Learning The Slang: A Quick And Easy Guide For Immigrants In The United Kingdom

English is the language commonly used in the United Kingdom but immigrants in the country are having trouble from time to time trying to understand what the locals are saying. Most of the time, it is not because the immigrants do not really know the language – sometimes, it is because most immigrants are familiar with US English rather than British English. Aside from that, another big reason why people are having trouble with it is that slang is also often used in the United Kingdom. This means that there is a language within the language and that poses a bit of a challenge for the newcomers.

 

It is a good thing that there are guides like this article that could help immigrants in the UK have a grasp on some of the commonly used slang or lingo in the country. This would allow them to understand conversations better and be able to interact with the locals well. This may even help them become a hit among the locals for knowing about the common slang.

 

What are these slang? Read on.

 

Snookered

 

Snooker is a really old game but it does not really have any connection to this slang. Snookered in the UK means that a person is in a situation that seems like they cannot escape from.

 

Melinda had been trying to avoid Catherine for the longest time but because she was the maid of honor at their common friend’s wedding and Catherine was also part of the bridal team, it seems like Melinda has been snookered. Poor Melinda.

 

Sod’s law

 

This slang is fairly simple. It means that when something has the possibility of going wrong, it definitely will. It is the UK version of Murphy’s law.

 

Sod’s law was at work for Robin today. Despite all his preparations for his great debate, everything simply went wrong. He must’ve felt like he was in one of those movies where nothing simply goes right for the hero.

 

Shirty

 

When someone is showing signs that he or she is already irritable, that person is described to be shirty.

 

I wonder what has gotten into Manny today. He was getting shirty and people weren’t pleased with him.

 

Spend a penny

 

In the United Kingdom, when someone is said to spend a penny, it means that they are going to the bathroom. It is said that this slang started during that time when people had to pay a penny to use the public toilets in the country.

 

I’m so happy that the toilets were clean today when I had to spend a penny. I usually find them gross and dirty.

 

Squiffy

 

This is what describes a person that has had a few drinks, is not yet drunk, but is on his or her way towards being drunk.

 

Leigh already felt squiffy so she stopped drinking. She knew that she really can’t handle her alcohol well.

 

 

 

The secret to successfully moving to the United Kingdom? It’s these programs from Global Visa Support: http://globalvisasupport.com/uk.html.

 

Take professional advice and help from the Global Visa Support team on moving to the UK: http://www.globalvisasupport.com/contacts.html.