British Turns of Phrase or Expressions?

[Anonymous]

A lot of these lists are very "television" and a lot less "reality" depending on the regions you're visiting and the age of the speakers (also depending on the education of the speakers).

The TV version of British language is always slightly more colorful than the reality because its there to entertain everyone and provide a good export.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Cheeky is a gentler word than "disrespectful" - if someone is described as cheeky its tolerated, indulged by the describer usually. Like you might describe your small kids as "cheeky monkeys", etc.

There is no direct word you can replace it with in US English, because "sassy" is stronger, and less innocent meaning.

Fresh

[Anonymous]

Surname = last name

Called = Named, as in, a boy called Thomas.

Also lieutenant = lef/tenant

Maths = math

I know not turns of phrase, but interesting.

[Anonymous]

You lot = small group of people

[Anonymous]

An expert is a “dab man” and when a baby is pooping, he is “turtle heading.” Yes, I watch Teen Mum.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Cheeky is a gentler word than "disrespectful" - if someone is described as cheeky its tolerated, indulged by the describer usually. Like you might describe your small kids as "cheeky monkeys", etc.

There is no direct word you can replace it with in US English, because "sassy" is stronger, and less innocent meaning.

I feel like the closest equivalent is ‘naughty’. If someone was flirting with you, you might say, ‘Cheeky boy!’ And if a kid was trying to get away with something or had a sly expression, you might call them cheeky.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Cheeky is a gentler word than "disrespectful" - if someone is described as cheeky its tolerated, indulged by the describer usually. Like you might describe your small kids as "cheeky monkeys", etc.

There is no direct word you can replace it with in US English, because "sassy" is stronger, and less innocent meaning.

how about impudent.

[Anonymous]

"Cheeky Nandos" is a thing in the U.K. Meant affectionately for the chicken chain.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"SENT DOWN" means expelled from school.

I'm English and have never heard this

Also English, it's a public (private) school thing used in boarding schools. I know this from reading Enid Blyton.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"Tosser" is a bad word to call someone...

Yep. I believe it means "f*cker". So yeah, really vulgar. I mean they don't even really say motherf*cker. It's only North Americans that say it.

Not exactly. I means the same thing as wanker. Which refers to masturbation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.....

To be jammy is to be especially lucky - possibly because you got something free, or more likely that you got away with something.

[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.

Like chalk and cheese, apples and oranges but less so. That is not alike at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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

No, it’s the same as taking the piss.

No it's not. Takes the biscuit is just the same as take the cake. Taking the Mickey or the piss is totally different and not to be confused with being pissed (drunk). Or trolleyed for that matter (also drunk). Or plastered. I could go on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:An expert is a “dab man” and when a baby is pooping, he is “turtle heading.” Yes, I watch Teen Mum.

No, a “dab hand”!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have a root means sexual intercourse

Not British. Possibly Australian.