An A to Z Roadman Jargon - Learn to Speak Roadman Like a Real Deal (2023)

It's a universally acknowledged truth that you can't spend any time in London without picking up a phrase or two of road lingo.

What is a roadman, you ask? I'll hand it to Urban Dictionary on this one...

Roadman: Roadman comes from 21st century slang, which describes a child (usually in their teens) as someone who knows the ins and outs of their area and the people in the area inside out; You will also participate in popular events such as pick up, drive (cruise), parties, etc.

-Urban Dictionary

London's infamous roadmen have their own language, but I'll let you in on a little secret. There's not much to it.

So whether you're a jaded mom trying to figure out what the hell your kid is saying, or just wanting to up your cool factor with a little local slang, when you read this little dictionary, you'll be in conversation.empty thingswith the best of them. You are welcome.

How to Speak the Roadman Language Like the Real Deal

Now, it can be very difficult to understand roadman language well.

If you want to sound natural, the key is not to overdo it: don't use too many slang words at once or you'll soundbait.

You'll find that a lot of roadman slang relies on repeating words and giving them a different meaning. You probably recognize many of the words in this dictionary, but do you know what roadman means?

Roadman's Jargon Dictionary

Roadmen basically have their own language. Keep an eye out for these words when visiting London.

A- Allow

Let's start with a phrase you'll hear a lot. 'Allow' means stop doing something or put something aside. Most of the time it is hired to 'get down'.

B - Plano

One of my favorites, 'bait' means obvious. If someone is being "bait" it means they are being obvious and annoying. A bit like someone trying to use roadman phrases without knowing what they mean.Bait.

B – Bruv

Another common word in London roadman slang. 'Bruv' is short for brother and is often used between men to address each other, whether they are brothers or not.

B - No

'Nu' is a small word that can be used in many contexts. It means 'really', but depending on the situation, it can also describe having a lot of something.

B-make noise

There are some spelling variations on this, you may also see it spelled as 'bookey' or 'booky' (note: pronounced boo-key).

'Buki' can be used to describe a strange or strange person or thing, i.e. 'bruv, that person is naked buki'.

B – Pssaro

Although somewhat controversial, "bird" is a very common way of describing women in roadman slang.

C - winches

'Chirps' is fun: it means talking to someone. If someone is trying to flirt with you, you can ask, "Are you trying to yell at me?"

C - clap your hands

The word 'clap' is mean but very funny. It's a way of describing someone who is less attractive to look at (aka butterz).

Be careful using this, you don't want to offend a roadman.

D-Dench

First introduced by grime artist Lethal Bizzle in 2012, "dench" can be used to describe anything or anyone that is good or attractive.

E - Finish

You will often hear a roadman say, "those are my extremes", it simply means this area is where they are from.

F - Family

'Fam' is one of the most common words in roadman slang. Similar to 'bruv', it is used to greet someone who is not necessarily familiar but very close.

F - Fresco

'Fresh' means new and is usually used to describe something positively. It goes perfectly with the next roadman slang.

G - Clothing

Clothing comes from the word clothing, which means clothes. You might hear someone say, "I like your clothes clean," which means you like your clothes new.

G - gassed

If you're excited about something, change that word to "gassed". I hope you're excited because you're learning roadman slang.

Gold

It is also used inargot cockney, 'geezer' can be used in a positive or negative context to refer to a man.

H - bass drum

Now we all know the word 'hype', right? It has a similar positive meaning to roadmen, but believe me when I say this word ison all sides.

The phrase "believe the hype" is a commonplace, meaning that something is really good and deserves all the praise it gets.

I am not

'Innit' is classic roadman slang that is all too easy to overdo. Literally, the word is a contraction of 'isn't it?' and is used at the end of sentences to affirm what you just said. Learning roadman language is easy, isn't it?

J – Chistos

As you can imagine, something that is 'joke' is very funny. Although it can also be used sarcastically to describe something that isn't really funny. Context is the key here.

G - Largo

This word is often used to describe tasks that are difficult or will take years to complete, i.e. 'nah this is so long family'.

L lips

It means kissing someone. If you go out for a night out in London, you might find yourself kissing someone after a few drinks.

M – Mandem

Men often use 'mandem' to describe their group of friends. Your crew is your command.

N-When

Nang is one of the slightly rarer roadman slang words, so you'd be forgiven if you have no idea what it means. It is actually something positive and means that something is good.

OR - Property

Ownership is a word that dates back to the 1990s among Internet hackers, but has since found its way into the roadman lexicon.

It means to dominate and is usually shouted when someone has been defeated in an argument or game.

P-to

To pair someone is to insult or ridicule them.

P - Ecl

'Peng' is one of those words that keeps popping up in videos where Americans guess UK slang... and for good reason. It's such a funny word, but it's so random.

It means attractive, it is usually used to describe a beautiful woman.

P-pico

Somewhat confusingly, "spike" can be used to describe a situation that is either good or bad. Most roadmen will use the word negatively, i.e. "that's peak", although many places in the UK describe something positive as peak.

When you're in London, you're more attached to the negative meaning.

R – Reh Teh Teh

This one is fun. 'Reh teh teh' is used at the end of a list to mean etc.

R – Role com

If you 'roll with' someone, it means you spend time with someone. Although it can also be used figuratively to indicate that you get along with someone.

S-safe

'Safe' is one of those roadman slang words that is completely nuanced. It usually means that something is good or great, but you can also use it to say hello or goodbye to someone.

T-Ting

Often paired with peng, i.e. 'she's a peng ting', it is literally just a contracted version of 'thing' and is often used by teamsters.

V - Molesto

While this word is not just used by truck drivers, it means anger and is often used as "why are you angry?" You can also ask someone, 'Are you trying to make me angry?' which means, are you trying to make me angry?

W - Wasteman

One of my favorite roadman insults. A 'waste' is someone who is acting silly or being annoying.

W - Chicote

In grime music, you often hear someone rapping about driving a "German Whip" which means a German branded car.

If someone is excited about their new car, they might say, 'bruv, take a look at my new whip.

There you have it, an A-Z (okay, technically A-W) of roadman phrases and slang that you can incorporate into your own chat to make it feel real. Try wearing something the next time you're out and about.