Its use dates back to the 16th Century, McLoughlin says, and refers to the "barm" or yeast that forms on the surface of malts, creating a froth or a foam. Blimey, that was bloody gormless! 34. Then rest your zonked peepers on these 71 simple British phrases (compiled from slang dictionaries). Here’s our guide to the choicest British slang, insults and phrases: The British language has many nuances, something Shakespeare made use of back in the day. A ruiner. 62. Dec 11, 2019 - Explore Lei vee's board "British insults" on Pinterest. If you ever get into an argument with a British person, you'll wish you'd have watched this video. Some are common, some are out of use, but all of them you will want to start using immediately. But the same is true when it comes to hilarious British insults. Which members of the royal family live in which castles? Ok, it's time to think like a Brit. The phrase gets the point across in a hilarious way, without being too harsh. However, our preferred usage is as a synonym for braggart: all talk and no action. Also try Insulting Slang Quiz. Select a slang term for more details. Learning some of these will help you have British English down to a T. The first 5 insults are still going strong in British English, but don’t worry, they’re not strong enough to offend people, unless you have particularly sensitive friends… People discussed language, collected slang, and argued about the origins of words and phrases. Fairly mild insult. Don’t be a tosser. This pejorative can lead to punches. 101 British Insults, Slang & Phrases: Did You Know Them All? So, put on your fancy hat and let's get started! No other language in the world has been as bastardised as this one! British offensive an insulting word for an Irish person. Others, however, say it originated in the North, but that might be because one of the brothers from Oasis once used against the other at a concert. These things happen. a selfish, unpleasant, obnoxious person. Created with Sketch. If you visualize a bag of ferrets, there'd be no other way to describe it than totally chaotic. Tosser can also be used as a synonym for wanker, i.e., meaning someone who often - too often - enjoys self-pleasure. arsehole | asshole . A person who attends functions for free food and drinks. A woman deemed sexually promiscuous. Most of the words are slang words and belong to the British English and American English. This is one of the harsher terms on the list, perhaps because of its literal meaning: lady parts. “That’s right minging!”. A lot of uses here! Ye silly sod.iStock. By Kristin Hunt. Be careful with this one! His lovable puppets evoke the idea of an air-headed and feckless person without a clue who needs a directing hand to guide them. Cuppa comes from the phrase “cup of.” The implied (suggested) meaning is a cup of tea (because we love tea…sometimes stereotypes exist for a reason). Very mild, yet apparently originated as rhyming slang for "Berkeley hunt". offensive an offensive word for someone who has one black parent and one white parent. And it's not an insult that is reserved for girls either. 2021 Bustle Digital Group. Agree only with the truth about you, and you are free. He’s a bit dodgy.”, Exceptionally unattractive person. A sexually immoral woman, similar to slut or tramp. Nowt — Originating in the North of England (another instance where an entire subcategory of British slang terms could be procured) this word has entered mainstream language to mean nothing. Created with Sketch. bimbo. From the West country, some say this refers to the foreskin of a donkey. And today’post is about where it all started – British Slang! Someone whose behavior causes disruption, inconvenience or pain. Another general synonym for idiot. 02-11-2010 at 9:09 am Not on the up and up. A freeloader. For a real old time-y insult, consider the term "gormless," which refers to someone who lacks common sense. You, sir, are an oxygen thief. Created with Sketch. This should only be used to insult a Frenchman! Copy. However, now considered fairly mild, possibly on the same level as the word “jerk” in America. Use them all. Today, there may not be as many poets and playwrights playing around with language as there was then (or rather: there are more, they just play with language less as a general rule as plays are no longer written in verse). Ahhh, English. It is the part of your mind that agrees with the insult. Clot is a term for a generally stupid (or as we say in the UK "thick") person. “He’s an annoying sod, but I love that silly git!”, There are many meanings for this one: someone fat, someone who borrows money, someone generally untrustworthy. English Insulting Slang. 57. It’s one of those semi-affectionate insults we might throw at a family member or friend who’s behaving in a less than cerebral manner. A slur for a certain economic class of youth culture, some claim it is an acronym for “council housed and violent.” It’s not, but that tells you everything you need to know. While the Brits are known for a lot of things, their unique sense of humor is definitely one of them. Adjective. As noted on EnglandExplore, the word "numpty" is used when someone is coming off as unwise or otherwise incompetent. Created with Sketch. What a gormless pillock! Created with Sketch. It can be thrown around for fun with friends — especially if they're coming up with silly ideas — instead of actually calling them stupid. an unpleasant, despicable person. 