Lifestyle
British slang translated
As an international student, moving to London means a new lifestyle, new people and new dialect.
Sometimes British slang can be confusing, so I went out and asked some British UAL students to share their favourite words with us what they mean.
Smashed
Expectation: I think it is a forceful pushing to the corner
Reality: Too intoxicated/drunk
“We were all smashed last night.”
Chinwag
Expectation: It sounds like initiating a fight
Reality: Talk or chat
“Stop teasing us, it was just a friendly chinwag”
Knackered
Expectation: punched in the face
Reality: Exhausted/Tired
“I worked so hard yesterday, I was really knackered.”
Brolly
Expectation: A broomstick with wheels
Reality: An umbrella
“This weather forced me to bring this massive brolly.”
Shag
Expectation: Sounds like a dance
Reality: To have sex
“I haven’t had a shag in a long time.”
Tosh
Expectation: To eat
Reality: Another word for rubbish/Trash
“Stop talking tosh!”
Chuffed
Expectation: Something like being choked
Reality: Pleased/Delighted
“We are very chuffed with the news.”
And of course...
Apples and pears
Expectation: Fruit, of course
Reality: Stairs
“Go up the apples and pears”
Sometimes we can get lost in translation, however, I strongly recommend if you are unfamiliar with any term you come across in conversation – just ask your fellow students what they mean!
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