Most common and confusing British slang

One of the first British slang words you’ll hear and probably use a lot as a student! Knackered means completely exhausted or worn out.

Be it after a day of exploring your new city, late-night studying, or just keeping up with student life, saying “I’m knackered” is the perfect (and very British) way to let everyone know you need a good rest!  

Ever wondered why Brits add “cheeky” to just about everything? From a cheeky pint after lectures to cheeky Nando’s. It’s a playful British slang word that makes everyday moments feel good and fun.

It’s one of those charming British colloquialisms that you’ll pick up quickly, and within a matter of time, you’ll be using it naturally too. And Bob’s your uncle, you’ll sound like a local in no time!  

In British slang, fancy isn’t just about something being stylish. It means to want or like something (or someone!). So you might hear some of your fellow Scape residents say, “Do you fancy having coffee?” or “I fancy that new series on Netflix.”

Simple, friendly, and super familiar. Before you know it, you’ll end up using “fancy” every day without even realising it!  

If something leaves you speechless or amazed, you’re gobsmacked. Whether it’s the size of your new campus, how polite Brits are in queues, or even this British slang word itself, “gobsmacked” is all about that wide-eyed, can’t-believe-it feeling.

It’s a must-know term for reacting like a true local!   

Get ready to hear this one a lot. In the UK, “mate” means friend, and it's used all the time, even with people you’ve just met.

Whether it’s your classmate, other students at Scape, or someone you bump into at the train station, calling someone “mate” is a casual, friendly way to connect.

It’s British slang at its most welcoming!

If someone’s taking the mickey, they’re teasing you, usually in a light-hearted, joking way. It’s classic British humour, cheeky, playful and rarely meant to offend.

So if your new mate pokes fun at your accent or your choice of snacks, don’t worry, they’re probably just taking the mickey! 

This British idiom means something has unexpectedly gone wrong or disrupted your plans. Maybe your train is delayed or your group project partner cancels at the last minute; that’s a spanner in the works.

It’s a go-to phrase for those little hiccups life throws at you! 

Brolly is British slang for an umbrella, and you’ll need one! With the UK’s famously unpredictable weather, keeping a brolly in your bag as a student is essential.

It’s a casual word you’ll hear often on rainy days (which is most days). 

If you’re chuffed, you’re pleased or proud about something, like acing your assignment or finally figuring out the Tube. It’s one of those feel-good British slang words that shows just how quietly excited someone is.

Next time you’re celebrating a win, say you’re chuffed, the British way!

This British saying refers to small, miscellaneous items, the everyday little things you need or need to do.

You might hear your classmate say, “I’ve got to grab a few bits and bobs from the shop,” or “I’ve just got a few bits to finish.”  

It’s casual and very British.

A classic British phrase that means “and there you have it!” or “it’s that simple.” You’ll often hear it at the end of instructions like “Just turn left, cross the road, and Bob’s your uncle, you’re there!”

It might not make much sense, but that’s precisely what makes it so charming.

Blimey is another British expression of surprise, like saying “Wow!” or “Oh my gosh!”

You might hear it when someone’s shocked by the weather, the queue length, or their exam results. “Blimey, that was tough!” It’s old-school but still loved and used today. 

If you’re gutted, you’re disappointed or upset, like missing out on concert tickets or finding out your favourite café has closed.

It’s one of those British slang words that sums up that sinking feeling.

We've all felt gutted at some point.

If someone’s full of beans, they’re bursting with energy, enthusiasm and excitement, often in a way that’s hard to ignore.

It’s a fun British idiom you might hear used to describe someone who’s super lively, especially first thing in the morning (even before you’ve had your first coffee).

Banter is a light-hearted form of teasing or joking between friends. Think quick comebacks, silly jokes, and playful sarcasm, especially when you're watching a movie or when you’re watching a game of football with your mates.

It’s a big part of British humour and student life, particularly among your friends. If someone says, “It’s just banter,” it means not to take it too seriously; it’s all in good fun.