How Londoners talk: 398 British English phrases
398 words and phrases5 topics235 with momentsfrom 313 videos
All 398 words and phrases, by topic
Tap any word or phrase to hear it and play its moments where it has them. It covers reacting, being polite, complaining, explaining and slang, with phrases like I reckon, bang on and fingers crossed.
Reacting and agreeing
68 words and phrases · 01/05- I reckonto friends · casualin my opinion, I think
I reckon the Northern line's going to be rammed tonight, let's get the bus.
in 12 videos - fair pointto anyone · everydayyou're right about that, I accept it
Fair point, we'd better book a table before Friday.
in 2 videos - too rightto friends · casualyes, I agree completely
Too right, I'd be fuming if they charged me that.
- spot onto friends · casualexactly right
You were spot on about that cafe, the coffee's amazing.
in 47 videos - bang onto friends · casualexactly correct
Your guess was bang on, it came to forty quid exactly.
in 7 videos - exactlyto anyone · everydayyes, that's just what I mean
Exactly, if we leave at six we'll miss the rush.
in 1,190 videos
Show all 68Show fewer62 more · 49 with moments
- I know, rightto friends · casualyes, I was thinking the same thing
I know, right, it's nearly November and it's still warm.
in 24 videos - you're not wrongto friends · casualthat's true, I agree
You're not wrong, rent round here is a joke.
in 5 videos - can't argue with thatto friends · casualthat's clearly true or fair, so I accept it
A tenner for bottomless chips? Can't argue with that!
in 1 video - defoto friends · casualcertainly, for sure
Defo, I'll bring some beers to Jess's on Saturday.
- a hundred per centto friends · casualyes, I fully agree
A hundred per cent, we should've left earlier.
in 90 videos - I suppose soto anyone · everydayyes, but you're not fully sure or keen
I suppose so, the night bus is cheaper than an Uber.
- good shoutto friends · casualgood idea, I like that suggestion
Good shout, let's grab food before the film.
in 1 video - sounds goodto anyone · everydayyes, I'm happy with that plan
Pub at seven, then a curry? Sounds good.
in 77 videos - fine by meto anyone · everydayok, I'm happy with that
Moving dinner to Thursday is fine by me.
in 5 videos - tato friends · casualthanks
Ta, I'll get the coffees next time.
- brilliantto anyone · everydayreally good, great
You got the flat? That's brilliant, when do you move in?
in 253 videos - neverto friends · casualreally? I can't believe that
Never! They'd been together for ages.
- oh my daysto friends · slangsaid when shocked or amazed
Oh my days, did you see the queue outside Primark?
in 9 videos - that's madto friends · casualcrazy and hard to believe
Eight quid for a pint? That's mad.
in 173 videos - you what?to friends · casualsorry, did I hear that right? said in shock
You what? They've put the rent up by two hundred?
- what a nightmareto anyone · everydaythat sounds really stressful or annoying
Your train got cancelled twice? What a nightmare.
in 97 videos - sod's lawto friends · rudethe idea that if something can go wrong, it will
Sod's law, the minute I left my umbrella at home it started pouring.
- oh dearto anyone · everydaysaid when something goes a bit wrong or is a little sad
Oh dear, you've spilt tea all over your laptop.
in 9 videos - it is what it isto anyone · everydayyou can't change it, so just accept it and move on
The flat's tiny, but it is what it is, it's close to work.
in 29 videos - much appreciatedto colleagues · politethank you, I'm grateful
Thanks for covering my shift, much appreciated.
in 8 videos - not to worryto anyone · everydayit's fine, no problem
Not to worry, I'll grab some milk on the way home.
in 8 videos - you're telling meto friends · casualyes, and I know that even better than you
You're telling me, the Central line was boiling today.
- are you serious?to anyone · everydaydo you really mean that? I'm shocked
Are you serious? They've closed the whole station this weekend?
in 36 videos - bloody hellto friends · rudesaid in shock or surprise
Bloody hell, have you seen how much a coffee costs now?
in 1 video - you can say that againto anyone · everydayyes, I agree completely
You can say that again, it's freezing out there.
in 1 video - good on youto anyone · everydaywell done, I'm pleased for you
You ran the half marathon? Good on you.
- that's out of orderto friends · casualthat's unfair and not acceptable
He ate your leftovers without asking? That's out of order.
in 8 videos - no chanceto friends · casualcertainly not, it won't happen
A 6am run tomorrow? No chance.
in 39 videos - go for itto anyone · everydayyes, do it, I support you
Go for it, you deserve that pay rise.
in 61 videos - as ifto friends · casualthat will never happen, I don't believe it
The landlord fixing the boiler this week? As if.
- rather you than meto anyone · everydayglad I don't have to do that
The 5am shift all week? Rather you than me.
- are you winding me up?to friends · casualare you joking? I can't believe that
Are you winding me up? The Overground's down again?
- jammyto friends · casuallucky in a way that seems unfair
You got a seat on the Tube at rush hour? Jammy.
- how annoyingto anyone · everydaywhat an irritating thing to happen
They delivered it to the wrong flat? How annoying.
in 6 videos - I betto anyone · everydaythat's easy to believe, I'm sure it's true
I bet you were knackered after carrying all those boxes.
in 104 videos - I can imagineto anyone · everydayyes, I understand how that must feel
Work's been mental? I can imagine, with half the team off.
- oh rightto anyone · everydayah, I see, I didn't know that
Oh right, I'll go to the shop tomorrow then.
in 39 videos - oh wellto anyone · everydaysaid when you accept something disappointing
Oh well, we'll try for tickets next time.
in 127 videos - never mindto anyone · everydayit doesn't matter, forget it
Never mind, we'll try the other cafe instead.
in 37 videos - fingers crossedto anyone · everydayhoping it goes well
Interview's at ten tomorrow, fingers crossed.
in 14 videos - touch woodto anyone · everydaysaid so your good luck doesn't change after you mention it
My bike hasn't been nicked yet, touch wood.
