TravelIntermediate
British polite phrases in English
What common British phrases like cheers, brilliant, and not bad mean.
Full script
Lin
Wait, Cheers means thanks here? Not just a toast?
Them
Both! Cheers, ta, thanks. All the same.
Lin
And brilliant? You said it five times already.
Them
Brilliant means great. Or fine. Or okay.
Lin
Got it. This biscuit is brilliant!
Them
Careful. We say 'not bad' when it's amazing.
Lin
And when you say 'interesting'?
Them
Usually means we hate it. Like your snacks.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
British
✓ Cheers!Thanks; toast too
Used like thanks; ta too
British
✓ Brilliant!Great!
Great / fine / okay
Save
✓ Not bad.Very good.
UK style: not bad = great
Note
✓ That's interesting.Sounds nice.
Often means: not a fan
Quick answers
British: what to say in English
Say “Cheers!” — thanks; toast too. Used like thanks; ta too.
British: what to say in English
Say “Brilliant!” — great. Great / fine / okay.
Save: what to say in English
Say “Not bad.” — very good. UK style: not bad = great.
Note: what to say in English
Say “That's interesting.” — sounds nice. Often means: not a fan.