How to speak in a relaxed and natural way to friends in British English
Think about your closest friend. Their smile, their banter, their laugh. Do you have any special ways that you greet each other? Any ‘in’ words or funny jokes that you both know about and never grow old? Perhaps they are phrases from your favourite TV show that mean something special to the both of you. Or references to your shared favourite celebrity or teacher. When we speak British English there are certain words and phrases that British people use fit into this category of close friend, and they can help us to speak in a relaxed and natural sounding way. This can be a great ice breaker if you are in social situation with potential friends, so let’s find out what they are!
Greetings
Hiya! meaning = Hello (commonly used between girls and women)
Hey! meaning = Hello (intonation goes down and up to show enthusiasm)
Long time no see! meaning = (Set expression) I haven’t seen you for a long time!
You alright, mate? meaning = How are you? (commonly used between boys and men)
Catching up with each other
What’s new?
How’s the (in-laws / better half / sprogs / ball and chain) meaning = enquiring light heartedly about the mother and father in-laws / significant other / children / spouse)
Hello stranger! meaning = You are my friend, but I haven’t seen you for a long time.
Sharing good news
You’ll never guess what… + explain your news
You know that (promotion / opportunity / application) I was telling you about? Well, + explain your news
I know, tell me about it! meaning = I’m very excited about this news.
My eyes nearly popped out of my head meaning = (Set expression) I was very surprised by this.
Oh my goodness me! meaning = I was very surprised by this / I’m shocked.
That’s amazing / incredible / out of this world meaning = I’m very happy for you.
Sharing bad news in a light-hearted way
Some you win, some you lose meaning = (Set expression) I didn’t get what I wanted but I’m not upset about it.
That (insert situation) didn’t really go to plan in the end meaning = It didn’t go how I wanted it to.
Another one bites the dust meaning = (Set expression) It failed.
I’ll pick myself up eventually meaning = (Phrasal verb) ‘I feel sad now but I will put in the work to get better again later.
Responding to someone’s news
No way! meaning = I don’t believe it!
My heart goes out to you meaning = (Set expression) I’m sad because you’re sad.
Fingers crossed! meaning = (Set expression) Good luck
All my fingers and toes are crossed for you! meaning = Wishing you lots and lots of good luck (humorous)
I don’t get it. How did that happen? meaning = I don’t understand how this happened.
Oh dear! meaning = Oh no!
Oh dear, oh dear meaning = That’s bad
Oh, mate! meaning = I feel for you my friend (commonly used between boys and men)
Making plans
How about we catch up over (coffee / a drink / dinner / lunch) sometime soon? meaning = Phrasal verb ‘meet and share our news’
Are you around on (Monday / Tuesday)? meaning = Are you available on this day?
Are you around at (the weekend / Christmas / Easter)? Are you available?
Saying goodbye
I’ll be seeing you meaning = See you soon
Catch you later! meaning = Bye!
Really sorry but I’ve got to shoot off meaning = phrasal verb ‘leave soon’
Chiao for now! meaning = See you soon! (Commonly used between girls and women. And yes, the first word is Italian!)
Person A: See you later alligator
Person B: In a while, crocodile (light-hearted comment and response between two people saying goodbye to each other)
Do you use any of these phrases? Which ones are your favourites? Let us know in the comments below! We love to hear your success stories here at PS English!
Best of luck chatting to your friends in a relaxed and natural way.
Take care,
Emma
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