From flabbergasted to codswallop, Brits are officially done with boring language. New research reveals the nation is craving a return to expressive, time-honoured words — and 2026 could be the year vintage vocabulary stages its biggest revival yet.
According to a study by Tesco Mobile, a huge 81% of Brits believe classic words deserve a place back in everyday conversation, with flabbergasted, chuffed and gobsmacked topping the list. Other nostalgic favourites like bamboozled, kerfuffle and poppycock also ranked highly, proving that flamboyant language is far from outdated.
Why Britain Is Falling Back in Love With Old-School Language
The research suggests that Brits aren’t just feeling nostalgic — they’re actively missing the personality and playfulness that older expressions bring. Over half of respondents (52%) said traditional words make conversations more fun, while 42% admitted they’d be more likely to use them if they came with a modern twist — think “cods” instead of codswallop.
Despite the constant evolution of social media slang, offline conversations still crave clarity. In fact, 77% of Brits said mobile communication — whether texting or calling — should feel personal and expressive, not robotic or overly abbreviated.
It’s a sentiment that aligns with wider conversations around how language shapes connection, especially as digital communication dominates daily life. (See more on evolving communication trends in our culture section here).
Younger Brits Are Leading the Revival
While only six per cent of people regularly use words like balderdash, enthusiasm for reviving classic language is strong — particularly among younger adults. Nearly three quarters (73%) believe older words would make conversations more interesting, rising to 81% among 25–34-year-olds.
Many respondents also feel these expressive terms are easier to understand than modern slang, with 62% agreeing they’re clearer, despite sounding more theatrical. Around 31% even believe reviving these phrases could help bridge generational gaps — giving grandparents and Gen Z something in common beyond emojis.
Tesco Mobile’s ‘Essential Words of the Year’
To celebrate Britain’s love affair with expressive language, Tesco Mobile has teamed up with Tom Daley and Gyles Brandreth to launch its ‘Essential Words of the Year’ — a list spotlighting the classic words Brits most want to bring back.
The campaign supports Tesco Mobile’s Essentials pay-as-you-go tariff, designed to cut through jargon and keep things refreshingly simple. Customers can choose flexible 30-day bundles of data, minutes and texts, or use it as a traditional pay-as-you-go option — all about control, clarity and connection.
Laura Joseph, Chief Customer Officer at Tesco Mobile, explained:
“Pay as you go Essentials is designed to give customers exactly what matters most: dependable coverage, the right balance of data, texts and minutes, and the added bonus of Clubcard points every time they top up.”
She added that customers can also use their UK allowance across 48 EU destinations at no extra cost, manage usage via the Tesco Mobile app, and enjoy crystal-clear calls with 4G and 5G calling across the UK.
Tom Daley and Gyles Brandreth on the Power of Words
Olympic diver and broadcaster Tom Daley welcomed the revival, saying:
“While I am personally shook that flabbergasted is set to make a comeback (if you know, you know), there is real power in using new — or sometimes time-old — phrases. They’re a great way to make conversations more interesting, especially with so many of us communicating through texts or calls.”
Writer and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth echoed the sentiment:
“I love that Brits are wanting to expand their vocabulary. We should celebrate these lost phrases and keep them alive. Who knows — putting a modern twist on some may help bridge the gap between the generations.”
The Top 20 Time-Honoured Words Brits Want to Bring Back
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Flabbergasted
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Chuffed
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Gobsmacked
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Bamboozled
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Codswallop
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Blimey
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Malarkey
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Kerfuffle
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Gallivanting
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Crikey
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Gosh
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Hanky panky
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Jolly
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Fiddlesticks
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Skedaddle
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Perplexed
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Flummoxed
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Whippersnapper
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Tomfoolery
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Poppycock
As language continues to evolve, this research suggests one thing is clear: Brits aren’t ready to abandon expressive, colourful conversation just yet. Whether it’s tomfoolery or fiddlesticks, these classic words might be exactly what modern communication needs.
