10 Very British Words

MOREISH

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Use this word to refer to the food you want more of and find it difficult to stop eating.

“This mint chocolate chip ice-cream is very moreish.

Take it away before I eat it all.”

SAMEY

Monotonous, very similar

“His dressing style is very samey and that saves him time every morning.”

 

CHUFFED 

To be very pleased or happy about something.

“She’s absolutely chuffed with the bunch of roses and the good news.”

 

CUPPA

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If you are travelling around Britain and someone offers you a cuppa, what you will get if you accept it, is a cup of tea.

“Fancy a cuppa?”

“That would be lovely, thanks.”

 

KNACKERED

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Extremely tired.

“The National Trust volunteers were absolutely knackered after a day of clearing an overgrown path in hot weather.”

 

BLOODY (for emphasis)

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Bloody can mean “covered in blood” or “involving bloodshed” but in Britain, there is another use for this word, a slightly rude one at that. It adds emphasis to the word that comes after it. Bloody this, bloody that…

“It was a bloody good gig.”

 

 

CHEEKY

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Cheeky can be used to refer to something that is a bit naughty or mischievous but also fun.

“Let’s meet for a few cheeky drinks in the garden.”

 

MATE

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Widely used in Britain as an informal word to refer to a male friend (and less frequently but starting to grow, to a female friend).

“I’m meeting my mates at the pub for a game of darts.”

It can also be used as a form of address, again mostly between men or boys.

“Have you got the time, mate?”

 

I’M EASY

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I’m flexible; it’s up to you because I’m willing to accept what you decide.

“You girls pick the restaurant tonight. I’m easy.”

 

I’LL PASS

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Don’t be offended if a British person replies “I’ll pass” when you make an offer or invitation. In Spanish, a direct translation would be terribly rude but in British English, it simply means the person can’t take you up on that offer or is not interested. This phrase might originate from card games language.

“Would you like to form part of the new WhatsApp group I have created?”

“Thank you but I think I’ll pass. I am in too many groups already.”

 

 

 

 

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