Current London usage

Right?; isn’t that true?; an expression of agreement or a request for confirmation.

“That queue was ridiculous, ahlie?”

Stop it, leave it alone, or do not continue.

“Allow it, you know that’s not true.”

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.”

Very; a lot; many.

“It was bare busy on the platform.”

Brother, friend, or a familiar way to address a man.

“Bruv, you left your bag.”

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

“I look butters in that old passport photo.”

To flirt with or chat up someone; also the act of flirting or a person someone is casually pursuing.

“He spent the whole party trying to chirpse her.”

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

“That old sofa is completely clapped now.”

Trainers or athletic-style shoes.

“Those new creps are clean.”

One’s neighbourhood, local area, estate, or home territory.

“He’s not from our ends; he’s from south London.”

A close friend, trusted person, or group treated like family.

“You good, fam?”

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

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

A tag meaning roughly “isn’t it?”, “right?”, or adding emphasis.

“That train was packed, innit?”

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

“That video is bare jokes.”

Extremely attractive, impressive, or exceptionally good.

“That outfit is leng.”

To meet, join, or connect with someone, usually by arrangement.

“I’m linking up with the mandem after work.”

Time-consuming, tedious, annoying, difficult, or not worth the effort required.

“Changing trains three times just to get there is long.”

A pronoun-like form that can refer to the speaker or another person; in some MLE contexts, “man” means “I” or “me”.

“Man’s tired after that shift.”

A group of close male friends or associates; one’s crew.

“I’m linking up with the mandem by the shops.”

Bad, unfortunate, harsh, embarrassing, or unfair.

“You missed the last train? That’s peak.”

Highly attractive, exceptionally good, or especially appealing.

“That burger place does peng food.”

Good, okay, trustworthy, thanks, or an informal greeting or farewell.

“Safe, I’ll see you at eight.”

A thing or person; in some contexts, a romantic interest, attractive woman, partner, or casual connection.

“Pass me that little ting by the charger.”

What’s going on?; what’s happening?; an informal greeting similar to “what’s up?”.

“Wagwan, fam — you good?”

How are you?; what is happening?; what are your plans?

“What you saying, you coming out?”

A young person, or young people collectively; sometimes used before another noun in phrases about youth culture.

“There were a few local yutes playing football in the park.”