Adjective

Too obvious, easily noticed, exposed, or likely to attract unwanted attention.

“Don’t take your phone out in front of the teacher — that’s way too bait.”

Naughty, badly behaved, or disobedient, especially of a child.

“Don’t be bold—leave your sister alone.”

Fine, excellent, attractive, or pleasing. The word can describe a person, an object, the weather, or a general situation.

“It’s a braw day for a walk by the water.”

Extremely cold, especially when describing the weather outside.

““Bring the heavy coat—it’s brick outside.””

Extremely muscular, powerfully built, or visibly strong; sometimes extended to anything unusually sturdy or forceful.

““He came back from training looking brolic.””

Unattractive or unpleasant to look at, usually as a blunt and potentially hurtful judgement.

“I look butters in that old passport photo.”

Slightly rude or disrespectful, often in a playful, bold, or amusing way.

“That was a cheeky reply, but everyone laughed.”

Pleased, happy, or proud about something.

“She was really chuffed with the result.”

Extremely unattractive; in broader slang use, also badly worn, ruined, or in visibly poor condition.

“That old sofa is completely clapped now.”

Dishonest, suspicious, unreliable, unsafe, faulty, or likely to cause problems.

“That link looks dodgy — don’t click it.”

Dull, bleak, wet, or persistently gloomy, especially when describing weather.

“It’s been a dreich afternoon from start to finish.”

Stylish, attractive, polished, or impressively put together, especially when evaluating clothing or presentation.

““That jacket still looks fly after all these years.””

Very excited, hyped, pleased, or—in some contexts—overconfident.

“He was so gassed when he passed his driving test.”

So surprised or astonished that it is difficult to speak.

“I was gobsmacked when they announced the winner.”

Extremely disappointed, upset, or emotionally crushed by an outcome.

“I was gutted when the concert was cancelled.”

Big, muscular, strong-looking, and well built, usually as the apparent result of exercise.

“Your brother looks hench after all that training.”

Exceptionally good, skillful, striking, or impressive in a positive slang use; ordinarily, ill can still mean sick or harmful.

““That DJ played an ill closing set.””

Good, pleasant, peaceful, or in a positive state of mind.

“Everything irie after the music start.”

Very funny, entertaining, enjoyable, or—in some uses—simply very good.

“That video is bare jokes.”

Very tired, worn out, or exhausted.

“I’m knackered after that shift.”

Extremely tired; also broken, worn out, or too old to use.

“I’m absolutely knackered after that shift.”

Extremely attractive, impressive, or exceptionally good.

“That outfit is leng.”

Little or small; also heard in familiar expressions such as “likkle more,” meaning see you later.

“Just add a likkle pepper to the pot.”

Highly attractive, exceptionally good, or especially appealing.

“That burger place does peng food.”

Subject to New York’s rent-control system, a regulated tenancy category with strict historical occupancy and building requirements.

““Her apartment is rent-controlled, not merely below market.””

Covered by New York rent-stabilization rules that regulate leases, rent increases, and specific tenant protections.

““They requested the rent history to confirm whether the unit was rent-stabilized.””

Having little or no money, especially temporarily.

“I’m skint until payday, so I’m staying in tonight.”

Upset, annoyed, or bothered; elsewhere it can also mean close, secure, or excellent.

““He was tight they closed the doors early.””

Good, acceptable, impressive, legitimate, or worth approving.

““That late-night dumpling spot is valid.””

Bad, low-quality, unappealing, unfair, or lacking skill, depending on what the speaker is judging.

““Canceling after everybody arrived was wack.””

Small or little. It can also make a request or description sound more familiar or affectionate.

“Give me a wee minute and I’ll be ready.”