"Britican" - Britishisms, Translated into American, by Toria Burrell

A British to American-English Dictionary

Copyright (c) 1997-2023 Victoria Burrell-Hrencecin.

I started writing this dictionary of Britishisms, translated into American English, back in 1997, after a year of living in the US. I've been adding to it ever since. Even now, in 2023, I still keep remembering (or being reminded of) British words or expressions that I'd forgotten about. It includes many slang and swear words, idioms and expressions and some words that just have spelling differences. It spans over 150 years of idiomatic English; it includes old fashioned words going back to the mid 19th century, and newer words just entering the language in the early 21st century (continuously updated as I discover more).

It includes some southern English expressions and a few northern English expressions; admittedly many more southern than northern (since I'm from the south). I debated long and hard whether to include over 100 Cockney Rhyming slang terms, but in the end, decided to put them in a separate article, as they're so complicated and complex, they were detracting from the main list, and actually deserve an article of their own.  To be honest, only a tiny fraction of the words are Scottish, and none (as far as I know) are specifically Welsh or Northern Irish, so really this is an English to American-English dictionary, but I'm calling it British, to distinguish British English from American English. 

I have thoroughly researched each word and expression, checking with the Oxford English dictionary, the Collins English dictionary and other sources, firstly to double check the definition, and secondly, to make sure that the word is a true "Britishism" and not a word that either originated in the US or is also commonly used in the US.  In doing my research, I found many slang words and expressions that I thought were British only, but are in fact commonly used both in the UK and in the US. A few of them, to my surprise, even originated in the US.  I have not included those, but have kept this strictly a list of Britishisms. Some of them, e.g. "Bonkers", originated in the UK and are therefore true "Britishisms", but have slowly become more commonly known in the US.  As long as the term originated in Britain (according to the Oxford English Dictionary) I've included it.

For the most part, the definitions are in my own words, with my own example sentences. In a few cases, I have borrowed from the Oxford or Collins English dictionaries to help clarify or add more history to some of the meanings. I have also included many cross references, where similar words can be compared to each other, e.g. "Barmy", "Barking", "Batty", "Bonkers", "Doolally", "Dotty" and "Potty".

This is a work in progress; continuously updated as I find new terms, so keep checking back. Anyone is welcome to leave new suggestions of words I've missed in the comments below!

Warning - Profanity Alert! Some of these Britishisms are a little brash and bracing!

A

A & E - n. = Abbreviation for "Accident & Emergency". = E.R. / Emergency Room (in a hospital).
E.g, "We took him straight to A & E". (Compare "Casualty").
Ace! - n. = Cool!
Afters - n. = Dessert. (See "Sweet", "Pudding").
Aggro - n. = Slang abbreviation for "aggravation". E.g. "This bloody printer is giving me aggro!"
Agony Aunt - n. Advice columnist
Aluminium - n. =  Aluminum. Note the extra "i" in the UK spelling of the word, which also changes the pronunciation.
Aniseed - n. = Anise.
Anorak - n. =
1. Padded PVC hooded jacket with zipper +/or snaps. In the UK, the anorak became most popular in the late 1970s to mid-1980s when its cheap and hard wearing properties made it the jacket of choice for school kids. It became so popular that almost every child had one. However, in the late 1980s the anorak became unpopular and was associated with geeks and nerds, helping to create the British slang term "anorak" for such people (because "trainspotters" would supposedly wear anoraks whilst collecting numbers on cold railway platforms - see "trainspotters"). Because of this, it became highly unfashionable and for a time, wearers became the subject of ridicule.
2. n. (slang) = Geek / nerd. A person who has a very strong interest, perhaps obsessive, in obscure subjects, such as train-spotting (see "trainspotter").
Anti-clockwise - adj. = Counter-clockwise.
Articulated lorry - n. = Tractor-trailer. (See "Lorry").
Arcade - n. = A mini-mall. (Not a place of amusements and video game machines).
Arse - n. = (coarse slang) = Ass. Same word, different spelling, different pronunciation. Not to be confused with the British word, "ass" (pronounced differently) which means "donkey".
Aubergine - n. = Eggplant. 

