Sometimes, it’s hard to understand the Brits, but they mean well even in their sassy selves.
Didn’t get it? Well…that being said, the cigarette slang is a lot to unpack. So here we go…
In the UK urban dictionary, cigarettes are called fags. Before you think it’s a slur for the queer community, the slang is used to refer to the tobacco roll. The origins of the word “fag” is traced back to “faggots” which means a bundle of sticks in UK English.
What Is the British Slang for a Cigarette?
“Pass a ciggie or a puff” doesn’t have the same ring to a Brit’s ear as “Aye mate, pass on the fag, ehh!”
After the poor attempt at a British accent, let’s move on to why they call a cigarette the controversial word.
Here are two main origins of the new-age slang:
- Faggots: One origin of the slag Fag comes from “Faggots” which means a bundle of sticks in UK English. Since a pack of cigarettes resembles a bunch of sticks, the Brits started referring to Cigarettes as “fags.”
- Flags: The British have a knack for assigning any word to any meaning, and it is fun, to be honest. They call a bundle of kindling woods “Flags.”
Derived from this similarity, as a cigarette is beneficial only when it burns, they started calling cigarettes’ flags.’ Over the years, the slag was reduced to “fags.”
Most-Used British Slangs You Must Know
Besides the Fag, the British slang roster consists of bizarre terms with quirky meanings. Here is a compilation of interesting words and how to use them–
- Knackered: Extremely tired.
Example: Organizing my room got me knackered.
- Cheeky: Being cute while showing slightly rude/disrespectful behavior.
Example: That cheeky little kitten dropped my bottle.
- Cuppa: A short form for a “cup of tea.”
Example: The rains get me in the mood for a cuppa.
- Chuffed: extremely pleased and happy with a situation/outcome.
Example: I am hella chuffed as Arsenal takes a goal.
- Bants: A quick-witted banter or joking in a conversation.
Example: Their love language was cheeky bants.
- Ledge: Short form for legend/legendary.
Example: Peter Shilton is a bloody ledge.
- Gutted: Utterly, thoroughly, bitterly disappointed.
Example: Missing that concert left me gutted.
- Gagging: Need or want something desperately.
Example: She was gagging for a hot soup in the freezing weather.
- Arsed: Don’t bother/Can’t be bothered.
Example: She can’t be arsed during work hours, ping her later.
- Trollied: Someone getting hammered/drunk.
Example: He couldn’t wake up the next morning after being trollied the previous night.
- Narky: A person who is moody or bad-tempered.
Example: After 12 hours of non-stop duty, he was bound to get narky.
- Bum: Free-loading. Someone is getting something from another person without paying.
Example: Can I bum a ride to the airport?
What are your thoughts on these peculiar British words? Aren’t they fun to use?
Let us know some UK slang you know with unusual meanings.
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