Informal British English contains expressions whose meaning is not obvious from the individual words. These twenty phrases help you recognise everyday invitations, reactions and requests, with examples and notes on tone. Many are also used outside the UK, and their popularity varies by speaker, place and generation.
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Twenty expressions with examples
Learn each expression as part of a situation rather than insert it into every conversation. Understanding slang does not require imitating an accent or using it yourself. A neutral alternative is often the better choice with someone you do not know well.
| No. | Expression | Meaning and example | Tone or usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fancy a cuppa? | Would you like a cup of tea? Fancy a cuppa before we leave? | Casual invitation; cuppa usually means tea in this expression. |
| 2 | I’ll put the kettle on. | I will prepare hot drinks. Come in. I’ll put the kettle on. | Often an offer of tea, though the drink can be clarified. |
| 3 | You all right? | A greeting or a question about your condition. Morning! You all right? | In a casual greeting, a short reply may be expected; context can also signal real concern. |
| 4 | Cheers. | Thank you, goodbye or a drinking toast. Cheers for helping with the boxes. | The meaning depends on the situation. |
| 5 | Ta. | Thank you. Here’s your bag. Ta! | Very informal; choose thank you in more formal writing. |
| 6 | No worries. | That is fine; you do not need to worry. Sorry I’m a little late. No worries. | Used beyond Britain too; it can respond to thanks or a minor apology. |
| 7 | Bits and bobs | Various small things. I need to buy a few bits and bobs. | A vague phrase when the exact items are not important. |
| 8 | I’m knackered. | I am very tired. I’m knackered after that long walk. | Very informal slang; exhausted is a more neutral alternative. |
| 9 | I’m chuffed. | I am very pleased. I’m chuffed with how the project turned out. | Informal and positive. |
| 10 | I’m gutted. | I am very disappointed. I’m gutted that I missed the concert. | Informal and emotionally stronger than mildly disappointed. |
Money, preferences and getting things done
The next expressions are useful for recognising informal comments about plans, costs and reactions. Pay particular attention to complete phrases: adding “at someone” can change the meaning of “have a go.”
| No. | Expression | Meaning and example | Tone or usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | That looks dodgy. | That seems suspicious, unreliable or unsafe. That payment link looks dodgy. | Explain the specific concern when precision matters. |
| 12 | It cost ten quid. | It cost ten pounds. The second-hand chair cost ten quid. | Quid stays unchanged after a number: ten quid, not ten quids. |
| 13 | I’m skint. | I have little or no money available. I’m skint until payday. | Informal; it often describes a temporary personal situation. |
| 14 | I can’t be bothered. | I do not want to make the effort. I can’t be bothered to cook tonight. | Can sound dismissive if used about another person’s request. |
| 15 | It’s not my cup of tea. | It does not match my taste or interests. Horror films aren’t my cup of tea. | Usually a mild way to express a preference. |
| 16 | Take the mickey | Make fun of someone or something. Are you taking the mickey out of my hat? | Can describe friendly teasing or unwelcome mockery; the relationship matters. |
| 17 | Have a go | Try an activity. I’ve never played before, but I’ll have a go. | Have a go at someone can also mean criticise them, so read the whole phrase. |
| 18 | Give me a bell. | Call me. Give me a bell when you arrive. | Casual telephone expression; not a request for a physical bell. |
| 19 | Sorted. | Arranged or dealt with successfully. The tickets are booked. Sorted. | Common as an informal response after solving a practical problem. |
| 20 | Bob’s your uncle. | And there you have it; the task is easily completed. Attach the handle, tighten the screws, and Bob’s your uncle. | A light, sometimes old-fashioned expression at the end of an explanation. |
A short conversation
Alex: Fancy a cuppa?
Sam: Yes, please. I’m knackered.
Alex: Long day?
Sam: Very. But I’ve booked the train tickets.
Alex: Brilliant. That’s sorted, then.
Sam: Cheers for the tea.
The exchange works because both speakers are speaking casually and share the context. In a formal email, Sam might instead write, “I have booked the train tickets. Thank you for your help.” The information remains similar while the register changes.
Check meaning and register together
A learner’s dictionary helps distinguish a definition from a usage label. For example, consult entries for chuffed, knackered and Bob’s your uncle. Labels such as informal or slang matter as much as the basic meaning.
A phrase can also sound different depending on voice and relationship. “Are you taking the mickey?” may be amused or annoyed. If you are unsure, use plain language such as “Are you joking?” and listen to the response.
Practice
Try the questions before reading the answers. Use the sentence or situation to explain your choice.
- Which expression means that you are very pleased with a result?
- Rewrite “The repair cost fifty quid” in neutral English.
- In “I’ll have a go at painting,” does have a go mean try or criticise?
- Why might “I can’t be bothered” be unsuitable when a customer asks for help?
- Give a neutral alternative to “Give me a bell.”
Answers and explanations
| Question | Answer and explanation |
|---|---|
| 1 | “I’m chuffed.” It expresses pleasure or satisfaction. |
| 2 | “The repair cost fifty pounds.” Quid is an informal word for pounds. |
| 3 | Try. Painting is the activity. “Have a go at a person” can have the different meaning of criticising them. |
| 4 | It suggests unwillingness to make an effort and can sound dismissive. Explain what help is available instead. |
| 5 | “Please call me.” This communicates the request directly. |
