The Londoner's Dictionary
The English language has evolved from when 'thou' and 'doth' and 'wouldst' were commonplace. Nowadays the casual London conversation consists of 'British-isms', some of which are more globally familiar than others. Either way, we'd like to give you a quick briefing on some of the words and phrases you're likely to hear in the street, in a cafe, bar or supermarket in London just so you know what we're on about.
Everyday London Terms
Alright?|An informal greeting to mean, hello**
Battered|To be extremely drunk**
Bloke|Informal description of any male person**
Brolly|Umbrella**
Caf|Abbreviation of cafe**
Cash|Money**
Cheers|A common farewell; an acceptance of transaction**
Chippy|A chip shop**
Chokka-block|Implying a severe traffic jam; a large, densely-populated area (can be shortened to chokka)**
Dive|A decrepit place**
Down for it|To happily oblige a request**
Fiver|A five pound note**
Gents| The male lavatory, esp. in a pub**
Gob-smacked|To be in utter disbelief**
Handy|To be immediately useful**
Innit|To wholeheartedly agree with someone**
Knackered|Exhausted; very tired**
Love|Informal term of address**
Lovely-jubbly|To be extremely pleased with something**
Mate|Common term of address towards men**
Minted|To be very rich**
Mobile|Alternative for cell phone/celluar phone**
Mug|A stupid person; someone's face; someone's mouth**
Nice one|To be very happy with a decision**
Oi|To gain someone's attention**
Oi-oi|Alternative to hello; informal greeting**
Oik|A nuisance; troublemaker; objectional individual**
Quid|Informal for pound coin**
Round|A collection of drinks, usually three or more, which are purchased altogether at a pub; to get a round in**
Rubbish|Something that isn't very good; litter; junk**
Sarnie|Informal for sandwich**
Swanky|Very posh; sophisticated; classy**
Sweet|To approve greatly of something**
Tenner|A ten pound note**
Tipping it down|Raining heavily**
Up for it|To happily oblige a request**
Wellies|Wellington boots**
