You can spend a lifetime studying grammar and vocabulary. Or you can win someone over with a few choice words and a cheeky grin. Every destination has its passwords — usually delivered off the cuff. Here’s how to sound like you belong or at least like you’re trying!
London
“What’s up my G?”
Streetwise, neighbourhood camaraderie all wrapped up in one simple phrase.
“That’s well dodgy, that.”
Translation: suspicious. Said with relish. Mild chaos is a London hobby.
Bavaria
“Servus!”
Friendly hello. Short, unfussy, alpine.
“Basst scho.”
“That’ll do.” The Bavarian way of saying life is satisfactory and the beer is cold.
Languedoc
“On prend l’apéro?”
Shall we take an aperitif? You’ve understood southern France already.
“Doucement, hein.”
Easy now. Nobody rushes the Languedoc.
Isles of Scilly
“Proper job.”
High praise. Means excellent. A Cornish staple too.
“Tide’s turning.”
A practical statement. And a philosophical one too…
Tuscany
“O che tu fai?”
Tuscan-flavoured “what are you up to?”
“Si sta bene, eh?”
“We live well, don’t we?” Say it over wine at sunset.
Bali
“Om swastiastu.”
Respectful greeting. Always appreciated – and distinctively Balinese.
“Santai saja.”
Relax, it’s fine. Super chilled.
Vietnam
“Đi ăn không?”
Fancy some food? Social glue.
“Quá đã!”
That’s brilliant. For coffee, motorbikes, life.
Cambodia
“Sok sabay?”
How are you? Warm and easy.
“Chill nah.”
Tasty. Essential after fish amok.
