Quiz: Can You Tell Real British Insults From Fakes?

2 months ago 17
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How do I snub thee? Some British researchers are counting the ways, asking people around the country to send them swear words and insults that might be little known to outsiders.

“We’re really interested in those words that only make sense if you’re from a particular place,” said Chris Montgomery, a senior lecturer at the University of Sheffield who is leading the endeavor along with Modern Toss, an arts group.

Their hope, Dr. Montgomery said, is to preserve the diversity of curse words being used around Britain, particularly if they are obscure. “It’s a real window on people’s creativity with language,” he said.

Can you find the genuine British insult among the fakes?

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“I’ve had it up to here with this insufferable !”

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A selection of crumpets, a type of British baked good. One in the middle has butter and jam on top.Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.

Mrs. Stewart is the village’s worst .

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Your cousin was talking absolute in the pub last night.

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A slender, greyhound-like dog looks at the camera, its tail between its legs. It has brown and white fur.Fred R. Conrad/The New York Times

A family member is proving extremely frustrating to deal with. If you’re in Northern Ireland, you might describe that person as a .

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“Bampot” can describe a person whose actions are .

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A monochrome cityscape with old-fashioned buildings in fog.Charles Hewitt/Picture Post/ Hulton Archive, via Getty Images

“Cheer up, no need to be a .”

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An idiotic person from the city of Portsmouth risks being called a .

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In London, you might despair of your brother Rodney being a .

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