Britishism : a word or phrase characteristic of speakers of English in Britain and not usually used by English speakers elsewhere. Colloquialisms refer to words or phrases that are not formal or literary, typically those used in ordinary or familiar conversations. There are a lot of colloquial British terms, which are used in natural British English, but are not really used in American English.
Here are some of the most common colloquialisms:
1. Bloke
(noun) synonym: man.
We use bloke to describe a man whose name is either not known or not important. It implies that the man is ordinary:
'I heard a bloke on the train say that tomorrow's trains will be delayed. '
2. Fag
(noun) synonym: cigarette.
In British English, a cigarette is known as a fag, but in American English fag is a slang word for a 'homosexual. '! So be careful where you use it!
'Tom went outside for a fag. I think he smokes too much!'
3. Fancy
(verb) to want to do or have something/ to be attracted to someone.
To want to do something: 'Do you fancy going to the cinema on Friday?'
4. Hoover
(verb/noun) synonym: to vacuum/vacuum cleaner.
Hoover is a company that makes vacuum cleaners. The company is so well known that the brand name is often used instead of vacuum cleaner.
'I need to buy a new hoover. Mine is broken. '
'The carpet is dirty. When was the last time you hoovered?'
5. Mate
(noun) synonym: friend
Widely used in British and Australian English. It simply means 'friend':
'We've been mates since we met in high school. '
6. Merry
The word "merry" is used as a euphemism for being drunk in the UK. This is not the case in the US.
7. Pint
(noun) synonym: beer
A pint is 568 ml using the Imperial system. In British bars and pubs pints of beer (or half - pints) are served. We use pint to mean a beer in a pub.
'Do you want to go for a pint after work?'