Do you like using fun, new slang?
Today we’ll share how to connect in British English with slang.
Anna Tyrie joins us to share four British slang phrases.
These will help you make your next English conversation fun and light.
Meet today’s guest!
Anna is a British pronunciation coach, English teacher, and founder of English Like a Native.
Today, Lindsay and Anna discuss classic and common British slang.
Anna was born in the north of England and then moved to London.
Lindsay asks Anna if she prefers living in the city or outside the city.
Anna responds that it’s a double-edged sword.
She loves the convenience and the energy of the big city but it comes at a high price.
It comes with pollution, long queues for everything, big crowds of people, and she often feels the need to escape.
British slang
Today you’ll learn British slang you can use to make conversations fun.
Anna shares the meanings of four different English slang phrases and how to use them appropriately.
Slang is important to learn because it is included in day-to-day conversations.
These can also be used in business discussions and socializing at work.
It’s important to be aware of slang words that can build connection.
#1: Pop the kettle on and have a brew
This phrase means that someone is going to prepare tea.
Brew is a common term used to refer to tea.
Tea is a big part of British culture, and English breakfast tea is very popular.
It’s common to add milk or sugar cubes to tea.
They also eat sandwiches with their tea during what they call afternoon tea.
Lindsay asks if it’s appropriate to ask for coffee when the British usually drink tea.
Anna shares that anything asked with kindness is very acceptable.
Next term used in this phrase is ‘pop’ meaning to place or put something.
Pop is also used when referring to dropping by or going somewhere.
A bonus expression shared by Anna is “I’m spitting feathers.”
This means you are thirsty.
Example:
Hey Lindsay! I’m spitting feathers. I’d like to pop the kettle on and have a brew. Would you like some?
#2: To faff about
This phrasal verb means to be busy while not really achieving anything.
Imagine you’re in an emergency and you call for help but the operator just faffs about looking for a pen to write.
Anna asks if Lindsay faffs.
Lindsay shares that when she needs to go through her email inbox, she feels like she’s faffing about.
Anna can relate.
She struggles to sit still and often has a lot of things to do.
Examples:
I’m looking through some paperwork and faffing about.
C’mon! Hurry up, stop faffing around.
#3: A bit naff
This is an adjective that means something is poor quality or not very good.
You can use this to describe the mood of a party, some clothes you bought, or even movies.
Anna shares she found the Time Traveller’s Wife film adaptation to be a bit naff.
She really liked the book so she had high expectations of the film but found it disappointing.
Example:
The film was naff.
Sorry, the toy was naff. It broke really quickly.
#4: To be gobsmacked
This is a popular British slang word.
The word ‘gob’ is also slang for mouth.
Anna sometimes feels that ‘gob’ is a bit crass but it’s not an offensive word.
However, when you say ‘gobsmacked’ it doesn’t sound rude.
This means you’re shocked or surprised.
This conjures up images of covering your open mouth when you’re shocked.
It can also mean you don’t have words to express how surprised you are.
Example:
I’m gobsmacked at the results of my exam.
Takeaway
Consistent exposure and regular practice are key to faster and more effective learning.
You must engage with the language in fun, natural ways, including using slang.
This helps you sound more natural and confident.
British slang, in particular, adds color, authenticity, and cultural depth to your conversations.
To immerse yourself in the language, try watching British soap operas or sitcoms to get a feel for how slang is used in everyday situations.
You can also tune into Anna’s podcast, English Like a Native, where she shares practical tips, real expressions, and engaging discussions that will deepen your understanding of British English.
Anna’s bio
Anna Tyrie is a British pronunciation coach, English teacher, and founder of English Like a Native. Through her courses, YouTube channel, and popular podcast, she guides adult learners to achieve English fluency and speak with confidence.
Do you know other British slang?
Share an example in the comments below.
