Kennis Land & Volk - British Slang

• Engels
• Voortgezet speciaal onderwijs
• Middelbare school
• vmbo t
• Leerroute 4
• Leerroute VT
• Leerjaar 4,5

Straattaal moet niet worden verward met het begrip slang, maar gebruikt ook wel woorden uit het Amerikaanse slang.

About British slang

British slang is English language slang used and originating in the United Kingdom and also used to a limited extent in  countries such as the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. It is also used in the United States to a limited extent. Slang is informal language sometimes peculiar to a particular social class or group and its use in Britain dates back to before the 15th century. The language of slang, in common with the English language, is changing all the time; new words and phrases are being added and some are used so frequently by so many, they almost become mainstream.

Now... British slang!

Watch the video and learn some typical British slang.

Do you know any British slang words?

What does the slang word 'blimey' express?

1. A rude way of saying 'oh my God'
2. Saying someone is to blame for something
3. Seeing something surprising or impressive
4. Seeing something very slimey

When a British person says to you: 'Look, let's just forget about it.'
What do they actually mean?

1. I'm not mad at you. It's okay.
2. I will remember this until my dying day.
3. No problem, it can happen to anyone.
4. I'm not interested in taking revenge.

When do you use the expression: Bob's your uncle

1. Used if you want to say that Bob is your uncle.
2. Used to say that Bob isn't a very nice uncle.
3. Your familiy is so large, you call everyone Bob.
4. You have just finished an easy job.

What do British people actually mean when they say: It's not quite what I had in mind.

1. It's exactly what I had in mind.
2. Err....are you out of your mind?
3. What the bloody hell is this?!
4. I don't want this, but it'll do for now.

If you describe someone as: 'A few sandwiches short of a picnic', you actually mean...

1. That person is always hungry
2. That person is a little bit too fat
3. That person hasn't got a lot of common sense
4. That person never brings enough food

When a British person says: Happy new year!
They're actually saying...

1. Happy new year!
2. This new year has started off well.
3. I want to kiss you and wish you a happy new year.
4. The year is practically over. Stop it.

What is in British slang 'a doddle'?

1. A very easy job
2. A stupid person
3. A very difficult task
4. A small child

Something that is 'tickety-boo' is...

1. not very good at all
2. satisfactory and in good order
3. a term used to surprise someone
4. a term used to play a game with a baby

For the following words or expressions: 

What do you think they mean or refer to? Type in your thoughts in the mind map.

I can't be arsed to do my English homework

I look like a pillock in this blue suit.

He's a bit of a character.

Why is greeting people a very awkward business in Great Britain?