B

Badge - n. = Pin. (That small, circular metal thing you pin onto T-shirts, bags, etc, usually with a funny slogan or logo, etc.)
Baking tray - n. = Cookie sheet.
Bangers - n. = Sausages. E.g. "Bangers and mash" = Sausages and mashed potato.
Bar (music) n. = Measure.
Barking - adj. = Crazy / loopy. E.g. "She's absolutely barking!" (Compare "Barmy", "Bonkers", "Doolally", "Dotty" and "Potty").
Barmy - adj. = Crazy / insane, e.g. "It drives me barmy!" (Compare "Barking", "Batty", "Bonkers", "Doolally", "Dotty" and "Potty").
Batty -  adj. = Crazy / loopy. Often referring to an old lady. E.g. "She's invited her batty old aunt!" (Compare "Barking", "Barmy", "Bonkers", "Doolally", "Dotty" and "Potty"). Though British in origin, this word is not exclusive to the UK; it has become increasingly heard of and used in the US too.
Bee's Knees - n. (expression) = The best, the most awesome. E.g. "She thought he was the bee's knees." Similar expression to "the cat's miaow". (Compare "Dog's bollocks").
Beetroot - n. = Beet(s)
Berk - n. (slang) = Idiot. (Milder than Pillock, Plonker, Prick or Git).
Bell - n. = A phone call. E.g.  "I'll give you a bell".
Bill - n. = Check. (The thing you ask for, in a restaurant, at the end of the meal.)
Bin - n. Trash can / garbage can. (Short for "rubbish bin". Compare "waste-paper basket")
Bin bag / Bin liner - n.  = Trash bag / Garbage bag.
Bird - n. (slang) = Chick / girl.
Biscuit - n. =
1. Cookie (sweet, as in chocolate chip)
2. Cracker (salty, to go with cheese)
Bit - n. = Little. (Used more frequently in the UK than in the US) E.g. "That's a bit scary.", "He's a bit weird." Derived from "a little bit" where the word "little" is now dropped.
Bits and bobs - n. (pl) = Various things. "I just had to pick up all my bits and bobs."
Blighty - n. = "Britain", e.g. "Buy some tea next time you're over in Blighty."
Blimey! - (mild curse word/ expletive) = Wow! Dang! Damn! Used as an expression of surprise.
E.g. "Blimey! What a big one!" "Cor Blimey" derives from the curse, "God blind me!" (See "Cor"). (Compare "Blooming Heck!", "Crikey!" and "Struth!")
Block of flats - n. = Apartment building. (See "Flat").
Bloke - n. = Guy. (Typically used by or referring to a man of lower to lower-middle class. Compare "Chap".)
Bloody - adj. (swear word) = Horrible / horribly / awful / awfully / incredible / incredibly... Similar to "Frickin'". Used to emphasize something, usually awfulness, but sometimes something extra good. Sometimes used sarcastically.
E.g. "What a bloody idiot!", "That bloody telephone!", "She's a bloody good dancer!"
Bloody hell! - (expletive) = Shit! Fuck!
Blooming - adj. (euphemism for "Bloody".) See above. = Horrible / horribly / incredible / incredibly. Much milder than "bloody". Used to emphasize something, usually awfulness, but sometimes something extra good. Sometimes used sarcastically.
Usually abbreviated to "bloomin'".
E.g. "That bloomin' rain!", "It's bloomin' hot out there!", "This stew is bloomin' delicious!"
Blooming heck! - (euphemism for "Bloody hell"! ) See above = Wow! Dang! Damn! . Used to express surprise.
E.g. "Blooming heck, it was only a quid last time I was here!" 
(Compare "Blimey!", "Crikey!" and "Struth!")
Blu Tack - n. = Mounting putty
Bob's your uncle! - (idiom) = To achieve something with great ease. E.g. "You just do this, and... Bob's your Uncle!" = "There you go!" / "You're all set!" In 1886, Prime Minister Robert Gascoyne-Cecil made Arthur Balfour Chief Secretary of Ireland. Mr Balfour was Bob's nephew.
Bog - n. (slang) = Toilet.
Bog roll - n. (slang) = Toilet paper.
Boiler suit - n. = Coveralls.
Bollocks - n. (swear word / expletive) =
1. Balls / scrotum, e.g. "He got kicked in the bollocks."
2. Bullshit! e.g. "That's total bollocks!"
Bolly - n./ adj = Nickname for Bollinger Champagne. "Let's have a bottle of Bolly". Has also become a term meaning "posh, expensive, classy."(See "Posh").
Bonkers - adj. = Crazy, insane, nuts. "This is absolutely bonkers!" (Compare "Barking", "Barmy", "Batty", "Dotty" and "Potty"). Though British in origin, this word is not exclusive to the UK; it has become increasingly heard of and used in the US too.
Bonnet - n. = Hood (of a car).
Boob tube - n. = Tube top.
Booking - n. = Reservation.  
Boot - n. = Trunk (of a car).
Boozer - n. (informal) = Pub or bar. 
Bottom drawer - n. = Hope chest. (Old fashioned thing for people getting married).
Bowls - n. = Lawn bowling.
Braces - n. = Suspenders (to hold up pants). (See "Suspenders").
Bracket - n. = Parenthesis. (When referring to markings used in a sentence).
Brass monkeys - adj. (idiom) = Freezing cold. Derives from the old naval term, "It's cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey!" Cannonballs used to be stored aboard ship in piles, on a brass frame or tray called a 'monkey'. In very cold weather the brass would contract, spilling the cannonballs, hence the phrase above.
Brawn - n. (food) = Head cheese.
Break-down van -n. = Tow truck.
Breeze-block - n. = Cinder block.
Brick - n. = A real friend, who has helped and supported you in a time of need.  An old-fashioned term, used often by author, Enid Blyton, in the 1930s.
Brilliant - adj. = Excellent / Fantastic. e.g. "That ride was brilliant!"
Brill - adj. = abbreviation of Brilliant.
Bubble and squeak - n. = A dish made with the fried leftover vegetables from a Sunday roast dinner. (See "Sunday roast"). The main ingredients are mashed potatoes and cabbage, but carrots, peas, Brussels sprouts, or any other leftover vegetables and sometimes meat (such as diced ham), may be added. The dish is so named because the cabbage makes bubbling and squeaking sounds during the cooking process.
Bugger -
1. n. (coarse swear word / expletive) = Jerk, idiot, bastard. Can be used as a harsh put-down, e.g. "You f-ing bugger!" or as a friendly jibe, e.g. "You silly old bugger!" (Compare "Sod".)
2. v. (coarse expletive) = (similar to "fuck") = e.g. "Oh bugger it!" or "Bugger off!"
(Compare "Sod it / Sod off!")
Derives from the slang word, "buggery" = rape of a boy or man, by a man.
Bum -
1.- n. = Butt / rear end.
2.- v. = To beg for / ask for / steal something openly, e.g. "Can I bum a fag?" (Can I steal a cigarette?) Or "Can I bum a lift?" (Can I have a ride?)
Bum-bag - n. = Fanny pack.  (See "Fanny").
Bung - v. (informal) = To throw or put something somewhere, in a careless or casual fashion. E.g. "Let's cook a steak at home and bung some oven chips under the grill."
Bunk - (slang)
1. n. = To do a bunk  = To run away / to disappear.
2. v. = To play hooky. E.g. "Let's bunk off school!" (Compare "Skive").

