Passionate people show love to their significant other by kissing. But, in the olden days, this was taboo, especially if you were not married. So, people invented words that could hide the fact that they were kissing, and it has caught on up to this day. We give you 10 British slang for kissing you can use in the future.
British Slang For Kiss (In Alphabetical Order)
Brush
- Meaning:
- (Verb) “Brush” is defined as touching lightly. Sometimes, a kiss is so light, your lips just brush against each other. Therefore, the British slang “brush” was invented. Today, it’s common slang for “kiss”.
- Example: We brushed our argument and it turned into a passionate and deep kiss.
Canoodle
- Meaning:
- (Verb) This is most likely a bit of hugging and kissing, which makes everything sound really wonderful and lovely. This British slang is a term used when two people are kissing in secret somewhere.
- Example: We went to the beach and canoodled the whole time.
Copping Off
- Meaning:
- (Verb) This is a phrase used in the West Country and was adopted as British slang by younger generations. In the 1980s, people would ‘cop off’ with each other in the back of the school bus.
- Example: I can’t believe we copped off earlier during lunch break!
Cuddling
- Meaning:
- (Verb) Cuddling is a term used when two people are kissing and/or hugging passionately. Almost anyone in the UK popularly used this British slang even today in place of “kiss”.
- Example: We’ve been cuddling all summer long and I still don’t know if we’re together.
Necking
- Meaning:
- (Verb) “Necking” is an old-fashioned term used by the older generation to describe kissing, largely because they’re stuck in the past and don’t know what’s going on now. This British slang is not as common today as it was in the past.
- Example: I saw her necking some guy behind the bushes last night.
Peck
- Meaning:
- (Verb) The word “pecking” is used as an expression when someone lightly kisses you. This British slang is used to describe a swift kiss. Pecking is from the action birds do when they eat or drink, which is like swiftly kissing a person.
- Example: We were already running late so we only pecked.
Smooch
- Meaning:
- (Verb) Smooching is similar to canoodling, however, you won’t receive as much hugging. This British slang is used when two people are passionately kissing and is also used in countries like the US.
- Example: Stop smooching in public! There are children watching.
Snogging
- Meaning:
- (Verb) This is the British equivalent of kissing. Although it is a frequent term among the British, it is like a piece of verbal candy for Americans. It’s described as a lusty and hearty kiss. Snogging is a term used by younger generations.
- Example: I can’t believe they were snogging like they weren’t broken up.
Swapping Saliva
- Meaning:
- (Verb) Swapping saliva does not need further explanation, but, it is used to describe kissing. It is a humorous British slang for kissing. To some, it might be awful, but the Brits love humorous descriptions of just about anything.
- Example: They were swapping saliva like there was no tomorrow!
Tonsil Tennis
- Meaning:
- (Expression) Tonsil tennis is British slang used to describe a long, heavy, and deep kiss. Americans use the term “tonsil hockey” instead. The British have a wide imagination, and we can tell by the slang they use.
- Example: I would love to have tonsil tennis with that hot person by the corner of the room.
