Top 10 British Slang Words in 2024: Part 2 3. Chuffed The word chuffed came from the slang of railway enthusiasts, who were ‘puffed with pride’ and who have been talking like this since the early 20th century. Chuffed is used to show happiness or means really pleased. Example: "I'm chuffed with my exam results." Cultural context: Us British folk like to experience our happiness in a very down-to-earth kind of way. We often express our happiness with modesty and restraint, trying not to go too crazy, unless it’s football! Which is why the term "chuffed" perfectly encapsulates this cultural trait that we have in the UK. 4. Gobsmacked The word gob, our slang slang term for mouth, was used a few decades later to create the term gobmacked as a way to talk about shock or surprise. In the UK, we used gobsmacked to express shock or astonishment in regards to something in particular. Example : "When I heard the news, I was completely gobsmacked." Cultural Context: Sometimes in the UK, we can overexaggerate a given situation and become quite dramatic, which is why the word "gobsmacked" is a popular slang term. It's a fun and colorful way to say you're completely stunned or shocked. 5. Knackered The term "knacker's yard," where horses were sent after they passed away from old age, refers to someone who is so exhausted that they must be sent there. Since the early 19th century, it has been utilised in that fashion. In short, the word "knackered" describes extreme exhaustion. Example: "I'm absolutely knackered after that long day at work." Cultural Context: Knackered is a great example of the funnier expressions we use in our everyday lives in the UK, especially ones that aim to describe how tired we are.