un translatable *

to carry a torch for someone

Idiom USED On Occasion BY Some People

Means that you are in a difficult position with no easy solution.

"I'm in a bit of a pickle - the deadline is tomorrow and my computer just broke."

Submitted July 2020 by annawarnaby

Confirmed by 17 people

Idiom USED On Occasion BY Older Generations

To admire or love somebody in secret. Comes from the metaphor of a burning flame, i.e. to keep a fire burning.

"She's always carried a torch for him, maybe they'll get back together one day."

Submitted July 2020 by annawarnaby

Confirmed by 7 people

humblebrag

to have your head screwed on

Portmanteau USED On Occasion BY Millenials

(n.) A modest or self-deprecating statement that has the actual intention of drawing attention to something the speaker is proud of.

"He was complaining about having too many job offers to choose from." "What a humblebrag!"

Submitted July 2020 by annawarnaby

Confirmed by 9 people

Standard Phrase USED On Occasion BY Some People

To think or act in a smart and sensible way.

"What do you think of the new girl?" "She's good, she's got her head screwed on."

Submitted July 2020 by annawarnaby

Confirmed by 7 people

ok, boomer

English Southern England, United Kingdom

Expression USED On Occasion BY Millenials

(interj.) Used in a humorous or ironic manner to dismiss closed-minded opinions from the baby boomer generation (people born between 1946 and 1965) and older people more generally. Often used when someone's opinion is so out-of-touch that it would take too long to explain something to them.

"If you just stopped eating avocado toast, you'd be able to afford a house in no time." "Ok, boomer."

Submitted July 2020 by annawarnaby

Confirmed by 13 people

mugged off

English Essex, United Kingdom

Slang USED On Occasion BY Young People

To be played for a fool or rejected (romantically).

"Are you still dating that girl?" "Nah, I've been mugged off."

Submitted July 2020 by annawarnaby

Confirmed by 7 people

bun

Slang USED On Occasion BY Young People

(v.) Used when displaying a displeasure to a certain idea or thought.

"Do you want to go to the gym later?" "Nah, bun that!"

Submitted July 2020 by annawarnaby

Confirmed by 4 people

spend a penny

Expression USED On Occasion BY Older Generations

Euphemism meaning "to go to the bathroom", originating from a time when public toilets charged one penny. It is used mostly by women, as men's urinals were free to use.

"I'll be back in a minute, just going to spend a penny."

Submitted July 2020 by annawarnaby

skive

Slang USED Frequently BY Some People

(v.) To play truant, meaning to not go in to work or school when you are supposed to.

"Let's skive maths this afternoon, I haven't done the homework."

Submitted July 2020 by annawarnaby

quid

Slang USED Frequently BY Some People

(n.) The British pound.

"Can you lend me two quid for some chewing gum?"

Submitted July 2020 by annawarnaby

Confirmed by 9 people

leg it

Slang USED Frequently BY Young People

(v.) To run very fast.

"I forgot my keys so I legged it back to my house."

Submitted July 2020 by annawarnaby

English Northern England, United Kingdom

baccy

Slang USED On Occasion BY Some People

(n.) Shortened word for 'tobacco'.

"I'm rolling a cigarette, can I use your baccy?"

Submitted July 2020 by annawarnaby

English Northern England, United Kingdom

syn

How do?

Standard Phrase USED On Occasion BY Some People

Greeting often used between walkers as they pass each other on a hike. It doesn't really mean anything but it an expression of friendliness that does not require an actual answer.

"How do?" "How do?"

Submitted July 2020 by annawarnaby

Confirmed by 4 people

syn

bagsy

Slang USED Frequently BY Some People

(v.) To claim something for yourself, reserving it so someone else can't take it.

"Bagsy front seat!" "Don't take the last slice of cake, I've bagsy'd it."

Submitted July 2020 by annawarnaby

Confirmed by 4 people

punching

Slang USED Frequently BY Young People

(v.) Used to indicate that someone's partner is more attractive than them, and they have done well to get them. Often used by men in a positive way to praise their friend's girlfriend.

"You're punching with her, mate, she's gorgeous!"

Submitted July 2020 by annawarnaby