- awkwardto anyone · everydaythat's embarrassing and uncomfortable
You called her by your ex's name? Awkward.
in 116 videos - bonkersto friends · casualcrazy or silly, said in fun
Twelve quid for a sandwich at the station? That's bonkers.
in 14 videos - coolto friends · casualfine, ok with me
Cool, see you outside the station at eight.
in 1,029 videos - whateverto friends · rudesaid to show you don't care, often when annoyed
Whatever, I did the washing up yesterday.
in 910 videos - nahto friends · casualno, said casually
Nah, you're alright, I've got work tomorrow.
in 52 videos - absolutelyto anyone · everydaya strong yes, I fully agree
Absolutely, let's split the bill.
in 726 videos - oopsto anyone · everydaysaid after a small mistake or accident
Oops, I've just sent that to the wrong group chat.
in 25 videos - oh my Godto friends · casualsaid when you're very surprised or excited
Oh my God, you're engaged? Let me see the ring!
in 534 videos - vibeto friends · casualthe mood or feeling of a place, person or event
Loved that pub, the vibe was really chilled.
in 100 videos - amazingto anyone · everydayreally great, very good
You got a table at that new place? Amazing!
in 863 videos - awesometo friends · casualgreat, really good
Awesome, thanks for sorting the tickets.
in 560 videos - fabto friends · casualgreat, really lovely
Fab, see you at the restaurant at eight.
in 9 videos - game changerto anyone · everydaysomething new that makes a huge difference to a situation
Getting a dishwasher has been a game changer in our flat.
in 46 videos - the GOATto friends · slangthe best ever at something
My nan's roast potatoes? She's the GOAT.
in 11 videos - yikesto friends · casualsaid when something seems shocking, worrying or embarrassing
Yikes, my phone bill's double what it was last month.
in 10 videos - grossto friends · casualdisgusting, horrible
Someone left a takeaway in the fridge for a week, gross.
in 113 videos - harshto friends · casualunkind, or tougher than it needs to be
He called my cooking 'edible'? That's a bit harsh.
in 75 videos - how come?to anyone · everydaywhy, asked in a casual way
You're not coming out tonight? How come?
in 39 videos - no wonderto friends · casualthat explains it; it is not surprising
You were up till three? No wonder you're shattered.
in 37 videos - I don't blame youto anyone · everydayI understand why you did that; I would do the same
I don't blame you for leaving, it was dead.
in 10 videos - poshto friends · casualfancy and expensive, like things rich people have
You've got a coffee machine now? Ooh, posh.
in 7 videos
Being polite, the British way
76 words and phrases · 02/05- sorryto anyone · everydaysaid when you bump into someone or make a small mistake
Oh, sorry, didn't see you there.
in 585 videos - sorry, I didn't catch thatto strangers · politeI didn't hear what you said, please say it again
Sorry, I didn't catch that, which stop did you say?
- excuse meto strangers · politesaid politely when you need to get past someone or get their attention
Excuse me, is this the right platform for the Jubilee line?
in 144 videos - sorry to bother youto strangers · politesaid before asking someone for help when they might be busy
Sorry to bother you, but does the 38 stop here?
- sorry to interruptto colleagues · politesaid when you break in while someone is talking or busy
Sorry to interrupt, but your cab's outside.
in 35 videos - sorry to be a painto staff · politesaid before asking for something extra that may make work for someone
Sorry to be a pain, but could I get oat milk in that instead?
Show all 76Show fewer70 more · 33 with moments
- sorry about thatto strangers · everydaysaid when you caused a small problem and want to show you know it
Sorry about that, my bag was taking up the whole seat.
in 26 videos - apologiesto colleagues · formala more formal sorry, used a lot in work meetings and emails
Apologies, I was on mute the whole time.
in 28 videos - my mistaketo anyone · everydaysaid when you admit you got something wrong
My mistake, I booked the table for Friday, not Saturday.
- my faultto anyone · everydaysaid to admit you caused a small problem
That's my fault, I gave you the wrong postcode.
in 32 videos - you're alrightto strangers · casualit's fine, no need to say sorry (a quick reply)
Sorry, was I in your way? Nah, you're alright.
- don't worry about itto anyone · everydayit doesn't matter, there's no need to feel bad
Don't worry about it, I've spilled worse on this carpet.
in 38 videos - no problemto anyone · everydaya relaxed reply to thanks, meaning you were glad to help
Can you hold the door a sec? Yeah, no problem.
in 155 videos - thanks ever so muchto anyone · everydaya warm way to say you are very grateful
Thanks ever so much for watering my plants while I was away.
in 5 videos - that's very kind of youto anyone · politesaid to thank someone who has been nice or generous to you
You saved me a seat? That's very kind of you.
in 5 videos - I owe you oneto friends · casualI'll help you back some day because you helped me
Cheers for covering my shift, I owe you one.
- you're welcometo anyone · everydaya polite reply when someone thanks you
Thanks for the lift! You're welcome, mate.
in 77 videos - not at allto anyone · politea polite reply meaning it's fine, I'm happy to
Mind if I open the window? Not at all.
- would you mindto strangers · politea polite way to ask someone to do something for you
Would you mind keeping an eye on my bag for a sec?
in 19 videos - do you mind if Ito strangers · politea polite way to ask if it's ok to do something
Do you mind if I sit here?
in 16 videos - do you mind!to strangers · rudestop that, it's bothering me (said sharply)
Do you mind! You've just stood on my foot.
- could you possiblyto strangers · politea very polite way to ask someone for help
Could you possibly move your bag so I can sit down?
- I don't suppose you couldto anyone · politea shy, indirect way to ask for something you may not get
I don't suppose you've got a charger I could borrow?
- I was wondering ifto colleagues · politea soft way to start asking for something
I was wondering if I could leave a bit early on Friday.
in 20 videos - do me a favourto anyone · everydaya friendly way to ask someone to help with something small
Can you do me a favour and grab some milk on your way back?
- when you get a chanceto colleagues · politeat some point when you are not busy
Could you send me that spreadsheet when you get a chance?
in 4 videos - if you don't mindto anyone · politeadded to a request to make it sound softer
I'll leave my bike in the hallway, if you don't mind.
in 23 videos - sorry to keep you waitingto anyone · politesaid when someone had to wait for you to be free or ready
Sorry to keep you waiting, the Tube was a nightmare.
