15 American slang words British people can’t understand

Slang words are great for keeping languages fresh and modern but they can also be infuriating, especially if you don't understand them.

For us Brits, words like gaff, knackered and bagsy would resonate with most people on these shores but imagine saying those to an American.

They would probably look at you as if you've just insulted their entire family but what if the boot was on the other foot?

Some American slang terms and words can sound like an alien language to Brits.

So without further ado here are 15 American slang words that British people will never understand.

1. Buck

Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto

English meaning: An American dollar, we guess.

2. Pass the buck

Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto

English meaning: To transfer responsibility to someone else.

3. Going Dutch

Picture: Getty Images

English meaning: Everyone pays for their own meal. Splitting the bill.

4. Sweet

Picture: Getty Images

English meaning: Something is good.

5. Zonked

Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto

English meaning: Exhausted.

6. Bought the farm

Picture: Getty Images

English meaning: Moved to the countryside.

7. Shoot the breeze

Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto

English meaning: A casual conversation.

8. Jonesing

Picture: John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images

English meaning: Craving something.

9. John Hancock

Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto

English meaning: Signature.

10. Monday morning quarterback

Picture: Getty Images

English meaning: Criticising something with the benefit of hindsight.

11. Ride shotgun

Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto

English meaning: Riding in the passenger seat of a vehicle.

12. For the birds

Picture: Getty Images

English meaning: Something trivial or meaningless.

13. Put up your dukes

Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto

English meaning: Get ready for a fight.

14. Carpetbagger

Picture: ​Getty Images/iStockphoto

English meaning: A politician who is seeking election for somewhere they aren't from or a company that profits from others misfortune.

15. Pork

Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto

English meaning: Politician obtaining money from specific individuals or industries in return for their support.

HT Smartling, BBC America

More: 13 words that no one uses anymore