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?'
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