60 British phrases

60 British phrases that will confuse anybody who didn't grow up in the UK
Story by emcdowell@insider.com (Erin McDowell) • 2h
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60 British phrases that will confuse anybody who didn't grow up in the UK

60 British phrases that will confuse anybody who didn't grow up in the UK
"A few sandwiches short of a picnic" means someone who lacks common sense.
"Anorak" refers to someone who's a little bit geeky, with strong interests or expertise in a niche area.
"Bagsy" is the equivalent of calling "shotgun" or "dibs" when something, like the front seat of the car or food, is offered up to a group.
"Bee's knees" refers to something at the "height of cool."
A "bender" is an extended period of drinking, usually in excess.
A "bird" is an informal word for a girl or young woman.
60 British phrases that will confuse anybody who didn't grow up in the UK
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From "chockablock" to a "full Monty," the Brits have a wide range of interesting slang words.
You don't want to be described as "dim," "a mug," or "a few sandwiches short of a picnic."
If you're "zonked" or "cream crackered," you might want to take a nap.
Brits have an interesting vernacular that includes words and phrases that might confuse many Americans.

Some terms, like "dim," "a mug," or "a few sandwiches short of a picnic," can be used as colorful insults, while being called "cheeky" can be either negative or positive, depending on the context.

Here are 60 British phrases that will confuse anybody who didn't grow up in the UK.

An earlier version of this story was written by Bobbie Edsor.

Read the original article on Insider

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"A few sandwiches short of a picnic" means someone who lacks common sense.
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The phrase was first documented in the BBC's "Lenny Henry Christmas Special" in 1987.

"She's great fun, but she's a few sandwiches short of a picnic."

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"Anorak" refers to someone who's a little bit geeky, with strong interests or expertise in a niche area.
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Although it's more often used as a synonym for raincoat, an anorak is something slightly different in playground slang. This word probably originates from the "uncool" appearance of anorak coats and the people wearing them.

"Thomas is such an anorak when it comes to train trivia."

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"Bagsy" is the equivalent of calling "shotgun" or "dibs" when something, like the front seat of the car or food, is offered up to a group.
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School kids might call "bagsy" on items in their friends' pack lunches, like an apple or a cereal bar, that the friend isn't going to eat.

"Does anyone want thi—"

"Bagsy!"

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"Bee's knees" refers to something at the "height of cool."
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This phrase became mainstream in the USA in the 1920s despite its British origins, but its popularity in the States has dwindled since the turn of the century.

The "bee's knees" referred to small or insignificant details when it was first documented in the 18th century. Since then, the phrase has evolved and refers to something popular or cool.

"The Beatles are the bee's knees."