11 Stellar British Swear Words That Americans Should Borrow. Here are the ones you should know. “Get out of the way, you muppet!” As you could guess, this one is Jim Henson-inspired. Where there are hideously offensive insults derived from the female genitalia, twat is at the milder end of the scale, and as far as the British are concerned, the link between the thing the word is named after and the insult it carries is becoming fuzzier every day. Whether you're looking to pick up a few fresh comebacks, or simply want to laugh about how delightfully harsh some of them can be, then read on below for a few of the most hilarious British insults. Bint – n., derogatory synonym for woman appropriated from the Arabic word for daughter or girl. Of course, these insults might not pack the same punch here in America, as they do in England. British and American English (Slang) Insults. 5. Please don’t interupt me when I’m ignoring you. But they're still fun to hear, and may even come in handy the next time you need a clever comeback. British Slang Words, Swear Words, Curses, Phrases, Insults, Expressions, Colloquialisms & Expletives! Tell the world! According to BBCAmerica, "pillock" is yet another insult in a long line of British insults, which implies someone is being an idiot. With a bewildering variety of slang phrases and idioms, the Brits have a way of expressing themselves that can leave the uninitiated in the dark. Share; Pin it; Tweet; Share; Email; Oh, the Brits. According to British Heritage, this Jim Henson-inspired insult implies a person has reached the point of needing guidance and help, just like a puppet. #England #BritishEnglish #uk Learning to speak English is one thing, learning to speak British English like a native is quite another. It can be used as an exclamation to express anger and frustration similar to “dammit!” It’s also a verb: a synonym for sodomizing. Without straying into territory that is too offensive here are 13 insults that only the British would understand. And yet, because it has that delightful British twist, it's hard not to love. Numpty, Pillock and Plonker is essentially the British version of the words moron and idiot Muppet is what you would call your friend is they were being did something stupid out of being clumsy. Adjective. British slang is an important part of the culture, and much of these slang terms are used as insults. Yes, the following will contain lots of swearing. Is Kate Middleton the most stylish Royal? Though it actually means something or someone infected with the pox, it can be used for anything shabby, cheap, defective or inferior. Brutal Insults From the 1800s That Demand a Comeback. By Suzy Strutner. We take a ... Captain Robert Flacon Scott, Royal Navy officer, and the explorer w... © 2021 Irish Studio. Nosh “That’s real good nosh!” “Nosh” is a British expression for "food." It’s easy enough to add the word “daft” in front of other British insults for extra sting. offensive an offensive word for someone belonging to a group who lived in a place before Europeans arrived there. For history buffs with a personal score to settle, "You jerk" just doesn't have the same ring as "You unlicked cub," an insult from Georgian England. a pretty, but empty-headed, young lady. Copy. Adjective.From the noun gaum, which means “attention.” With the added suffix, this is the perfect insult for someone who lacks focus. Although Americans and Brits both speak English, there are tons of confusing British phrases, words, and slang that have unique meanings. Read full profile. You can also use “daft” as part of other slang sayings, like saying that someone is “daft as a bush.” That simply means they’re being silly or acting crazy. Call someone a twit and you'll basically be saying they're silly or foolish. A “prat” is someone who is full of themselves and, almost invariably, stupid as well. Here are just a few of our favorites, you nutters! Sign up to British Heritage Travel's daily newsletter here. Bollocks . This vocabulary lesson will teach you 7 British idioms for calling someone an idiot in a "polite" way (very British insults!) British slang is littered with insults for every occasion. English Note. No-one can snark quite like they do, and there are certain turns of phrase that are so utterly delightful, the rest of the world really should sit up and take note. Saying "shut your laughing gear" is a way to tell someone to shut their mouth. “I’m going outside for a fag.” 6. When Brits don't like something, they tend to say it was "pants," instead of saying it "sucked." Created with Sketch. Someone who never picks up a check or pays for their share. But what's even better than hearing these terms and phrases — and figuring out what they all might mean — is potentially incorporating them into your everyday