By Rachael Funk
Ever traveled to an English-speaking country, had a chin wag with the locals, then gotten into an argy-bargy over an honest misunderstanding because you had no idea what anyone was saying? Fear not, dear traveler! This handy dandy guide to very British slang will help keep you from dropping a clanger next time you’re touring the Land of Hope and Glory!
Gobsmacked
Translation: to be shocked or surprised in a big way
We were gobsmacked when we found a nature documentary that wasn’t narrated by David Attenborough.
Tosh
Translation: nonsense
The acceptance speeches were tosh, but dinner was good!
Chuffed
Translation: to be proud of yourself
He was proper chuffed he convinced the Bobby to let him off with a warning.
Tickety-boo
Translation: something that is proceeding well and/or efficiently
The new system is running tickety-boo.
Argy-bargy
Translation: an argument or heated debate
We both wanted the armrest but pretended we didn’t to avoid an argy-bargy.
Chin wag
Translation: a chat
Sorry I’m late - was having a chin wag with your neighbor.
Kip
Translation: a nap
Steve got sacked for having a kip at his desk.
Drop a clanger
Translation: to make an embarrassing mistake
Mary dropped a clanger when she forgot to buy a biscuit selection for the tradesmen.
Numpty
Translation: an incompetent person
They thought he was a bit of a numpty until he did the maths in his head.
Blinding
Translation: excellent
The new season of Doctor Who is blinding.
Knackered
Translation: exhausted
Even after a kip, I was still totally knackered.
Warts and all
Translation: accepting the bad with the good, similar to saying “as is.”
I don’t care if he’s a numpty! I love him warts and all.
Blimey
Translation: an exclamation of surprise, a corruption of the oath “God blind me”
You skipped tea? Blimey!
Budge up
Translation: scoot over
Me arse is falling off the bench, man. Budge up!
Diddle
Translation: to get ripped off, to be conned
Blimey, Jeff. She diddled you out of your pub money again, didn’t she?
Absobloodylutely
Translation: an enthusiastic affirmative
"I’m on a health food kick."
"Want a chocolate anyway?"
"Absobloodylutely."