C

Cack-handed - adj. (informal) =  Clumsy, awkward.
Cakehole - n. (slang) = A person's mouth. E.g. "Keep yer cakehole closed!" (Like "Piehole").
Candy floss - n. = Cotton Candy
Carrier bag, Plastic = Grocery bag, Plastic.
Carry on -
1. n. = Fiasco, drama, e.g. "What a carry on!"
2. v. = To carry on = To go on, to continue (in conversation, after a pause or diversion from the subject.) e.g. "Carry on..."
Car park - n. = Parking lot.
Carriage (of a train) - n. = Car / Train car.
Cash point - n. = ATM
Casualty - n. = Emergency Room (in a hospital).
E.g, "We took him straight to casualty". (Compare "A & E" / "Accident & Emergency").
Catapult - n. = Sling shot.
Central reservation - n. = Median strip. (In the middle of a highway). (See "Dual carriageway").
Chalk and cheese - (idiom) = Polar opposites. Comparing two things or people, they are completely different from each other. E.g. "My sister and I are like chalk and cheese".
Chap - n. = Guy. (Typically used by or referring to a man of upper or upper-middle class. Compare "Bloke".)
Chatter-box - n. = Someone who talks a lot, e.g. "She's such a chatter-box!"
Chav - n. (slang) = Derogatory term describing a young white person of lower / working class who typically wears the brash or trashy ghetto fashion characterized by designer label sportswear, baggy pants and excessive gold jewelry (or "bling"). Also characterized by coarse / common language, working-class / Cockney accent, ignorance, bad behavior, and an anti-authority attitude. Derives from the Romani (Gypsy) word, "chavi" meaning "child". Equivalent in the USA might be "white trash".
Chavvy - adj. (slang) = Trashy, ghetto-style, tasteless, unrefined. Usually referring to clothing. Something worn by or used by a "Chav" (see above).
Cheeky - adj. = impudent or irreverent, typically in an endearing or amusing way. Mischievous / sassy.
Cheerio! - (expression) = Bye! See ya later!
Cheers! - (expression) =
1. Thanks! E.g. when a quick, informal "thanks" is all that's needed, such as when someone passes you something. (Compare "Ta"). Can sometimes be used sarcastically.
2. Sometimes used instead of "Cheerio!" to mean "Bye! See ya later!"
Chemist - n. = Pharmacy / Drug store.
Chinless wonder - n. = Useless guy.
Chin-wag - n. (slang) = Chat. Casual conversation. Compare "natter". E.g. "Whenever they get together, they always have a good old chin-wag."
Chips - n. (pl) = French fries. Not to be confused with "crisps". (see "Crisps"). British chips are typically bigger, fatter and soggier than French fries and they are often served with battered fish, (i.e. "fish 'n' chips") or battered chicken, or on their own with a bowl of curry sauce. (A popular pub snack). 
Chock-a-block - adj. = Crowded, full of people / traffic.
Chuffed - adj. (idiom) = Proud, pleased, delighted, excited, happy. Similar to "pumped".
E.g. "I was chuffed to bits when I got the invite!"
Cinema - n. = Movie theater / The movies. 
Cling film - n. = Plastic wrap.
Clod-hoppers - n. (pl)(slang) = Big, chunky, heavy, ungainly shoes that make a noise when walking around. "Blimey, you can hear him coming a mile off, with those clod-hoppers he's wearing."
Coach - n. = Tour bus.
Cock up - n. (slang) = Screw-up, mistake.
Cor! - (Expression) = Wow! Gosh! Derives from the curse, "God!" Sometimes used on its own, or in combination with "Blimey", E.g. "Cor Blimey!" which derives from the curse, "God blind me!" (See "Blimey").
Coriander - n. = Cilantro.
Corker - n. (slang) = A really outstanding or remarkable thing, e.g. "That was a corker of a joke!".
Cos - n. (food) = Romaine lettuce.
Cot - n. = Crib.
Council estate - n. = Housing project.
Courgette - n. = Zucchini.
Cow - n. (slang) = Bitch. Derogatory term, usually aimed at a woman.
Crikey! - (mild curse/ expletive) = Wow! Dang! Damn! Used as an expression of surprise, e.g. "Crikey! What a big one!" Euphemism for the curse, "Christ!" (Compare "Blimey!" and "Struth!")
(Although popularized by Australian movie stars, Crikey is 100% a Britishism!)
Crisps - n. (pl) = Potato chips. Not to be confused with "chips". (See "Chips") British crisps usually come in small individual sized packets (see "packets") of many different flavours, such as salt 'n' vinegar, barbeque beef, smokey bacon, etc, and are a very popular between-meal snack.
Crotchet - n. (music) = Quarter note. (Compare "Minim", "Quaver", "Semibreve" + "Semiquaver".)
Crumbs! - (Expression) = Wow! Gosh! Dang! Another euphemism for the curse, "Christ!" (Compare "Crikey!")
Current account - n. = Checking account.
Cushion - n. = Pillow. A small, firm pillow used on a couch, (see "Sofa" and "Settee"). In England, the word "pillow" exclusively refers to a bed pillow, for your head. (Not any kind of pillow).

D

Daft - adj. = Silly, clownish, stupid, e.g. "You look daft in that hat!" or "You'd be daft to do that!"
Dear - adj. = Expensive. E.g. "That bottle of wine is rather dear."
Demi-semiquaver - n. (music) = 32nd note. (Compare "Crotchet", "Minim", "Quaver", "Semibreve" + "Semiquaver".)
Diary - n. =  Calendar, date-book, daily planner. (Not just a private journal, although it can also be that). E.g. "Let me check my diary to see if I'm free on that date..."
Dicky - adj. (slang) = Sick, icky. (Often referring to an upset stomach). Derives from the Cockney rhyming slang, "Tom Dick = Sick". E.g. "I probably shouldn’t come to work today, I’ve still got a bit of a dicky tum from the weekend.”
Dilly-dally - v. (slang) = To linger, loiter, dawdle, delay, waste time, . E.g. "Come straight home; don't dilly-dally on the way!" (Compare "Faff").
Dimbo - n. (slang) = Silly idiot.
Dither - v. = to hesitate, waste time. E.g. "Stop dithering and make up your mind." (Compare "Faff").
Do - n. (informal) = Party, celebration. E.g. "They had a big do for his 50th birthday."
Dodgy - adj. - Suspicious, doubtful, dubious, not Kosher.
Dog's Bollocks = n. (expression) = The best, the most awesome. E.g. "The concert last night was the dog's bollocks!" Similar expression to "the cat's miaow". (Compare "Bee's Knees").
Dole (The) - n. = Welfare, specifically unemployment benefit, paid by the state.E.g. "He's on the dole." Also "The Dole Queue" = the line you wait in, to collect your unemployment benefit payment.
Doolally - adj. (slang) = Crazy / Loopy. "He's gone completely doolally!" (Compare "Barking", "Barmy", "Bonkers", "Dotty" and "Potty").
Dosh - n. (slang) = Money. E.g. "Cor! He's got a load of dosh!"
Dotty - adj. (informal) = Crazy, loopy. Often fondly referring to a crazy old lady E.g. "She's absolutely dotty about cats!" (Compare "Barking", "Barmy", "Batty", "Bonkers", "Doolally" and "Potty").
Double cream - n. = Heavy cream. (Though there really isn't an equivalent in the US. The British double cream is much thicker.).
Drat! - (Expression) =  "Dang!"" Damn!" (expressing annoyance)
Draughts (game) - n. = Checkers.
Drawing pin - n. = thumb tack
Dressing-gown - n. = Bath-robe.
Drivel - n. = Stupid, careless or meaningless talk. Sometimes seemingly self-important, but ultimately nonsense. Almost like "bullshit". (Compare "Twaddle" and "Tosh".)
Dual carriageway - n. = Divided highway.
Duck / Ducky - (Term of endearment) = Dear, darling, sweetie.
Dummy - n. = Pacifier (for a baby).
Dustbin - n. = Garbage can / trash can, usually the large container with wheels, outside your home, that gets collected. (Compare "Rubbish bin", "Waste paper basket" + "Wheelie bin").
Dustbin lorry (or van) - n. = Garbage truck.
Dustman (or Dustbin man) - n. = Garbage collector / Refuse collector.
Duvet - n. = Comforter. (But slightly different to a comforter). Usually padded with down feathers, a duvet is like a comforter but thicker and has a removable, washable cover. Most people in England have a duvet on their beds. 

E

Earth - (electrical) - n. = Ground.
Engaged - adj. = Busy (as in phone signal), e.g. "I dialed her number, but it was engaged".
Estate agent - n. = Real estate agent / Realtor.
Estate car - n. = Station wagon.
Ex-directory - adj. = Unlisted.

