It's gone tits up
Everything has gone badly wrong
The whole project's gone tits up-our supplier bailed at the last minute.
Your road trip plan collapses when the car breaks down, the hotel cancels, and it starts pouring rain.
Literally it paints a crude image of something ending up upside down, like an animal lying on its back.
In practice it means a plan has gone badly wrong or completely failed. It's informal and pretty vulgar, so it's best kept for close friends, not work emails or polite company. It's especially common in British English, often said with dark humor when things fall apart.
"It's gone tits up" does not mean something improved dramatically, becoming very attractive/ appealing, the situation requires flexibility. It specifically means "Everything has gone badly wrong".
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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.