By Sara Bright
If you are planning to visit or move to London, you might think that you are well-prepared for the language challenge. After all, you have studied English at school, watched movies and shows in English, and maybe even traveled to other English-speaking countries. However, you might be surprised to find out that the British English is not exactly the same as the English you learned or heard elsewhere. In fact, there are some expressions that are unique to the British culture and context, and that you might not have learned at school. These expressions are not only useful, but also essential, if you want to communicate effectively and politely with the locals, and avoid some awkward or embarrassing situations. Here are five of them:
Sorry
This is probably the most common and versatile expression in British English. It does not only mean “I apologize” or “I regret”, but also “excuse me” or “pardon me”. You can use it in almost any situation where you need to get someone’s attention, ask for something, or express your discomfort. For example, you can say “sorry” when you bump into someone on the street, when you want to pass by someone in a crowded place, when you need to interrupt someone who is talking, or when you disagree with someone’s opinion. You can also say “sorry” when someone else apologizes to you, as a way of acknowledging their apology and showing your sympathy. Saying “sorry” is considered polite and respectful, and not saying it might be seen as rude or arrogant.
No worries
This is the local equivalent of “no problem” or “it’s okay”. You can use it in response to someone’s apology, request, or thank you, as a way of showing your understanding and acceptance. For example, you can say “no worries” when someone says “sorry” for being late, when someone asks you for a favor, or when someone thanks you for your help. You can also use it as a casual farewell, as a way of wishing someone well. Saying “no worries” is considered friendly and relaxed, and not saying it might be seen as cold or unfriendly.
Do you need a receipt?
This is a question that you will hear at every checkout, whether you are buying groceries, clothes, or tickets. It means “do you want a paper receipt for your purchase?” You can answer “yes” or “no”, depending on your preference. If you say “yes”, the cashier will print out a receipt and hand it to you. If you say “no”, the cashier will skip the printing and save some paper. You might also hear a similar question, “do you need a bag?”, which means “do you want a plastic bag for your items?” You can answer “yes” or “no”, depending on your need. If you say “yes”, the cashier will charge you a small fee for the bag, as part of the government’s policy to reduce plastic waste. If you say “no”, the cashier will not charge you anything, and you will have to carry your items in your own bag or in your hands. Answering these questions is considered normal and expected, and not answering them might be seen as confused or distracted.
Sort out
This is a phrasal verb that means “to deal with” or “to solve”. You can use it to talk about any problem, issue, or situation that needs to be addressed or resolved. For example, you can say “I need to sort out my visa”, “they need to sort out their relationship”, or “we need to sort out this mess”. You can also use it to talk about any task, activity, or plan that needs to be organized or arranged. For example, you can say “I need to sort out my schedule”, “they need to sort out their travel arrangements”, or “we need to sort out our budget”. Using this expression is considered practical and efficient, and not using it might be seen as vague or indecisive.
Chips
This is a word that means “French fries” or “potato wedges”. You can use it to order or refer to one of the most popular and traditional dishes in Britain: fish and chips. This is a dish that consists of battered and fried fish, usually cod or haddock, and chips, usually served with salt, vinegar, and ketchup. You can also use it to order or refer to the fries that are served at fast-food chains, such as McDonald’s or Burger King. However, if you want to order or refer to the thin and crispy snacks that are made from potatoes or corn, and that are usually eaten with dips or sauces, you have to use a different word: crisps. This is a word that means “chips” or “nachos”. Using the correct word for chips or crisps is considered important and accurate, and not using it might be seen as ignorant or confusing.
These are just five of the many expressions that you will encounter and use in London. Learning and using them will not only help you communicate better, but also make you sound more like a local, and maybe even impress some of them. Remember these expressions and you will feel like a duck to water in London!
