How to Learn Key Phrases in British English

Although it may seem like we speak the same language, Americans and Brits use many different words and expressions. Learning a bit of British English is the easiest way to consider yourself bilingual!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Local Guidebooks To Great Britain
• Airline Tickets To Great Britain

1. Say "cheerio" for hello and good-bye. It is considered friendly and more informal.

2. Say "cheers" for thank you and good-bye, or say "ta," which is a slang abbreviation.

3. Be careful on the road. The "Give Way" sign means yield, which doesn't exist as a sign in Great Britain.

4. Use "loo" for bathroom, "queue" for line, "bin" for garbage or trash can, "boot" for trunk (of a car), and "baggage" instead of luggage. Use "chemist" instead of pharmacy, and "tube" or "underground" for the subway. This will avoid any confusion.

5. Use "crisps" for potato chips, and "chips" for fries.

6. Refrain from use of the word "common" to mean popular; in Great Britain, it often means low-class.

7. Avoid "bloody" or "shag" - these are off-color words in England. Use "blooming" and "blinking" instead - words that are comparable to "darn."

Tips & Warnings

• Be modest and reserved. Don't initially launch into personal conversations with Brits, or casually make physical contact, such as hugging.
• Be quiet. The British often consider Americans loud, especially in public.
• Be patient. Service in restaurants, for example, can be slower in Great Britain.

[ErusAtrum]

on 9/24/2008 I believe I have an answer for you Mrs. Lizzy. As an American, it is sad to say, most of us lack the attentiveness, intelligence, and creativity necessary to make fine distinctions. Often times this is reflected in our speech patterns. After all this is a nation that calls "chips" French fries which, if I'm not mistaken, are Belgian in origin.

[thankgoodness]

on 8/29/2008 Wrong wrong wrong I'm English, I live in England and I've NEVER said blooming or blinking. Cheerio has lost it's "hello" meaning and it's only used by a tiny amount of people to say goodbye. We get a lot of American TV and films over here so we all know what "garbage" and "trash can" mean. Your best bet is to speak normally and if someone doesn't understand you, they'll probably ask.

[kjswitz2]

on 6/10/2008 TypicalyEnglish, I respect you and your culture. I'm American (I have relatives in England though) but I wish that Americans know not to be so ridicules and make up these stupid things about English people. I'm really sorry that people say such racist things about such a great country. Why don't people think that everyone is different even in one country? They don't all do the same thing! I totally agree w/ you.

[kjswitz2]

on 6/10/2008 Yeah, don't use too much slang words. Its o.k to use some of those words but don't use them all the time. I wouldn't be a fast eater or dress too casual. England is known for having manners but it doesn't mean they're stuck up and snooty.

[BethXx]

on 10/18/2007 Say cheerio and people will think your taking the piss and don't be over the top. Also, although people may find this stereotyping, peopledo use cockney rhyming slang e.g. Let's have a butcher's (Butcher's Hook = Look) so Let's ahve a look. - Don't try to use this slang if you aren't sure but be aware what people are talkig about if they seem to be making no sense!