What the Crumpet Did You Just Say?

Let’s be honest, British slang is a minefield. Even we don't always know what we’re on about. But toss a few of our phrases across the Atlantic and suddenly the confusion hits harder.

As a proudly British (and Cornish!) company slinging proper pasties in the USA, we’ve learned a thing or two about how not to order a “jumbo sausage roll” in Tennessee. So, grab a cuppa, take a seat, and let’s have a laugh at what happens when British slang meets American ears.

“I’m Just Popping Out…”

What we mean: “I’m going to the shop for milk.”
What they hear: “I’m... spontaneously exploding?”

No, no explosions. Just a quiet trip to the corner shop for a pint of semi-skimmed and maybe a cheeky packet of crisps. Which leads us to...

“Crisps” vs. “Chips” vs. “Fries” vs. Existential Crisis

British: crisps = chips, chips = fries
American: chips = crisps, fries = chips
Everyone: just orders a pasty and stops trying to understand the universe

Seriously, it’s easier to navigate the London Tube blindfolded than figure out what to call a potato in the US.

“I’m Feeling Peckish”

This innocent phrase has baffled more Americans than Marmite on toast. It does not mean you’ve taken up falconry.
It simply means you’re a bit hungry. You fancy a nibble. Maybe even... a pasty?

(See what we did there?)

“Fancy a Pasty?”

Speaking of fancy…
Americans hear: “Are you romantically interested in this pastry?”
We mean: “Would you like to eat something delicious and flaky that’s been legally protected by the EU?”

Totally different vibes.

“Bob’s Your Uncle”

The ultimate mic-drop of British phrases.
Used to wrap up any instructions, no matter how chaotic.
“You shove it in the oven for 25 minutes, and Bob’s your uncle.”

American response:
“Wait—who’s Bob? And why are we bringing family into this?”

In Summary: We Talk Funny. You Eat the Food.

British slang is full of quirks, confusion, and the occasional double entendre. But at the end of the day, it’s all part of the charm.

So whether you know your baps from your bangers, or you’re still wondering what a “naff git” is—we’ve got one phrase that translates everywhere:

“That’s one bloody good pasty.”

Distinctively British!

No need to speak fluent British to enjoy what we bake.
Just bring your appetite—and maybe a translator.