F

Faff - v. (informal) = To waste time, goof off. E.g. "Stop faffing around and get on with it." (Compare "Dither").
Fag - n. (slang) = Cigarette. Derives from the old meaning of the word, "faggot", which meant a bundle of sticks or twigs, used to light a fire.
Fag end - n. = Cigarette butt.
Famished - adj. = Starving hungry. (More commonly used in England than in U.S.)
Fancy - v. To like, to want, to find attractive / appealing. Often referring to someone of the opposite sex, e.g. "She really fancied him."  Or often referring to food or drink, e.g. "Do you fancy a beer?"
Fancy dress - n. = Costume. (Not black-tie).
Fancy dress party - n. = Costume party.
Fanny - n. (slang) = Vagina and female front parts. (Not butt, as in the US). (See "Bum"). (There is no such thing as a "Fanny-pack" in the UK - See "Bum-bag").
Film - n. = Movie.
Fire brigade - n. = Fire department.
First floor - n. = Second floor. (See "Ground Floor").
Fish finger - n. = Fish stick.
Fit - adj. = Hot, sexy.
Fitted carpet - n. = Wall-to-wall carpeting.
Fiver - n. = A five pound note. £5.
Flannel - n. = Wash cloth.
Flapjack - n. = A baked cookie bar (similar to a Rice Krispie bar, but made with rolled oats, brown sugar and golden syrup). Not a pancake.
Flask (Vacuum) - n. = Thermos.
Flat - n. = Apartment.
Flick knife - n. = Switch blade.
Flyover - n. = Overpass. (When talking about roads).
Football - n. = Soccer
Fortnight - n. = Two weeks. E.g. "We're going on holiday to Spain for a fortnight." (See "holiday").
Fringe - n. = Bangs. (When referring to a hair cut).
Full stop - n. = Period. (When referring to the grammar of a sentence).

G

Gammy - adj. (slang) = Injured, weakened, hobbled, etc, referring to a limb, usually a leg. E.g. "I can't walk too fast 'cause of me gammy leg."
Garden - n. = Yard.
Gear lever - n. = Gear shift. (In a car).
Geezer - n. (slang) = A term for a man, sort of like "dude" or "guy". Sometimes referring to an old man, but often (in the UK) just referring to a quirky, crafty, self-educated, even stylish bloke (see "bloke") - maybe even a bit of a "hipster".
Get-up - n. = Fancy outfit, dressy clothing, e.g. "Ooh, that's a posh get-up you've got on there!"
Git - n. (slang) = Jerk, idiot, bastard (often in reference to an older person, e.g. "Stupid old git!")
Glandular Fever - n. = Mono / the "kissing disease".
Gob - n. (slang) = Mouth. Usually used in a deliberately offensive or teasing way, e.g. "Shut ya gob!"
Gob-smacked - adj. (slang) = Astounded, shocked. E.g. "I was absolutely gob-smacked when he showed up!"
Go on! - Expression = "No!" or "No way!" (implying disbelief)
Goods train - n. = Freight train.
Gordon Bennett! - (Mild curse expression) = Wow! Dang! Damn! Probably an alteration of "Gor Blimey"! Expressing surprise, incredulity, or exasperation. E.g. "Gordon Bennett, it's cold today!" (Compare "Blimey!", "Crikey!" and "Struth!")
Grill -
1. n. = Broiler.
2. v. = To broil.
Grim - adj. = Bleak, hopeless. "Things are looking pretty grim!" 
Ground floor - n. = First floor. (See "First floor")!
Grub - n. (informal) = Food. E.g. "I'm starving, let's get some grub!" "The pub grub here is quite good."
Gutted - adj. = Devastated, extremely disappointed. E.g. "He was gutted when he heard he'd lost."
Gyp - n. = Trouble, pain. E.g. "My knee's giving me gyp today."

H

Hair slide - n. = Barrette.
Hand-bag - n. = Ladies purse / over-shoulder bag.
Hen night - n. = Bachelorette Party. (Compare "Stag night")
Hire purchase - n. = Installment plan.
Hoarding - n. = Billboard.
Hob - n. = Stove top.
Holdall - n. = Carryall.
Holiday - n. = Vacation, e.g. "I'm going on holiday to Spain."
Holiday maker - n. = Vacationer.
Holidays - n. (pl) = Summer break, e.g. "What did you do during the holidays?" means "What did you do during the long summer break?" Not to be confused with Christmas or other occasions in the year.
Hols - n. (pl) = Short for "Holidays" (see above).
Hoover -
1. n. = Vacuum cleaner.  Where use of the brand name has replaced the object.  (Just like "Kleenex" = "tissue" in the US).
2. v. = To vacuum. E.g. "I'm just going to hoover up those crumbs."
Hosepipe - n. = Garden hose.
Housing estate - n. = Housing development. (Compare "Council estate").
Hundreds and thousands - n. = Sprinkles (for ice-cream).

I

Ice lolly - n. = Popsicle.
Icing sugar - n. = Confectioner's sugar.
Indicator (on car) - n. = Turn signal.
Inside leg - n. = Inseam.

J

Jacket potato - n. = Baked potato
Jam - n. = Jelly / Preserve. Made from fruit + spread on bread. Usually has bits of fruit in it.
Jammy - adj. (slang) = Lucky. "He's a jammy bastard!"
Jaw - v. (slang) = To talk, chat, converse, gossip. Quote from a Paul McCartney song: "We could jaw through the night, talk about a range of subjects, anything you like." 
Jelly - n. = Jello. A dessert made from gelatin. Eaten in a bowl with ice-cream or cream. (Not the same as "Jam" - See "Jam").
Jelly babies - n. = Jelly beans.
Jiffy Bag - n. = Padded envelope.
Jiffy - n. (Slang) = Short space of time. E.g."I'll be back in a jiffy".
Jumble sale - n. = Rummage sale.
Jump lead - n. = Jumper cable.
Jumper - n. = Knitted wool sweater.
Junior School - n. = Elementary school.

K

Kerfuffle - n. = a commotion, mess, or fuss, especially one caused by conflicting views, unfortunate timings or misunderstandings. "Oh, what a kerfuffle!"
Kip - 
1. n. = A nap / sleep. E.g. "Try and get a bit of kip."
2. v. = To take a nap / to get some sleep. E.g. "I'm going to kip."
Kit - n. = Uniform. Usually for sports. E.g. "He put on his football kit."
Kitchen roll - n. = Paper towels, specifically the roll of (typically white) paper towels you put in your kitchen on a holder.
Knackered - adj. = Exhausted, tired. 
Knickers - n. = Ladies' underwear / panties. E.g. "Don't get your knickers in a twist!"
Knob - n. (slang) = Penis.
Knob-head - n. (slang) = Idiot / Dickhead
Knobs on, With - (idiom) =  Extremely; in a similar way, but taken to an extreme. E.g. "And the same to you with knobs on!"
Knock up - v. (slang) = To awaken someone or get them up, by knocking on their front door loudly. E.g. "On the walk to school each morning, Sharon would knock up Tracey, and they would walk together." (Not to be confused with "to get pregnant"!)