- after youto strangers · politeplease go first, I'll wait
After you, I'm not in a rush.
in 133 videos - go aheadto anyone · everydayyes, you can, I don't mind
Can I borrow your charger? Yeah, go ahead.
in 227 videos - can I just squeeze past?to strangers · politea polite way to ask people to let you through a tight or crowded space
Sorry, can I just squeeze past? This is my stop.
- budge upto friends · casualmove along a seat to make room for someone
Budge up, there's room for one more on the sofa.
- mind outto strangers · casualget out of the way, something is coming through
Mind out, hot coffee coming through!
- do you want to sit down?to strangers · politean offer of your seat to someone who may need it more
Do you want to sit down? I'm getting off at the next stop.
- I think I was nextto strangers · politea polite way to tell someone it's your turn, not theirs
Sorry, I think I was next, actually.
- charmingto friends · casualsaid when someone has just been rude to you, meaning how rude that was
He just shut the door in my face. Charming.
- I'm not being funny, butto friends · casualsaid before a complaint or honest point to make it sound less rude
I'm not being funny, but whose turn is it to clean the bathroom?
in 2 videos - I'm afraidto anyone · politeused to soften bad news, a bit like sadly
I'm afraid we're out of the almond croissants.
in 54 videos - are you alright there?to customers · casualwhat shop or bar staff say to ask if you need help or want to order
You alright there? What can I get you?
- shall Ito anyone · everydaya way to offer to do something for someone
Shall I put the kettle on?
in 12 videos - thanks for having meto anyone · everydaysaid to the host when you leave their home or party
Thanks for having me, the roast was amazing.
in 35 videos - I'll leave you to itto anyone · everydayI'll go now so you can carry on with what you were doing
Right, you look busy, I'll leave you to it.
- sorry, butto strangers · politesaid to soften a complaint or before you disagree
Sorry, but I think you're in my seat.
in 18 videos - sorry for the late replyto anyone · politesaid at the start of a message when you took a long time to answer
Sorry for the late reply, work's been mad this week.
- sorry, you goto anyone · everydaysaid when two people start talking at once, to let the other speak first
Oh, sorry, you go. What were you saying?
- please could youto colleagues · politea polite way to start asking someone to do something
Please could you send me the rota by Friday?
in 3 videos - can I just getto staff · politea soft way to ask for something, used a lot when ordering
Can I just get a flat white to take away, please?
- thanks anywayto strangers · politesaid when someone tried to help but couldn't, to show you're still grateful
Oh well, thanks anyway, I'll try the shop next door.
- don't mention itto anyone · everydaya polite reply to thanks, meaning it was nothing
Don't mention it, you'd do the same for me.
- that's alrightto anyone · everydaya reply to sorry or thanks, meaning it doesn't matter
That's alright, these things happen.
in 14 videos - it's no troubleto anyone · everydayhelping you is easy, so don't feel bad about asking
It's no trouble, I'm going that way anyway.
- do you want a hand?to strangers · politea friendly way to offer to help someone
Do you want a hand with that suitcase?
- bless youto anyone · everydaysaid when someone sneezes
Bless you! Are you coming down with something?
- jump the queueto strangers · casualgo in front of people who have been waiting longer than you
You can't just jump the queue because you're in a hurry.
- pardonto strangers · politeplease say that again, I didn't hear you
Pardon? It's so loud in here.
in 20 videos - no harm doneto anyone · everydaydon't feel bad, nothing is broken or hurt
Sorry I knocked your drink! Don't worry, no harm done.
- make yourself at hometo anyone · everydayrelax and treat this place like your own
Come in, make yourself at home, I'll put the kettle on.
- I'd love to, butto anyone · politea kind way to say no to an invitation
I'd love to, but I've already got plans on Friday.
- I'll let you goto anyone · everydaya kind way to end a chat or call, as if the other person is busy
Anyway, I'll let you go, speak at the weekend.
in 3 videos - pardon my Frenchto friends · casuala joking way to say sorry for a rude word you just used
That commute was a bloody nightmare, pardon my French.
in 1 video - don't be sillyto anyone · everydayno need to thank me or say sorry, it was nothing
Don't be silly, it was no trouble at all.
- you shouldn't haveto anyone · everydaysaid warmly when someone gives you a present or a nice surprise
Flowers? Aw, you shouldn't have!
- sorry to hear thatto anyone · politesaid kindly when someone tells you bad news
Your nan's in hospital? Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.
in 2 videos - come again?to friends · casualwhat did you say? (asking someone to repeat, often in surprise)
It's how much a month? Come again?
in 25 videos - no offenceto friends · casualsaid before something that might upset the listener
No offence, but that jacket's seen better days.
- I'll love you and leave youto friends · casuala warm, jokey way to say you have to go now
Right, I'll love you and leave you, my train's in ten minutes.
- I insistto anyone · politeplease let me, I really want to do this
Put your card away, this one's on me. No, I insist.
in 7 videos - I'm goodto friends · casualno thanks, I don't need anything (a reply to an offer)
More tea? Nah, I'm good, thanks.
in 65 videos - my pleasureto anyone · everydaya polite reply to thanks, meaning I was glad to help
Thanks for helping me move! My pleasure, any time.
in 21 videos - thanks a millionto friends · casualthank you very much
You found my keys? Thanks a million.
- with all due respectto colleagues · formalsaid before you disagree with someone, to sound polite
With all due respect, that's not what we agreed in the meeting.
in 6 videos - I'll bear that in mindto colleagues · politeI'll remember that and think about it, often a soft no
Thanks for the tip, I'll bear that in mind.
- I hear what you're sayingto colleagues · politeI understand your point, but I don't agree
I hear what you're saying, but I still think we should get a cab.
in 1 video - sorry for your lossto anyone · politesaid kindly to someone when a person close to them has died
I heard about your grandad. I'm so sorry for your loss.
- bathroomto anyone · everydaythe room with the toilet in someone's home
Sorry, where's the bathroom?
in 125 videos - excuse the messto anyone · everydaysaid to visitors to say sorry that your home is untidy
Come in, excuse the mess, I've only just got back.
Complaining
45 words and phrases · 03/05- just my luckto anyone · everydaysaid when something bad happens to you, as it always seems to
Just my luck, the cash machine ate my card on a Friday night.
