When we are with friends, we have fun. Friends play and fool around. They might get into some crazy shenanigans. They might even tease one another to the point of absurdity. Teasing, in some sense, shows how deep our relationship is as it implies that you can joke around and make fun of each other’s shortcomings without any offense. Did you know that there are several slang words from the British that relate to teasing? Read more to learn more!
British Slang For Teasing (in Alphabetical Order)
Cod
Meaning:
- (Verb) A slang of British and Irish origin. It may potentially come from the fish of the same name. It generally relates to hoaxes and tricks but it may be used as a means to describe the act of teasing and fooling around.
- Example: He got codded for having a crush on our neighbor’s daughter. Isn’t that cute?
Get On Someone’s Case
Meaning:
- (Verb) This phrase generally means to nag or annoy someone constantly, possibly as a form of teasing.
- Example: Please don’t get on my case right now! I’m tired from all the hard work yesterday.
Get On Your Wick
Meaning:
- (Verb) This UK slang phrase implies that you are irritating someone just like the previous entry in this article.
- Example: The teacher was too playful and got on Billy’s wick. His complaints were valid.
Give Someone Grief
Meaning:
- (Verb) In the UK, this phrase implies that one is mocking or teasing another person more seriously.
- Example: Never give someone grief, especially if they already look down. You never know the baggage they are carrying.
Nark
Meaning:
- (Verb) Coming from the term associated with spies, this slang is prevalent in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. It means to annoy, upset, or irritate a person through various means.
- Example: When we were in high school, I would always nark on my best friend for liking Sally.
Send Up
Meaning:
- (Verb) While this slang may mean to put someone into prison, the British would also use it to refer to teasing or mocking someone by imitating them.
- Example: Chaplin was famous for sending up some controversial figures in his silent films.
Take The Mickey Out Of Someone
Meaning:
- (Verb) Mickey Mouse is a character popularized by Disney and has become the symbol of fun for many. When you say “Take the Mickey out of someone,” you are taking away the fun by making jokes about others, usually in an unkind manner.
- Example: I just took the mickey out of this arrogant dude from work. He thought he would get the promotion but I was the one promoted. I thought he cried a little.
Take The Piss Out Of Someone
Meaning:
- (Verb) This slang is the more explicit or vulgar version of “Taking the Mickey out of someone.” When used by the British, it implies that you are teasing or making fun of another person.
- Example: You better not be taking the piss out of your brother! He is still aching after the loss of his phone.
Wind-Up
Meaning:
- (Noun) A joke or untrue story told or played to make fun of or to tease someone. It mostly aims to annoy another person.
- Example: Remember the wind-up we pulled on you back in London? We left the bar after you went to the bathroom and you went nuts.
