14 common 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!
- “Bob’s your uncle” – there you have it.
- “You’ve lost the plot” – you’ve lost your mind.
- “Donkey’s years” – a really long time.
- “Let’s have a chin-wag” – let’s have a chat/gossip.
- “Manky” – gross/disgusting.
- “That’s a doddle!” – that’s easy!
- “I’ve got the hump” – I’m annoyed.
- “I’m not being funny, but…” – I’m not trying to be weird, but…
- “I’m going to see a man about a dog” – I’m going to the bathroom.
- “At a loose end” – bored.
- “I’ll give you a bunch of fives” – you’re going to get a punch in the face.
- “That’s pants” – that’s not very good.
- “She was talking nineteen to the dozen” – she was talking very fast.
- “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!
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