10 British English phrases you need to know to sound like a native

British English, for all its beauty, can be a little confusing for those who are not used to it. So, whether you are planning to wander the streets and libraries of London or just want to impress your British mates, here are 10 British English phrases and expressions that will make you sound like a native.

1.     Fancy a cuppa?

There is nothing the British love more than their tea. Honestly, only the Indians can perhaps match the ferocity of their addiction. So, if somebody asks you if you’d fancy a cuppa, all they are asking is if you would like to have a cup of tea. I won’t be the one to turn down such an offer!

2.     To be skint.

This means to be in a poor financial situation. So, if you are looking for an excuse to avoid paying at some fancy restaurant, you can tell your friends that you are skint!

3.     I’ll ring you/ I’ll give you a ring.

When your partner says this to you, don’t get all excited thinking that they’ll give you an actual ring. This is what the Brits say when they are going to give you a call.

4.     To be chuffed to bits.

You will notice that the British often use this phrase while munching on some fresh fish and chips or a hearty course of the full English breakfast. It means to be very pleased or satisfied about something.

5.     A curtain twitcher

This one is a great example of how vivid these phrases can be and is used to refer to a very nosy person.

6.     To be gobsmacked

Being a nation that is full of surprises, this phrase will be of great help to you in Britain. It means to be surprised or shocked. So, when the English tell you how many cups of tea are consumed in the UK every day, or that the UK is in fact 4 countries rolled into one, you can tell them that you are gobsmacked!

7.     To be knackered

Like many English words, it is not pronounced quite exactly as it is spelled. When you are extremely tired or exhausted, tell the Brits that you are knackered.

8.     To be quids in

A quid is a slang term for a Pound. So, when someone is quids in, it means that they have become rich, or suddenly made profits.

9.     The bees knees

The British have no dearth of phrases about animals. This particular one can be used to talk about something-or someone- that is very good or ideally suitable. For example: When it comes to detectives, Sherlock Holmes is the bees knees.

10.  To nick

When a Brit tells you that they are going to nick, don’t be under the impression that they are going to visit a person called Nick. They are, in fact, going to steal something!

But these are some phrases that you can undoubtedly nick! They are the absolute bees knees and will leave even the natives gobsmacked! For more language related content, visit us on LinkedIn and Instagram. Happy learning!