‘Brilliant’ is not a word exclusively in the British lexicon, but has a very British usage. Specifically, when something is exciting or wonderful, particularly when something is good news, ‘brilliant’ can mean as such. For example, ‘You got the job? Oh, mate, that’s brilliant.
Is Brilliant A British word?
It comes from the French brillant, meaning “shining,” from the French verb briller, “to shine.” Brilliant was originally used as a way to describe things that literally shine or sparkle, such as the sun or a diamond.
What does brilliant mean in British slang?
Adj. Good, clever, well-conceived or -executed. Very commonly used in the U.K., generally to express rather less enthusiasm than in the U.S. (indeed, it is frequently noncommittal or ironic), and to refer to a an experience, quality, idea, or other intangible, as opposed to a person.
How do you say amazing in British slang?
Ace: One fun British slang term is “ace,” which means something that’s awesome or brilliant – i.e., “She’s ace at navigating confusing driving directions.” It’s also used as a verb to describe excelling at something, like acing a test.
What is the most popular British slang?
20 of the Most Common British Slang Words
- Fit (adj) So, in the UK fit doesn’t just mean that you go to the gym a lot.
- Loo (noun)
- Dodgy (adj)
- Proper (adj)
- Knackered (adj)
- Quid (noun)
- Skint (noun)
- To Skive (verb) Skiver (noun)
Do Americans say brilliant?
The word brilliant has actually remained common in American English (AmE) for centuries, though it is typically used in a different context to how it is deployed in Britain.
Why do Brits say brilliant?
‘Brilliant’ is not a word exclusively in the British lexicon, but has a very British usage. Specifically, when something is exciting or wonderful, particularly when something is good news, ‘brilliant’ can mean as such. For example, ‘You got the job? Oh, mate, that’s brilliant.
What do Americans say instead of brilliant?
Some common synonyms of brilliant are bright, luminous, lustrous, and radiant.
What do British people say for great?
Brilliant! – Meaning great, it’s not only seen in British English.
Why do British say bloody?
Bloody. Don’t worry, it’s not a violent word… it has nothing to do with “blood”.”Bloody” is a common word to give more emphasis to the sentence, mostly used as an exclamation of surprise. Something may be “bloody marvellous” or “bloody awful“. Having said that, British people do sometimes use it when expressing anger…
Is bruv British slang?
11. Bruv. Short for “brother”, this London street slang is used to refer to a male friend. “You alright bruv?”
How do Brits say drunk?
Pissed / Pished
Strictly speaking, “pissed” (or “pished” in Scotland) is a swear word and you shouldn’t use it in a formal, professional or school context. However it is probably the most commonly used word in the UK to describe being drunk. If you spend any time in the UK, you will hear it all the time.
What do Brits say when they’re surprised?
1. “Blimey!” What does it mean? Used primarily in London, but now all across the UK, to express surprise, excitement or alarm.
How do British people say pretty?
Below is the UK transcription for ‘pretty’: Modern IPA: prɪ́tɪj. Traditional IPA: ˈprɪtiː 2 syllables: “PRIT” + “ee”
What do British guys call their girlfriends?
British terms of endearment: ‘Sweetheart’, ‘love’, ‘darling’…
What should you not say to a British person?
10 Things You Should Never Say To a British Person
- “I love British accents!”
- “I can do the best British accent.”
- “Oh, you’re from London!”
- “Oh, you’re from Europe!”
- “Cheers, mate!”
- “My great-grandmother was British!”
- “Ohmaigaaad I could listen to you talk all day.”
- “Do you live in a castle?”
Do Brits say awesome?
According to a study by Lancaster University and Cambridge University Press, Britain has all but abandoned the former adjective in favour of the latter. Early evidence from their project, the Spoken British National Corpus 2014, shows that “awesome” now turns up in conversation 72 times per million words.
Why do Brits say US instead of me?
It’s just an old English way of speaking. Many people say “us” but if they are writing will use the word “me”. I was born in Sunderland and I use it some times, depends who I am talking to. “us” meaning you and me sounds like “uss”.
What is the British slang for girl?
‘Lass’ or ‘lassie’ is another word for ‘girl’. This is mainly in the north of England and Scotland. ‘Lad’ is another word for boy. ‘Bloke’ or ‘chap’ means ‘man’.
What does brilliant mean in America?
1 : very bright : glittering a brilliant light. 2a : striking, distinctive a brilliant example. b : distinguished by unusual mental keenness or alertness brilliant scientists. 3 British : very good : excellent.
How do you say OK in British slang?
Tickety-boo – means OK and may have originated from a Hindi word meaning everything is fine. It’s one of those nice-sounding words you will hear when someone wants to express everything is going exceptionally well.