Most common expressions in a British accent

In British English, there are a variety of common expressions and phrases that are used in everyday conversation. These expressions often reflect the informal, conversational tone of the language and can differ significantly from American English. Here are some of the most common expressions in British English:

“How’s it going?”

This is a casual way of asking someone how they are or how things are going in their life. It’s similar to “How are you?” but more informal.

“Cheers!”

Used frequently in British English, “Cheers” has several meanings. It can mean “thank you,” “goodbye,” or be used as a toast when drinking. It’s a very versatile and friendly expression.

“Mate”

This word means “friend” or “buddy” and is commonly used in British slang. You might hear someone say, “Alright, mate?” or “How’s it going, mate?” It’s used to refer to both close friends and even acquaintances in an informal context.

“I’m knackered”

This phrase means that someone is extremely tired or exhausted. For example, after a long day of work, you might say, “I’m knackered, I’m going to bed early tonight.”

“Fancy a cuppa?”

“Fancy” means “want” or “would you like,” and “cuppa” is short for “cup of tea.” This phrase is a very common invitation to have tea or coffee, reflecting the British love for tea.

“Blimey!”

This expression is used to show surprise or amazement, similar to saying “Wow!” or “Oh my God!” in American English. It’s a light exclamation, often used in reaction to something unexpected.

“It’s not my cup of tea”

This means that something is not to your liking or not something you enjoy. For example, if someone invites you to an activity that doesn’t interest you, you might say, “Thanks, but it’s not really my cup of tea.”

“Under the weather”

This is a common way to say that you are feeling ill or unwell. For example, “I’m feeling a bit under the weather today, so I’m going to stay home.”

“Take the mickey” (or “Take the piss”)

These phrases mean to make fun of someone or something, often in a playful or sarcastic manner. For example, “Are you taking the mickey out of me?” means “Are you making fun of me?”

“Brolly”

This is a colloquial term for an umbrella, widely used in the UK because of the country’s often rainy weather. For example, “I forgot my brolly, and now I’m soaked!”

“Don’t get shirty”

This expression means “don’t get angry” or “don’t get upset.” If someone is starting to get irritated, you might say, “Don’t get shirty, it’s not a big deal.”

“Bit of a laugh”

This phrase means something is fun or amusing. For example, “The party last night was a bit of a laugh” means that it was fun or enjoyable.

“I couldn’t care less”

This is used to express a total lack of interest or concern about something. It’s often said to emphasize indifference. For example, “I couldn’t care less what she thinks about it.”

“A flat”

In the UK, “flat” refers to what Americans call an “apartment.” For example, “I’m looking for a flat in central London” means someone is searching for an apartment in London.

“Pop round”

This means to visit someone casually, often without prior arrangements. For example, “I’ll pop round to your house after work” means you’ll drop by their house.

“All right?”

This is a common greeting in the UK, often used instead of “How are you?” It’s very informal and might be followed by “All right, mate?” or just “All right?” as a question.

“Sorted”

This means something has been dealt with, arranged, or fixed. For example, “Don’t worry, it’s all sorted” means that everything has been taken care of.

“Pissed”

In British slang, “pissed” means drunk, whereas in American English, it means angry. For example, “He was completely pissed after the party” means he was very drunk.

“Give us a hand”

This means to ask for help. For example, “Can you give us a hand with this?” is a polite and casual way to ask someone for assistance.

“Knock me up”

In British slang, this means to wake someone up, not to “knock up” as in American slang. For example, “Can you knock me up at 7 AM?” means “Can you wake me up at 7 AM?”

These expressions not only show the charm of British slang but also reflect the informal and often playful tone of British communication. If you’re visiting the UK or interacting with British people, using a few of these expressions can help you sound more natural and connected with the culture.