Spoken English in London

Phrases

Spoken English in London also has a unique set of phrases that are different from formal, written English. Some of the phrases that are commonly used in spoken English in London include:

  • See ya - Informal way of saying goodbye.
  • Take care - A phrase wishing someone well.
  • Catch ya later - Another way of saying goodbye.
  • Fancy a cuppa? - Asking if someone would like a cup of tea.
  • Alright? / All right? - A common informal greeting, similar to "How are you?"
  • I'm knackered - Expressing being very tired.
  • I'm chuffed to bits - Very pleased or happy.
  • To bodge something - To make or repair something badly.
  • I'm pissed - Means being drunk.
  • Bob's your uncle - It's as simple as that.
  • Mind the gap - A warning to train passengers about the space between the train door and the platform.
  • Cheers, mate - Thanks, friend.
  • It's my round - It's my turn to buy the drinks.
  • Don't get shirty with me - Don't get upset with me.
  • I'm gutted - I'm very disappointed.
  • Let's have a butchers - Let's have a look (from "butcher's hook" - look).
  • Lost the plot - Lost touch with reality.
  • Not my cup of tea - Not something I like.
  • Up the duff - Pregnant.
  • Taking the Mickey - Teasing or making fun of someone.
  • Throw a spanner in the works - To cause a disruption.
  • Blimey! - An expression of surprise.
  • It's chucking it down - It's raining heavily.
  • Knees up - A lively party or gathering.
  • Bee's knees - Excellent or high quality.
  • The dog's bollocks - Something really good or top quality.
  • Have a gander - Take a look.
  • It's brass monkeys outside - It's very cold outside.
  • I haven't seen you in donkey's years - I haven't seen you in a long time.
  • On your bike! - Go away!
  • A few sandwiches short of a picnic - Not very intelligent.
  • He's a right old codger - He's a peculiar old man.
  • I'm on the pull - Looking to find a romantic partner.
  • She's a bit of all right - She's very attractive.
  • Over the moon - Extremely happy or pleased.
  • Under the weather - Feeling ill.
  • Piece of cake - Something very easy.
  • More tea, Vicar? - An ironic or joking question when something mildly scandalous happens.
  • Budge up - Move over, make some space.
  • Can't be arsed - Can't be bothered.
  • Skive off - To avoid work or school without a good reason.
  • Bang out of order - Completely unacceptable.
  • Quids in - To profit or benefit from something.
  • Rubbish - Garbage, or used to express disbelief.
  • Sorted - Arranged, resolved.
  • Starkers - Completely naked.
  • Tickety-boo - Everything is fine.
  • Full Monty - Everything, the whole lot.
  • The Old Bill - The police.
  • Give me a bell - Call me.
  • Naff off - Go away.
  • Pants - Rubbish or poor quality, also underwear.
  • Snog - Kiss passionately.
  • Waffle - To talk on and on without saying anything important.
  • Zonked - Completely exhausted.

More on www.englishinlondon.uk - Phrases

Grammar

Spoken English in London has a different grammar structure compared to formal, written English. Some of the differences include:

  • H-dropping: Omitting the 'h' at the beginning of words. e.g., 'house' becomes 'ouse'.
  • Th-fronting: Replacing "th" with "f" or "v". e.g., "think" becomes "fink" and "brother" becomes "bruvver".
  • T-glottalization: Replacing "t" in the middle or end of words with a glottal stop. e.g., "butter" becomes "bu'er".
  • L-vocalization: The "l" sound at the end of words can be replaced with a "w" sound. e.g., "milk" becomes "miwk".
  • Double negatives: Using two negatives for emphasis. e.g., "I didn't see nothing".
  • Use of "ain't": For "isn't", "aren't", "hasn't", and "haven't". e.g., "I ain't going".
  • Non-standard use of "was": Using "was" instead of "were". e.g., "We was just talking".
  • Dropping of "to be": Omitting the verb "to be" in certain contexts. e.g., "You going shop?".
  • Regularization of irregular past tenses: Using regular forms for irregular verbs. e.g., "I writed a letter".
  • Use of "me" instead of "my": e.g., "That's me brother".
  • "Like" as a discourse particle: Used liberally for emphasis or as filler. e.g., "It was, like, really good".
  • "You get me?": As a tag question for confirmation. e.g., "It's cold outside, you get me?".
  • "Gonna", "wanna", "gotta": Common contractions for going to, want to, and got to.
  • Omission of "have" in perfect aspect: e.g., "I been there" instead of "I have been there".
  • Use of "done" instead of "did": e.g., "I done it yesterday".
  • "Been" pronounced as "bin": Regardless of context.
  • Use of "seen" without "have": e.g., "I seen him yesterday".
  • Infinitive "to" dropped: Particularly with "go" and "come". e.g., "Let's go eat".
  • "Them" as demonstrative adjectives: e.g., "I don't like them apples".
  • "Thingy" as a placeholder name for objects: e.g., "Pass me that thingy".
  • "Stuff" as a collective noun: e.g., "I got a lot of stuff at home".

