21 British Sayings That Americans Don't Get

There are sayings you can hear in the United Kingdom that you will simply don't understand the meaning of. This is because Brits are just a different kettle of fish. They often leave people confused about what they have just heard and the truth is they quite like it. In fact, they love it.

1. "I'll give you a bunch of fives."

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No, that doesn't mean they like you nor they are happy or want to greet you. What it means is that they will punch you in the face. Literally.

2. "I'm knackered."

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Wait... What? You're maybe a bit confused. If a British person tells you he is knackered that means he's really tired. And he has no time to deal with you.

3. "I was gobsmacked."

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You were what?! If you are asking yourself that question you probably don't understand that person was simply shocked about something. That's all.

4. "Don't get your knickers in a twist."

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And you're probably staring at the person not knowing what he means. Well, he wants to tell you he is getting annoyed or angry with you. This is the time you should leave or stop talking.

5. "He was talking nineteen to the dozen."

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This one is not that hard to guess, right? But for the ones that are still not getting it, the person is talking about someone who was talking very fast.

6. "Spend a penny."

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No, that doesn't mean the person wants to spend money or to buy something cheap. Bargains are not the case here. He actually wants to visit the bathroom.

7. "Did you just fluff?"

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If you were asked that the person wants to know if you have soiled the air. You know... released your body gases. You know what I mean.

8. "You know what I mean?"

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We just say that. There is no need to assure the person you understand him. It is just a conversation filler.

9. "Cheers!"

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Americans usually use that word when they clink their glasses. Well, if you have always wondered why Brits end their email with "Cheers!" it's because they mean "Thank you.". They don't toast you!

10. "She's got a face like a bag full of spanners."

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And you're probably wondering what the person is trying to say... Brits use that when they describe a not that attractive person.

11. "You look smart."

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No, you don't look clever. What we mean is you are dressed nice. You know, when your outfit looks put together.

12. "It's a bit dear."

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Usually, Americans think we mean something is really cute. What we mean is the thing we're looking at is too expensive. It is just the polite way to say it.

13. "It's parky out."

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You can hear someone say that during winter days. Yes, you guessed it! It means it is cold outside.

14. "I'm out on the pull tonight."

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To go out and look for a lady or a man to spend a romantic time with. It is exactly what Americans mean when saying "To get laid".

15. "Let's have a chin-wag."

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It is pretty self-explanatory. It means a person wants to have a chat with you. And it is typically associated with gossiping.

16. "That's manky."

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When something is really dirty or disgusting. That word dates back to the 1950s.

17. "I'm chuffed to bits."

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It means a person is really happy or thrilled. You can also hear "chuffed" used on it's own. It means the same thing.

18. "I'm off to Bedfordshire."

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No, the person is not going to Bedfordshire. What he means is he is going to bed.

19. "Fall arse over tit."

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It is used for an embarrassing fall.

20. "See a man about a dog."

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Another British saying related to one's need to visit the bathroom.

21. "I'm easy."

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By saying that Brits don't mean it's easy to start a flirt with them. Right, we are not talking about that kind of "easy". They actually mean "I don't mind".

Sources:

1. 71 Simple British Slang Phrases Everyone Should Start Using

2. Professional Window Cleaning Company in London

3, British Slang