London slang, otherwise known as ‘Cockney rhyming slang’, is an informal English dialect spoken by those living in and around London. The origins of the slang are uncertain, but it is thought to have originated in the East End of London in the 19th century.
Common London slang words include:
Adam and Eve: believe (Adam and Eve, believe)
Apples and Pears: stairs (Apples and pears, stairs)
Bacon and eggs: legs (Bacon and eggs, legs)
Barnet Fair: hair (Barnet Fair, hair)
Bubble bath: laugh (Bubble bath, laugh)
Mince pies: eyes (Mince pies, eyes)
Bread and honey: money (Bread and honey, money)
Butcher’s hook: look (Butcher’s hook, look)
From breakfast to tea: agree (From breakfast to tea, agree)
Meaning of the slang changes over time, so it is important to keep up-to-date with the latest London slang to understand conversations!
What are popular British sayings?
Popular British sayings are often witty and used to express a feeling or opinion without directly stating it. Some of the most popular British sayings are:
“Keep calm and carry on” – This saying has been popularized over the years and encourages people to stay strong and be resilient in the face of difficulty.
“A sense of humour is essential” – This phrase suggests that it is important to have a sense of humour, as it helps us to cope with life’s obstacles.
“Golden opportunity” – This saying implies that a special opportunity has arisen and must be taken advantage of.
“Actions speak louder than words” – This phrase is meant to remind us that our actions have more impact than the words that we say.
“Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise” – This popular saying encourages people to have a regular and consistent sleep pattern.
“Every cloud has a silver lining” – This saying suggest that even though things seem bleak or bad, there is still hope.
“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade” – This saying encourages people to turn a negative situation into a positive one.
What is a typical London greeting?
A typical London greeting is often warm and friendly. Many people in London will say “hello” or “hi” when they meet someone new. It is common for people to make direct eye contact, smile, and offer a handshake as part of the greeting.
In more casual settings, close friends may give a hug or a kiss on the cheek. In most situations, people will use a polite, courteous tone when addressing others. It is considered impolite to speak too loudly, especially in public settings such as markets and trains.
How do you say cool in London?
In London, the most commonly used word for cool is “sick” or “dope”. It’s usually used to describe something cool, awesome or impressive. You might also hear “boss” which is the same sort of sentiment and is also used to describe things that are really cool.
Other sometimes-used words include “banging”, “well wicked”, “horn”, and “top banana”, all of which are sort of like London-specific slang. Of course, if you want to just say “cool” you can, but if you want to sound like a real Londoner, you should opt for one of the aforementioned terms.
What do Brits say when they toast?
When Brits toast, it is not uncommon for them to make a brief speech or a toast that expresses something heartfelt. This could be a wish for good health and happiness for the persons in attendance, appreciation for the people or a special occasion, or simply a comment about how something meaningful has been shared in the moment.
Common phrases used for toasting in the UK might include “cheers”, “here’s to you”, “salute!”, “all the best”, or “let’s make a toast”. While drinking is associated with toasting, it’s not always necessary and one can simply “cheers” when raising a glass.
It’s common to raise one’s glass and state the toast before taking a sip of drink. After the toast, all participants will usually raise their glasses and declare, “cheers”.
What do the British say for awesome?
The British say ‘brilliant’ to mean something is awesome. This word is used when something is really fantastic, hugely impressive, or really enjoyable. It is a way of expressing admiration or enthusiasm and is commonly used in the UK.
What is UK slang for cool?
In the UK, “cool” can be used as an adjective to express approval or enthusiasm for someone or something. It can also be used as a synonym for “amazing” or “awesome.” More colloquially, “cool” can be used to describe something or someone who is fashionable, stylish, or trendy.
Additionally, UK slang includes other terms that can be used to describe cool, such as “wicked,” “boss,” “brilliant,” or “ace.”
How do British people say cold?
British people usually describe cold temperatures by saying it’s “brass monkey weather” or “it’s Baltic out there”. The phrase “brass monkey weather” is commonly used to describe cold temperatures and if the temperature outside is particularly cold, they will say it’s “freezing”.
Another phrase often used to describe cold weather is “it’s frigid out there”. Cold temperatures can also be referred to as “bitter” on a milder day or “biting” on a colder day.
Do Brits say cool?
Yes, Brits do say cool. In British English, “cool” is used to describe things that are fashionable, interesting, or attractive. It can also be used to express approval, agreement, or general enthusiasm.
Additionally, it can be used as a polite way of saying goodbye or a simple acknowledgment. In the UK, “cool” is a very versatile and widely used word, often employed in informal contexts.