From the Block to the Gaff: Decoding Pete & Bas’ UK Slang for American Listeners
A stateside explanation of various UK slang terms used within Pete & Bas’ songs
By Katherine Wong
Pete & Bas are an unlikely but electrifying UK rap duo who have shattered stereotypes and built a cult following with their razor-sharp lyricism, and unmistakable charisma.
Emerging from South London, Pete and Bas became viral sensations overnight, and launched their rap careers with their 2018 hit “Shut Ya Mouth”. The tongue-in-cheek grime anthem that proved their flow was no gimmick, and that the pair were here to stay.
Their journey into the music industry is unlike any other, as both pensioners started making music in their seventies after being retired for many years. Since their humble beginnings in 2018, they’ve honed a style that truly plays into their Cockney roots; blending hard-hitting drill with wry humor, streetwise story telling and a distinctly British sense of bravado.
Pete and Bas are bringing their on-screen antics straight to ZeyZey on October 3rd. Ahead of their show, we thought it would be a good idea to break down a few of their lyrics for those who are unfamiliar with UK slang. Believe us, you might want to take down a few notes…
Sindhu Sesh
“Like candles / Wax him off with that bing from various angles / Box, rectangle”
Triple entendre: box, coffin, boxing ring.
“He mess with the cake, then I’ll Battenberg him”
Playing on the double meaning of “cake”, which is also a slang term for money.
Additionally, a Battenberg is cake made in a checkerboard pattern, so the cake is also used in UK slang as a term for an ambulance. Thus, implying he’ll be sent home in an ambulance.
Mr Worldwide
“I bust Magnum when I wine and dance”
Magnum is a kind of tonic wine popular in Jamaica, and the line also has a double entendre with Magnum condoms.
T-Pain
“Her figure’s a big deal, a pen on a contract / Sign me up, baby”
The word “figure” has two meanings in this lyric. Not only is the shape of the woman’s body impressive, but it’s implied that “figure” also can mean a large sum of money; a “big deal” in the context of a financial transaction.
“give a tip of me top hat”
Another double meaning! A gentleman would tip the hat he is wearing to a woman as a sign of appreciation or respect. Top hat is also slang for a condom (we’ll leave it up to your imagination for the rest of what that ensues).
QUICKFIRE ROUND!
There’s a lot of cockney slang sprinkled throughout Pete & Bas’ discography. Here’s just a quick list of words and phrases that might not be clear to those who speak American English:
Weapons and Violence
Bing = handgun
Case that joint = studying or scoping out a place before a robbery
Hammers = guns
Kweff = a verb used to describe shooting or stabbing someone; attacking with a weapon, most likely ending in death
Drugs
Chicken = a kilo of cocaine (code word to avoid police detection)
Fish scale = high-quality cocaine
Three-fives = 3.5 grams (an eighth of an ounce) of marijuana
Twenty deck = a packet of cigarettes
People and Insults
Chav/Chavvy = derogatory stereotype for rough, lower-class youth (often used jokingly)
Mandem = group of male friends/associates
Pillock = stupid person; idiot
Posh bird = an elegant/glamorous woman
Wasteman = a useless, lazy, or unreliable person
Lifestyle and Everyday Slang
Belling = telephoning, calling someone
Bumbag = fannypack
Gaff = house, flat
Gurning = grotesque or exaggerated facial expression, often linked to drug use
HMP = Her Majesty’s Prison (slang for jail)
Hoover = vacuum cleaner
Knock down ginger = UK name for the prank of knocking on someone’s door and running away (“Ding Dong Ditch” in the US)
Lairy = showing aggressive, loud, or confrontational behavior
Peng = attractive, good-looking, or high quality
If this lyrical breakdown has tickled your fancy, you’re in luck. Tickets are still available to Pete and Bas’ show on October 3rd through the link below.