Lj2 - Week 44 - Slang and Britsh Expressions

• Engels
• MBO
• Studiejaar 1-4

English Skills: 

Speaking, Listening, Reading 

Street Talk: 

Street talk is a form of youth language spoken in daily life, at school and out on the streets, by young people of different cultural and social backgrounds. It is a form of language which has evolved seperately from the official language spoken in the country they live in.

Slang: 

Street talk is not the same as slang, but Dutch street talk does use American slang words. 

About British Slang: 

British slang is English language slang used and originating in the United Kingdom and also used to a limited extent in other English speaking countries. 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. An expression of surprise or being impressed
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

What does 'a doddle' mean?

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 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.

Challenge: find a British slang word or expression and find out where it came from.