From the likes of the classic, and sometimes confusing, Cockney rhyming slang to the prim and proper of the Queen’s English.
But, it is safe to say that there are some London-origin terms that everyone in the region uses.
Whether you know all this is to say or want to clean up on your London word and phrase knowledge, these are 21 terms you need to know and what they mean.
21 London sayings you need to know
Cheerio
Although similar to the popular cereal brand, Cheerio is actually used as a way of saying good wishes or goodbye.
“Cheerio you old chap.”
Ta ta
Short and sweet, Ta ta is a simple way of saying goodbye informally.
“Ta ta, love.”
Alright mate
This term often confuses those unfamiliar with the term, although it might seem like you are asking someone how they are, it’s typically used to say hello.
“Alright mate?” “Hiya mate.”
Take it easy
Take it easy is a nice way of telling someone to look after themselves informally.
“Cheerio, take it easy.”
Blinding
Blinding does not mean not being able to see something due to a bright light, but it is used to describe something fantastic.
“That’s blinding.”
Not my cuppa tea
This phase doesn’t mean you don’t like tea; it actually means you don’t like something.
“That’s not my cuppa tea.”
Throw a spanner in the works
No, this saying does not mean someone literally threw a spanner in the works; it means that something is causing problems and making something difficult.
“That’s really thrown a spanner in the works.”
Blimey/ Cor Blimey
You’ll often hear this phrase with a side of surprise, Blimey or Cor Blimey if it’s really shocking, is used when surprised.
“Cor blimey, I don’t believe it.”
Wobbler
Wobbler means that someone is angry and having a ‘tantrum’ or upset about a situation.
“He’s having a right wobbler.”
It’s all gone Pete Tong
In reference to the DJ, Pete Tong, the phrase means that something has gone wrong, Pete Tong sounds like wrong.
“I can’t believe it, it’s all gone Pete Tong.”
Cheesed off
Cheesed off is used when someone is not impressed or annoyed.
“I’m right cheesed off.”
Sod off
When a conversation is left on a bitter note, the term ‘sod off’ is often used as a way to tell someone to go away.
“Would you just sod off!”
Banging
Banging is not used to describe the noise, but is actually used when something is good.
“That pizza is banging.”
Zonked
Zonked simply means that you are exhausted or very tired.
“I’m absolutely zonked.”
In a pickle
When someone is stuck or in a difficult situation, you’ll often hear the term ‘In a pickle’ used.
“I’m in a pickle.”
Knees up
Knees up doesn’t mean you need to put your knees up, but means you are out for a good time.
“Going to have a knees up at the pub.”
What a load of cobblers
Although a cobbler refers to a shoemaker, a load of cobblers is used to describe a load of nonsense.
“That was a load of cobblers.”
Minted
Minted is used to describe someone as being rich and having lots of money.
“They’re minted.”
Donkey’s years
The term donkey’s years is used when discussing a very long time.
“Wow, it’s been donkey’s years.”
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Get stuffed
When someone is using ‘Get stuffed’ they are telling someone that there is no chance to go away.
“You need to get stuffed.”
To have a butchers
This doesn’t mean you own a butcher, it really means that you are having a look at something or someone.
“Would you have a butchers at that.”
