Q&A for How to Understand British Terms

Everything here is accurate in most of England, but some words depend on what part of England you're in. Someone from North Manchester could say something and someone from Surrey could be completely lost. Just as the USA has different slang depending on the region ('soda' versus 'pop' is a popular debate, for example), England also has regional-specific slang. These words are all the most common/popular though, so they are accurate.

To 'toss off' is to masturbate. Therefore, to call someone a 'tosser' is to call them a masturbater. Depending on the context, this can be insulting or playful teasing. For example, "Sod off, you tosser!" said in an angry tone would be considered as an insult, but "Sod off, you tosser!" said in a teasing tone of voice would be considered poking fun. Just watch your tone and make sure you're close with who you're saying it to if you're trying to be playful rather than rude.

A car (but if you want to say vehicle it's pronounced "veer-cle" not "vee-hic-le").

"Nursing home" is also the American term.

Bread cake is a slightly uncommon term used in Yorkshire for a bread roll. The same item might be referred to as a bap, barm cake, cob, batch, oggie, buttery, bridie, morning roll, lardie cake, stotty, scuffler, Vienna or tea cake by the people of the UK.

Much like other places, you simply call the establishment you wish to make the reservation at, and tell them you'd like to make a reservation. They should ask for the information they need, but in case they don't, tell them the date and time you'd like and ask if they have it available, then give them the name you want the reservation under. Alternatively, you can try walking into the establishment and asking to create a reservation for a later date, but the most common way is over the phone.

If you're asking how to gain a British stranger's attention in public, then it's rather simple. You look in their direction and politely, but firmly, say, "Excuse me," maybe even raising a hand slightly towards them about shoulder-level to catch their eye. Don't touch them, though. No one likes to be randomly grabbed by a stranger. Don't say, "Pardon me," as this is used when you've done something rude or embarrassing.

Saying "this is a mess," works but can be seen as rather formal. Other options include: "This is a tip," or "This is a pigsty," when referring to an untidy place. If you are referring to messy work, saying "This is a dog's dinner" works.

Yes, a lot of these would be, but Scottish people also have their own slang. But it is likely they'll understand the terms.

''You alright?'', ''Yo.'' ''Hi.'', those are the greetings that are commonly used.