An International Student's Guide to British Slang

by Laura Jeeves

Moving to the UK to study is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in British culture and improve your knowledge of the English language. While you’re spending time with native English speakers, you’ll probably find that slang words make up a large portion of the vocabulary. London slang can be especially confusing for a new resident, so here are few useful words you can learn that are sure to help you settle and make new friends fast. 1. Loo Definition: Toilet Example: Where is the nearest loo? This will be useful when you’re exploring the city and need to ask one of the locals to help you find the nearest toilet. 2. Knackered Definition: Tired or exhausted Example: I’m knackered after revising for that exam You’ll probably hear this a lot in and around your student housing: London students often work hard and play hard! 3. Dodgy Definition: Suspicious Example: This food tastes dodgy If you’re in catered accommodation, hopefully, this won’t be a phrase you’ll need to use… 4. Fluke Definition: Lucky or by chance Example: I saw an old friend in London the other day by complete fluke Students may also use the word ‘fluke’ when talking about an exam that they passed without doing much revision. Hopefully, you won’t have to use it for this reason! 5. Skive Definition: To avoid attending something Example: I used to skive maths classes all the time when I was at school This is another phrase you may hear from time to time around your student housing. London is a fun place to study, but it can be tempting to miss a lecture or two to explore the city. 6. Gutted Definition: Disappointed or upset Example: I’m gutted that I didn’t get tickets for the show This is a very popular slang word in the UK, so you’ll probably get used to hearing it frequently. 7. Wicked Definition: Cool or fun Example: I saw that band play last night. It was wicked! Almost anything can be ‘wicked’, whether it’s a person, a class or even a lecture. Just try not to get this word confused with its other definition: evil. Learning slang can be a bit overwhelming at first, but if you try to memorize a couple of words and use them in conversations throughout the week, they will soon seem natural to you. Talking about the different words used for things is also a fun ice breaker when making new friends. This list contains just a few of the slang terms you’re likely to hear around your student housing – London locals almost have a language of their own! Embrace the culture and make sure to have plenty of conversations with your new friends and you’ll be sure to sound just like a native speaker in no time. Author Plate Sophie Smith works as an independent consultant and offers advice to young people looking for London-based student housing. London has a wide range of options when it comes to student living, and Sophie’s helpful suggestions make deciding where to stay even easier. Her expert tips and tricks stem from her first-hand experience studying in the city and living on a budget, so she is more than qualified to support others doing the same.