More on www.englishinlondon.uk - Grammar

Modern Received Pronunciation

Modern Received Pronunciation (RP), also known as BBC English or Queen's English, is an accent of standard English in the United Kingdom that has undergone significant changes in recent decades. It is less regionally specific than traditional RP and has incorporated some features of regional accents. Modern RP is considered a prestigious dialect, often associated with education and the upper class, and is commonly used in formal settings and media.

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    • Schedule (pronounced "shed-yool")
    • Privacy (first syllable rhymes with "pry")
    • Garage (first syllable rhymes with "car")
    • Leisure (pronounced "lee-zure")
    • Vitamin (first syllable pronounced as "vite")
    • Herb (the "h" is pronounced)
    • Advertisement (stress on the second syllable)
    • Mobile (emphasis on the first syllable)
    • Ballet (the "t" is pronounced)
    • Neither ("ei" pronounced as "eye")
    • Scone (pronounced to rhyme with "gone")
    • Tomato (second syllable rhymes with "ma")
    • Water (the "t" often sounds like a soft "d")
    • Dance ("a" pronounced as in "father")
    • Address (emphasis can be on the first syllable)
    • Route (often pronounced to rhyme with "shout")
    • Aluminium (additional "i" before the "um")
    • Often (the "t" is pronounced)
    • Negotiate (the second "o" pronounced as "shee-ate")
    • Pasta ("a" as in "cat")
    • Can't ("a" sounds like "ah")

More on www.englishinlondon.uk - Modern RP (Received Pronunciation)

Estuary English

Estuary English is a contemporary variety of British English, commonly found in the Southeast of England, especially along the River Thames and its estuary, including London. It is a mixture of non-regional and southeastern English pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. Estuary English is characterized by features of both Received Pronunciation (RP) and Cockney accents. It has gained prominence and is often considered a modern and dynamic form of English.

  • Glottal stop: Replacing "t" in the middle or end of words (e.g., "water" becomes "wa'er")
  • H-dropping: Dropping the "h" at the start of words (e.g., "house" becomes "ouse")
  • Th-fronting: Replacing "th" with "f" or "v" sounds (e.g., "three" becomes "free")
  • L-vocalization: The "l" at the end of words sounds like a "w" (e.g., "milk" becomes "miwk")
  • T-flapping: "t" between vowels sounds like a "d" (e.g., "butter" sounds like "budder")
  • "Ain't" used for "isn't", "aren't", "hasn't", and "haven't"
  • "You alright?" as a common greeting, meaning "How are you?"
  • "Mate" as a term for friend
  • "Cheers" used to mean "thank you"
  • "Fancy" to express liking or interest (e.g., "Fancy a cuppa?")
  • "Sorted" to indicate arrangements are made or problems are solved
  • "Bare" meaning "a lot of" (e.g., "bare money")
  • "Bollocks" as an expletive or to denote nonsense
  • "Quid" for pounds sterling
  • "Skint" meaning broke or without money
  • "Blinding" to describe something excellent
  • "Knackered" meaning very tired
  • "Nicked" for stolen or arrested
  • "Kip" referring to sleep or nap
  • "Gobsmacked" to express astonishment
  • "Snog" for kiss or make out
  • "Waffle" meaning to talk on without getting to the point
  • "Butty" meaning sandwich, often a "bacon butty"
  • "Cuppa" for a cup of tea

More on www.englishinlondon.uk - Estuary English

Multicultural London English

Multicultural London English (MLE) is a sociolect of English that emerged in the late 20th century, primarily spoken by young, working-class individuals in London. It has developed in parts of London with high levels of immigration and is characterized by a mixture of various linguistic influences, including Caribbean, South Asian, and African English varieties. MLE reflects the multicultural makeup of the city and is seen as a dynamic and evolving form of English.

