British Turns of Phrase or Expressions?

[Anonymous]

"I'm brilliant" as an answer to, "How are you?" Same as us saying, "I'm good"

[Anonymous]

And while we're at it--it's "you're from The States." Not you're American--which is hugely since America is the whole continent. What about Canada? Mexico? All of South America? Nit-picky, I know, but they've got a point on that one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"I'm brilliant" as an answer to, "How are you?" Same as us saying, "I'm good"

Also--"brilliant" as in "thank you".

[Anonymous]

elevenses

[Anonymous]

One of my Brit friends called the other "a jammy sod" on FB this week. I laughed so loud - it's the most British expression ever.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:One of my Brit friends called the other "a jammy sod" on FB this week. I laughed so loud - it's the most British expression ever.

I'm going to use that phrase!!!!! If only I knew what it meant.....

[Anonymous]

I'm confused by the expression like chalk and cheese. (Is that even right?) What does it mean?

I also like how the british call string lights fairly lights.

And how fancy dress means a costume party.

[Anonymous]

Gems from my old Nan:

“I’ll have your guts for garters”

“Who’s been telling porkie pies, then”

“Pull the other one, it’s got bells on”

“Be a luv and reach down that packet of fags for me”

“Ooo, you narsty little sod”

“Thank God our Mickey’s just popped round corner to the chippie, I’m so hungry my stomach thinks my throat’s been cut”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm confused by the expression like chalk and cheese. (Is that even right?) What does it mean?

I also like how the british call string lights fairly lights.

And how fancy dress means a costume party.

Chalk and cheese = “these things are totally dissimilar”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm always jarred by "takin' the piss out" when used in casual conversation. I've heard and read complaints in Britain that there is becoming a common drift towards a working class accent all over the country--with everyone turning the "th" into an "f" sound and genally speaking with a Yorkshire accent. It used to be you could practically tell which street a person lived on in Liverpool and now everyone has a "scouse" accent?

I used be the token yank at a British company and I learned British. I think taking the piss (and the variants, taking the biscuit or the micky) are evocative expressions that have no clear American parallels in American. Yes, it’s sort of like joking but it’s more literally about removing the joy from someone through playful torment. I love that.

[Anonymous]

Plaster = adhesive bandage/Band Aid

[Anonymous]

Don't know but I'm sure DCUM will get it sorted.

[Anonymous]

Taking the biscuit is more equivalent to the American “take the cake”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Help me with this one -- cheeky.

How would you define that?

Bold/rude/disrespectful

I thought the meaning was “less severe”?
They say it about birds, for example!

It wasn't a compliment when our Gran said it to us. It wasn't the 'cute' connotation it has more today. I guess it depends on the age/relation of the person using it. Between similar positions/ages it's not as insulting/doesn't put you in your place.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Help me with this one -- cheeky.

How would you define that?

Bold/rude/disrespectful

I thought the meaning was “less severe”?
They say it about birds, for example!

It wasn't a compliment when our Gran said it to us. It wasn't the 'cute' connotation it has more today. I guess it depends on the age/relation of the person using it. Between similar positions/ages it's not as insulting/doesn't put you in your place.

We would get called “cheeky sods” for being presumptuous or smart alecky.