L

Ladybird - n. = Ladybug.
Leg it - v. (informal) = To run away. E.g. "He knocked on the door, then legged it round the corner." (Compare "Scarper").
Lift -
1. n. = Elevator.
2. n. = Ride. (E.g, "Would you like a lift to the station?")
Lollipop Lady (or man) - n. = Crossing guard.
Lolly - n = Lollipop.
Loo - n. (informal) = Toilet. Derives from the French, L'eau = water.
Loo roll - n. (informal) = toilet paper.
Lorry - n. = Truck. (Of the large, commercial variety, designed to carry freight goods.)
Lucky dip - n. = Grab bag.
Lughole - n. (informal) = a person's ear.
Lurgy - n. (informal) = General term for an undisclosed illness, usually viral, usually something that's going around. "To have the lurgy" is an expression meaning "to be ill with some bug". E.g. "Sorry, I can't go today; I've got the dreaded lurgy".

M

Mac - n. = Waterproof raincoat. (Short for "Macintosh") First sold in 1824 and named after its Scottish inventor, Charles Macintosh. 
Mad as a hatter - (idiom) = Crazy. In 18th and 19th century England, poisonous mercury was used in felting and hat-making causing many to go "mad", perhaps providing the inspiration for Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland character, The Mad Hatter.
Mange tout - n. = Snow pea(s).
Marmalade - n. = preserve made from bitter oranges (e.g. Seville oranges), to spread on bread or toast, usually with orange peel in it.
Marmite - n. = popular spread, made from brewer's yeast, with distinctive, salty, beefy taste. Spread thinly on bread or toast.
Mate - n. (informal) = Friend / pal / buddy. Usually of same sex, but could be of either sex. Usually used by men to each other, increasingly used by women too.
Maths - n. = Math. In the UK, "mathematics" is shortened to "maths", keeping the plural noun.
Me - Possessive adj. (slang) = My. Used deliberately instead of "my", usually by (or to sound like) the working class.  E.g. "Let go of me arm!", "Oy! He nicked me pencil!"
M.E. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) - n. = Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Mickey - (Taking the) - (Slang expression) =  To take the Mickey (out of someone)  = to make fun of someone; to mock, tease, ridicule, satirize. This is actually a euphemism or milder version of the ruder expression, "to take the piss (out of someone)". Derives from the Cockney rhyming slang, "Mickey Bliss" (rhyming with piss), which was then shortened to "Mickey".  (Compare "Taking the Piss".) See my Cockney Rhyming Slang article for more on this and other Cockney Rhyming Slang terms.
Milometer - n. = Odometer.
Minim - n. (music) = Half note. (Compare "Crotchet" + "Quaver" + "Semibreve").
Minging - adj. (Northern slang) (Pronounced min-jing) = Foul-smelling, gross, disgusting.
Missus (The) - n. = The wife. E.g. "I promised the missus I'd be home by eleven"
Mither - v. (Northern slang) = To make an unnecessary fuss, moan, bother. To pester or irritate someone. E.g. "Will you stop mithering me!"
Mobile (phone) - n. - Cell phone.
Motorway - n. = Expressway / Freeway / Highway.
Mum / Mummy - n. = Mom / Mommy

N

Nab - v. (slang) = To steal, grab, take. (Compare "Nick").
Naff - adj. = unstylish, lacking in taste, tacky.
Nappy - n. = Diaper
Narky - adj. (slang) = Irritable, defensive, prickly, argumentative. "Don't get all narky with me!" 
Natter -
1. n. Chat, talk, e.g. "to have a natter"
2. v. To chat, to talk, e.g. "She loves to natter on the phone for hours"
Natterer - n. = Someone who talks alot. (Compare "Chatterbox").
Newsreader - n. = Newscaster.
Nick - v. (slang) = To steal. (Compare "Nab").
Nicked - adj. (slang) = Stolen.
Nithered - adj. = (Northern English informal) = Shriveled or pinched with cold or hunger; wasted, stunted, withered.
Nosh - n. (slang) = Food.
Noughts and crosses (game) - n. = Tic Tac Toe.
Nowt - n. (Coloquial northern slang) = Nothing / zero. Derived from the word, "naught".
Number plate (car) - n. = License plate.
Nutter - n. = Crazy person.

O

Off License / Offy - n. = Liquor Store.
Oven glove - n. = Oven mitt.
Oy! - Expression (slang) = "Hey!" "Hey you!" Used when calling out, to get attention, often with annoyance. E.g. "Oy! Get off me chair!"