  • Wagwan - A greeting, equivalent to "What's going on?"
  • Bare - Meaning "very" or "a lot of".
  • Gassed - Feeling excited or full of oneself.
  • Mandem - Referring to a group of friends or people.
  • Ting - Used to refer to a thing or sometimes a person.
  • Innit - A contraction of "isn't it", used to affirm something.
  • Blud - A term of endearment, similar to "mate" or "friend".
  • Fam - Short for "family", used to refer to friends or peers.
  • Peng - Describing something or someone as attractive or appealing.
  • Safe - Used to express approval or to say thank you.

More on www.englishinlondon - Multicultural London English

Cockney English

Cockney English is a dialect traditionally spoken by working-class Londoners, particularly those in the East End of London. It is characterized by its unique accent and vocabulary, with notable features including rhyming slang, dropping the 'h' at the beginning of words, and the use of glottal stops. Cockney English has become an integral part of London's cultural identity.

  • Apples and pears - Stairs
  • Dog and bone - Phone
  • Trouble and strife - Wife
  • Butcher's hook - Look
  • China plate - Mate (friend)
  • Barnet Fair - Hair
  • Ruby Murray - Curry
  • Hank Marvin - Starving (hungry)
  • Tea leaf - Thief
  • Plates of meat - Feet
  • Britney Spears - Beers
  • Blimey - An exclamation of surprise
  • Guv'nor - Respectful way to address a man
  • Bob's your uncle - There you have it; it's as simple as that
  • Cheerio - Goodbye
  • Chuffed - Very pleased
  • Knees up - A lively party or gathering
  • Pork pies - Lies
  • Quid - One British pound sterling
  • Use your loaf - Use your head (think)
  • Tom and Dick - Sick

More on www.englishinlondon.uk - Cockney English

Old Received Pronunciation

Old Received Pronunciation (RP), also known as Traditional RP or Conservative RP, refers to a prestigious British accent historically associated with the upper classes and educated speakers in England. It was considered a standard of English pronunciation and was commonly taught in schools and used by the BBC. Old RP is characterized by its clarity, non-regional nature, and certain distinctive pronunciation features. Over time, RP has evolved, and modern RP incorporates some changes while retaining its prestige.

  • `Bath (with a long "a" sound, as in "father")
  • Dance (with a long "a")
  • Chance (with a long "a")
  • Schedule (pronounced with a "sh" sound at the start)
  • Issue (with the "s" pronounced as "sh")
  • Often (with the "t" pronounced)
  • R (at the end of words is not pronounced, e.g., "car" sounds like "cah")
  • Leisure (pronounced "lee-zure")
  • Niche (pronounced "nitch")
  • Privacy (the first syllable rhymes with "pry")
  • Research (emphasis on the first syllable)
  • Secretary (emphasis on the first syllable)
  • Television (with the second syllable pronounced as "le")
  • Weekend (with equal emphasis on both syllables)
  • Wind (as in wind the clock, with a short "i")
  • Air (pronounced "eh")
  • Derby (pronounced "darby")
  • Mobile (emphasis on the first syllable)
  • Pasta (the "a" as in "cat")
  • Vitamin (with the first "i" pronounced as "eye")

More on www.englishinlondon.uk - Old RP (Received Pronunciation)

Other English dialects

London is a multicultural city, and there are many other English dialects spoken in the city, including Estuary English, which is a mixture of Cockney and RP, and many other regional accents from around the UK.

