Brexicon: Do you know your brexiety from your BINO?

Over two years after the UK voted on Brexit, there are still many unanswered questions and much work remains to be done. From a language perspective, however, it has been a rather productive period, resulting in a plethora of new words and jargon.

Here are ten new Brexit terms you should know:

1. Brexicon 

A glossary or dictionary about the language of Brexit.

2. Brexiteer (also Brexiter)

A person in favour of the UK leaving the European Union.

3. Remoaners

A wordplay on ‘Remainers’ (supporters of “remaining” in the EU) and ‘moaners’ (complainers) ‘Remoaners’ is a derogatory term meaning a person who complains about Britain leaving the European Union and/or the outcome of the Brexit referendum.

4. Regrexit

Regretting of the decision to vote for Brexit.

5. Gammon

Gammon is an insult to describe white middle-aged, pro-Brexit supporters. It is generally deployed to describe white men of a certain age who become pink in the face when working themselves into a rage about the European Union. The traditional meaning of 'gammon' is a type of pork meat.

6. Brexchosis

A feeling of despair among those who voted to stay in the EU.

7. Brexiety

A state of anxiety about Brexit experienced by Brexit opponents.

8. Brexodus

A higher than usual number of EU nationals emigrating from the UK.

9. BINO 

An acronym for “Brexit in name only” (Also BRINO).  A situation feared by Brexit supporters i.e. no real change due to a watering down of the changes originally envisaged. Example of use: I’m against ‘BINO’.

10. Backstop (plan) 

The backstop plan is intended to be a safety net, a way of avoiding a hard border in Northern Ireland, if appropriate customs arrangements cannot be agreed by the EU and UK in time for the end of the transition period in December 2020.

Watch out for further articles in our Brexicon series or contact us for language assistance

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need any assistance with international communications such as formulating changes in your company’s operations or policies in response to Brexit.

The London School of English offers high quality English language training for motivated adults from all professional backgrounds. We give you the tools and skills you need to communicate successfully in your field of expertise and to expand your business and career opportunities. Call us on +46 8 5999 4000 or email us at [email protected] for more information about our tailored tuition or simply take our online test to check your English level