When you ask any person on the street to describe the most British thing ever, chances are they would instantly reply “Tea” or something that relates to tea. This beverage is probably the most consumed in the entirety of the United Kingdom. The British people are known for their love of tea. For this article, we will be exploring British slang terms relating to tea. Enjoy!
British Slang For Tea (in Alphabetical Order)
Brew
Meaning:
- (Noun) In the Northern parts of England, the brew is used to refer to any type of beverage brewed such as coffee, beer, and even tea.
- Example: My brew got bad because of its age. It is way beyond the expiration date.
Builder’s
Meaning:
- (Noun) Also known as “Builder’s Tea” and “Builder’s Brew,” this slang is a British colloquial terminology that refers to strong types of tea. The term comes from the inexpensive tea drunk by common folks.
- Example: I love me some Builder’s. I don’t even add sugar because I like the complexity of the flavor.
Char/Cha/Chai
Meaning:
- (Noun) These slang terms are all the same. This common British slang refers to tea and comes from the Mandarin dialect of China. Tea is said to have originated from China.
- Example: My cha got cold because of our small talk. No worries, I’ll just make some iced tea.
Cuppa
Meaning:
- (Noun) A term popular with the Commonwealth of Nations, including the UK, Australia, and other former members of the British Empire. This common slang generally refers to a cup of tea but is also used for other hot drinks.
- Example: My cuppa spilled on my pants and now I looked like someone who just wet himself.
Gunfire
Meaning:
- (Noun) Served in the British Army, this tea is often mixed with rum for an additional “kick.”
- Example: I didn’t think the gunfire would hit hard but I got a major hangover after the party.
Mashin’
Meaning:
- (Verb) The Yorkshire slang for preparing tea.
- Example: My grandma is mashin’ right now. Why don’t you join us?
Rosie Lee
Meaning:
- (Noun) The Cockney rhyming slang for “Tea”
- Example: Fancy some Rosie Lee? I made plenty that I couldn’t finish by myself.
Scald
Meaning:
- (Noun) The Irish slang for “tea.” It is often utilized endearingly or affectionately.
- Example: My scald is what gets me through the day. I can’t live in a world without my tea.
Tea Jenny
Meaning:
- (Noun) Someone who is addicted to tea or likes to drink large amounts of it frequently.
- Example: I’m somewhat of a tea jenny myself. My brew is just too good and I find myself drinking it every other meal.
Wet The Tea
Meaning:
- (Expression) Coming from the local Irish lingo, this slang expression is similar to “Mashin’” and implies that one is making some tea.
- Example: You better wet the tea right now so that the guests may enjoy it when they arrive.