- crapto friends · rudevery bad or of poor quality, said bluntly
My new phone charger's crap, it's stopped working already.
in 134 videos - not idealto anyone · everydaybad or annoying, said calmly to play it down
The Overground's down and I've got a nine o'clock, so not ideal.
in 22 videos - could be betterto anyone · everydaynot very good, said as a mild answer about how things are going
How's the new flat? Could be better, the boiler's packed in twice.
in 16 videos - moanto anyone · everydaycomplain, often about small things
She's always moaning about the rent but she'll never move.
in 17 videos - whingeto friends · casualcomplain in an annoying, childish way about small things
Stop whinging, it's only two stops on the bus.
Show all 45Show fewer39 more · 23 with moments
- have a rantto friends · casualtalk angrily for a long time about something that upsets you
Sorry, I just need to have a rant about my landlord.
in 5 videos - had enoughto anyone · everydayunable to accept any more of something bad
I've had enough of these late shifts, I'm handing in my notice.
in 47 videos - driving me madto anyone · everydaymaking me very annoyed
The drilling next door is driving me mad.
in 2 videos - a painto friends · casualsomething or someone annoying that causes you trouble
It's a pain having to change at Bank every morning.
in 39 videos - a joketo friends · casualso bad or unfair it can't be taken seriously
Eighteen hundred a month for a box room? It's a joke.
in 149 videos - a shamblesto anyone · everydayvery badly run, with nothing working as it should
The new rota at work is an absolute shambles.
- the cheek of itto friends · casualsaid when someone does something rude and bold with no shame
She took the last seat right in front of me, the cheek of it.
- hassleto anyone · everydayannoying trouble and effort
Getting a parking permit round here is such a hassle.
in 24 videos - put up withto anyone · everydayaccept something bad or annoying because you have to
I don't know how you put up with your flatmate's music.
in 19 videos - put in a complaintto anyone · everydayformally tell a shop, company or office that you are not happy
I've put in a complaint to the council about the bins.
- soul-destroyingto friends · casualso boring or hard that it makes you feel low and hopeless
Standing on a packed Central line every morning is soul-destroying.
in 2 videos - the last thing I needto friends · casuala new problem that comes when you are already busy or stressed
A rail strike on my birthday? That's the last thing I need.
in 1 video - oh brilliantto friends · casualsaid with sarcasm when something bad happens
Oh brilliant, the lift's broken again and I'm on the ninth floor.
in 28 videos - don't get me startedto friends · casualsaid when a subject annoys you so much you could complain for hours
The Northern line? Don't get me started.
in 3 videos - for God's saketo anyone · casualsaid when you are very annoyed or impatient
For God's sake, let people off the train first.
in 9 videos - faffing aboutto friends · casualwasting time on small, pointless things instead of the main job
Stop faffing about and just pick a restaurant.
- naffto friends · casualcheap-looking, uncool or not very good
The Christmas jumpers they gave us at work are a bit naff.
- a ballacheto friends · rudea boring, tiring job that takes far too much effort
Getting that sofa up three flights of stairs was such a ballache.
- bloodyto friends · rudeused before a word to show you are annoyed
The bloody boiler's packed in again.
in 55 videos - honestlyto friends · casualsaid alone to show you're annoyed or can't believe what someone did
He's left his wet towel on the floor again. Honestly.
- direto friends · casualextremely bad
The coffee at that new place is dire.
in 29 videos - bang averageto friends · casualjust okay and nothing special, a bit disappointing
That burger place everyone raves about? Bang average.
- a let-downto anyone · everydaysomething that is not as good as you hoped
The Christmas lights on Oxford Street were a bit of a let-down this year.
in 2 videos - hard workto friends · casualtiring and difficult to deal with, often about a person
My new manager's hard work, she wants everything done twice.
- cheers for thatto friends · casualsaid with sarcasm to someone who has just made things harder for you
You used all the hot water? Cheers for that.
- gone downhillto anyone · everydaybecome steadily worse over time
Our local's really gone downhill since the new owners took over.
in 6 videos - a libertyto friends · casualsomething cheeky or unfair someone does as if they had the right
He ate my leftovers without asking, that's a bit of a liberty.
- shockingto anyone · everydayvery bad and not acceptable
The signal on this line is shocking.
in 86 videos - can't be dealing withto friends · casualhave no energy or patience for something right now
Another meeting at five? I can't be dealing with it today.
- that's not onto friends · everydaythat is not acceptable or fair
Leaving your bike in the hallway again? That's not on.
- the last strawto anyone · everydaythe final problem in a series that makes you lose patience
The heating broke again, and that was the last straw.
in 1 video - kick up a fussto anyone · everydaycomplain loudly and make trouble about something
My chips were cold but I didn't want to kick up a fuss.
in 1 video - a bit richto friends · casualunfair to say, coming from someone who does the same thing
Him calling me messy is a bit rich, have you seen his room?
- sod itto friends · rudesaid when you stop caring and decide to just go ahead
The bus still isn't here. Sod it, I'll walk.
- story of my lifeto friends · casualsaid when bad luck like this keeps happening to you
Missed the last train by ten seconds. Story of my life.
in 3 videos - here we go againto anyone · everydaysaid when the same annoying thing starts happening once more
Signal failure at Bank. Here we go again.
in 249 videos - pet hateto anyone · everydaya small thing that annoys you more than anything else
My pet hate is people who don't take their backpacks off on the Tube.
- can't standto anyone · everydayreally dislike someone or something
I can't stand it when people eat on the bus.
in 29 videos - up himselfto friends · rudethinks they are better or more important than everyone else
Her new boyfriend's alright, just a bit up himself.
