9 slang terms from across the UK

Charlotte Guest
A couple smiling at eachother on a bridge in London with the river behind them

The English language (British English in particular) is a fascinating mix of regional dialects and unique slang, shaped by centuries of history and cultural influences. Throughout its long history, . From the Romans in ancient Londinium to the rolling hills of the Saxon heartland, and from the Viking raiders of the north to the Norman conquerors of the south, each wave of historical influence has shaped the dialects of the UK. Each region of the United Kingdom has its own distinct flavor of language and accent. Today, we embark on an English slang tour to explore some of the expressions from different regions.

Slang terms from across the UK
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1. West Midlands: "Bostin'"

Let's begin in the heart of England, the West Midlands. Here, you might hear the word "bostin'" thrown around quite a bit. This charming expression simply means "excellent" or "fantastic." So, if someone says your meal was "bostin'," you can rest assured your cooking skills have earned top marks.

2. East Midlands: "Duck"

If you head east to the East Midlands region, you might come across a term of endearment that could raise an eyebrow or two if you're not used to it. Local people often call each other "duck," regardless of gender or age. It's a friendly and informal way of addressing someone, similar to how people in other regions use "mate" or "love.¡±

3. London: "Chuffed"

London is a massive city where slang changes as fast as the city itself. One of the words you might hear is "chuffed." When Londoners say they're "chuffed," it means they're happy or pleased. So, if someone from London compliments you and says, "I'm well chuffed with you," you've definitely made a good impression.

4. South West England: "Ansum" (Cornwall) and "Gert Lush" (Bristol)

In the sunny landscapes of Cornwall, the locals frequently use the delightful Cornish slang term "ansum" to describe something that's handsome or lovely. On the other hand, in Bristol, you'll often hear the expression "gert lush" used to signify something that's really great or fantastic.

5. North East England: "Canny"

As we travel to the Northeast, you may come across the word "canny." In this region, "canny" doesn't imply being careful, but rather, it is used to describe something that is good, enjoyable, or appealing. For instance, if you visit Newcastle and someone says, "She's a canny lass," it means that the person considers her to be a likable and charming woman.

6. Cheshire: "Mardy"

Cheshire offers the intriguing term "mardy." This word is used to describe someone who's in a bad mood or being grumpy. If you hear someone say, "She's a bit mardy today," you'll know to approach with caution.

7. Shropshire: ¡°Around the Wrekin¡±

The Wrekin is a prominent hill in the area well-known by the residents of Shropshire. They often use the phrase to describe someone who takes a long-winded or complicated approach to a task. It can also be used to describe a situation where someone has taken an unnecessarily long route to get to a destination.

8. Scotland: "Braw"

Let's continue our slang tour and head to the stunning landscapes of Scotland, where the word "braw" is commonly used. The Scots use this term to describe something that is splendid, beautiful, or excellent. For example, if you happen to be in Edinburgh and hear someone say, "The view from Arthur's Seat is pure braw," you'll know that it's a view that should not be missed.

9. Wales: "Cwtch"

Crossing over to Wales, we discover the heart-warming term "cwtch" (pronounced "kutch"). It refers to a cuddle or an affectionate hug, embodying the Welsh spirit of warmth and closeness.

From the south of England to Scotland, and everywhere in between, these unique expressions reflect the distinctive character of the people who call these places home. As the world becomes more connected, people are taking their unique dialects with them wherever they go. ?

You might also find some of these terms traveling further afield, being used in other regions or even countries. Unsurprisingly, as from a range of other languages. Exploring the origins of English slang can be a great gateway to learning about the history of a place, so make sure to read up about it next time you hear an interesting one. You can check out ?to keep up to date with the latest ones.

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    1. The Beatles ¨C Blackbird

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    Blackbird singing in the dead of night
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    All your life
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    2. The Cure ¨C Friday I¡¯m In Love

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    Always take a big bite
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    3. Ed Sheeran ¨C Thinking Out Loud

    Another one for the lovers, Ed¡¯s heartfelt lyrics are huge in the mainstream pop charts. Here, he tells the sweet story of long-time love in this ballad and he¡¯s becoming one of the world¡¯s most sought-after songwriters.

    Take me into your loving arms
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    4. The Smiths ¨C How Soon Is Now?

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    I am the son
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    Of a shyness that is criminally vulgar

    5. Neil Young ¨C Heart of Gold

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    I¡¯ve been in my mind
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    And I¡¯m gettin¡¯ old

    6. U2 ¨C City of Blinding Lights

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    And I miss you when you¡¯re not around
    I¡¯m getting ready to leave the ground
    Oh you look so beautiful tonight
    In the city of blinding lights

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    Every move you make and every vow you break
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    Hey! Mr Tambourine Man, play a song for me
    I¡¯m not sleepy and there is no place I¡¯m going to
    Hey! Mr Tambourine Man, play a song for me
    In the jingle jangle morning I¡¯ll come followin¡¯ you

    9. Madness ¨C Our House

    This song takes you through the daily goings-on in a typical household in the 80s. This song has been around for a while now but is a story that most people can still connect with. This is an excellent song for understanding the concept of nostalgia!

    I remember way back then when
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    10. Otis Reading ¨C (Sittin¡¯ on) The Dock of the Bay

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    Sittin¡¯ in the morning sun
    I¡¯ll be sittin¡¯ when the evening comes
    Watching the ships roll in
    Then I watch them roll away again

    11. Leonard Cohen ¨C Everybody Knows

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    Everybody knows that the dice are loaded
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    Earworm

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    Webisode

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    Glamping

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    Lookalike

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    Handover

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    Meh

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    Use it: ¡°The film was a bit meh.¡±

    Binge-watch

    Watching multiple episodes of a TV show, one after another, in a single sitting. Usually, with a DVD box set or using online streaming.

    Use it: ¡°I¡¯m planning to binge-watch the entire series of Game of Thrones this weekend!¡±

    Spill the tea

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