fancy a coffee?” are super common in the UK – where fancy means to want or like something. It’s also used to say you like someone romantically, which she discovered the awkward way!
A little about us
Whether you’re new to the UK for study, work, or just exploring, mastering everyday British expressions can make all the difference. Understanding phrases like these helps you connect better, avoid confusion, and feel more at home – because sounding like a native isn’t just about nailing grammar, it’s about speaking the local lingo.
If you’re looking for more tips on settling into British life or need help finding great student accommodation, Student Luxe is here to support you. Get in touch anytime – we’ve got your back!