Explaining and telling stories
103 words and phrases · 04/05- basicallyto anyone · everydayused to give the main point in simple words
Basically, the landlord wants the flat back by March, so we need to move.
in 1,119 videos - the thing isto anyone · everydayused before giving the real reason or problem
I'd love to come out, the thing is I'm skint until payday.
in 545 videos - long story shortto friends · casualused to skip the details and jump to the ending
Long story short, I missed the last train and had to get a night bus home.
in 31 videos - to be honestto anyone · everydayused when giving your real opinion or admitting something
To be honest, I'm not that bothered about going to the party.
in 169 videos - I meanto anyone · everydayused to add to, explain or correct what you just said
It was a good film. I mean, it was a bit long, but I enjoyed it.
in 1,264 videos - you know what I mean?to friends · casualused to check the listener understands or agrees
I just want a quiet weekend for once, you know what I mean?
in 115 videos
Show all 103Show fewer97 more · 84 with moments
- at the end of the dayto anyone · everydaywhen everything is considered, the most important point is
At the end of the day, it's his flat, so it's his rules.
in 140 videos - I was liketo friends · casualused to report what someone said or thought, often acting it out
He asked me to work Sunday and I was like, no chance.
in 411 videos - she goesto friends · casualused in a story to report what someone said
So she goes, is this yours, and I said no.
in 205 videos - turned round and saidto friends · casualsuddenly told someone something surprising or rude
Then my flatmate turned round and said I owe her forty quid for bills.
- anywayto anyone · everydayused to go back to the main story or move on
So anyway, we finally get to the restaurant and it's shut.
in 591 videos - guess whatto friends · casualused to start telling surprising news
Guess what, Tom's only gone and got engaged!
in 138 videos - turns outto anyone · everydayused to say what was really true, which you found out later
I thought I'd lost my keys, but turns out they were in my coat the whole time.
in 613 videos - what happened wasto anyone · everydayused to start explaining events in order
What happened was, the train stopped in a tunnel for half an hour.
in 117 videos - so there I wasto friends · casualused to set the scene in the middle of a story
So there I was, standing in the rain with no brolly and a dead phone.
in 25 videos - next thing I knowto friends · casualsuddenly, before I understood what was happening
I sat down for five minutes and next thing I know it's midnight.
in 16 videos - out of nowhereto anyone · everydaysuddenly and with no warning
Out of nowhere, my boss asks me to give a presentation tomorrow.
in 46 videos - the other dayto anyone · everydaya few days ago
I bumped into your sister at the station the other day.
in 104 videos - there's thisto friends · casualused to bring a new person or thing into a story
There's this guy at work who eats tuna at his desk every single day.
in 288 videos - not gonna lieto friends · casualused before admitting something you might have kept quiet
Not gonna lie, I've been in my pyjamas all day.
in 52 videos - literallyto friends · casualused to make a story sound stronger, even when not exactly true
I literally ran the whole way to the station and still missed it.
in 849 videos - sort ofto anyone · everydaya bit, or not exactly
It's sort of near Clapham, but not really.
in 2,069 videos - liketo friends · casualabout, roughly (said before a number or detail)
We waited, like, forty minutes for a bus that never came.
in 2,957 videos - and thatto friends · casualand other similar things (ends a list vaguely)
We just had a few drinks, played some games and that.
in 1,885 videos - or somethingto anyone · everydayused when you are not sure of the exact detail
She said she'd be here at seven or something.
in 478 videos - so yeahto friends · casualused to end a story when there is nothing more to add
And then we just went home. So yeah, that was my weekend.
in 276 videos - I swearto friends · casualused to insist that what you say is true, however strange it sounds
I swear, this is the third time this week the lift's been broken.
in 59 videos - no word of a lieto friends · casualthis is completely true, even if it sounds unlikely
No word of a lie, there was a fox sitting on our doorstep this morning.
- mind youto anyone · everydayused to add a point that slightly changes what you just said
The flat's tiny. Mind you, it is right by the Tube.
in 54 videos - the funny thing isto friends · casualused before the strangest or most surprising part
The funny thing is, we'd been living on the same street for years.
in 18 videos - to top it all offto friends · casualused to add the last and worst problem in a list
My train was cancelled, it was pouring, and to top it all off my phone died.
in 8 videos - on top of thatto anyone · everydayand also, adding one more thing, usually bad
I missed my train, and on top of that, it started chucking it down.
in 149 videos - have a go atto friends · casualto speak angrily to someone or blame them
The manager had a go at me for being two minutes late.
- you couldn't make it upto friends · casualthis is so silly or strange that nobody could invent it
They shut the station for repairs on marathon day. You couldn't make it up.
in 2 videos - as you doto friends · casualsaid jokingly after something odd, as if it were normal
Ended up eating chips on the night bus at 3am, as you do.
in 31 videos - it's a long storyto anyone · everydayit would take too much time to explain
Why am I wearing one shoe? It's a long story.
in 4 videos - where was I?to anyone · everydayused to find your place again after a break in talking
Sorry, where was I going with this? Oh yeah, the landlord.
in 9 videos - like I saidto anyone · everydayused to repeat or go back to a point you made earlier
Like I said, I don't mind where we eat, as long as it's not too pricey.
in 277 videos - lost my train of thoughtto anyone · everydayforgot what I was about to say
Hang on, I've lost my train of thought.
- go off on a tangentto anyone · everydayto start talking about something not linked to the main point
Sorry, I'm going off on a tangent. Back to the story.
in 2 videos - get to the pointto friends · casualto say the main thing without the extra detail
Just get to the point, did she say yes or not?
in 57 videos - the gistto anyone · everydaythe main idea without the details
I didn't catch all of it, but the gist is we're moving offices.
in 7 videos - fill you into friends · casualto tell someone the details they missed
I'll fill you in on the drama when I get home.
in 3 videos - I tell a lieto anyone · everydayused to correct a small mistake you just made
We went on Tuesday, no, I tell a lie, it was Wednesday.
