
The butter LONDON Dictionary
Aston |
ˈastən
As in Aston-Martin, the British super car made famous by James Bond in the 1964 film 'Goldfinger'.
all heyl the kween
All Hail is used as an acclamation or welcome, as in "All Hail this gorgeous lacquer".
ahrt-fuh l doj-er
The beloved Cockney pickpocket in Oliver Twist was known as "The Artful Dodger".
big smōk
The big smoke, an affectionate name for the city of London, due to heavy smog caused by Victorian chimney stacks and trains.
bloh-ing raz-ber-ee
This term refers to the noise made when sticking ones tongue out and blowing, usually as a rude gesture to another person.
bronwens ˈfeðər
Branwen is a female raven belonging to the Queen of England. She currently resides at the Tower of London.
brit-ish reys-ing green
The international motor racing colour of Great Britain, this green used to be the standard paint colour on all Formula One racing cars in the days before sponsorship.
Bumster |
buhm-ster
British reference to ones "booty" or butt.
Chancer |
ˈch ans(ə)r
Brit slang for someone who is sleazy and fake, or tries to pick up women who are out of his league.
chee-kee chops
A term of endearments for someone who is saying things that are a bit naughty (usually a child).
ˈ ch imnē swēp
Chimney sweeps were often depicted in Victorian literature as heartless, abusive scoundrels.
ˈdī(ə)mənd ˈgēzər
A "diamond geezer" is what the Cockneys call a kind, helpful and reliable man; A gem of a man.
ˈdiskō ˈbiskit
A club term from the rave days of the early 90's for a tablet of Ecstasy.
Dosh |
dɒʃ
Dosh is Brit slang for money or cash. "Can I have a bit of dosh, love? I fancy a kebab."
ˈfash pak
Any group of British women who are truly slaves to fashion, or work for one of the top UK fashion magazines.
ˈhenlē riˈgatə
A rowing race held every year on the river Thames, used primarily as an excuse for very rich Brits to get smashed on the riverbanks.
Hoorah Henri |
hoō-ˈrä
A posh young man, usually loud-spoken, narcissistic, and terribly, terribly English.
nak-erd
To be tired or exhausted. "Wow, you look knackered. What did you get up to last night?!"
La Moss |
lä môs
Adding the prefix "La" to anyone's name implies that they are a diva. A Fashionista's nickname for England's most famous model.
Macbeth |
məkˈbeθ
King of Scotland 1040-57. Also a play by William Shakespeare about the dangers of the lust for power and betrayal of friends. (Just like Keifer in '24')
Marrow |
mar-oh
Hand mixed for the Vena Cava designers, who named it after the dark purple, rusty center of a bone.
Minger |
ming-er
British street slang for an ugly person. "Did you see that face? What a minger!"
No More Waity, Katie |
noh mohr weyt key-tee
One day my prince will come and I will wrap him around my tiny, sparkling finger.
ōld ˈblītē
An informal and typically affectionate term for Britain, chiefly used by soldiers in World War I, and World War II.
Pearly Queen |
pur-lee kween
A Pearly Queen is a woman dressed in a traditional Cockney costume covered in mother-of-pearl buttons.
ˈpilər bäks red
Large, cylindrical public mailboxes only seen in Britain, which are always painted a specific shade of red.
Pink Ribbon |
ping k ˈribən
A modern icon that symbolizes breast cancer awareness.
ˈprimˌrōz hil ˈpikˌnik
A modern icon that symbolizes breast cancer awareness.
kwēn vik
Beloved monarch, responsible for many of London's most beautiful landmarks. (Also the name of about 3,000 English pubs).
roh-zee lee
Cockney Rhyming slang for a cup of tea. "Put the kettle on Love, I fancy a Rosie Lee."
ˈroiəl ney-vee
The Royal Navy is the oldest of the British armed services and played a key part in establishing the British Empire.
ˈsôsē jak
Nickname for Jack the Ripper, as coined in the legendary film, 'This Is Spinal Tap'.
Scoundrel |
skoun-druh l
An unprincipled, dishonorable person, villain, or scamp. Your ex-boyfriend, your builder, and your boss rolled into one.
tē wiθðə kwēn
A highly prestigious invitation extended to important and boring members of the British public.
Thames |
temz
The often mispronounced river that runs through London. It's "Tims", you crazy Yanks!
tramp stamp
A tattoo on the small of a woman's back, whose presence signifies that she is "easy".
trout - pout
Cruel slang for a woman who has "overdone" the collagen in her lips, leaving her with a rather fishy face.
vik-tawr-ee-an-uh
Things reminiscent of the Victorian era, such as corsets, top hats and Syphilis.
west end ˈwəndərˌland
London's answer to "Broadway" in NYC, where hopeful starlets alight from buses and straight into strip clubs.