Planning a trip to the UK? You'll likely find yourself in a traditional British pub sooner or later. But don't expect it to be just like the textbooks!
The pub is where the real English language comes alive. It's packed with unique vocabulary, unwritten social rules, and idioms that native speakers use "down the local." From ordering a round of drinks to avoiding a bender, mastering these expressions will help you feel like a regular in no time.
Below are 20 essential pub idioms and phrases to help you navigate your next night out. We've included clear meanings and natural examples. And if you're hungry for more vocab, why not check out our guide to food idioms too?
20 Pub Idioms & Phrases
A pint of...
how to order a standard beer (approx 568ml)
I'll have a pint of lager, please.
It's my treat
paying for the group as a gift
Don't reach for your wallet; it's my treat tonight!
A round of drinks
buying a drink for everyone at the table
It's my turn to buy a round! What's everyone having?
Dutch courage
drinking alcohol to get bravery for something difficult
I needed a bit of Dutch courage before I dared to ask for a promotion.
Hair of the dog
drinking more alcohol to cure a hangover
I feel terrible this morning; I think I need a bit of the hair of the dog.
On the house
provided for free by the pub
Since it's your birthday, this drink is on the house.
Tipsy / Smashed
different levels of being drunk (slightly vs extremely)
I was a bit tipsy after two beers, but he was absolutely smashed!
Last orders!
the final warning before the bar stops serving alcohol
Quick, it's last orders! Do you want another one?
Time, gentlemen, please!
the traditional signal that the pub is closing
"Time, gentlemen, please! Drink up and head home!"
A local
your regular pub near your home
I'm just heading down to my local for a quick half-pint.
Bottoms up!
a toast to drink the entire glass
Cheers, everyone—bottoms up!
Cheers!
a toast, or a casual way to say "thank you" or "goodbye"
"Here's your drink." "Cheers!"
Drink like a fish
to drink a large amount of alcohol regularly
He can really drink like a fish; he was here all night.
Bar crawl
visiting multiple pubs in one night
We're going on a bar crawl for his stag do on Saturday.
Put it on my tab
requesting to pay for all drinks at the end of the night
Can you put these drinks on my tab? I'll pay when I leave.
Shandy
a mixture of beer and lemonade or ginger ale
It's a hot day, so I'll just have a refreshing shandy.
Soft drink
any non-alcoholic carbonated beverage
I'm driving, so I'll stick to soft drinks only tonight.
Chalk and cheese
completely different (often used for people's tastes)
The pub on the corner and this one are like chalk and cheese.
Bender
a long period of excessive drinking (often several days)
He went on a three-day bender after he lost his job.
Slurred speech
unclear talking as a result of too much alcohol
I knew he'd had too many when he started having slurred speech.
Drinking with the Locals
British pub culture is all about communal drinking. The most important rule to remember is buying a round. If you're in a group, one person buys drinks for everyone, and then someone else buys the next round. It keeps the night flowing and shows you're a "good egg"!
Try using on the house when you're talking about a special gift, or describe a fun night as a bar crawl. If you want to practice your conversational English in a relaxed environment, why not book a private lesson and we can "chew the fat" (chat) about British culture?
Now you can sound natural, confident, and perfectly prepared for your next night out at a British pub.