The Londoner's Dictionary

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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