P

Packet
1. n. = (Informal slang) - a lot of money, a bundle, an arm and a leg, e.g. "That coat costs a packet!"
2. n. = a common term for commercial packaging, such as bag, carton, container, or package, e.g. "I fancy a packet of crisps". (See "crisps").
Paddling pool - n. = Wading pool.
Palaver - n. = A long, boring, complicated and seemingly pointless exercise, e.g. "What a palaver that was!"
Pancake - n. = Crêpe. A pancake in the UK is very similar (if not the same as) the French crêpe. It is much thinner than the US pancake, and is usually served rolled up or folded over, with lemon juice + sugar, or fruit, etc, inside.
Pancake Day - n. = Fat Tuesday / Mardi Gras. Also called "Shrove Tuesday", it is the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of lent, and traditionally, Brits eat pancakes (see pancake above). They also have fun tossing pancakes, and a traditional pancake tossing sport is still carried out on this day!
Pants - n. = Men's underwear. (Not "trousers", as in the US). Sometimes used as a mild expletive or adjective, "Oh pants!" = "Oh crap!" or "That's total pants!" = "That's total crap". (For ladies' underwear, see "Knickers").
Paracetamol - n. = Acetaminophen.
Parting (in hair) - n. = Part.
Party poppers - n. = popular table object at Christmas Dinner parties in England. It emits a loud popping noise by means of a small friction-actuated explosive charge that is emitted by pulling a string or by compressed air when released.
Patience (game) - n. = Solitaire.
Pavement - n. = Sidewalk.
Pavlova - n. = A popular English summer dessert, made of a large meringue nest, with fresh whipped cream and fresh fruit (usually strawberries) on top.
Pecker - n. = Chin. (Not penis!) E.g. "Keep your pecker up!" means "Keep your chin up / Keep smiling / Be brave!"
Peckish - adj. = Mildly hungry, e.g. "I'm feeling a bit peckish".
Pedestrian crossing - n. = Crosswalk.
Peg - n. = Clothes pin.
Pelmet - n. = Valance.
Petrol - n. = Gasoline.
Pillock - n. (slang) = Idiot. (compare "Git", "Plonker") e.g. "What a Pillock!"
Pinafore dress - n. = Jumper. (See "Jumper").
Pinch -
1. v. = to steal, e.g. "He pinched my purse!"
2. n. = Just about / barely, e.g."I can manage that at a pinch".
3. n. = Tight corner / difficulty, e.g. "I can help you if you're in a pinch"
Pinny - n. = Apron. Usually worn when cooking. (Derives from "Pinafore", an old fashioned type of dress). (See "Pinafore Dress".)
Piss (Taking the) - (Coarse slang expression) =  To take the piss (out of someone)  = to make fun of someone; to mock, tease, ridicule, satirize.  Derives from the more old-fashioned expression, "to be piss-proud" = to have false pride. So, "taking the piss out of" is to deflate their false pride, usually through disparagement or mockery. As the "piss-proud" metaphor became dated, "taking the piss out of someone" came to refer to disparagement or mockery itself, regardless of the pride of the subject. Eventually the shortened form, "taking the piss" became common. (Compare "Taking the Mickey").
Pissed - adj. (Coarse slang) = Drunk / inebriated. (Not angry). (Compare "Plastered", "Tight").
Pissed off - adj. (Coarse slang) = Angry / annoyed.
Piss-head - n. (slang) = Someone who is permanently drunk.
Plastered - adj. = Drunk.(Compare "Pissed", "Tight").
Plonker -
1. n. (slang) = Idiot (milder than "Prick") e.g. "You stupid Plonker!"
2. n. (slang) = Penis
Podgy - adj. (informal) = Chubby / rather fat. (Of a person or part of their body).
Polo-neck - n. = Turtle-neck (sweater).
Ponce - n. (slang) = Poser. E.g. "He was such a Ponce!"
Pootle - v. (informal) = To wander or ramble in a leisurely, indirect, or aimless manner, such as by walking or driving. E.g. "They were pootling along country roads in a very old car." "Tom pootled off into the house." (Compare "Potter".)
Poppers - n. = Snaps (on jackets, clothing, etc)
Posh - adj. =  Upper class, elegant, luxurious, stylish in an upper class way. While often used as a term of praise, it is also often used as a term of derision at someone putting on airs:. e.g. "Ooh, you're talking all posh!"
Post -
1. n. = The mail, e.g. "I'll just go and collect the post."
2. v. = To mail, e.g. "Could you post my letter for me please?"
Postal vote - n. = Absentee ballot.
Postbox - n. = Mailbox.
Postcode - n. = Zip code.
Postman - n. = Mailman / Mail delivery person.
Potter - v. = Putter. To take a slow, relaxed walk around a place. E.g "I'm just going to potter around the garden for a bit."
Potty - adj. = Insane / crazy, e.g. "It drives me potty!" "She's gone potty!" (Compare "Barking", "Barmy", "Batty", "Bonkers", "Doolally" and "Dotty")
Power point - n. = Electrical outlet.
Poxy - adj. (slang) = Mild curse word, expressing disgust or disappointment at something that is useless, broken, or otherwise annoying.  Derived from the "pox" illnesses, (small pox, chicken pox, etc). E.g. "My poxy shoes have split." "My poxy kettle has stopped working". "I'm not going into her poxy flat, it's filthy."
Pram - n. = Baby carriage. (A derivative of the word "perambulator"). An old fashioned version of a pushchair that is completely flat. (Compare "Pushchair").
Prang -
1. n. (slang) = A crash / accident (in a car, airplane, etc).
2. v. (slang) = To crash / have an accident (in a car, airplane, etc).
Prick - 
1. n. (slang) = Jerk / Idiot (harsher than "Plonker") e.g. "God! He's such a Prick!"
2. n. (slang) = Penis
Private soldier - n. = GI
Public School - n. = Posh, upper class, private school, such as Eton. (Quite the opposite of an American "public school").
Pudding - n. = Dessert. E.g. "What's for pudding, Mum?" (Compare "Afters" and "Sweet"). Can mean any type of dessert, but especially refers to cakes, pies and hot desserts. It does not just refer to the jello-like stuff that the Americans call "pudding".
Pull -
1. v. = to attract successfully a member of the opposite sex into (some degree of) sexual liaison.
2. n. = the act of attracting someone of the opposite sex. E.g. "I'm on the pull tonight!", "I think he's pulled tonight!"
Punter - n. = Customer / Client. (Often of a Prostitute or Gambling institution).
Purse - n. = Ladies wallet or coin purse, just big enough to contain bills + coins, not a hand-bag. (See "hand-bag").
Pushchair - n. = Stroller. A more modern version of a pram that is usually more upright, or adjustable. (Compare "Pram").
Pylon - n. = Utility pole.

Q

Quaver - n. (music) = Eighth note. (Compare "Crotchet", "Minim" + "Semibreve".)
Queue -
1. n. = Line (of people). Derived from the French word, "queue" meaning "tail".
2. v. = To queue up = To get in line.
Quid - n. (slang) = Pound(s) / £. E.g. "Those shoes cost 20 quid." (Similar to the word "bucks" meaning "dollars", although no "s" is added for the plural.).
Quite - adj. = Fairly / reasonably, e.g. "That was quite nice" = "That was OK, nothing special."
Depends on tone of voice. Sometimes it can also mean "very" as in "You are quite right", if said emphatically.

R

Rank - adj. = Gross, smelly, dirty.
Rather! - adj. = Definitely / wow!
Recorded delivery - n. = Certified mail.
Redundant - adj. = To be "made redundant" = To be fired from a job. (Compare "Sacked").
Registration plate (car) - n. = License plate.
Reverse the charges - v. = Call collect.
Reversing lights (car) - n. = Back-up lights.
Ring -
1. n. = A phone call, e.g. "I'll give you a ring tomorrow."
2. v. = To call on the phone, e.g. "Ring me tomorrow at this number."
Ropey - adj. = Rough, unwell, sick. Feeling ropey means you're still feeling really awful after a bout of illness. (Compare "Dicky").
Roundabout -
1. (At a fair) - n. = Carousel.
2. (In a road) - n. = Traffic circle / Circular intersection. (These are extremely rare in the U.S.)
Rubber - n. = Eraser. (Not to be confused with a prophylactic!)
Rubbish - n. = Trash / garbage. Often used as a mild expletive or adjective, "Oh rubbish!" or "That's total rubbish!" = (That's total crap).
Rubbish bin - n. = Trash can / garbage can. Usually the main trash container in your kitchen. (Compare "Dustbin", "Waste-paper basket" + "Wheelie bin").
Rubbish tip - n. = Garbage dump.