- don't get me wrongto anyone · everydaysaid to stop someone misunderstanding you, before you add a 'but'
Don't get me wrong, I love living here, but the rent is mad.
in 47 videos - what I'm trying to say isto anyone · everydayused to explain your point more clearly
What I'm trying to say is, I need a bit more notice.
in 75 videos - that reminds meto anyone · everydaywhat you said has made me think of something
Oh, that reminds me, did you pay the gas bill?
in 16 videos - carry onto anyone · everydayplease keep talking and finish what you were telling me
Sorry, I interrupted you. Carry on.
in 53 videos - end upto anyone · everydayto finally be somewhere or do something you hadn't planned
We only went for one drink and ended up staying till closing.
in 753 videos - randomto friends · casualstrange and unexpected
It was so random, this man just started singing on the platform.
in 254 videos - rightto anyone · everydaysaid to get attention before you start talking or begin a story
Right, so you know Jake from upstairs?
in 2,447 videos - you know whento friends · casualused to describe a situation the listener has been in too
You know when you tap in and the barrier won't open? Happened five times today.
in 169 videos - you knowto anyone · everydaya small filler to check the listener is following you
It's that pub by the station, you know, the one with the red door.
in 1,883 videos - I'm telling youto friends · casualused to stress that you are sure something is true
I'm telling you, that place does the best curry in Tooting.
in 73 videos - the point isto anyone · everydayused to bring the talk back to the most important idea
The point is, we all agreed to split the bills evenly.
in 161 videos - or whateverto friends · casualadded to say the exact choice or detail doesn't matter
We could grab a pizza or whatever, I'm easy.
in 274 videos - having said thatto anyone · everydayused before a point that goes against the one you just made
The service was slow. Having said that, the food was amazing.
in 205 videos - funnily enoughto anyone · everydayused to point out a surprising link or chance
I was just thinking about you when you rang, funnily enough.
in 4 videos - this bloketo friends · casuala man you haven't mentioned before, brought into a story
So this bloke gets on at Brixton carrying a massive fridge.
- a mate of mineto anyone · everydaya friend, often not named in the story
A mate of mine works there, so he got us on the guest list.
- thingyto friends · casuala word for a person or object whose name you've forgotten
Thingy from your work was there, the tall one with the beard.
in 7 videos - go onto friends · casualsaid to ask someone to keep telling their story
Go on, what did she say when you told her?
- you had to be thereto friends · casualit was funnier at the time than it sounds when retold
It was hilarious at the time. You had to be there.
in 1 video - waffleto friends · casualto talk for a long time without saying much that matters
Sorry, I'm waffling. Basically, I need Friday off.
- fast forwardto friends · casualused in a story to jump ahead in time
Fast forward two years and we're living together in Hackney.
in 82 videos - does that make sense?to anyone · everydayused to check that your explanation was clear
So you top up the card first, then tap in. Does that make sense to you?
in 27 videos - get the wrong end of the stickto friends · casualto misunderstand what someone meant
No, you've got the wrong end of the stick, she's his sister, not his girlfriend.
- obviouslyto anyone · everydayas you'd expect (often just a filler word)
So obviously I was late, because the train broke down.
in 801 videos - for some reasonto anyone · everydayI don't know why, but
For some reason the cashpoint ate my card.
in 206 videos - at one pointto anyone · everydayat a certain moment while things were happening
At one point I genuinely thought we'd be stuck there all night.
in 117 videos - in the endto anyone · everydayafter everything, finally
In the end we just got an Uber home.
in 226 videos - the best bitto friends · casualthe most fun or interesting part
The best bit was when the waiter dropped the cake.
- a whole thingto friends · casuala big, messy situation with lots of drama
Don't ask about the wedding, it was a whole thing.
- properto friends · casualreally, very
It was proper awkward, nobody said a word.
in 234 videos - hang onto anyone · everydaywait a moment
Hang on, let me find the photo on my phone.
in 61 videos - what's-his-nameto friends · casualused for someone whose name you've forgotten
I saw what's-his-name from your old work at the gym.
in 14 videos - let's just sayto friends · casualused to hint at something without giving all the details
Let's just say the date didn't go to plan.
in 50 videos - don't quote me on thatto anyone · everydayI think this is right, but I'm not totally sure
I think it opens at ten, but don't quote me on that!
in 2 videos - if you ask meto friends · casualin my opinion
If you ask me, he was never going to pay you back.
in 19 videos - do you know whatto friends · casualsaid before something you've just decided or feel strongly about
Do you know what, I'm not even going to bother replying.
in 569 videos - that sort of thingto anyone · everydayand other stuff like it
We just had drinks and nibbles, that sort of thing.
in 213 videos - how can I put itto anyone · politesaid while you look for a careful or polite way to say something
He's, how can I put it, not the best cook.
in 1 video - loadsto anyone · everydaya lot, many
There were loads of people at the market on Saturday.
in 96 videos - massiveto friends · casualvery big, or used just to stress a word
There was a massive queue outside the bakery.
in 627 videos - wellto friends · casualvery (said before a describing word)
That new Turkish place is well good.
- quiteto anyone · everydayfairly, to some degree but not very
The film was quite good, but I wouldn't watch it again.
in 1,126 videos - what are you on about?to friends · casualsaid when you don't understand or don't agree with what someone said
What are you on about? I never said that.
in 2 videos - go on aboutto friends · casualto talk about something too much, in a boring way
He kept going on about his new car all night.
in 11 videos - for agesto anyone · everydayfor a very long time
I haven't been to that pub for ages.
in 12 videos - let me get this straightto anyone · everydayI want to check I've understood you correctly
Let me get this straight, you booked the flight for the wrong month?
in 5 videos - full stopto friends · casualand that's final, nothing more to discuss
I'm not lending him money again, full stop.
in 9 videos - where do I startto friends · casualthere's so much to say that you don't know how to begin
How was the holiday? Oh, where do I start.
in 5 videos - dunnoto family · casuala short, spoken way of saying you don't know
Where's the remote? Dunno, ask your sister.
in 27 videos - the long and short of itto anyone · casualthe basic situation in a few words
The long and short of it is, we're moving out in June.
in 1 video - in a nutshellto anyone · everydayin very few words
In a nutshell, the landlord's selling and we've got two months to find somewhere.
in 22 videos - for what it's worthto anyone · everydaysaid before an opinion or fact that might not help much
For what it's worth, I think you did the right thing.
in 11 videos - come to think of itto anyone · everydaynow that I think about it
Come to think of it, I haven't seen him since Christmas.
in 7 videos - a walk in the parkto anyone · everydaysomething very easy to do
Moving flat with no lift was no walk in the park.
in 4 videos - work outto anyone · everydayfind the answer or understand something by thinking about it
I can't work out how to turn the heating on in this flat.
in 237 videos - go pear-shapedto friends · casualstart to go badly wrong
The night was going great, then it all went pear-shaped when the last train got cancelled.
