Britspeak - An Urban Guide to Most Things British for Visitors to Great Britain

By India Millar

Being a novelist, language fascinates me. Not just the literal meaning of words, but the intriguing twists and turns and surprises they can give you. All the more so since publishing in the USA it has quickly become apparent to me that what I call "English" often bears no resemblance at all to what my dear American Editor calls English!

The more I thought about the language gap between our two countries, the more it became obvious to me that there was a need for a light hearted guide to things British for visitors. And not just words, that would be only half a tale! Expressions, as well. An unravelling of the mystery that is Cockney Rhyming Slang, a nod towards some of our more mysterious traditions, an explanation of the obscure food that we eat and even a few recipes. Fancy some Toad in the Hole for lunch? You might do, when you've read the entry for it here!

• Language: English
• Publisher: India Millar
• Release date: Jul 31, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386360469

Book preview

Watcher, Cock. Can you take a butchers at me jam jar? If you want to have a bunny about it, you can get me on the dog in the rub a dub. I´m a bit peckish, so I´m off for a pie and a pint.

Now, you may think this is not English. In fact, it may seem to you that it is no known language. It is. In actual fact, it is a conversation a Cockney may have with a car mechanic. Roughly translated, it means, Hello, my good friend. Can you have a look at my car? If you want to chat about it, you can get me on the telephone in the bar. I´m rather hungry, so I´m going to have a pint of beer and a tasty snack at a public house.

See? Easy when you know how!

But English as she is spoken is far more than Cockney rhyming slang. Each region has its own diversions and divisions; this dictionary is designed to give you a flavor of today´s urban English, words and phrases both, throughout the country. It also contains a nod towards British traditions that you may find interesting and bewildering in equal parts, and explanations of food stuffs that you may never have heard of. Not to mention a recipe or two to add flavor .... Literally!

I am constantly amazed how much difference there is between English English and American English. I first realized the width of the gap when my American editor started annotating my manuscripts with notes like; What does this mean? What are you trying to say? And occasionally, simply ?????? The more I thought about it, then the more I realized that there was a need for a short, (hopefully) amusing manual to translate Brit speak into something that an American visitor to the British Isles might understand. So here it is!

From A – Z, or even from As much use as a chocolate teapot to Zimmer frame.

Enjoy! If you find something I have left out, feel free to tell me off (see below!) via indiamillar1@gmail. com.

And finally, if you enjoyed this brief excursion into the joys of language, I would be delighted if you would to take a look at my novels; they can all be found on my website on Amazon!

Where a phrase is derived from Cockney Rhyming Slang, I have marked it with C.R.S..

999 - Probably the most important number you need to know when visiting anywhere in the UK. This is the emergency services number, and will connect you to the Fire, Police and Ambulance services. If you are on the coast, it is also the number for the Coast Guard Service.           

£5 - Five pounds, five pound note. Also known as a Fiver. Also now occasionally referred to as a Winston, as Sir Winston Churchill´s portrait appears on the new note.

£10 - Ten pounds, a ten pound note, also known as a Tenner.

£20 - Twenty pounds, a twenty pound note, or a score.

£25 - Twenty Five Pounds, also known as a pony. This term is more likely to be used in Southern England.       

£100 - One Hundred Pounds, also known as a ton.

£1000 - One Thousand Pounds, also known as a grand.

A.

As much use as a Chocolate teapot - Ironic inversion of words. Refers to something which has no use whatsoever.

Ace! - Exceptionally good, the best.

Adam and Eve - C.R.S. for Believe. Often spoken as Would you Adam and Eve it?

Afters – Pudding or dessert.

Airs and graces - A false assumption of superiority.

Alan Whickers - C.R.S. for Knickers (Panties).  Named after the popular television presenter and journalist.

All fingers and thumbs - Clumsy. I like the Spanish equivalent much better; they say Like a cat in gloves.

All fur coat and no knickers - A person who is all top show, but is without substance.

All inclusive - A holiday package that includes your accommodation and all meals, snacks and often alcoholic and soft drinks taken in your hotel, which are included in the price paid initially.

All mod. cons. - Usually refers to property, and is short for all modern conveniences. Means that it has fully up to date with regard to furniture and fittings.

All mouth and trousers - A noisy person who doesn´t know when to be quiet. One who talks nonsense, and has a very high opinion of themselves.

An´ all- A phrase more often found in the North of England. Means as well as.

A nice bit of stuff - An attractive woman. Can also be presented