Being upset, annoyed, or mad is just an overwhelming feeling that proper words could not convey. You might just go ballistic and do some wild things when your emotions overflow. Here are some British slang words that may be of help when it comes to expressing your frustrations. Please note that some of these slang terms might be vulgar, offensive, or improper under normal circumstances.
British Slang For Upset (in Alphabetical Order)
Cheesed Off
Meaning:
- (Adjective) A British slang that means to be annoyed or disappointed, primarily used in Great Britain.
- Example: I’m cheesed off because you ditched me to go to some weird film viewing event.
Flap
Meaning:
- (Verb) To become excited or extremely upset, often utilized by the Scottish.
- Example: Who wouldn’t flap when he brought up some old issues within the family.
Gutted
Meaning:
- (Adjective) A very famous slang in the UK that means to be devastated, saddened, or emotionally upset.
- Example: When my mother died, I was so gutted that I didn’t attend classes for a week.
Knickers In A Twist
Meaning:
- (Adjective) Another popular slang expression in the UK that implies being upset or annoyed for no apparent or good reason.
- Example: Don’t get your knickers in a twist! We can always redo the project.
Mardy
Meaning:
- (Adjective) A slang popular amongst the people of the UK, especially in the North and Midlands. It means grumpy or moody and acts similar to the term “spoiled child.”
- Example: Don’t be mardy, bro. You just need some snacks to quell your hunger.
Miffed
Meaning:
- (Adjective) To be miffed means to be annoyed or offended in the UK.
- Example: The coach got miffed because of all the wrong calls against his team.
Mouthing Off
Meaning:
- (Adjective) When you are upset, you may mumble aggressively without any proper logical sequence. Mouthing off comes from this and means to talk in a boastful and upsetting manner.
- Example: You better shut your trap right now. You are mouthing off while being in the wrong.
Strop
Meaning:
- (Noun) In British English, a strop is someone who is easily offended or upset, primarily over petty things.
- Example: John is such a strop. He won’t let the simple things just go by.
To Get A Benny On
Meaning:
- (Expression) While Benny is an offensive slang used by the British, “To Get A Benny On” simply means to become annoyed at something. This slang was used often by Monty Python.
- Example: I had to get a benny on since he was just soiling our family name without any proper reason.
Two And Eight
Meaning:
- (Adjective) The Cockney rhyming slang for being in a state of worry or upset.
- Example: He’s bursting in here and ranting about the new Prime Minister. He’s two and eight because his bet didn’t win.
Throw A Wobbly
Meaning:
- (Expression) To throw a fit or become enraged about something.
- Example: My daughter just threw the largest wobbly ever because the doll she wanted was sold out!
Whinge
Meaning:
- (Verb) Used by both the British and Australians. It means to whine or to become visibly upset.
- Example: My mother always whinges at me that I should’ve just gone into law school.
