Reddit users list their favourite British words and phrases
British swearwords and phrases appeared highly popular with people from around the world
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Your support makes all the difference.People from around the world have weighed in on their favourite British phrase, with predictably humorous results.
In response to a question posted on Reddit, users from around the world detailed their confusion and affection for some typically British turns of phrase.
Among the gems was widespread bafflement over the use of “Youalright” as “an acknowledgement of your existence” rather than any form of genuine inquiry, as a British user patiently explained.
Another favourite was the phrase, generally taken to mean a lack of desire, of “can’t be arsed to”.
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“Taking the piss,” was also touted as an enjoyably British phrase, even if one US user was confused: “Parts of Kingsman were so confusing until I found out that this didn't mean the same thing as ‘taking a piss’.”
The other swearwords and phrases that were highly regarded by non-English speakers included: “Built like a brick s***house”, “bollocks” (and variations thereon) and finally “S** off” or “S** all”. Which (British) user Katakoom claimed was “our greatest contribution to the global swearing index.”
User BridgeHammer wrote: “Oi is one of the most expressive words in the language. Its hard to explain but the tone in which its said can convey so many emotions and intentions.”
Among the profanities – which appeared to be what many non-Britons most admired the English language for – there were also some softer expressions held in affect. “’Oh my days,’” said user regularstandin. “Old fashioned and quite adorable.”
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