28 Everyday British English Slang Expressions
Would you like to sound a little more British when you speak English? Or maybe you’d just like to finally understand what British people are going on about? If so, you’re in the right place.
British people love slang. We use it constantly; in conversations with friends, at work, online, and even with complete strangers. The tricky thing is, a lot of it isn’t taught in English classes or textbooks. That’s why many learners feel confused when they hear phrases like ‘I had a wobble’ or ‘That meeting did my head in.’
In this post, I’ve collected 28 slang expressions you’ll hear all the time in 2025. These aren’t outdated phrases from the 80s or 90s, but they’re the ones I actually hear around me right now, in everyday British conversations.
By the end, you’ll not only understand British people better, but you’ll also have some great new expressions to try out in your own conversations.
To have a wobble
If you say you’re having a wobble, it means you suddenly feel nervous, emotional, or unsure of yourself. It’s usually temporary.
I had a wobble just before my job interview, but everything was fine in the end.
To throw a wobbly / wobbler
This one’s about losing your temper.
He threw a wobbly when someone crashed into his car.
To lose it big time
Similar to throwing a wobbly, but stronger. When someone ‘loses it big time,’ they’re properly furious.
She lost it big time when she realised she’d been burgled.
It does my head in
If something ‘does your head in,’ it really irritates or annoys you.
This heat does my head in.
Off your head
If someone is ‘off their head,’ they’re acting crazy, unreasonable, or possibly drunk.
You spent how much on trainers? You’re off your head!
Negging
This comes from dating culture. To neg someone is to give a backhanded compliment — something that sounds positive but is actually negative.
You look good for your age.
Aggro
Short for ‘aggravation.’ It means hassle or trouble, sometimes with aggression involved.
There was a bit of aggro outside the pub last night.
To be gunning for someone
If you’re ‘gunning for’ someone, you’re targeting them with criticism or trying to bring them down.
The press were gunning for the minister all week.
To kick off
This comes from football but in slang it means trouble starts.
It all kicked off outside the club last night.
To be in someone’s face
Being aggressively confrontational.
They started getting in each other’s faces and it all kicked off.
Rein it in
If you tell someone to ‘rein it in,’ you’re telling them to control themselves, calm down, or stop going too far.
To get your head around something
If you ‘can’t get your head around’ something, it means you find it difficult to understand.
I can’t get my head around these tax forms.
Bougie
Something fancy, posh, or luxurious.
She booked a bougie rooftop bar for her birthday.
Glow up
A big positive transformation in looks or style.
Have you seen Michael lately? He’s had a real glow up.
Main character energy
Acting like you’re the star of your own film.
She walked into the café with full main character energy.
I’m here for it
Used to show support or approval.
They’ve opened a new matcha café near me and I’m totally here for it.
It’s giving…
Used to describe the vibe something gives off.
That outfit is giving English teacher chic.
Low key
Secretly or quietly.
I’m low key obsessed with Love Is Blind UK.
Extra
Dramatic or over the top.
He brought balloons, flowers and a cake — so extra.
Bling
Flashy, shiny, expensive-looking accessories or style.
His Rolex was pure bling.
To pimp up
To decorate or improve something in a flashy way.
He spent the weekend pimping up his car.
To glaze someone
To over-praise in a way that feels insincere.
You look amazing!- Stop glazing me.
All over the place
Chaotic, disorganised, or confused.
Sorry, my notes are all over the place today.
Bandwidth
Your mental or emotional capacity for something.
I don’t have the bandwidth for another project right now.
Pack it in
Stop doing something annoying.
Pack it in, you two, I’ve had enough!
To knock off
To finish work.
I usually knock off around 5:30.
Get a move on
Hurry up.
Come on, get a move on or we’ll be late.
To get burnt
To suffer the negative consequences of something.
I invested in that company and really got burnt.
So there you go — 28 bits of British slang you’ll hear in 2025. Some are light-hearted, some are playful, and some you might want to avoid using in formal settings, but all of them will help you understand British people better and sound more natural when you’re speaking English.