Slang and Britsh expressions

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 3

British language: history, idioms and slang

Content

The history of the English language

United Kingdom and Ireland accents

Expressions/idioms

Slang

You will know commonly used slang words and expressions

You will be able to use them yourself

To keep up with the language

To be able to speak to any generation

To broaden your British vocabulary

It is fun

WHAT and WHY

The History of the English Language

Development

- Modern English = I steal, you steal, he steals, we steal

- Old English = ic stele, þu stilst, hē stilð, we stelaþ

- Similar to the German "Naamvallen"

- English & German are part of the same Germanic language

   family and have the same origin. 

Old English (450-1100)

- Up until 450: a mix of languages, mostly Celtic, some Latin

- Part of Roman empire 43 - 410 AD

- Angles, Saxons & Jutes invade England

- Add lots of new words:

   eald (old), brodor (brother), hus (house)

Middle English (1100-1500)

- Vikings have invaded England

- Added 2000 words

- 1066: Norman Conquest

- The French conquer the British Isles

- Latin = the new important language of church & politics

- More difficult words enter the language: justice, liberty, etc

Early Modern English (1500-1800)

- The Hundred Years War ends the French rule

- 15th century: invention of the printing press

- More books = more access = more standardisation

- Shakespeare adds 1700 words (puppy, fashionable, alligator)

- 16th century onwards: colonialisation

Late Modern English (1800-now)

- Industrial Revolution & Enlightenment (Verlichting): new

   words for technological, philosophical & scientific concepts

- English spreads the world: vocabulary added for things &

   animals from other countries. 

British empire in 1921

Expressions/idioms

When a British person says 'It's not ideal.' what do they actually mean?

1. This is terrible, my life is ruined
2. This isn't okay, but I'll manage.
3. Things could be better
4. You aren't satisfied.

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.

I went to my friend’s house to watch the England game the other day. I walked in and said “alright'' ?

What does this friend mean with 'alright'?

1. How are you doing?
2. Is the match going okay?
3. Is it okay if I watch the game with you?
4. I've a good feeling about this game.

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

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
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

When a British person says something is 'very interesting', they mean to say...

1. they are very impressed.
2. this is clearly nonsens
3. that something is very good.
4. they really like your idea.

For the following words or expressions: 

What do you think they mean or refer to? Please raise your hand.

He's a bit of a character.

Are you taking the piss?

I can't be arsed to do my English homework

What is slang?

Can anyone tell me??

Slang -Meaning

Slang is informal language to a particular social class or group

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.

Write a sentence using a British slang word(from the video or your brain).

How good is your knowlegde of British Slang?

I'm bloody brilliant

I know a fair few

I know some words

I have got no clue

Guess the correct answer

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 something is smashing. It?

1. is broken in a million pieces
2. is a great succes
3. is drunk
4. is terrible

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.

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

Expressions

A set of words used in a certain way to EXPRESS a certain meaning

What have you learned this lesson?
Did we reach our goals???

BYE