S

Sack - v. = To fire someone from a job.
Sacked - adj. = To be sacked = To be fired from a job. (Compare "Redundant").
Saloon (car) - n. = Sedan.
Sand pit - n. = Sand box.
Sandwich cake - n. = Layer cake.
Sanitary towel - n. = Sanitary napkin.
Scarper - v. (informal) = To run away. E.g. "They left the bag where it was and scarpered." (Compare "Leg it").
Scrump - v. (informal) = To steal apples from an orchard or garden. "He used to go scrumping with his sisters."
Scrumpy - n. Rough, strong cider, especially made in the south west of England. Derives from the old dialect word "scrump" meaning "withered apple".
Semibreve - n. (music) = Whole note. (Compare "Crotchet", "Minim", "Quaver" + "Semiquaver").
Semiquaver - n. (music) = Sixteenth note. (Compare "Crotchet", "Minim", "Quaver" + "Semibreve".)
Semitone - n. (music) = Half step.

Settee - n. = Couch. (From the old English word, "settle" meaning somewhere to sit and settle.) (Compare "Sofa").
Shag -
1. v. (slang) = To have sex. (Similar to "screw" / milder than "fuck"). E.g.  "They were shagging on the couch".
2. n. (slang) = A screw / an act of sex. E.g. "Let's have a shag!"
Shambles - n. = Mess, bad shape, plan gone wrong. "The house was in a shambles," or "The rehearsal was a bit of a shambles."
Shank's Pony - n. (slang) = Walking, e.g. "Best to go by Shank's Pony."
Shopping trolley - n. = Shopping cart.
Show home - n. = Model home.
Sick - adj. = queasy / nauseous / sick to the stomach. (Not used in the general sense of being unwell).
Silencer - n. (car) = Muffler.
Silverside - n. = Rump roast.
Skewiff - adj. = Crooked, skewed, unbalanced. (Compare "Wonky")
Skint - adj. (slang) = Poor, hard up. E.g. "Can't afford it; I'm a bit skint at the mo."
Skip - n. = Dumpster. E.g. "Throw all that rubbish in the skip!"
Skipping rope - n. = Jump rope.
Skive / Skive off - v. = To play hooky. "Let's skive off school!" (Compare "Bunk").
Slag
1. n. (slang) = a dirty, promiscuous woman. Similar to "slut" or "skank".
2. v. (slang) = "to slag off" something = to put down / to bad-mouth someone or something, usually in a mean / vicious way.
Sloane / Sloane Ranger - n. =  a young (late 20s / early 30s), confident, well-educated, well-dressed, upper middle or upper class person (usually a woman) who dresses fashionably, pursues a fashionable life-style and embraces conservative, upper class values.  The term is a portmanteau of Sloane Square, (a "posh" area of London with wealthy residents), and The Lone Ranger.  American equivalents might be the "preppy" style or perhaps a "Trixie".
Slowcoach - n. = Slowpoke.
Smart - adj. = Sharp / neat / well-dressed. "You look smart in that suit!"
Smart/casual - adj. = Specific dress code, not too dressy, not too casual.
Snakes and ladders - n. (game) = Chutes and ladders.
Snog -
1. v. (slang) = To kiss / make-out. E.g. "They were snogging in the hallway."
2. n. (slang) = A lover's kiss. E.g. "Let's have a snog!" 
Sod -
1. n. (coarse swear word) = Jerk / bastard. Can be used as a harsh put down, e.g. "You f-ing sod!" or as a friendly jibe, e.g."You silly old sod!" (Compare "Bugger").
2. v. (coarse expletive), (similar to "fuck"), e.g. "Sod it!" or "Sod off!"
Derives from the word "sodomy" = rape of an animal.
Sod's law - n. (slang) = Murphy's law.
Sofa - n. = Couch. (An ancient Turkish word, meaning a raised section of floor covered with carpets and cushions). (Compare "Settee".)
Solicitor - n. = Lawyer.
Sorted - adj. = Taken care of / fixed / straightened out / done. "Hurray! We're sorted!"
Soya / Soya bean - n. = Soy / Soy bean.
Spend a penny - v. (idiom) = To go to the bathroom (toilet) to pee. E.g. "I'm just going to go and spend a penny!" Historically, public bathrooms (toilets) charged one penny for "Number 1" and 2 pennies for "Number 2". Ever since those days, "To spend a penny" has been a popular euphemism for going to the bathroom, specifically to pee.
Spotted Dick - n. = A traditional British dessert. It's a steamed suet (dough) pudding containing dried fruit (usually currants or raisins) commonly served with custard.
Spring onion - n. = Scallion.
Spud - n. = Potato.
Squash - n. = Fruit juice drink, usually of orange or lemon flavour, usually in concentrated form, requiring water to dilute.
Stag night - n. = Bachelor party. (Compare "Hen night")
Stanley knife - n. = Utility knife.
Starkers - adj. (slang)  = Completely butt naked.
Starter - n. = Appetizer.
State school - n. = Public school. (Compare "Public school").
Stockings - n. = Ladies' nylons, held up with "suspenders". (Compare "Tights").
Storm in a teacup - (expression) = Tempest in a teapot.
Struth! - (mild curse word/ expletive) = Wow! Dang! Damn! Used as an expression of surprise, e.g. "Struth! What a big one!" Compression of the curse, "By God's Truth!" (Compare "Blimey!" and "Crikey!") (Although popularized by Australian movie stars, Struth is 100% a Britishism!)
Sunday roast - n. = A traditional British main meal that is typically served on Sunday (hence the name), consisting of roasted meat, roasted potatoes, Yorkshire pudding (see "Yorkshire pudding"), stuffing, vegetables and gravy. Vegetables such as roasted parsnips, Brussels sprouts, peas, carrots, runner beans, and broccoli are usually included.
Surgery - n. = Clinic / Doctor's office. E.g. "I'm going to the surgery for my doctor's appointment."
Suspenders - n. = Ladies' garter belt (to hold up ladies' nylons / "stockings"). (Compare "Braces" = Men's suspenders to hold up pants).
Swede - n. = Rutabaga
Sweet
1. - n. = Dessert. (See "Afters" + "Pudding").
2. - n = Candy.
Swish - adj. = Fancy, elegant, luxurious. "This restaurant is really swish!" (Compare "Posh").

