italki - Talk like a native - some colloquial and slang phrases that will make people think you're British! H

Lucy LockhartCommunity Tutor

Talk like a native - some colloquial and slang phrases that will make people think you're British! Here's some colloquial and slang phrases that will make people think you're British! Try and weave them into your everyday conversation and you will sound pretty authentic.

So here goes:

Alright? This is a very casual greeting, as in ‘is everything all right with you?’ It's usually said as a question. An acceptable response would be : ‘Alright mate’ – ‘Okay thanks - fine thanks’.

Bugger all This means very little, almost nothing or completely nothing. eg. She just sits around all day and does bugger all.

Blinkered This means a narrow minded attitude or limited view on something. eg. He's just blinkered, he doesn't let anyone else have an opinion. (Note: blinkers are eye shields used for horses, which is where the expression comes from.)

Bravo Well done, or congratulations. ( An easy one for most Europeans as there are variants of this word across Europe)

Dear Apart from a term of endearment, (eg. Hello my dear) it can also mean 'expensive.' (eg. Oh, that dress is dear.)

Lost the plot This means someone who is not following the situation or is a bit mad. eg."He used to be really efficient, but now he's lost the plot."

Gormless This means someone lacking in sense or initiative. eg. "It's no good asking them, they're gormless."

On about This means replaces ‘talking’. (eg. "What are you on about/What are you talking about?")

Taking the Mickey/Mick It means mocking someone or something, joking at someone or something's expense or taking advantage. (eg. Oh don't take any notice, he's just taking the Mickey out of her.)

Chalk and Cheese Used to describe two things that do not go together, or go together very badly. (eg. "I'm surprised they get on so well, they are like chalk and cheese."

Chat up Used to described someone who is trying to flirt with someone else. (eg. Look, he's trying to chat up that pretty girl."

I post useful info on the discussions board regularly to help improve your conversational skills, so drop by and check them out now and again. If you'd like to practice speaking, I'd be happy to help you develop a study plan, so feel free to look at my teaching profile and classes or send me a message if you think I may be able to help you in gaining English fluency fast.

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