Eleven British Slang Words Explained

When you’re having trouble understanding your British friend’s explanation of losing their rucksack in the car park before finding the flat, you’re in need of some slang translation. British slang hasn’t changed much in the past twenty years, confusing Americans more often than not with references that can be completely misunderstood. If you can’t distinguish jam from jelly, and find yourself completely confused when someone asks where the toilet is, here’s a quick primer on eleven British slang words to get you through those difficult moments:

1. Jumper
It’s not a short word for a car starter, and you don’t need it to get anywhere at all. A jumper is the British word for sweater, commonly found in argyle and cashmere forms in many British closets. You’ll need a few of these as you trek out to London on a rainy afternoon.

2. Bonnet
When the mechanic uses this term, he or she hasn’t slipped into nursery rhyme mode; they’re referring to the hood of your car. The bonnet first came about with the popular Beetle running around London streets, and now it’s used to describe any car’s hood.

3. Jam and Jelly
Jam refers to the delicious strawberry preserves on your toast–Americans refer to it as jelly. Jelly refers to the gelatin dessert that is often served at children’s birthday parties; the British still don’t understand why Americans eat so much of it, but it’s known by the brand Jell-O in the U.S..

4. Spud
When you’re told to eat your spuds, you can enjoy them mashed, baked, or mixed into a classic stew. Spuds are potatoes, and you’ll find them as a side of many British dishes in baked form with salt.

5. Row
When you’re having a row with someone, you’re quarreling and arguing. It’s common to use this term to describe sibling rivalries, husband and wife fights, and any situation where someone is involved in some sort of shouting match.

6. Dressing Gown
It’s easy to assume you’ll be heading out for a fancy affair in a dressing gown, but you’re much better off staying at home–your dressing gown is your bathrobe. (Unless it’s one of those fancy ones that can serves as some sort of swanky cocktail dress as well)

7. Wicked
In Britan, the term is used to describe something as ‘very cool indeed.’ It’s got nothing to do with evil. Still, a wicked witch is still considered to be from the badlands.

8. Chips
When you’re heading to the fish and chips shop, you’re not going to order fried fish with potato chips; chips are the British term for French fries, and usually served in thick wedges.

9. Pram
You’ll see many English ladies pushing this around; it’s a baby carriage or baby cart that take up plenty of space on buses and trains.

10. Flat
It’s got nothing to do with your car. A flat is the British term for an apartment, and usually refers to an incredibly small living space if it’s located in the city. Expensive flats that demand penthouse prices are usually the size of a typical American apartment.

11. Toilet
Also referred to as the WC (you’ll see this at many airports and public places), or the loo (a commoner’s term), the toilet refers to the bathroom/restroom. When someone asks where the toilet is, they’re not necessarily looking for the exact location of the vessel; just the room, please.

British slang takes time to get used to, but any effort you can make to avoid jumping to conclusions when you hear a new word will help you translate with ease. You’ll be ready for tea (early dinner) at the greasy spoon (British cafe), and saying ta (thank you) in no time!