9 slang terms from across the UK

A couple smiling at eachother on a bridge in London with the river behind them

The English language (British English in particular) is a fascinating mix of regional dialects and unique slang, shaped by centuries of history and cultural influences. Throughout its long history, . From the Romans in ancient Londinium to the rolling hills of the Saxon heartland, and from the Viking raiders of the north to the Norman conquerors of the south, each wave of historical influence has shaped the dialects of the UK. Each region of the United Kingdom has its own distinct flavor of language and accent. Today, we embark on an English slang tour to explore some of the expressions from different regions.

Slang terms from across the UK
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1. West Midlands: "Bostin'"

Let's begin in the heart of England, the West Midlands. Here, you might hear the word "bostin'" thrown around quite a bit. This charming expression simply means "excellent" or "fantastic." So, if someone says your meal was "bostin'," you can rest assured your cooking skills have earned top marks.

2. East Midlands: "Duck"

If you head east to the East Midlands region, you might come across a term of endearment that could raise an eyebrow or two if you're not used to it. Local people often call each other "duck," regardless of gender or age. It's a friendly and informal way of addressing someone, similar to how people in other regions use "mate" or "love.”

3. London: "Chuffed"

London is a massive city where slang changes as fast as the city itself. One of the words you might hear is "chuffed." When Londoners say they're "chuffed," it means they're happy or pleased. So, if someone from London compliments you and says, "I'm well chuffed with you," you've definitely made a good impression.

4. South West England: "Ansum" (Cornwall) and "Gert Lush" (Bristol)

In the sunny landscapes of Cornwall, the locals frequently use the delightful Cornish slang term "ansum" to describe something that's handsome or lovely. On the other hand, in Bristol, you'll often hear the expression "gert lush" used to signify something that's really great or fantastic.

5. North East England: "Canny"

As we travel to the Northeast, you may come across the word "canny." In this region, "canny" doesn't imply being careful, but rather, it is used to describe something that is good, enjoyable, or appealing. For instance, if you visit Newcastle and someone says, "She's a canny lass," it means that the person considers her to be a likable and charming woman.

6. Cheshire: "Mardy"

Cheshire offers the intriguing term "mardy." This word is used to describe someone who's in a bad mood or being grumpy. If you hear someone say, "She's a bit mardy today," you'll know to approach with caution.

7. Shropshire: “Around the Wrekin”

The Wrekin is a prominent hill in the area well-known by the residents of Shropshire. They often use the phrase to describe someone who takes a long-winded or complicated approach to a task. It can also be used to describe a situation where someone has taken an unnecessarily long route to get to a destination.

8. Scotland: "Braw"

Let's continue our slang tour and head to the stunning landscapes of Scotland, where the word "braw" is commonly used. The Scots use this term to describe something that is splendid, beautiful, or excellent. For example, if you happen to be in Edinburgh and hear someone say, "The view from Arthur's Seat is pure braw," you'll know that it's a view that should not be missed.

9. Wales: "Cwtch"

Crossing over to Wales, we discover the heart-warming term "cwtch" (pronounced "kutch"). It refers to a cuddle or an affectionate hug, embodying the Welsh spirit of warmth and closeness.

From the south of England to Scotland, and everywhere in between, these unique expressions reflect the distinctive character of the people who call these places home. As the world becomes more connected, people are taking their unique dialects with them wherever they go.

You might also find some of these terms traveling further afield, being used in other regions or even countries. Unsurprisingly, as from a range of other languages. Exploring the origins of English slang can be a great gateway to learning about the history of a place, so make sure to read up about it next time you hear an interesting one. You can check out to keep up to date with the latest ones.

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    The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, committed to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations and promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights. For English language learners, discussing the key issues addressed by the UN can be an enriching exercise that enhances both language skills and global awareness. For United Nations day on 24th October why not use some of the discussion points in this blog to spark meaningful conversations and deepen understanding of these critical topics.

    Climate change and environmental sustainability

    Climate change affects every corner of the planet. The UN has been actively working to mitigate its effects and promote sustainability. Here are some prompts to spark a conversation on this urgent issue:

    Key points to discuss:

    The impact of climate change: How does climate change affect different parts of the world? Discuss rising sea levels, extreme weather events and their consequences.
    Sustainable practices: What are some sustainable practices individuals and communities can adopt to combat climate change? Consider renewable energy, recycling and conservation efforts.
    Global cooperation: How important is international cooperation in addressing climate change? Look at agreements like the Paris Accord and the role of the UN in facilitating these agreements.

    Discussion questions:

    • How has climate change affected your country or region?
    • What can individuals do to reduce their carbon footprint?
    • Why is it important for countries to work together to tackle environmental issues?

    Global health and well-being

    Global health and well-being are vital for sustainable development and international cooperation, underpinning the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Here are some ideas to start conversations around this topic:

    Key points to discuss:

    Health crises: Discuss major health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of the World Health Organization (WHO) in managing these crises.
    Access to healthcare: What are the challenges to accessing healthcare in different parts of the world? Explore issues like healthcare infrastructure, affordability and availability.
    Mental health: Why is mental health an important aspect of overall well-being? Discuss stigma, access to mental health services and the impact of mental health on communities.

    Discussion questions:

    • How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we think about global health?
    • What are the biggest healthcare challenges in your country?
    • How can we improve mental health awareness and support?