- as into anyone · everydayused to check or make clear exactly what you mean
Wait, Sam as in Sam from your work?
in 154 videos - what's it calledto friends · casualsaid while you try to remember the name of something
We went to that, what's it called, the rooftop bar in Peckham.
in 17 videos - just sayingto friends · casualI'm only pointing this out, so don't be upset
You were late last time too. Just saying.
in 117 videos
London slang you'll hear
106 words and phrases · 05/05- allow itto young people · slangstop that, or leave it alone
Allow it, I'm not lending you money again.
- endsto young people · slangthe local area where someone lives or grew up
There's a proper good Turkish place in my ends, come and try it.
in 352 videos - mandemto young people · slanga group of male friends; the boys
Me and the mandem are playing five-a-side after work.
- gyaldemto young people · slanga group of female friends; the girls
She's at brunch in Peckham with the gyaldem.
- what you saying?to young people · slangasking what the plan is, or if someone wants to come
It's Friday, what you saying for tonight?
- say lessto young people · slangsure, I'm in, no need to tell me more
Drinks on the boss after work? Say less.
Show all 106Show fewer100 more · 27 with moments
- calmto young people · slangfine, no problem, nothing to worry about
Pay me back next week, it's calm.
- baitto young people · slangtoo obvious; easy for everyone to notice
Don't all turn round at once, it's so bait.
- wastemanto young people · rudea useless or lazy person; a loser
He never buys loo roll, he's such a wasteman.
- deep itto young people · slangthink too much about something, or take it too seriously
It was one bad meeting, don't deep it.
- it's not that deepto friends · casualit's not a big deal, so relax
You missed the train? It's not that deep, there's another in five minutes.
- tingto young people · slanga thing, or a situation
Walking fast everywhere is just a London ting.
in 4 videos - bredrinto young people · slanga close friend, like a brother
Me and him are bredrin, we grew up on the same estate.
- bludto young people · slangmate; a name for a male friend when talking to him
Blud, where were you? We waited ages.
- buttersto young people · rudeugly
These trainers looked nice online but they're butters in real life.
- jarringto young people · slangreally annoying; getting on your nerves
My flatmate's alarm going off at six is jarring me.
- moving madto young people · slangacting wild or behaving really badly
Why's he moving mad? He just pushed in front of everyone at the bar.
- on my mumto young people · slanghonestly, I swear it's true
On my mum, I didn't eat your leftovers.
- crepsto young people · slangtrainers; sports shoes
Watch my creps, I only bought them yesterday.
- bossmanto staff · slanga friendly name for a man serving in a shop or takeaway
Can I get six wings and chips please, bossman?
- yardto young people · slanghome; the house or flat where someone lives
I'm too tired to go out, I'm just staying at yard.
- my gto young people · slanga friendly name for a mate
My g, save me a seat, I'm five minutes away.
- parto young people · slangmake fun of someone or put them down in front of others
Everyone parred him for wearing socks with sandals.
- mansto young people · slangused to mean I or me, when talking about yourself
Mans is starving, let's get some chicken.
- air someoneto young people · slangignore someone, often by not answering their message
I messaged her about the rent and she's been airing me all week.
- dryto young people · slangboring, flat, not fun
That party was dry, everyone left by ten.
- on roadto young people · slangout and about, away from home
Can't talk, I'm on road, I'll call you later.
- reachto young people · slangcome to a place or event; turn up
Are you reaching tonight or are you staying in?
- pull upto friends · slangcome over or show up somewhere
Pull up to mine later, we're getting pizza in.
in 54 videos - chirpseto young people · slangflirt with someone or try to get them interested
He keeps chirpsing the girl at the coffee place.
- don't watch thatto young people · slangdon't worry about it; ignore it
He said your shoes were ugly? Don't watch him.
- stillto young people · slangthough, added at the end of a sentence
The rent's mad, but the flat's nice still.
- man liketo young people · slangsaid before a name to praise or greet someone warmly
Man like Dave, you got the first round in!
- big upto friends · slangpraise someone or show them respect
Big up Sarah for sorting the leaving drinks.
in 6 videos - yuteto young people · slanga young person; a kid
Some yutes were doing wheelies down the high street.
- shookto friends · slangscared or nervous
The Tube stopped in the tunnel for ten minutes and I was shook.
in 31 videos - ahlieto young people · slangisn't that right; said to get someone to agree
Pret's prices went up again, ahlie?
- preeto young people · slangstare at or look closely at
Stop preeing my plate, order your own chips.
- tappedto friends · slangcrazy, a bit mad
You're running to work in this heat? You're tapped.
in 26 videos - rahto young people · slangwow; shows surprise or shock
Rah, eight quid for a pint?
- on my lifeto young people · slanghonestly, I promise it's true
On my life, I sent you the money last week.
- no capto young people · slanghonestly, I'm not lying
Best chicken shop in Tottenham, no cap.
in 3 videos - standardto friends · slangas expected; that's normal
Central line delayed again? Standard.
- deepto friends · slangharsh, sad or upsetting
They sacked him by email? That's deep.
in 715 videos - gassingto young people · slangboasting and making things up
Stop gassing, you've never met a famous rapper.
- chatting rubbishto friends · casualtalking nonsense
He's chatting rubbish, the last train's at half twelve.
- henchto friends · casualbig and very muscly
My brother's got proper hench since he joined the gym.
- susto friends · slangstrange in a way you can't trust
A two-bed in Zone 1 for that price? Bit sus.
in 3 videos - lowkeyto young people · slangsecretly or a little, when you admit something
I lowkey miss the office on Fridays.
- bait outto young people · slangtell on someone, or let their secret out
Don't bait me out, I told my boss I was sick.
- roadmanto friends · rudea young guy who hangs about on the streets and acts tough
He's got the full roadman look, but he works in a bank.
- p'sto young people · slangmoney
Can't come out, I've got no p's till Friday.
- the fedsto young people · slangthe police
The feds shut the high street last night, no idea why.
- beefto friends · slangan ongoing fight or bad feeling between people
Those two have had beef since the group chat drama.
in 110 videos - clappedto young people · rudeugly, or looking a total mess
Don't post that photo, I look clapped.
- factsto young people · slangthat's true, I agree completely
Rent in London is mad. Facts.
- I'm weakto young people · slangthat's so funny, I can't stop laughing
Did you see his face when the ticket barrier shut on him? I'm weak.
