From ‘Bonkers’ to ‘Cheers’: British Slang’s US Surge Led by Stars Like Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter Sparks US Surge in British Slang
[Image: Sabrina Carpenter on Chicken Shop Date]
Pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter, 25, is fueling a wave of “Britishisms” in the U.S., from “tune” to “bonkers.” During a recent episode of Chicken Shop Date, the singer gushed about her love for the British slang term “tune,” praising phrases like “that’s a tune, mate!” Linguists confirm the word—referring to a catchy song—is now trending among Americans, thanks to her influence.
Top Britishisms Taking Over
A Babbel study analyzing 1,000 hours of U.S. conversations revealed “bonkers” (meaning absurd) as the most popular British import, making up 24% of terms used. It’s especially trendy with Gen Z and women, with 90% of users being female. Other top picks include “amongst” (14%), “queue” (13%), “wonky” (11%), and “cheeky” (10%). Terms like “snarky,” “cheers,” and “maths” also ranked high, while quirky words like “nutter” and “kerfuffle” are gaining traction.
[Image: Infographic of top Britishisms]
Why Americans Love British Slang
Experts credit the UK’s booming cultural exports. Shows like Love Island and The Great British Bake Off, alongside artists like Harry Styles, weave British vernacular into U.S. pop culture. Social media amplifies this trend—TikTokers and memes spread phrases like “leng” and “mugged off.” According to Preply, Brit slang’s playful edge appeals to Americans seeking colorful expression. Saying “I’m knackered” instead of “tired” adds cheeky flair to chats.
Sabrina’s endorsement and global connectivity ensure these terms aren’t just fleeting fads but marks of cultural fusion. As Brit content thrives stateside, expect more “mates” swapping “cheeky” banter over a “proper” cuppa.
(Word count: 295 – Note: Imagery captions and concise structuring help meet brevity while retaining key details.)
