British English slang

[Second Summer]

I've started this thread for the purpose of discussing British English slang.

One of my colleagues used the expression 'a special constable' about another colleague who wasn't present, though from the context I don't think he meant to say the other colleague was doing actual policing, but rather something not PG13! (It was all in good fun, no offence meant.) However, I've tried to google to see if this is a common slang term, but have actually found nothing at all. So was my colleague just inventing his own slang terminology? It's absolutely possible.

 

[beancounter]

Well the Urban Dictionary definition is pretty literal:

Urban Dictionary: special constable

 

[Mischief]

Could it be from Cockney rhyming slang? I can never figure those out on my own.

 

[Second Summer]

Well the Urban Dictionary definition is pretty literal:

Urban Dictionary: special constable

I did see that - yes, quite literal, not what I was hoping for!

Could it be from Cockney rhyming slang? I can never figure those out on my own.

That's probably it - if it doesn't make any sense, it's probably Cockney

 

[Second Summer]

Perhaps going a little off-topic, but what is a good response to the infamous "you alright!?"? I've tried a variety of responses over the years, but I always feel a little awkward It's one of those situations I still don't feel like I fully master after 15 years ...!

 

[shyvas]

Perhaps going a little off-topic, but what is a good response to the infamous "you alright!?"? I've tried a variety of responses over the years, but I always feel a little awkward It's one of those situations I still don't feel like I fully master after 15 years ...!

''Fine, thanks''.

 

[Second Summer]

''Fine, thanks''.

Hmm, shouldn't I also say "you alright" or something similar back at them somehow? Or maybe not? Maybe that is my whole problem. Maybe just "fine, thanks", and then move on directly to some other kind of small talk? Does that work?

 

[shyvas]

Hmm, shouldn't I also say "you alright" or something similar back at them somehow? Or maybe not? Maybe that is my whole problem. Maybe just "fine, thanks", and then move on directly to some other kind of small talk? Does that work?

Sounds fine to me and that's what I also do.