Slang and student language in the UK

From Shakespeare's time until the present day, slang words have played an important role in UK communication and culture.

As a UK student you'll probably come across many different kinds of slang. Students in the UK tend to speak quite informally to each other and slang words are used quite a lot. Even away from your institution you will find that many of the locals use informal words to communicate: for example, many people will say 'cheers', meaning 'thank you'.

Slang words vary between different regions, and you might hear different words and phrases used to describe the same thing. Below is a list of common UK slang words you might hear all around the UK:

'Ta' - thank you
'Cheers' - thanks, or said during a toast/raising of glasses
'Hiya' - informal version of hello
'Quid' - pound (currency)
'Loo' - bathroom/toilet
'Like' - An (unnecessary) addition to sentences, usually used for emphasis or to fill-in for a hesitation
'The box' or 'the telly' - television
'Snog' - kiss passionately (on the lips)
'Random' - odd, unexpected
'Fancy' - to like something or someone
'Gutted' - upset, disappointed
'Chin-wag' - to have a good chat, catch-up or conversation
'Shattered' - tired, exhausted
'Lovely jubbly' - old-fashioned exclamation of happiness.

There are many regional variations of UK slang words. In the north of England for example, you may come across people who say 'nowt', means nothing. Or those in Scotland may come across the words 'wee' and 'bairn' which mean 'small' and 'child'.

 

If you are studying in London, it might be Cockney rhyming slang you'll hear. This fascinating type of speech, originally used by Cockneys (people from the East End of London) is made up of phrases which rhyme with the word they are meant to represent. For example, 'apples and pears' means stairs, while 'butcher's hook' translates to 'look.'

You'll have lots of fun trying to understand UK slang - and you might even learn a few phrases too!

The best way to learn is simply to listen out for it and ask people what it means if you don’t understand. Local people will find it amusing and enjoy explaining the meanings to you!

You can find out more about UK speech on the language page. You may also like to explore the Education UK interactive map to learn about different regions of the UK.