  • Caribbean English: This dialect is influenced by the languages spoken in the Caribbean, especially Jamaican Creole or Patois. It has distinctive features in pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary. Some examples of words and phrases are:
    • ting (thing)
    • wagwan (what's going on)
    • blud (friend)
    • bare (a lot of)
    • allow it (stop it)
  • Turkish English: This dialect is influenced by the Turkish language, which is spoken by many immigrants from Turkey and Cyprus. It has some features in pronunciation, such as the use of the uvular /r/ sound, and in vocabulary, such as the use of Turkish words or expressions. Some examples are:
    • abi (brother)
    • yenge (sister-in-law)
    • çok güzel (very beautiful)
    • tamam (okay)
    • lan (a particle used for emphasis or emotion)
  • Arabic English: This dialect is influenced by the Arabic language, which is spoken by many immigrants from the Middle East and North Africa. It has some features in pronunciation, such as the use of the pharyngeal /h/ sound, and in vocabulary, such as the use of Arabic words or expressions. Some examples are:
    • habibi (my dear)
    • wallah (I swear by God)
    • mashallah (God has willed it)
    • inshallah (God willing)
    • yalla (let's go)
  • South Asian English: This dialect is influenced by the languages spoken in South Asia, such as Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Punjabi and Tamil. It has some features in pronunciation, such as the use of retroflex consonants and the aspiration of voiceless stops, and in vocabulary, such as the use of words or expressions from South Asian languages. Some examples are:
    • namaste (hello)
    • acha (okay)
    • yaar (friend)
    • chai (tea)
    • bhai (brother)
  • West African English: This dialect is influenced by the languages spoken in West Africa, such as Yoruba, Akan, Igbo and Hausa. It has some features in pronunciation, such as the use of the labio-velar /w/ sound and the deletion of final consonants, and in vocabulary, such as the use of words or expressions from West African languages. Some examples are:
    • abeg (please)
    • wahala (trouble)
    • jollof (a type of rice dish)
    • oyinbo (a white person)
    • na (a particle used for emphasis or emotion)
  • Portuguese English: This dialect is influenced by the Portuguese language, which is spoken by many immigrants from Portugal, Brazil and Angola. It has some features in pronunciation, such as the use of the nasal vowels and the palatal /ʎ/ sound, and in vocabulary, such as the use of Portuguese words or expressions. Some examples are:
    • obrigado (thank you)
    • tudo bem (all good)
    • saudade (a feeling of longing or nostalgia)
    • galera (a group of friends)
    • festa (a party)
  • Chinese English: This dialect is influenced by the Chinese language, especially Mandarin and Cantonese. It has some features in pronunciation, such as the use of the tones and the lack of consonant clusters, and in vocabulary, such as the use of Chinese words or expressions. Some examples are:
    • ni hao (hello)
    • xie xie (thank you)
    • baozi (a type of steamed bun)
    • kung fu (a martial art)
    • aiya (an exclamation of surprise or annoyance)
  • Polish English: This dialect is influenced by the Polish language, which is spoken by many immigrants from Poland. It has some features in pronunciation, such as the use of the alveolar /r/ sound and the palatal /ɲ/ sound, and in vocabulary, such as the use of Polish words or expressions. Some examples are:
    • cześć (hello)
    • dzięki (thanks)
    • pierogi (a type of dumpling)
    • kurwa (a swear word)
    • no (a particle used for agreement or hesitation)
  • Russian English: This dialect is influenced by the Russian language, which is spoken by many immigrants from Russia and other former Soviet countries. It has some features in pronunciation, such as the use of the velar /x/ sound and the palatalized consonants, and in vocabulary, such as the use of Russian words or expressions. Some examples are:
    • privet (hello)
    • spasibo (thank you)
    • vodka (a type of alcoholic drink)
    • babushka (a grandmother or an old woman)
    • da (yes)
  • French African English: This dialect is influenced by the French language, which is spoken by many immigrants from francophone African countries, such as Senegal, Ivory Coast and Cameroon. It has some features in pronunciation, such as the use of the uvular /r/ sound and the nasal vowels, and in vocabulary, such as the use of French words or expressions. Some examples are:
    • bonjour (hello)
    • merci (thank you)
    • baguette (a type of bread)
    • couscous (a type of grain dish)
    • ça va (how are you)

More on www.englishinlondon.uk - Other dialects in London

Phrases from TV Series EastEnders:

  • "You ain't my mother!" - "Yes I am!" (Zoe and Kat Slater)
  • "Get outta my pub!" (Peggy Mitchell)
  • "Ricky!" (Bianca Jackson)
  • "It's all about the faaamily." (Various Mitchells)
  • "Hello Princess." (Den Watts)
  • "This is my manor!" (Phil Mitchell)
  • "What a Liberty!" (Various characters)
  • "I've got nothing left!" (Ian Beale)
  • "From this moment on, we're gonna do things proper!" (Phil Mitchell)
  • "You will never tell me what to do, lady!" (Dot Cotton)
  • "Phil Mitchell’s got nothing on me!" (Steve Owen)
  • "You know me, I ain't one to gossip." (Dot Cotton)
  • "This is where I belong. This is my home." (Ian Beale)
  • "With family like you, who needs enemies?" (Ben Mitchell)

    • More on www.englishinlondon.uk - EastEnders