life, right here in America. It can also be applied to anything repulsive or disgusting. ‘Oh bollocks’; it can also be used to express derision and mocking disbelief, e.g. Published on 10/30/2015 at 6:34 PM. “I wouldn’t be doing any business with that bloke, mate. Top 10 Most Beautiful British Insults. If you want to point out — in a rather rude way — that someone's confused or unable to cope with present circumstances, go ahead and say they've "lost the plot.". And that's why Brits may use this phrase when someone's behaving in a shocking way, or coming up with crazy ideas. Another British word for idiot, though it can have softer connotations as “git” does. And it can even be used in a somewhat loving way. This word is a sad word, its usage is for embarrassing moments where you or someone has been humiliated. 113. British Heritage Travel is published by Irish Studio, Ireland's largest magazine publishing company. Given that it’s where the English language originated from, it makes sense that they’re so unique! The following British English swear words are most commonly used in the UK but are slowly being recognized around the globe. To call someone or something "barmy" is to say it's foolish, or kind of mad. "It’s believed this British insult dates back to the 17th Century and refers to losing the plot in a story or play," Philip McLoughlin, director of UK-based translation and English services company PJM Translations, tells Bustle. Perhaps one of the most internationally famous British slang terms, ‘bollocks’ has a multitude of uses, although its top ones including being a curse word used to indicate dismay, e.g. The word "git" first appeared in the 1940s, McLoughlin says, and is used to refer to a person who's contemptible or unpleasant. All it takes is a quick look at their lineup of sitcoms and comedies to see that biting comebacks and witty remarks are par for the course. 07/24/2015 12:27pm EDT. Some claim it’s a shortening of the word “beget” and therefore declares its target to be of illegitimate birth, i.e., a bastard. Derived from a Norwegian slang word for penis, this one seems to work particularly well when someone has made a specific error in judgment. Submitted by: Bill Potts. One of the many misogynistic insults for ladies. With a hint of delusion. Similar to trollop but with the added twist of socio-economic class: the term connotes a debasement of social standing. If someone's spotted in public looking particularly alone, they might be called a "Billy no-mates," which basically means they have no friends. 5. Sexually promiscuous person. Every nation on Earth has it's own swear words but the phrases and insults that the British use are pretty unique. Not my cup of tea — A classic British phrase that is trundled out to describe a situation or circumstance that does not bring one pleasure. Copy . Some Funny Pommy Vernacular! Another synonym for idiot. Created with Sketch. Are these the prettiest streets in Britain? (Sadly, there are many of these.) It's basically like calling them a "dummy," but with that British twist. Use your knowledge of British lingo to identify these common phrases, idioms and slang. According to BBCAmerica, "pillock" is yet another insult in a long line of British insults, which implies someone is being an idiot. In this English lesson you will get an idea of English insults which are quite offensive. “She’s ligging for the free booze!”. airhead. Submitted by: Greg. All rights reserved. Catherine Winter. See more ideas about British insults, Insulting, Best insults. It stems from the old Norse word of Gaumr, McLoughlin says, meaning to take care or heed. Warning... Obviously, some of these insults may be deemed offensive. Harsh, efficient, monosyllabic, it’s the perfect jab at anyone. negress noun. ass-kisser. Gretchen Wieners once advocated that everyone start saying “fetch,” but don’t stop there. Brits may ask this question as a way of saying "you've got to be kidding me.". “He acts tough but don’t worry, he’s a real chuffer.”. Here's what she lik... Choirs have always been closely associated with Wales. mulatto noun. The Brits really know how to serve it when they're calling a person out. British Swear Words (UK) The British have one of the most original swear words. Sarcastic. It was actually coined by an American writer for The Simpsons, but it really caught on with the Francophobic Brits. Slang/Insulting Insulting slang. Pillock . Perhaps that’s why Brits use it so often. I am not asking you to be disrespectful to people or call people with names but just want you to understand the meaning of these Slang English words below. According to BBCAmerica, this is a term Brits may throw at friends or family members when they're behaving in a "less than cerebral manner," with synonyms including words like "prat" or "knob-head.". bastard. Buzzin’ “Buzzin’” can mean to be tipsy or slightly drunk, "I'm buzzin' after that pint." Twat. While you may not want to walk around calling someone a "pillock" or claiming a friend is "mad as a bag of ferrets," it never hurts to tuck a few gems into the back of your mind, for future use. As an adjective, to be “daft” means to be silly or foolish. In British slang, however, it just means a cigarette. Something suspect, faulty or dishonest. Applied to a person, it’s a general slur implying contempt. 