Quotes from writers who have captured the nation’s spirit perfectly
1 We have really everything in common with America nowadays except, of course, language.
Oscar Wilde
2 The English are not a very spiritual people, so they invented cricket to give them some idea of eternity.
George Bernard Shaw
3 If I should die, think only this of me:
That there’s some corner of a foreign field
That is forever England.
Rupert Brooke,The Soldier
4 The maxim of the British people is “Business as usual.”
Winston Churchill
5 When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.
Samuel Johnson
6 “The language itself, whether you speak it or not, whether you love it or hate it, is like some bewitchment or seduction from the past, drifting across the country down the centuries, subtly affecting the nations sensibilities even when its meaning is forgotten.”
Jan Morris,Wales: The First Place
7 Farewell to the Highlands, farewell to the North,
The birth-place of Valour, the country of Worth;
Wherever I wander, wherever I rove,
The hills of the Highlands for ever I love.
Robert Burns, My Heart’s In The Highlands
8 Scotland small? Our multiform, infinite Scotland SMALL?
Hugh MacDiarmid
9 The land of embarrassment and breakfast.
Julian Barnes
10 The English certainly and fiercely pride themselves in never praisingthemselves.
Wyndham Lewis
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FAQs
Gutted – To describe how you feel when something utterly saddens you. Hunky-dory – normal, fine, cool. Posh – Another well-known term that extends past the borders Great Britain, posh means something that is fancy. Proper – Sure, it can mean something that is not inappropriate, but it also means very.
What is the most British greeting? ›
British people commonly greet each other with phrases like "Hello", "Hi", "Good morning", "Good afternoon", or "Good evening". Additionally, depending on the region and familiarity, they might use informal greetings like "Alright?" or "How's it going?".
What is flirting in British slang? ›
To 'fancy' someone is to find that person attractive, e.g., 'He just smiled. I think he fancies you'. If you fancy him too, you could 'ask him out', which is to ask him to go on a date with you. 'Chat up' is to flirt with someone, e.g., 'She was chatting me up at the party'.
What are 3 words that British people say? ›
What Are Some Slang Words in the U.K.?
- #1: Bloke/lad. Both are endearing terms for male friends or pals; bloke is the equivalent of “dude” or “bro,” and lad refers to younger men and boys.
- #2: Bonkers. ...
- #3: Daft. ...
- #4: Dodgy. ...
- #5: Knackered. ...
- #6: Bloody. ...
- #7: Chuffed. ...
- #8: Fiver/Tenner.
Jiffy. – this is a quintessentially British saying meaning you'll do something immediately. You might say it to show you are keen, for example: “If you're cooking dinner I'll be there in a jiffy.”
What is the British slang for wow? ›
Blimey. Interpretation: A way of expressing surprise, amazement, or even wonder. In American English, you'd probably hear a "wow" instead. In use: "Blimey, it's late!
What is the British slang for pretty girl? ›
Bonnie. Used in Scotland, this word means "pretty" or "beautiful", and is normally used in reference to a woman.
What is the British slang for hot guy? ›
“Bev” means a "handsome man."
What is a kisser British slang? ›
kisser in British English
1. a person who kisses, esp in a way specified. a good kisser. 2. a slang word for mouth, face.
What is the most iconic British thing? ›
A quick online search for 'the most British things' brings up a vast array of Britishisms but the most common seem to be: saying sorry, queueing, (bad teeth), separate hot and cold water taps, roast dinners, and tea and crumpets with the Queen. Naturally, everyone in the UK has tea with the Queen at least once.
Keep Calm and Carry On was a motivational poster produced by the Government of the United Kingdom in 1939 in preparation for World War II.
What are British sayings for excellent? ›
Bees knees. – the phrase does not relate to bees or knees but is an idiom for excellent. It became popular in the 1920s along with “cat's whiskers.”
What was Little Britain catchphrases? ›
Lou Todd and Andy Pipkin are fictional characters from the BBC sketch comedy series Little Britain, played by David Walliams and Matt Lucas respectively. Andy's catchphrases include, "Yeah I know", "Want that one" and "(I) Don't like it", while Lou's catchphrase is "What a kerfuffle!"