T

Ta - expression - (slang) = Thanks! E.g. when a quick, informal "thanks" is all that's needed, such as when passing the salt, e.g. "There you go!"... "Ta!"
Ta ta for now / T.T.F.N. - expression - (slang) = Bye / See you later! Sometimes shortened to "Ta ta!"
Tad - n. = A small amount. A jot. "That's just a tad too much milk..."
Take-away - n. = Take out, to go.
Tat - n. = Cheap, trashy stuff, such as plastic trinkets at a souvenir kiosk, or poorly made clothing or household goods at a dollar store.
Taxi - n. = Cab (or Taxi).
Taxi rank - n. = Taxi stand.
Tea towel - n. = Dish towel.
Telly - n. = The TV (Short for television).
Tenner - n. = A ten pound note. £10
Terrace house - n. = Row house.
Thick - adj.(informal) = Stupid / dumb.
Tick - n. = Check mark.
Ticket tout - n. = Scalper.
Timber - n. = Lumber.
Time signature (music) - n. = Meter.
Tin - n. = Can. (Of fruit, veggies, etc) 
Tinned - adj. = Canned, e.g. "These taste like tinned carrots."
Tit for Tat - expression (slang) = "Just desserts", touché, retaliation for insult or injury.
Tight - adj.(slang) = Drunk. (Compare "Pissed", "Plastered")
Tights - n. = Ladies panty-hose. Compare "Stockings."
Time-table - n. = Schedule.
To do - n. = fiasco / drama, e.g. "What a to do!" (Compare "Carry on")
Toff - n. = Toffee-nosed / Upper class person / posh person.
Toffee apple - n. = Caramel apple / Candy apple 
Togs - n.(pl) (informal) = Clothes. E.g. "Blimey, look at the fine togs he's wearing!"
Tosh - n. (slang) = Crap / Bullshit. E.g. "That's a load of tosh!" (Compare "Twaddle" and "Drivel").
Tosser - n. (coarse slang) =
1. A stupid, worthless person.
2. Someone (usually a guy) who masturbates a lot. (Compare "Wanker").
Touch wood - (expression) = Knock on wood.
Tracksuit - n. = Jogging suit / sportswear consisting of two parts; sweat-pants and zipper jacket or hoodie. The tracksuit was one of the earliest uses of synthetic fibers, such as polyester, in sportswear. A descendant of the tracksuit, the shell suit, which arrived in the late 1980s, was popular with the hip hop and breakdancing scene of the era. Can be considered "hip". But often bears connotations of nerdiness or even trashiness, if worn as every day clothing, rather than for sports.
Trade union - n. = Labor union.
Trading estate - n. = Industrial park.
Trainers - n. = Gym shoes / sneakers.
Trainspotter - n. =
1. Rail fan / rail buff / train buff. Someone with the (usually obsessive) hobby of watching trains and collecting information about them.
2. Geek / nerd. General term for anyone with strange, obsessive hobbies and who also wears untrendy, geeky clothing, such as an "anorak". (See "Anorak").
Transport cafe - n. = Truck stop.
Trifle - n. = Traditional English dessert with layers of sponge, jello, fruit, custard + cream.
Trolley - n. = Cart. (Usually referring to shopping cart).
Troll-eyed - adj. = Drunk.
Trouble 'n Strife - n. (Cockney Rhyming Slang) = Wife.
Trousers - n. = Pants.
Tube (The) - n. = The subway. (Another word for "Underground").
Twaddle - n. (slang) = Foolish, trivial, idle talk or chatter. Kind of like "babble". Almost like "bullshit". (Compare "Drivel" and "Tosh").
Twit - n. (informal) = A foolish or stupid person / Idiot.

U

Underground - n. = Subway.
Uni - n. = University / College.

V

Vacuum flask - n. = Thermos bottle. (See "Flask").
Valance - n. = Bed skirt / Dust ruffle.
Verrucca - n. = Planter's Wart (on soles of feet).
Verge (of a road) - n. = Shoulder / Hard shoulder.
Vest - n. = Under-shirt. The thin cotton tank-top or t-shirt you wear under your main shirt. Not to be confused with what Americans call a "vest", which is worn under a suit jacket.  (See "Waistcoat").
Video-player - n. = VCR

W

Waistcoat - n. = Vest. (Worn under a suit jacket, over a shirt).
Wardrobe - n. = Closet.
Wank - (coarse slang) -
1. v. = to masturbate - E.g. "He was wanking in the shower"
2. n. = an act of masturbation  - E.g. "He was having a wank."
Wanker - (coarse slang) n. =
1. A worthless, contemptible person.
2. Someone (usually a guy) who masturbates a lot. (Compare "Tosser")
Wash (The) - n. = The whole pile of laundry. E.g. "Throw that dirty towel in the wash".
Washing (The) - n. = The laundry that's in process / the act of doing laundry. E.g. "I'm going to do a load of washing.", "I've got to hang out the washing.", "It's a good day for washing today."
Washing line - n. = Clothes line. (A very common thing in most English back gardens, unlike in the US).
Washing powder - n. = Laundry detergent.
Washing-up liquid - n. = Dish detergent.
Washing up (The) - n. = The dishes. E.g. "He always helps her with the washing up."
Wash up - v. = To do the dishes. (Not to freshen up or get ready for bed, as in the US).
Waste-paper basket - n. = Small trash can, usually for under a desk.
Way out - n. = Exit. (Look for the "Way out" signs in the London Underground / Tube).
Wellies - n. = Rain boots / Galoshes, made of rubber / PVC. Short for "Wellingtons" or "Wellington Boots", popularised by Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington.
Wet - adj. = Weak, lacking forcefulness or strength of character, boring, geeky, dweeby.
Wheelie bin - n. = The large garbage can with wheels, outside your home, that gets collected. (Compare "Dustbin", "Rubbish bin" and "Waste paper basket").
Whinge - v. = To whine, complain. (Rhymes with "hinge").
White coffee - n. = Coffee with cream.
Wholemeal bread - n. = Wholewheat bread.
Wicked - adj. = Cool! Awesome! (Compare "Brilliant!") E.g. "That ride was wicked!"
Willy - n. = Penis. A non-offensive word for the male reproductive organ. (Not like "dick" or any of the other nicknames!)  It's usually the first term that young children learn to refer to it.
Windcheater - n. = Windbreaker.
Windscreen (car) - n. = Windshield.
Wonky - adj. = Crooked, unbalanced, off-kilter. (Compare "Skewiff")

Y

Yorkshire pudding - n. = A traditional British side dish, often served as part of the main Sunday roast meal. (See "Sunday roast"). Though the word "pudding" usually refers to a dessert (see "Pudding"), this is a savory (salty) pudding, make from a baked batter, consisting of eggs, flour, and milk or water.  It can be served in several different ways, depending on the choice of ingredients, the size of the pudding and the accompanying components of the dish. As a first course it can be served with onion gravy.  As a main course it is often served with beef and gravy. It is usually part of the traditional Sunday roast, but it can also be filled with foods such as bangers and mash (see "Bangers") to make a meal by itself.

Z

Zebra crossing - n. = Crosswalk.
Zed (letter Z) - n. = Zee.
Zip - n. = Zipper.

This is a work in progress; continuously updated as I find new terms, so keep checking back.
Anyone is welcome to leave new suggestions of words I've missed in the comments below!