If you’re heading over to London-town for the royal wedding, you’ll need to be prepared for a subtle but definite culture shock. While English is the unofficial language of both the UK and the US, that whole revolution thing drove a bit of a linguistic wedge between us. But fear not! We’ve compiled a list of 10 British slang phrases you’re likely to hear over the royal wedding weekend and provided their definitions so you can enjoy the revelry with the best of them! Cheerio!
Flopbkin: The name used to describe the diminutive man upon whom the responsibility of carrying the bride’s train is bestowed. The term is named after Francis Flopbkin, a close confidant of Queen Elizabeth I, who escorted the Queen to the chapel on her wedding day. In order to avoid a large, muddy puddle on the way to the church, Flopbkin leapt to grab the dress’s train, and landed in quicksand. The Queen’s dress survived, but sadly, Flopbkin did not. In honor of his memory, the smallest man in the audience is chosen for the venerable position of the Flopbkin.
Quivvence: An ancient type of British coin that is traditionally gifted to newlyweds by the wealthiest member of their family. One might respond to someone asking for money with: “What do I look like? A quivvence bearer?!”
Ferrig: The last remaining crumb from the bread rolls, traditionally served with the second-to-fifth course of a nine-course meal. You can compliment a chef by saying that the meal was “Perfect to the very last ferrig”.
Trincey: A member of the royal family who is there by sheer luck. Named for Princess Trincey, who had been exiled to Switzerland in the 15th century but happened to be in town on a layover. Who exactly is and is not a trincey is a matter of personal opinion.
Krestle: The first tooth lost by a prince. It is preserved with great care until the prince from whence it sprung is to be wed. At the end of the wedding ceremony, the krestle is presented on a silver platter and shattered by a petite golden mallet. It is a symbolic gesture representing the end of childhood and the abandonment of the old self.
Tronque: An elaborately decorated meat pie served at weddings. While recipes vary from chef to chef, a tronque usually contains lamb, rabbit, fox, and hound. The tronque was once the culinary focus of weddings, and it is said that modern wedding cakes are modeled after the decadent savory sculptures.
Chuvnah: The word to know if you’re going to make friends. An amalgam of “chap” and “governor,” it is the friendliest of British terms of endearment. You’ll have them convinced that you’re positively Canadian!
Pepple: A term is used by the extremely rich to describe citizens of average wealth. While you may hear this one a lot, it’s best to refrain from saying it unless your financial portfolio can back you up.
Brinch: A meal where peasants flood the streets of London and eat the flesh of the rich. Brinches are more frequent around major events such as royal weddings
Bipsy: The traditional toasting beverage of British royalty. It is an effervescent dandelion liqueur with raspberry pips, garnished with a sprig of fresh thyme.
Guelfth: The social clout and value of a person, regardless of income. The emotional/spiritual equivalent of wealth. Rarely used.