Bonkers
Completely crazy; wildly irrational
£1,800 for that shoebox studio? That's bonkers.
You see the price of a tiny apartment and react to how ridiculously expensive it is.
Literally it relates to "bonk," like getting hit on the head (so you're a bit knocked silly).
In practice it means completely crazy, absurd, or wildly unreasonable, often in a humorous way rather than truly serious. You can use it for people ("he's bonkers") or things like prices, plans, or stories. It's very common in UK English, but understood widely elsewhere too.
"Bonkers" does not mean extremely boring, very fragile, secretly illegal. It specifically means "Completely crazy; wildly irrational".
Why Learn British slang with mates?
🎯 Why Learn British Slang
If you're an American or non-British English speaker planning to visit, work, or study in the UK, you'll quickly discover that British English is far more than just a different accent. British people use completely different vocabulary for everyday situations, speak in layers of irony and understatement that confuse outsiders, and rely on cultural references and slang that traditional English courses never cover. Learning British slang transforms you from a confused tourist to someone who actually understands British conversation, humor, and culture.
👤 Who This Course Is For
This course is perfect for intermediate English learners (B1-B2 level) who want to understand British media, prepare for UK travel or relocation, work with British colleagues, or simply love British culture and want deeper access to it. It's designed for Americans confused by British vocabulary, international students preparing to study in the UK, professionals working with British teams, anglophiles who want to understand British TV and films authentically, and anyone frustrated by the gaps in their understanding when Brits speak naturally. You should have solid English foundations and be ready to explore regional vocabulary, cultural humor, and informal registers.
📚 What You'll Learn
Master essential British expressions used daily across the UK. Learn common reactions like 'gutted' (disappointed), 'chuffed' (pleased), 'knackered' (exhausted), and 'gobsmacked' (shocked). Understand uniquely British phrases like 'Bob's your uncle', 'taking the piss', 'couldn't be arsed', and 'lost the plot'. Discover British vocabulary for everyday items that differ from American English — what Americans call 'fries' are 'chips', 'pants' are 'trousers', and 'trash' is 'rubbish'. Learn how to navigate British pub culture, workplace banter, and social situations with appropriate vocabulary and cultural awareness.