As the Summer Olympics hosted in London rapidly approaches, many North Americans and others will descend on Britain and stumble onto a culture and language perhaps entirely foreign to their native, colonial tongue.
North American and Australian colloquialisms are fun and amusing, but the British beat them all with a long, rich history of slang slung around the taverns, streets and even Parliament
Here is a primer that may come in handy when knocking back a pint, ordering a meal of neeps and tatties or heading to the loo.
Bloke - if we have to tell you what this is you may as well stay at home.
Fag - people still smoke in some London quarters. Join them with a fag of your own!
Mate - a friend...and used only then.
Reckon - the original throw back to old American back country use lives on in London. Think Beverly Hillbillies.
Lorry - a truck.
Aubergine - an eggplant.
Tap - faucet. That's a no-brainer.
Now for a few of the saucy stuff:
Randy - well, let's just say it: horny.
Sod - a disreputable person.
Sod off - piss off.
Gobsmacked - amazed.
Bugger - a jerk.
Bloody bugger - a damn jerk, politely said.
Dog's bollocks - awesome.
Loo - The toilet.
WC - bathroom the size of a closet.
Neeps and tatties - potatoes and turnips often served with haggis.
Toff - someone from the British Upper Class.
Want more of these gems? Go to the source:
EC Learn English
Wiki The Mother Of All Lists
Fish an Chips Megan
