Sometimes Brits drop phrases that make Americans do a double-take. Whether it’s an odd idiom or a bit of cheeky slang, you might find yourself completely baffled if you haven’t heard it before. Below are 15 very real British expressions that can send Americans on a hunt for the nearest translator—and a bit more about why they’re used so often.
1. “Throw a spanner in the works”
This one’s got Americans tripping over their words. While it sounds like you’re talking about a tool shed, it actually means to cause a problem or mess things up. It’s basically our version of “throwing a wrench into the works” in the States. The idea comes from the mechanical world — imagine tossing a spanner into an engine and seeing it grind to a halt. It’s a way of saying that something’s gone totally wrong, but in a slightly dramatic (and very British) way.
2. “I’m knackered”
Now, if you’re American, this one might have you doing a double-take. “Knackered” sounds a bit… intense, doesn’t it? But really, as we know, it just means you’re completely exhausted or worn out. It comes from the word “knacker,” which used to refer to someone who worked with dead or worn-out horses. So when you’re knackered, you’re about as spent as you can get — time to crash out and hit the pillow!
3. “Bits and bobs”
Americans probably know the phrase “odds and ends,” but Brits like to use “bits and bobs” instead. It’s just a way of referring to a collection of random things, usually the small stuff that’s cluttering up a drawer or a corner of the room. So, don’t worry about which “bits” are the bits and which are the “bobs” — it’s all just the little odds and ends of life.
4. “It’s gone pear-shaped”
Imagine your day starts off all neat and organised, and then — boom! — it all goes wrong. That’s what “gone pear-shaped” means. It’s a way to say that something has gone completely off-course, usually in a chaotic or unexpected way. The image is pretty funny too — something was meant to be smooth and perfect, but now it looks a little… wonky. It’s just a very British way of saying, “That went badly.”
5. “Fancy a cuppa?”
Alright, here’s one that’s practically second nature in the UK to the point that it’s become somewhat of a stereotype. “Fancy a cuppa?” is the quintessential British invitation to have a nice cup of tea. Now, we all know Americans love their coffee, but tea is a whole different vibe across the pond. It’s not just about the drink; it’s about the moment. A cuppa is a chance to take a break, have a chat, and recharge.We don’t need a reason to ask; it’s simply part of the culture.
6. “I’m chuffed to bits”
Now, if they’re hearing “chuffed,” and they think it means something negative, they’d obviously be wrong. Obviously, if we say we’re “chuffed to bits,” it means we’re absolutely delighted or thrilled about something. It’s the British way of saying, “I’m so happy I could burst.” It might sound odd to them, but we know better. In fact, it’s pure joy wrapped up in a perfectly British phrase.
7. “Cheeky Nando’s”
Here’s one that’ll really have Americans confused. Obviously, a “cheeky Nando’s” is just a fun way of saying you’re heading out for some quick chicken and peri peri chips from Nando’s, which is overpriced but admittedly delicious. The word “cheeky” here means something a bit mischievous or spontaneous, but Americans don’t really get that concept. Basically, we’re sneaking in a treat without much thought. It’s not just about the chicken; it’s the spontaneous, off-the-cuff nature of the meal. (To be fair, I hesitated to add this one in since most people out of the “bants with the lads” demographic don’t really use it, but I felt it should be included.)
8. “I’m gutted”
When we say we’re “gutted,” we’re not talking about having our insides removed, despite what Americans might think. In reality, it’s actually a way of saying we’re really disappointed or devastated. So, if their favourite NFL team loses the big match, they’d be “gutted” — this is a good way of explaining it to someone from the US. It’s a deep, emotional letdown, and even though the word sounds intense, it’s just a part of everyday British slang.
9. “He’s done a runner”
Imagine someone runs off to avoid paying a bill or facing the consequences of their actions. In our slang, that’s “done a runner.” It’s a funny way of saying someone took off quickly, usually for the wrong reasons. Whether it’s about skipping out on a dinner tab or disappearing when things get tough, this phrase has you picturing someone sprinting away from responsibility, and that’s kind of the whole point.
10. “I can’t be bothered”
Obviously, we tend to use another word in place of “bothered” more often, but for the sake of “keeping it PG” as our Yankee friends might say, we’ll stick with this one. It’s our way of saying we just don’t have the energy or motivation to do something. It’s like saying, “I just don’t feel like it” but with a little more indifference. Americans will come across this one pretty quickly in the UK (or when talking to a Brit) when someone’s feeling lazy or just doesn’t want to deal with something — no hard feelings, just not interested.
11. “Bob’s your uncle”
Now, it makes sense why Americans are confused by this one. “Bob’s your uncle” isn’t about some mysterious relative named Bob, of course. It’s a phrase you say when you’ve just given someone a simple solution to something or explained how something works. It’s like saying, “And that’s it!” or “All done!” So, if you’re teaching someone how to use a gadget, you might finish with “Bob’s your uncle!” to mean, “There you go — sorted!” It would actually sound a bit weird coming from an American, though, so it might be better if they don’t try to adopt this one.
12. “That’s rubbish”
If someone tells you something you think is nonsense, more often than not, you’ll call it “rubbish” — if you’re British, that is. It’s our version of “that’s trash” or “that’s nonsense,” but it comes out in just about every situation. Whether it’s complaining about a bad sports call or disagreeing with someone’s opinion, “rubbish” gets thrown around casually as a way of expressing disbelief or disagreement.
13. “Fancy dress party”
This one’s a funny mix-up waiting to happen. Here, a “fancy dress party” is what Americans would call a costume party. It’s not about tuxedos and gowns; “fancy dress” obviously means dressing up as your favourite character, creature, or whatever you fancy. If you invite an American to a fancy dress party over here, make sure they know not to turn up in a suit or elaborate ballgown.
14. “I’m skint”
If you’re “skint,” you’re completely broke, as those of us who’ve been there know all too well. It’s a casual way of saying you’ve run out of money until payday. While Americans might say “I’m strapped for cash” or “I’m broke,” “skint” is the go-to term for us when we can’t afford that pint or takeaway. It’s pretty laid-back, and it’s often said with a bit of humour to keep the mood light.
15. “It’s brass monkeys out there”
Lastly, we have one that’s perfect for those cold, miserable days when it feels like the weather’s out to get you. “It’s brass monkeys” is how we describe freezing cold weather. The full phrase is “It’s cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey,” which, according to naval folklore, refers to old ships’ metal parts freezing in extreme cold. It’s a colourful way of saying it’s icy out, and it’s used when you need to complain about the weather, but with a little British flair. Of course, it’s completely nonsensical to most Americans, and will need a lot of explaining…
