As a nation, we’ve always loved slang and abbreviations, from calling something “dodgy” to feeling completely “knackered.” But it looks like our obsession with quirky expressions is crossing the Atlantic.
According to a recent article in The Times, several classic British slang terms are making their way into American dialogue.
Wondering which phrases have caught on in the US, and why Americans have picked up our lingo? The language experts at the English learning platform Preply have all the insights.
Which British words are Americans adopting?
“One prevalent example is ‘tune’, meaning a great song, rather than just referring to a piece of music,
“This likely gained popularity following an episode of Chicken Shop Date featuring Sabrina Carpenter. The pop icon mentioned it was one of her favourite British slang words, and from there, the term just seemed to stick with her American fans.
“Another word that’s found a new home in the US is ‘cheers’. While Americans are more familiar with saying it during a toast, in the UK, it’s often used as a casual way to say thank you or goodbye.
“There has definitely been a rise in Americans using ‘cheers’ in emails and even in person.
“Other British favourites slowly seeping into US vocab include fit, ‘gutted’, ‘taking the p*’, and even ‘mate’, which is increasingly replacing “dude” or “bro” in some younger circles.
Why are Americans adopting British slang?
“There are a few key reasons why British slang is being picked up across the pond.
“One of the biggest drivers is the UK’s growing cultural influence globally. British TV shows, films, and music have exploded in popularity across the US in recent years.
“Love Island, The Great British Bake Off, Top Boy, and artists like Harry Styles, Adele, and Lewis Capaldi are all introducing everyday British vernacular to American audiences.
“To really connect with these shows and artists, Americans have started adopting the words, terms, and phrases they hear, essentially using the language to feel more in-the-know.
“Another major factor is social media. Now, more than ever, the world is globally connected.
“British TikTokers, YouTubers, and Instagram creators have become cultural icons in their own right. As their audiences grow internationally, so does their influence, and that includes the slang they use. It’s not just what they say, but how they say it that’s catching on.
“Terms like ‘leng’, ‘mugged off’, and ‘proper’ are now being used by Gen Z across the US, thanks to meme-worthy content and viral moments on social media.
“There’s also something endearing about British slang. It’s cheeky, often self-deprecating, and full of irony and sarcasm. That’s appealing to American audiences, who see British humour as effortlessly cool.
“Americans may not always use these terms seriously, but that’s part of the fun. Saying ‘I’m absolutely knackered’ instead of just ‘tired’ is quirky, playful, and makes everyday conversation a bit more colourful.”
“So, it’s safe to say that Americans are taking a leaf out of the books of Brits when it comes to language. And honestly? We’re totally here for it.”