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Going to study abroad in the UK? Be ready to accustom yourself to various helpful UK phrases that you might not be familiar with, full of meanings that you wouldn’t have figured out if you hadn’t read about them beforehand. Getting ready to study in UK not only involves preparing for the practical aspects such as accommodation, fees, and residence permit. Knowing about the culture and lifestyle of that country is also a part of the study abroad preparation and experience. This blog helps you with just that. By talking about helpful UK phrases, it readies you to study in UK with better know-how at a higher preparatory level.
Most Common UK Phrases Used With Friends
Beyond the simple “hello” and “thank you,” the real magic of a UK study abroad experience lies in connecting with friends. To truly sound like a local and navigate social situations with ease, you’ll want to sprinkle your conversations with a few of the most common British phrases used with friends.
Here are some essential phrases and slang words you’ll hear and use every day:
1. “Alright?”
This is probably the most common greeting you’ll encounter. It’s a shortened version of “Are you all right?” but it’s not a genuine question about your well-being. It’s simply a casual “hello.” The typical response is a similarly low-effort “Yeah, not bad,” or “All good,” often without even breaking your stride.
Example:
- You: (walking into a room) “Alright?”
- Friend: “Yeah, not bad, you?”
2. “Mate”
This is the UK equivalent of “buddy” or “dude.” It’s a friendly, all-purpose term for a friend or even a stranger. You’ll hear it constantly, in phrases like “Alright, mate?” or “Cheers, mate!”
Example:
- You: “Cheers for helping me with that, mate.”
- Friend: “No worries at all.”
3. “Knackered”
After a long day of lectures, a late-night study session, or a weekend trip, you’ll be “knackered.” This simply means you’re completely exhausted. It’s far more common and casual than saying “I’m tired.”
Example:
- You: “I was up all night studying for that exam. I’m absolutely knackered.”
- Friend: “I know, me too. Let’s just have a quiet night in.”
4. “Fancy a brew?”
The UK’s love affair with tea is no secret. This phrase is a common and friendly invitation to have a cup of tea or coffee. It’s a staple of British hospitality and a great way to bond with new friends.
Example:
- You: “I’ve just finished my lecture. Fancy a brew before we head to the library?”
- Friend: “Yeah, go on then, I’m gasping for one.”
5. “Cheers!”
While you learned this can mean “thank you” or be used as a toast, it’s also a common way to say a casual “bye” or “see you later” to friends. Its versatility makes it a must-have in your vocabulary.
Example:
- You: “Well, I’m heading off now. See you tomorrow!”
- Friend: “Cheers! Have a good one.”
6. “Gutted”
If you’re extremely disappointed about something, like a canceled lecture or miGoing to study abroad in the UK? Be ready to accustom yourself to various helpful UK phrases that you might not be familiar with, full of meanings that you wouldn’t have figured out if you hadn’t read about them beforehand. Getting ready to study in UK not only involves preparing for the practical aspects such as accommodation, fees, and residence permit. Knowing about the culture and lifestyle of that country is also a part of the study abroad preparation and experience. This blog helps you with just that. By talking about helpful UK phrases, it readies you to study in UK with better know-how at a higher preparatory level.ssing out on a social event, you’re “gutted.” It’s a great way to express deep disappointment in a casual way.
Example:
- You: “I was supposed to go to the concert tonight, but I’ve got a fever.”
- Friend: “Oh no, you must be absolutely gutted.”
7. “Chuffed”
On the flip side, if you’re very pleased or delighted with something, you’re “chuffed.” Whether it’s about a good grade on an assignment or an exciting plan for the weekend, it’s a great way to express happiness.
Example:
- You: “I got an email back from the university. I got the highest mark in the class!”
- Friend: “No way, that’s amazing! You must be so chuffed.”
8. “Taking the mickey”
This means to tease or make fun of someone in a lighthearted way. It’s a key part of British humor and banter. If a friend is teasing you, they’re probably just “taking the mickey.” It’s not malicious and is a sign of a comfortable friendship.
Example:
- You: “Did you see me trip over in front of the whole class? So embarrassing!”
- Friend: “Yeah, I did! I’m just taking the mickey, though. We’ve all done it.”
9. “Let’s have a chinwag.”
A “chinwag” is simply an informal chat or a good gossip session. If someone suggests this, they’re inviting you to catch up and have a proper conversation.
Example:
- You: “I haven’t seen you properly all week. Let’s grab a coffee and have a chinwag.”
- Friend: “Sounds good! I’ve got loads to tell you.”
