Alex O'Brien
Travel Tips

14 British phrases translated

We have many things in common with our English ancestors – from our parliamentary system to the language we speak – but sometimes our British friends can be almost impossible to understand. Here are 14 phrases you might hear the next time you’re in the UK, translated into real English!

  1. “Bob’s your uncle” – there you have it.
  2. “You’ve lost the plot” – you’ve lost your mind.
  3. “Donkey’s years” – a really long time.
  4. “Let’s have a chin-wag” – let’s have a chat/gossip.
  5. “Manky” – gross/disgusting.
  6. “That’s a doddle!” – that’s easy!
  7. “I’ve got the hump” – I’m annoyed.
  8. “I’m not being funny, but…” – I’m not trying to be weird, but…
  9. “I’m going to see a man about a dog” – I’m going to the bathroom.
  10. “At a loose end” – bored.
  11. “I’ll give you a bunch of fives” – you’re going to get a punch in the face.
  12. “That’s pants” – that’s not very good.
  13. “She was talking nineteen to the dozen” – she was talking very fast.
  14. “He’s a sandwich short of a picnic/slice short of a loaf” – he’s not very smart.

What crazy foreign phrases have you heard before? Tell us about them in the comment section below!

Related links:

4 secret techniques flight attendants use to avoid jet lag

6 strangest items people have smuggled onto flights

How to visit London without spending a fortune

Tags:
travel, UK, phrases, english, british