Common Australian and British English Slang – Bloke
What Does “Bloke” Mean?
Meaning — man. In British English, this expression is used to describe any man. In Australian English, bloke can also describe a particular type of man: masculine, practical, and a little rough around the edges.
If you say someone is a funny bloke, it means they are a little strange. You can describe somebody as a great bloke if you like them a lot.
Example
“If you visit London, give Tony a call. He’s a really nice bloke and he’ll be more than happy to show you around!”
“My neighbour’s a great bloke — he helped me carry the sofa upstairs.”
Want more everyday British slang? Check out chav and footy.
What is slang?
Slang is very informal language. It’s usually spoken rather than written, and is often used by a particular group of people or in a particular place. Slang changes over time, and using it well is a great way to sound more natural when speaking English.
Frequently Asked Questions
“Bloke” means man. In British English, it’s used to describe any man. In Australian English, it can also describe a particular type of man seen as masculine, practical, and a bit rough around the edges.
No, it’s a perfectly friendly, everyday word — not rude at all. It’s informal, so it suits casual conversation rather than very formal writing.
“A funny bloke” usually means someone who’s a little strange or odd, while “a great bloke” means someone the speaker likes a lot.
Test Yourself
Discuss:
What’s an equivalent word for “bloke” in your language? Tell us on X — @EnglishStudy.
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