10. “Quid”
This is the British slang for “pound” (£). You’ll hear it all the time when discussing money. For example, “That coffee cost me three quid.” You’ll also hear “fiver” for a five-pound note and “tenner” for a ten-pound note.
11. “I’m absolutely buzzing!”
Used when you’re excited and looking forward to something. It conveys a strong sense of enthusiasm and anticipation, like “I’m absolutely buzzing for the party tonight!”
Example:
- You: “The football match is this Saturday.”
- Friend: “Yeah, I’ve got tickets! I’m absolutely buzzing for it!”
12. “A bit of a faff”
This describes a task that is unnecessarily complicated, time-consuming, or just a bit of a hassle. It’s a great way to express frustration with a situation without being overly dramatic.
Example:
- You: “Getting all the paperwork ready for my visa was a bit of a faff, but it’s done now.”
- Friend: “I know, it took me ages too.”
Bonus Tip: The Art of “Banter”
Banter is a central part of British friendships. It’s the playful exchange of teasing, jokes, and lighthearted insults. Don’t be offended if your new friends “take the mickey” out of you; it’s often a sign that they like you and are including you in the group. Learning to “give as good as you get” is a key part of fitting in.
Also Read: Phrases for Providing Solutions in IELTS
More Helpful UK Phrases to Learn for International Students
Expanding on the phrases you’ll use with friends, here are more helpful UK phrases that will help you navigate a wider range of social and academic situations, from the classroom to the pub.
| Phrase | Meaning | Example |
| Alright? | A casual greeting, similar to “Hello” or “How are you?” | “Alright, mate? What are you up to tonight?” |
| Cheers! | A versatile word meaning “thank you,” “goodbye,” or “toasting a drink.” | “Here’s your coffee.” “Cheers! See you later.” |
| Cheeky | Playfully disrespectful or mischievous in a lighthearted way. | “He stole my fries when I wasn’t looking. He’s a bit cheeky.” |
| I’m knackered! | “I’m very tired” or “I’m exhausted.” | “I was up all night writing that essay. I’m knackered.” |
| Mate | A friendly term for “friend” or “buddy.” | “Cheers for helping me move, mate.” |
| Eejit | “Idiot” or “fool,” often used affectionately among friends. | “I forgot my keys at home again. I’m such an eejit!” |
| Cheap as chips | Very inexpensive or very cheap. | “I found this great jacket in the sale. It was cheap as chips.” |
| Cost a bomb | Very expensive or costly. | “My new laptop cost a bomb, but it’s worth it.” |
| A dog’s dinner | A complete mess, a chaotic situation, or something poorly done. | “The presentation was a complete dog’s dinner; the slides were all over the place.” |
| Fancy a cuppa? | “Would you like a cup of tea?” A classic, friendly invitation. | “You look stressed. Fancy a cuppa and a chat?” |
| To skive off | To skip a class or lecture. | “I might skive off my last lecture and just go for a nap instead.” |
| Fortnight | A period of two weeks. | “I’m going home to visit my family in a fortnight.” |
| To give it a go | To try something or attempt it. | “I’ve never tried a full English breakfast, but I’ll give it a go.” |
| To be gutted | To be extremely disappointed. | “I was absolutely gutted when my favorite team lost the final.” |
| The bill, please. | The polite way to ask for the check at a restaurant or pub. | “Excuse me, could we have the bill, please?” |
| To be buzzing | To be very excited and enthusiastic about something. | “I’m so buzzing for the concert tonight!” |
| On the back burner | To postpone a task or plan to focus on something more urgent. | “We’ll put the social event on the back burner until my exams are over.” |
| Shoot from the hip | To speak in a very direct, blunt, or straightforward way. | “I’m sorry if I was a bit rude, I tend to shoot from the hip sometimes.” |
Also Read: 75+ Best Classroom Phrases in English You Must Know!
FAQs
Ans: British phrases for “excellent” often include “brilliant,” “top-notch,” and “superb.” These words are commonly used in informal conversations to express that something is of high quality or very good. You might also hear “ace” or “smashing” in more casual settings.
Ans: Three of the most common words British people say are “Cheers,” “Mate,” and “Knackered.” “Cheers” is a versatile word used to mean “thank you” or “goodbye.” “Mate” is a friendly term for “friend,” and “Knackered” is a casual way to say you are exhausted.
Ans: Some common UK words for “awesome” are brilliant, fantastic, and wicked. You’ll also hear mint or ace, which are a bit more slang but mean something is excellent or great.
Related Reads
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