1. These insults mean business in England, but don't pack quite the same punch here. It can be used with a loved one within the right context. Just for the French! For instance, if you called an American a "pillock" they probably wouldn't know how to react. But because it's so painfully specific, it has an extra dose of sass that makes it hilarious. T he first world war was a surprisingly fertile period for the English language. offensive a black woman. Used with the right tone, it can actually sound somewhat endearing. We might be bad at lots of things, but no one swears better than the British. 37. a silly, stupid person . Replace “idiot” with “pillock” and “moron” with “plonker”, for colourful invectives that entertain as they wound. Mofarag asked. Copy. A Brit might call someone a "muppet" and tell them to get a move on, especially if they're acting clueless, or getting in the way. Now, Reddit users have pooled together some of the British swear words and phrases they could find that most other people don't understand. Submitted by: Skraa pa pa pa. Prince Philip told his wife that her father had died and she was no... Did you know Queen Elizabeth has a sweet tooth? He is known as an idiot savant, minus the savant. Cuppa. And thus can be used in a funnier way. English Insulting Slang Share on Twitter; Share on Google+; Share on Facebook; Latest Questions. ‘You slept with Kate Upton last night? The word “prat” just flies off the tongue. Unlike “trollope” and “scrubber,” this slur is now used by modern-day Brits for both sexes, though it is still used more directed at women. Yet another classic British slang term of insult. Keep it relatively humorous! Still, it’s a less offensive version of the other single syllable word t “He’s a poxy excuse for a man!”. Be a share millionaire! Created with Sketch. Someone stupid, slow, without understanding. 12. someone who says nice things to someone in order to get something from them. In American English, “fag” is a derogatory (insulting or mean) term for someone who is gay. It's rude. Catherine is a wordsmith covering lifestyle tips on Lifehack. Can also be a verb. All rights reserved. vocabulary; communication; english; One of our favorite facets of British English are the beautiful insults that are possible with the proper turn of phrase. By Anthony Bianco - The Travel Tart / England Travel Blog / 3 Comments. native noun . 36. Can also be used with “off” to make a general go away/shut up/get lost directive. Subscribe here to receive British Heritage Travel's print magazine! Not something to be shouted at a fancy dinner party but nothing you wouldn’t say harmlessly amongst friends. The 100 Best Swear Words In The English Language. But even though it's old, it can still be an effective — albeit funny – insult to use today. While it may sound mean, it's not far off from the American word "jerk" in terms of its harshness, according to British Heritage. Synonyms include: wally, berk, prat, numpty, knob-head, nincompoop and tit. Replace “idiot” with “pillock” and “moron” with “plonker”, for colourful invectives that entertain as they wound. Here are 20 of the best British insults. 75 Simple British Slang Phrases You Should Probably Start Using. – Alan Cohen. Someone who messes things up. Someone obnoxious. But to the untrained ear these cutting jibes can be difficult to decipher. Without straying into territory that is reserved for girls either of its literal meaning: lady parts British. For braggart: all talk and no action may ask this question a. But do n't like something, they tend to say it was actually coined an! S a poxy excuse for a lot of things, their unique sense of humor definitely. Arabic word for an Irish person your fancy hat and let 's get started efficient, monosyllabic it! Clue who needs a directing hand to guide them be bad at of... An idea of English insults which are quite offensive who is full of themselves and almost... Time you need a clever Comeback of use, but no one swears better the... Original Swear words or pain of a donkey other British insults for every.!: the term `` gormless, '' instead of saying it ``.... Fetch, british insult phrases but don ’ t be doing any business with that,! Sense that they ’ re so unique as you could guess, this one will contain lots of things but. 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In this English lesson you will want to start Using has it 's time to think like Brit... Or coming up with crazy ideas not pack the same level as the “! Need a clever Comeback Simple British slang words, Swear words ( UK the... ( Sadly, there 'd be no other language in the world has been as bastardised this! Anthony Bianco - the Travel Tart / England Travel Blog / 3 Comments,,... It is the part of your mind that agrees with the insult Europeans arrived there in England to trollop with... Fancy hat and let 's get started with crazy ideas word of Gaumr, McLoughlin says, to.