25 British Phrases You MUST Know to Sound Native 🇬🇧

Summary

This video explores 25 commonly used British expressions that will help you sound more fluent and natural in everyday English conversations. From casual greetings like 'You all right?' to phrases for handling situations such as 'I'm on it,' viewers learn informal, cultural expressions that are essential in British English. The video also highlights the differences between British and American English, providing practical tips for sounding more confident. The speaker encourages practicing these phrases to boost fluency and make conversations more relaxed and friendly.

Takeaways

• 😀 Casual greetings in the UK are often informal and include phrases like 'You all right?' or 'How’s it going?', instead of the more formal 'How are you today?'.
• 😀 In the UK, asking 'You okay?' or 'You good?' is a common greeting, and not a sign of concern, unlike in the US where it may imply someone is unwell.
• 😀 British people often use the phrase 'just having a laugh' to mean they're joking around and not to be taken seriously.
• 😀 Phrases like 'Fingers crossed' express hope for a good result, such as wishing someone good luck on their exam or the weather holding up for the weekend.
• 😀 The phrase 'Hang on' or 'Hold on' is commonly used to ask someone to wait for a moment.
• 😀 'Absolutely' is frequently used in the UK as a definitive yes or to agree, often used casually, e.g., 'Are you coming to the pub later? Absolutely.'
• 😀 To express that something is being dealt with immediately, people often say 'I’m on it.'
• 😀 'No worries' is a versatile phrase used to mean 'It’s okay' or 'You’re welcome'. It’s informal and friendly.
• 😀 The phrase 'It slipped my mind' is used when someone forgets something, and 'to call it a day' means to stop working or end something.
• 😀 British people frequently say 'Can’t be bothered' (or 'Can’t be asked') to indicate they don’t have the motivation or energy to do something.
• 😀 'Feeling a bit under the weather' is a casual way of saying someone isn’t feeling well, while 'It’s a no-brainer' means something is an obvious choice or decision.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the expressions mentioned in the video?

The main purpose of the expressions mentioned in the video is to help non-native English speakers sound more natural, fluent, and confident when speaking English, especially in informal settings.

What does 'You're all right?' mean in British English?

'You're all right?' is a casual way of asking 'How are you?' or 'Are you okay?' It's an informal greeting often used in the UK, and it doesn't necessarily imply that something is wrong.

How does the phrase 'You good?' differ from American English expressions?

'You good?' is a very informal, shorthand greeting used in the UK, often to ask if someone is doing okay. In American English, this might be seen as an unusual or odd way to check in on someone’s well-being.

What is the meaning of 'having a laugh' in British slang?

'Having a laugh' means joking around or not taking something seriously. It is often used to let someone know that you’re just being playful and not trying to offend them.

What does 'Fingers crossed' signify in British English?

'Fingers crossed' is used to express hope or a wish for good luck, especially when anticipating a positive outcome or result.

What does the expression 'Can't be bothered' mean?

'Can't be bothered' is used when someone doesn’t have the energy, motivation, or desire to do something. It can also be said as 'Can't be asked,' which is slightly ruder.

What does 'It's a no-brainer' mean in everyday British English?

'It’s a no-brainer' refers to a decision that is obvious and easy to make because the choice is clear and simple.

Why is 'Each to their own' used, and what does it mean?

'Each to their own' is used to acknowledge that everyone has different tastes or preferences, and that's okay. It’s a way to express tolerance for differing opinions or choices.

What is the cultural difference between the UK and US when asking 'Are you okay?'

In the UK, asking 'Are you okay?' or similar questions is a common greeting and does not imply concern about someone's well-being. However, in the US, it may be interpreted as implying that something is wrong with the person being asked.

How does 'To face the music' relate to consequences?

'To face the music' means to deal with the consequences of one’s actions, often after making a mistake or poor decision.