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Languages & Colloquialisms
The English language
is probably the richest example of how a common language can be used so
differently; from the gilded tones of our monarchy, to regional and
international variations, what you think you know as English can be quite far
removed from what you are hear on your first day in the United Kingdom!
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Languages of the UK
English is of course the main language in the UK, but it is
linguistically a very diverse place; it may interest you to know
that for schools for 7-11 year olds in London alone, for
example,
over 300 different languages are
spoken! |
The
countries of the United Kingdom also have their own languages; all of
which are in use and are taught alongside English in schools. Click on
the links to hear some examples of spoken national languages.
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Gaelic is the traditional language of Scotland |
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Welsh is the traditional language of Wales |
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Gaeilge/Irish is the traditional language in Northern
Ireland |
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Colloquialisms
Almost every region of the United Kingdom has some form of
regional accent and accompanying colloquialisms.
The most famous group of UK colloquialisms is
Cockney Rhyming Slang (a
Cockney is someone born in the East End of London using slang
to avoid being understood by the Police). |
From greetings to identifying regions of the body that a patient
may be referring to; there are a host of colloquialisms that you
should be aware of.
You
should take the time to research your chosen locality and to
understand some of the phrases and terminologies that you may
not be familiar with.
Here
is a tiny selection of colloquialisms that should start you
thinking!
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Alright?
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This is a typical greeting used by
the English especially in the north. |
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Blag
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Lying in order to get something for
nothing. |
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Chuffed
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Happy (with something). |
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Fuzz
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The
Police Force. |
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Gob
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Mouth. |
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Gutted
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Not happy because of an event that
has occurred that didn't go your way. |
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Jammy
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Lucky. |
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Knackered
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Tired. |
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Nick
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Steal.
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Ratted
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Drunk (there are many others including, battered, trollied, three sheets to the wind, wasted). |
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Skint
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No money. |
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Skive
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To avoid something (usually work). |
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Sussed
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To
work something out |
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Tummy
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Stomach. |
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Whinge
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To whine or complain. |
There are some great guides and handbooks to help you through
the minefield that are UK colloquialisms!
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