United Kingdom · Language · 2026/27
Talking your way around Leeds
English. The phrasebook section is short — but British English has a register difference from American English worth knowing, and a few words carry meaning that surprises Americans.
English level: It's the local language. You're fine.
Phrases worth memorising
Bathroom
/—/
Toilet / Loo / Lavatory
'Bathroom' technically means a room with a bath. Asking for 'the bathroom' in a pub will get you a confused look.
Cookie
/—/
Biscuit
Trunk (of a car)
/—/
Boot
Sweater
/—/
Jumper
Pants (i.e. trousers)
/—/
Trousers
'Pants' means underwear in British English. 'Nice pants' to a stranger lands very differently here.
Cheers
/—/
Cheers
Multi-purpose: 'thanks', 'goodbye', 'no problem', 'good toast' — all from context.
You alright?
/—/
Y'alright?
A greeting, not a check-in. Answer 'yeah, you?'
Quite (very)
/—/
Quite
British 'quite good' often means 'mediocre' or 'not great'. American 'quite good' usually means 'really good'. Watch the trap.
What's polite, what's a trap
'Pissed' means drunk in British English. 'Pissed off' means annoyed.
'Fanny' is anatomical and offensive in British English in a way it isn't in American.
'I'm good' is increasingly accepted for 'I'm well' but the older generation finds it grating.
Last reviewed . Phonetic guides are approximate; native pronunciations are worth listening to before deploying.
See also: etiquette & customs · visa & entry.