If you want to move beyond the usual greetings and truly blend in with the locals in London or anywhere else in the UK, mastering a few key phrases is essential. British English relies heavily on idiom, understatement, and specific vocabulary that can often confuse visitors.
Here are 10 top phrases and words to adopt—you’ll be sounding remarkably British in no time!
1. Say “Sorry” Instead of “Excuse Me”
This is perhaps the most immediate way to sound British. The word “sorry” is used constantly, often replacing the American “excuse me.”
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The Scenario: Bumping into someone, needing to get past someone in a crowded space, or even getting someone’s attention.
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The British Way: “Oh, sorry!” or “Excuse me, sorry.”
2. Say “A Tad” Instead of “A Little Bit”
“A tad” is a concise and commonly used way to describe something small or slight.
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The Scenario: Describing a slight change, feeling, or amount.
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The British Way: “That jacket is a tad expensive,” or “I’m a tad warm.”
3. Say “It Was Rubbish” Instead of “It Was Very Bad”
“Rubbish” is a versatile and common term for anything that is of poor quality, disappointing, or simply bad.
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The Scenario: Describing a bad movie, a poor meal, or terrible service.
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The British Way: “The football match was absolutely rubbish,” or “My old phone was rubbish.”
4. Say “A Bit Peckish” Instead of “A Bit Hungry”
A softer, more polite way to say you are slightly hungry, making it a staple phrase used before deciding on a snack or meal.
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The Scenario: Expressing mild hunger or the desire for a small snack.
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The British Way: “Fancy grabbing a sandwich? I’m feeling a bit peckish.”
5. Say “Let’s Crack On” Instead of “Let’s Start”
This common phrase is used to motivate a group or signal that it’s time to commence an activity or continue after a break.
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The Scenario: Starting a meeting, getting back to work, or beginning a journey.
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The British Way: “Right then, we’ve had our tea, let’s crack on with the plan.”
6. Say “Reckon” Instead of “Think”
“Reckon” is a common, informal verb used to express an opinion or an expectation.
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The Scenario: Asking for someone’s opinion or giving your own forecast.
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The British Way: “What do you reckon the score will be?” or “I reckon we should leave soon.”
7. Say “Not Too Shabby” Instead of “Not Bad”
Used as an understated and slightly humorous compliment to describe something that is actually quite good, smart, or impressive.
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The Scenario: Commenting on a new purchase, a pleasant meal, or someone’s general wellbeing.
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The British Way: “How was the concert? It was not too shabby, actually!”
8. Say “I’m Gonna Stick the Kettle On” Instead of “I’m Going to Make a Cup of Tea”
This essential phrase is a concise and extremely common way to indicate the start of the tea-making process.
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The Scenario: Offering someone a tea or announcing you are about to make one for yourself.
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The British Way: “Cold out there, isn’t it? I’m gonna stick the kettle on.” (Implied: I’m making tea for us.)
9. Say “Bits and Bobs” Instead of “Random Small Things”
A useful and quaint idiom for a collection of various small, often unrelated items or tasks.
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The Scenario: Describing small errands, purchasing several small items, or organizing small objects.
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The British Way: “I just need to run to the shop for a few bits and bobs,” or “I’m just tidying up my desk, putting away all the bits and bobs.”
10. Bonus: Say “Cheers” Instead of “Thank You”
Used universally and informally to express thanks.
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The Scenario: Receiving a drink from a bartender, thanking a colleague, or acknowledging a favour.
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The British Way: “Cheers, mate!”