Word Origins & Etymology Archives - British Slang Dictionary

Why We Call Pounds “Quid”

British currency has accumulated a rich vocabulary of slang over the centuries. From "bob" (a shilling) to "tanner" (sixpence) to…

Few words capture the essence of British male camaraderie quite like "bloke," "mate," and "lad." These three terms, all referring…

Few British slang words have generated as much heated debate as "chav." This term, which rose to prominence in the…

If you have ever heard someone explain the origin of "posh," chances are good they told you it stands for…

"Codswallop" is one of those wonderfully British words that seems to capture perfectly what it describes: absolute nonsense, complete rubbish,…

Few British expressions have origins quite as contested—or as potentially vulgar—as "taking the mickey." This seemingly innocent phrase, meaning to…

There are few phrases more delightfully British than "Bob's your uncle." This peculiar expression, used to indicate that something is…

Few words in the English language have sparked as much debate among etymologists as "bloody." This quintessentially British expletive, which…

William Shakespeare was many things—playwright, poet, actor, businessman—but he was also, whether intentionally or not, one of the most prolific…

The English language is packed with idioms -- phrases whose meanings cannot be understood from their literal definitions. British English…