The British language is constantly evolving, with common words and phrases being developed thanks to social media.
While Brits love a good abbreviation, our recent research has found that many tourists are utterly confused about what they mean. 45% of all ages admitted to being in the dark about terms such as ‘Holijobs’, ‘Banny Hols’, and ‘Cozzie Livs’, while most of the over-50s and nearly half of everyone else don’t know what ‘Jackie P’ means.
But don’t let that scare you, as this latest blog guide will help you understand Britain’s trendy abbreviations for when you next visit the UK. You’ll be ordering a Savvy B for your Holibobs in no time!
At a glance:
- Genny Lec = General Election
- Platty Joobs = Platinum Jubilee
- Corrie Nash = King’s Coronation
- Banny Hols = Bank Holiday
- Parrie Limps = Paris Olympics
- Savvy B = Sauvignon Blanc
- Holibobs = Holiday
- Holijobs = Holiday Job
- Jackie P = Jacket Potato
- Cozzie Livs = Cost of Living
- Spenny = Expensive
- Notty Carns = Notting Hill Carnival
Genny Lec (General Election)
A divisive topic, the Genny Lec will be heard in conversation about the 2024 General Election – one to avoid if you’re not ready for a political debate! However, if you’re keen to see where this year’s results played out, you can visit Westminster via the Harry Potter London Walking Tour or get up close to 10 Downing Street when venturing on the Churchill War Rooms Tour.
Platty Joobs (Platinum Jubilee)
If you hear anyone reminiscing about the jubilant ‘Platty Jubes’, this is in reference to the weekend of celebrations for the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee – marking 70 years of her reign. To learn more about the rich history of the British Royal Family, a trip to the historic town of Windsor is a great way to get a true taste of tradition and a peek inside the ancestral residence of the British monarchy.
Corrie Nash (King’s Coronation)
Following the country’s mourning of the late Queen, the UK celebrated the King’s Coronation in 2023 – a ceremony that officially crowned King Charles, and a brilliant excuse for a national Holibob! Fans of the new King can explore Buckingham Palace or Westminster Abbey to see where all the Corrie Nash action happened.
Banny Hols (Bank Holiday)
If ever the Brits needed an excuse for a party or a day of exploration, the annual Banny Hols are it! A term that refers to a weekday when the banks officially close, but the day is kept as a public holiday. There are typically eight Bank Holidays a year in England, and one extra in Scotland, usually falling on a Monday, meaning a longer weekend is enjoyed by all.
Parrie Limps (Paris Olympics)
A topical one for this summer, the ‘Parrie Limps’ refers to the Paris Olympics. Held in the famous ‘City of Love’ this year and easily accessed by Eurostar, the unique Paris Rail Tour is a perfect way to experience all that the city has to offer – et c’est magnifique !
Savvy B (Sauvignon Blanc)
Outside of the UK, this wine is known as Sauvignon Blanc, but asking for a ‘Savvy B’ in the bars of Britain will do the trick! Putting wine knowledge to the test, budding sommeliers can visit the majestic Waddesdon Manor and indulge in a captivating wine-tasting journey with The Cotswolds with Rothschild Wine Tasting Experience.
Holibobs (Holiday)
Holibobs, hollies, jolibobs, jolly… there’s apparently no end to the ways a Brit can describe a vacation! Those looking for family-friendly holibobs with fun and discovery, can check out Evan Evans’ extensive selection of tours – from visiting the prehistoric wonder of Stonehenge to exploring epic medieval castles.
Holijobs (Holiday Job)
If you now know what holibobs means, you probably have a vague idea of holijobs. Perhaps not the most preferred way to spend our holidays, but let’s face it – even Wizards don’t rest! Step into the Wizarding World and visit the Harry Potter filming locations in London, Oxford and the Cotswolds. You’ll see how non-stop the gang are!
Jackie P (Jacket Potato)
Beans & Cheese, Tuna & Sweetcorn, Coronation Chicken, the culinary options are endless when it comes to the much-loved, quintessentially British Jacket Potato. Although a Jackie P may not be on the culinary cards, mystery hunters can enjoy a classic dish of Fish & Chips when travelling in the footsteps of London’s most infamous serial killer on the Jack The Ripper Guided Tour.
Cozzie Livs (Cost of Living), Spenny (Expensive)
Bit of a sore spot for Brits, Cozzie Livs can be heard in discussions about the current cost of living crisis; used as a general term to refer to heightened prices of everything from household bills to butter. A one to drop into conversation if you’re looking to blend in like a true Brit.
Notty Carns (Notting Hill Carnival)
A term you may hear if you are visiting the UK at the end of Aug Banny Hol weekend. Notty Carns is a carnival that celebrates Caribbean culture with amazing food and music. If festival lovers are unable to attend this year, they can visit Hampton Court Palace for its annual food festival.
