10 British English Slang Words to Describe a Person

Oh hi there… hey now, don’t be daft and  disappear, I have a lush lesson on British  

slang phrases that you can use to describe a  person. I recommend you take notes, or download  

the free PDF for this lesson, link is in the  description below. Come on, let's get started! 

Muppet - Muppet is a British slang term  used to describe someone who is foolish,  

naïve, or clueless and seemingly  unaware of the world around them.  

It is often used to describe someone who is  out of their depth and ill-equipped to handle  

a situation, seeming to lack the ability to think  and act logically. The term 'muppet' implies a  

person is not particularly bright or capable  and is often used as a lightly derogatory term. 

Pronunciation - This is two syllables  and the stress, the weight is on the  

first syllable, the e sounds like an i, so  although it looks like PET we pronounce the  

end as PIT or PI(T) - we usually drop the final t. ”I am really excited about this.” ”Yeah it should  

be fun. Did you bring your costume?” ”No, but  I’ve got my rain mac.” ”What, why?” ”You said  

I should be prepared to get wet, so I brought my  mac.” ”Jen, we are going swimming, you muppet,  

there are slides, I meant your hair will probably  get wet…never mind, we’ll buy you a costume.” 

Fit - This phrase is commonly used to describe  someone with a toned and attractive physique.  

And besides being used to describe someone who  is in shape, it’s also often used to describe  

someone who is generally attractive. Pronunciation - Fit is one syllable,  

we often glottalise the t. "Dave is so fit, I mean he’s  

physically fit ‘cos he’s always at the  gym, but he’s also just really fit!" 

Lush - As an adjective, lush is used to describe  someone who is exceptionally attractive, with an  

alluring beauty that is sure to turn heads. They  have an eye-catching look that is irresistible.  

As a noun, a lush is a person who  regularly drinks too much alcohol. 

Pronunciation - Lush is one syllable,  say it with me, lush. The vowel U sounds  

closer to an a, so although it looks  like LUSH we pronounce it as LUSH. 

"Hey Tracy, have you laid eyes on the new guy  yet? He's so lush!" "Yeah, I’ve invited him  

to the pub after work for a few drinks.” ”You  are such a lush, you’re always down the pub."  

”Wanna come with us?” ”I thought you’d never ask.” Legend is a term that is used to describe someone  

who is exceptionally cool, popular, and admired.  Someone who is respected by those around them.  

This phrase is often used to recognise those  who have achieved something special, or those  

who have made a positive impact in the world. They  may not be famous, but they still have a special  

place in the hearts of those who know them. Pronunciation - Legend is two syllables,  

the stress is on the first syllable. "Did you hear about Mark? He saved a young  

girl from drowning this morning. He was walking  over the bridge on his way to work when he spotted  

her in the water. He didn’t think twice, just  dived straight in to save her. What a legend." 

Bloke - This is a slang term for a man,  typically referring to someone who is  

friendly and down-to-earth. Pronunciation - Bloke is  

one syllable, and the vowel o represents  the diphthong OH, say it with me, bloke. 

"John is such a nice bloke, he  always trims my hedges when he’s  

out doing his garden. And I never  asked him to do it. Top bloke." 

Charmer - This phrase is used to describe  someone who is attractive, charismatic,  

and able to charm people. They may have the gift  of the gab. Their presence can be felt in a room,  

and they can quickly win people over  with their wit, humour, and charisma. 

Pronunciation - Charmer is two syllables,  the stress is on the first syllable. 

"I don’t know why, but when I’m around Paul  I get so nervous. He’s such a charmer.” 

I wish I were a charmer, then I could convince  the 78% of viewers who don’t subscribe,  

to click that subscribe button and  become a part of The ELAN Crew!  

Go on, click it, you know you want to…..moving on. Brainbox - This phrase is used to describe someone  

who is exceptionally intelligent, very clever  basically. They are able to absorb and process  

information quickly. I am bright but  I am not a brainbox, that’s for sure. 

Pronunciation - Brainbox is two syllables,  the stress is on the first syllable. 

"Sophia just graduated from Cambridge, she's a  real brainbox. She's already been offered a job  

doing research for a top pharmaceutical company." Jack the lad - This phrase is used to describe a  

man who is a bit of a show-off. They will  often engage in risky behaviour to draw  

attention and make themselves look daring and  impressive, but they rarely follow through on  

their promises or demonstrate any real  courage. Jack the lad might be seen to  

be charming and amusing by some, but they can  also be seen as irresponsible and careless. 

Pronunciation /dʒæk ðə læd/ "He is fun to be around but  

please don’t start dating him, he’s such a  jack the lad. He’s not boyfriend material." 

Daft - This term is often used to describe  someone who is acting in a foolish or silly  

manner - someone who is not thinking  logically or making wise decisions. It  

is sometimes used to describe a person who is  being foolishly naive, or who is acting in a way  

that is out of character for them. In  some cases, it is even used to describe  

someone who is behaving in a fun and silly way. Pronunciation /dɑːft/ - Daft has a long AH vowel,  

say it with me, daft. Though you may hear  it pronounced with a short A too, daft. 

"I can't believe he went swimming in the  middle of winter - what a daft thing to do!" 

Star - This phrase is often used to describe  someone who is highly talented and remarkably  

successful. They possess a remarkable set of  skills and have an impressive track record of  

accomplishments that have enabled them to reach  the pinnacle of success. Achieving such a lofty  

status is no easy feat, but those who do are  praised for their talents and hard work. It  

can also be used to describe someone  

who does you a big favour, helping you out. Pronunciation - this has a long vowel and we  

don’t pronounce the R, say it with me, star. "Of all our employees, Caroline is such a  

star. She always comes up with amazing ideas  and she bakes cakes for us all on a Friday." 

You are a legend for staying to this point  in the video. Now for every 500 LIKES this  

video receives I will make another British slang  lesson. So if you are a fan, hit the like button. 

You’re a star, until next  time, take care and goodbye.