D Archives - British Slang Dictionary

Dustpan

/ˈdʌstpæn/

Noun

British and American term for pan for collecting swept dirt.

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Dust-up

/ˈdʌst ʌp/

Noun

British slang for fight or quarrel, from the idea of dust being kicked up during a scuffle.

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Duck

/dʌk/

Noun

Northern English term of endearment/address.

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Drizzle

/ˈdrɪzl/

Noun

British (and international) term for light rain.

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Driving licence

/ˈdraɪvɪŋ ˌlaɪsns/

Verb

British term for driver's license.

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Dressed up to the nines

/ˌdrest ʌp tə ðə ˈnaɪnz/

Phrase

British (and American) expression meaning very formally/elaborately dressed.

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Dreich

/driːx/

Noun

Scottish meaning dreary, bleak (weather).

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Downs

/daʊnz/

Noun

British term for rolling chalk hills, particularly in South England.

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Done up like a kipper

/ˌdʌn ʌp laɪk ə ˈkɪpə/

Phrase

British expression meaning deceived or dressed up elaborately.

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Dole queue

/ˈdəʊl kjuː/

Noun

British term for unemployment line/office.

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