Words and expressions to sound more British

When we think of British English, we often picture elegant accents, witty remarks, and a very different vibe from American English. Part of that comes down to vocabulary: the Brits have their own set of words and expressions that make them sound unmistakably British. Here are some of the most common ones:

1. Cheers

In the UK, this isn’t just for raising a glass. It also means thank you or even goodbye.

• “Cheers, mate!” → Thanks, friend!

2. Mate

Probably the most British way of saying friend. It’s the UK’s version of bro or dude.

• “How’s it going, mate?”

3. Fancy

Brits use this word a lot to express liking something or feeling like doing something.

• “Do you fancy a cup of tea?” → Do you feel like having a cup of tea?

4. Brilliant

Yes, it literally means shiny, but in the UK it’s an all-purpose word for amazing or fantastic.

• “That was a brilliant idea!”

5. Lovely

A British classic. It means charming, delightful, nice, and is used constantly to sound polite and kind.

• “She’s a lovely person.”

6. Bloody

This little intensifier is so British. It adds emphasis without being too rude.

• “It’s bloody cold today.”

7. Bollocks

Very British and very versatile. It can mean nonsense, or be used as an exclamation.

• “That’s bollocks!” → That’s rubbish!

8. Loo

The most common and polite way of saying bathroom in the UK.

• “I need to go to the loo.”

9. Gobsmacked

A wonderfully British way to say completely shocked or stunned.

• “I was gobsmacked when I heard the news.”

10. Chuffed

This cheerful word means pleased or proud.

• “I’m really chuffed with my new job.”

11. Knackered

A favourite for expressing extreme tiredness.

• “I’m absolutely knackered after work.”

12. Bits and bobs

A quirky phrase meaning small things or odds and ends.

• “I’ve got some bits and bobs to do today.”

13. Ta

An informal, quick way of saying thank you.

• “Ta for your help!”

14. Rubbish

It means trash, but in Britain it’s also used to say something is nonsense or terrible.

• “That film was rubbish.”

15. Proper

Brits use this to stress that something is real, authentic, or exactly as it should be.

• “That’s a proper meal.”

Final Thoughts

British English isn’t just about the accent—it’s also these charming words and phrases that give it personality. Sprinkle a few of them into your conversations and you’ll instantly sound a little more British, or at least impress your mates when you drop a casual cheers or fancy a cuppa.