- fitto friends · casualvery attractive, about a person
Have you seen her new boyfriend? He's well fit.
in 457 videos - gaffto friends · slangsomeone's home, house or flat
Party's at my gaff on Saturday, bring a bottle.
- geezerto friends · slanga man, often a confident and lively one
Some geezer in a van just took my parking space.
in 4 videos - wallahito young people · slanghonestly, I swear to God it's true
Wallahi, I never took your charger.
- oito strangers · rudea rough shout to get someone's attention
Oi, that's my seat!
in 2 videos - rateto friends · casualthink someone or something is good
I don't rate the new burger place, it's well overpriced.
- bangerto friends · casuala really good, catchy song
Turn it up, this one's a banger.
in 5 videos - seento young people · slanggot it; I understand
Meet outside Brixton station at six? Seen.
- light workto young people · slangsomething really easy to do
Moving that sofa up three floors? Light work.
in 2 videos - meltto young people · rudea silly, weak person, said as an insult
Stop being a melt and just ask her out.
- slayto young people · slanglook great or do something really well
You slayed that presentation, the boss loved it.
- bookyto young people · slangstrange or suspicious
Why's he following us round the shop? That's booky.
- wetto young people · slangboring and soft; no fun
You're going home at nine on a Friday? That's wet.
- porkiesto friends · casuallies
Is he telling porkies about his salary again?
- barnetto friends · slanghair
Look at the state of my barnet, I need a haircut.
- bruhto young people · slangsaid to show you can't believe something
You locked your keys inside again? Bruh.
in 3 videos - longto young people · slangboring and too much effort
Getting up at five for that shift is long, man.
- bareto young people · slanglots of, or very
There was bare people at the self-checkout, so I left.
- innitto friends · slanga word at the end of a sentence asking the listener to agree
Cold today, innit?
in 2 videos - bruvto friends · slanga friendly word you use when talking to a male friend
Bruv, where are you? We're already in the queue.
in 2 videos - dripto young people · slanga stylish, cool way of dressing
The drip is crazy today, where'd you get that jacket?
- garmsto young people · slangclothes
Nice garms, where'd you get that jacket?
- pengto young people · slangreally tasty, very good
Bro, this jerk chicken is peng.
- rinsedto young people · slangmade to spend nearly all your money on something
That festival weekend absolutely rinsed me.
- bare coldto young people · slangreally cold
It's bare cold today, I should've brought gloves.
- wagwanto young people · slanga casual hello that asks what is new, used mostly by young people
Wagwan! You coming to five-a-side later?
- i'm deadto young people · slangthat is so funny
He fell off the scooter right in front of her, I'm dead.
- famto young people · slanga friendly word you use when talking to a close friend
Fam, you didn't tell me you got promoted!
in 7 videos - jokesto young people · slangreally funny or fun
Last night was jokes, we need to do that again.
- link upto young people · slangmeet up and spend time together
We should link up when you're back from uni.
in 23 videos - i'm downto young people · slanghappy and ready to join in
Bowling on Friday? Yeah, I'm down.
in 32 videos - what's the motive?to young people · slangasking what the group is doing tonight and where
Finally finished work. What's the motive tonight?
- cotchto young people · slangrelax and spend time doing nothing much, usually at someone's home
We're just cotching at mine, come through.
- touch grassto young people · slanggo outside and spend time away from your phone and the internet
He's been arguing with strangers online all day, he needs to go and touch grass.
- that's peakto young people · slangsaid when something is bad, unlucky or really annoying
They sold out before I could get tickets, that's peak.
- vexedto young people · slangannoyed or angry
She's vexed because he left her on read all day.
- gassedto young people · slangvery excited about something
He's gassed about his new trainers, he won't stop talking about them.
- pressedto young people · slangannoyed or upset about something small
Why are you so pressed? It was only a joke.
in 54 videos - saltyto young people · slangannoyed or bitter about something small
He's still salty that I beat him at pool last night.
- safeto young people · slangok, nice, thanks
Safe, bro, send me the link when you're home.
- that's sickto young people · slangreally cool, amazing
You got Glastonbury tickets? That's sick!
in 6 videos - betto young people · slangok, deal, I'm in
Meet at Brixton at nine? Bet.
in 209 videos - it's givingto young people · slangit looks or feels like (something)
Candles, fairy lights, jazz on... it's giving date night.
in 17 videos - hits differentto young people · slangfeels better or more special than usual
A cold pint on a sunny Friday just hits different.
- for realto young people · slanghonestly, truly, I'm not joking
That was the best burger I've ever had, for real.
in 79 videos - midto young people · slangonly so-so, not as good as people said
The new season's a bit mid, I gave up after two episodes.
- you get me?to young people · slangused to check the listener understands and agrees
I'm not doing overtime for free, you get me?
in 7 videos - swear downto young people · slanga strong promise that what you're saying is true
Swear down, the bus driver just waved and drove past me.
- this is meto young people · slangused in a story to bring in what someone said at the key moment
So she's asking where I've been all night, and this is me, at work, obviously.
More packs
- Downtime in LondonChilling out, a stroll, the weekend and bedtime.
- Friends and nights out in LondonSmall talk, catching up, making plans and the pub.
- Home life in LondonWashing up, laundry, the bins and the bills.
About this pack
- Price
- Free
- Account
- Sign in with Google to practise
- Daily
- 5, 10 or 20 new a day, reviews first
- Moments
- 235 of 398 have a clip
- Sources
Picked by Talk, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Words and phrases
- Picked by Talk.
- How Talk picked them
- Part of Talk's Daily life in London set of 8 packs. We drafted 3,261 candidate words and phrases for daily life in London, from waking up and taking the bins out to the pub, a walk and a lazy evening in. We checked them against current dictionaries, British media and Londoners' own discussions online. At least two independent reviews per phrase kept the ones adult Londoners commonly say today and dropped dated, regional and American ones. Where Talk's spoken videos say a phrase with the same meaning, it comes with up to three moments. This pack holds the 398 for reacting, being polite, complaining, explaining and slang.
- Licence
- Talk shares this list under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Meanings and examples
- Written by Talk in plain English.
- Dictionary details
- From Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Princeton WordNet, used under the WordNet licence. WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
Start practising
About 8 min Free, no account