To "gallivant" means to roam, or to set off on an expedition, with the sole intention of having some light-hearted fun. "What are you up to this weekend? We've got a party at our gaff, if you fancy it?"
British fire dogs full#
"Goodness, you're full of beans this morning!"Īlthough the origins of this phrase are largely unknown, a gaff in the 18th-century was a music hall or theatre, and so it's believed to derive from this. This phrase could be a reference to coffee beans, although these claims have been disputed. Someone that's energetic, lively, or enthusiastic might be described as "full of beans." If you're going to have a roast, have the full Monty!" "Our Christmas dinner had everything from sprouts to Yorkshire puddings. Going "the fully Monty" meant purchasing a full three-piece suit, a shirt, and all of the trimmings. "The full Monty" historically refers to an old tailor called Sir Montague Burton. However, "the full Monty" actually refers to pursuing something to the absolute limits. However, there is no proof for this theory.Īfter "The Full Monty" film was released in 1997, there was some international confusion over the phrase in which it was taken as a euphemism for stripping. "Flogging" also refers to whipping a racehorse in order to make it move faster, so there is some speculation into whether you flog goods in order to make them shift faster, too. To "flog" means to sell something - usually quickly and cheaply. Used to describe someone physically attractive, usually referring to their physique.
Historically, "fags" were the cheaper cigarettes made of lower grade tobacco, however, the slang has spread to encompass all cigarettes. "Faff" comes from the 17th century word "faffle," which means to flap about in the wind.Ī "fag end" is also the ratty bits towards the ends of a reel of fabric, which are the worst and the cheapest bits of the reel. To "faff" is to waste time doing very little. The word could be a variation of "toddle" - like a young child's first steps.Ī "dog's dinner" is a mess or fiasco - sometimes also referred to as a "dog's breakfast." Someone that lacks common knowledge might be described as "dim," whilst someone that's intelligent might be described as "bright." "I'm going to make us spaghetti carbonara for dinner." Its reported creator, British rapper Lethal Bizzle, elusively told the Guardian that the word "means anything you want."
He's a bloody curtain twitcher, but he still won't sign for our packages."Īn adjective used to advocate something that is impressive or agreeable, dench is the equivalent of "solid" or "cool" when used in response to someone else. "He's obsessed with anything that happens on this street. I'm cream crackered."Ī nosey neighbour, often caught peering out on their street's activities from a curtained window, might be referred to as a "curtain twitcher."
"This week's done me in already, and it's only Tuesday. So, if you're "ready for the knacker's yard," you're exhausted beyond relief. Something untrue - often made up for dramatic effect.Īlthough no one is completely sure of the word's origins, it could derive from the words "cod" and "wallop," which historically meant "imitation" and "beer" respectively - implying that "codswallop" is the kind of rubbish you make up when drunk.Ĭockney rhyming slang for "knackered," if you're "cream crackered" then you're incredibly tired.Ī "knacker" was the person that slaughtered worn-out horses in the 19th and 20th centuries for their meat, hoofs, and hide. "Sam did a botch job on these shelves - they're wonky!" The "boot" is the compartment at the back of the car known as the "trunk" in American English.Ī repair job that's been completed in a hurry and will probably fall apart reasonably soon is considered a "botch job." "How was the hostel?" "Oh, nothing exciting to report. Its origins are somewhat unclear, but a "bog" is another word for a toilet in British slang, adding to the connotations that something "bog-standard" is unglamorous and unspecial. Something that is "bog-standard" is completely ordinary with no frills, embellishments, or add-ons. "Press down the clutch, put it into gear, then slowly ease off the clutch again. This phrase is used to describe a process which seems more difficult than it actually is. The very British equivalent to "Hey presto!" or "Et voila!"
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