Decoding Roadman Slang: A Crash Course for International Students

Farina Khan

Updated on:

Language is the best medium to understand each other, doesn’t matter which country you are in. It can be quite difficult to get comfortable in a foreign land if you are not aware of the language. Apart from adjusting to a new culture, language, and educational system, there’s one aspect that might catch you off guard – the local slang. In this blog, let’s discuss and identify some of the common and uncommon roadman slang often heard in urban areas.

What Does the Roadman Slang Mean?

Before talking about the roadman slang in detail, let’s understand its meaning in detail. The term roadman is a 21st-century slang term that usually describes a teenage boy. The term also refers to teenage boys who are aware of all the ins and outs of the streets. These teenagers are the people who love the popular events of the area like partying, driving, cruising, trapping, and much more. Roadman slang is context-dependent. The same word or phrase can have different meanings depending on the situation or tone. As there is a difference between British and Irish accents, the roadman slangs also have different meanings which may vary as per the context.

Roadman Slang Meaning

Understanding Roadman Slang

Roadman slang is also referred to as a dynamic form of street language. It is basically used by young people who usually spend a lot of time on the street. These people are also known as roadmen. It’s a blend of various cultural influences, including Caribbean and African diaspora, and has found its way into everyday communication among young people in cities. Modern slang is used by teenagers who are night owls and love partying, cruising, and trapping. Sometimes the it is quite confusing but most of the time it is fun. 

Also Read: Don’t miss to check out our blog on How to Spend Free Time As an International Student.

Common Phrases in Roadman Slang

There are some of the common phrases which you might come across frequently. Let’s start with some common phrases you might encounter:

  • Mandem – Generally, males frequently refer to their groups, friends, or associates as Mandem. The mandem is a word used to describe a group of buddies.
  • Bare – A term used to emphasize abundance. Bare is a simple word that can be used in many contexts. It means really, but the meaning got changed with the concept and context. it can also indicate “having a lot of something. For example, “bare love” means a lot of love.
  • Peak – This slang can be used for a negative as well as for a positive situation. Generally, it is used to describe a difficult or unfortunate situation. For example, “That exam was a peak, fam.” While most Roadmen use the word negatively as in “that’s peak,” some regions in the UK use it to describe something positive.
  • Allow it – Allow it is a slang that is heard very frequently on the urban streets of London. It is actually a way of saying “forget it” or “let it go”. The verb “allow” denotes ceasing action or leaving things alone. Most likely contracted to ‘low it.
  • Peng – Peng is commonly used to describe someone or something attractive. Typically, it is often featured in American videos to describe a good-looking woman.

Roadman Slang to Address Each Other

If you are planning to study in the UK, it is really necessary to understand how to address people and greet them. Let’s identify some of the common slangs to address and greet each other.

  • Bruv – Bruv or Fam are the terms of endearment basically used for friends. Bruv’ is short for brother, and is often used between men to address each other, whether they’re actually brothers or not.
  • Geeza –  Geeza is a term used to refer to a guy or a person. 
  • Mandem or Gang refers to a close-knit group.

The Art of Gassing

“Gas” in roadman slang refers to boasting or exaggerating. If someone is “gassing,” they might be telling an exaggerated story or making bold claims. This roadman slang is used to describe someone who is overly excited or hyped up about something. For example, ‘He’s so gassed about his new trainers, he won’t take them off even when he’s sleeping’.

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Some Common Regional Roadman Slang

There are some common regional slang that are quite common in particular areas. Regional roadman slang is the one term whose meanings change with the regions and the areas they are spoken in. Some of the common regional slang is under.

  • London
    • Yute – a young person
    • Chirps – to flirt or chat up someone
    • Gyaldem – a group of girls or young women
    • Pagans – enemies or rivals
    • Bait – obvious or noticeable
    • Whips – cars or vehicles
    • Truss – to believe or trust 
  • Birmingham
    • Jook – to stab or poke with a sharp object 
    • Riddim – a beat or instrumental 
  • Manchester
    • Oi oi – a greeting or exclamation of excitement
  • Liverpool
    • Hella – very or extremely

FAQs on Roadman Slang

What is an appropriate way to learn roadman slang?

There are no formal courses or online forums to learn roadman slang, but you can use social media platforms or slang dictionaries for the purpose.

What is the most common roadman slang?

Some of the most common roadman slang include peng, mandem, roadman, ting, dun know, and much more.

What is the relevance of roadman slang in urban areas?

Roadman slang has its roots in multicultural urban communities, particularly in the UK. It has evolved as a form of expression among young people in urban areas.

Should I use roadman slang as an international student?

For cultural integration, it is necessary to understand the slang but the usage is something that depends upon the context and the comfort level.

Is roadman slang exclusive to the UK, or can it be found in other countries?

Roadman Slang is most commonly associated with the UK. These kinds of slang can be found generally in urban areas across the globe. 

Hope you liked our blog on roadman slang. Embark on your study abroad journey with comfort and convenience. Reach out to Fly Homes now at 1800572118 to secure the finest accommodation abroad

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About Farina Khan

Farina Khan is a journalist by profession and a writer by passion. She carries over a decade of experience in Journalism and Mass Communication and worked with some renowned media organisations like Doordarshan and Zee Media. She performed numerous roles during her work tenure including reporting, anchoring, and heading output as well. Her passion for writing, combined with dedication in delivering high-quality content, drives her to excel in the dynamic field of content writing. From thought-provoking articles to SEO-friendly blog posts, or engaging website content, She is here to bring the ideas to life through words.

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