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BRITISH
SLANG
FANTABULOUS SLANG
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Did you know that ‘fantabulous’ is a combination of

the words ‘fantastic’ and ‘fabulous’?
This lesson focuses on British Slang and we will look
at some amazing slang words! After reading this
lesson you will sound like a native speaker for sure!

TEXT MESSAGES
Let's start with some text messages! There is no
better way to learn slang than to see words used in
real conversation.
Lucy: I’m having such a bad day. My boss has just
thrown a wobbly!
Claire: Why??? Were you yakking too much?
Lucy: No, I wasn’t yakking! I’ve finished all the bits
and bobs that I had to do today, so I was just faffing
around in the breakroom. Anyway, in comes the boss:
“Lucy, I’ve told you umpteen times how busy we are –
why are you hanging around in here?!” I thought it
was a wind-up. We’re not slammed at all. I said I’d be
out in a jiffy, but he told me that if I didn’t crack on
immediately, I’d be in serious trouble.
Claire: What a ‘mare! Meanwhile, I’m over here in my
jimjams, noshing on some chocolate. I bet you miss
being a student!
Do you understand what’s happened?
If not, do not worry, let's crack on and see the
meaning of slang words!

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VOCABULARY
to throw a wobbly idiom - to become very upset
and angry
My husband threw a wobbly when the car broke down.
to yak v /jæk/ - to talk continuously, especially
about things that are not very important
What are you yakking about?
Note: It can also be spelt ‘yack’.
Extra note: A yak is also a type of large, hairy cow.
bits and bobs n - small objects or items that are
not very important
I’ve got a few bits and bobs to do this morning, so I’ll
see you in the afternoon.
to faff [around/about] v - to spend your time
doing something that isn’t useful, often instead of
doing something that is more important.
Lucy, stop faffing around and go and finish your
homework!
Note: Faff can also be a noun.
umpteen determiner /ˌʌmpˈtiːn/ - many
I gave him umpteen chances to apologise.
wind-up n /ˈwaɪnd ʌp/ - something someone says
or does as a joke to be deliberately annoying
Is this a wind-up?
Note: It can also be used as a phrasal verb.
slammed adj /slæmd/ - very busy
I’m absolutely slammed at work, so I’m going to have
to stay late tonight.
jiffy n /ˈdʒɪfi/ - a short time
Wait there, and I’ll be back in a jiffy.
to crack on phr v - to start or continue to do
something, especially with lots of energy
Let’s crack on and try to finish this tonight.
‘mare n /meə(r)/ - short for ‘nightmare’
What a ‘mare!
jimjams n /ˈdʒɪm dʒæmz/ - pyjamas
I wear jimjams to bed in the winter.
to nosh [on] v /nɒʃ/ - to eat
What are you noshing on?
Note: It can also be a noun meaning ‘food’.

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QUIZ!
Choose the correct answer for each question.
1. We need to crack ________ if we want to get there
before dark.
a. in b. out c. under d. on
2. Is this a wind-________ because I don’t think it’s very
funny.
a. up b. down c. on d. in
3. I need to buy a few bits and ________ at the
supermarket.
a. bibs b. bobs c. bubs d. babs
4. What’s the dog noshing ________? I bet it’s my slippers
again.
a. in b. on c. off d. out

Complete the sentence with the correct word or phrase

from the lesson.
1. What are you two _______________ about? Are you
gossiping again?
2. I can’t come out with you tonight. I’m absolutely
_______________ at work.
3. I’m exhausted! I’m going to have a bath and then put my
_______________ on.
4. I managed to stay calm and not _______________ when
our flight was delayed for 14 hours.
5. I’m so hungry! Let’s go and get some _______________.
6. Carlo said he was on his way. I guess he’ll be here in a
_______________.
7. I’ve told you _______________ times not to play football
so close to the windows!
8. You are really ________ me ________ talking in that silly
voice.
9. If you hadn’t _______________ so much you would have
finished this two hours ago!
10. That journey was a total _______________! So much
traffic.

The End!

faffed [around/about] 14. ‘mare

1d, 2a, 3b, 4b, 5. yakking 6. slammed 7. jimjams 8. throw a wobbly 9. nosh 10. jiffy 11. umpteen 12. winding [me] up 13.

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