bruv

Bruv is British slang for “brother.” People use it to address a friend, or any guy really, the way Americans say “bro” or Brits say “mate.” Depending on tone, it can be warm or a warning.

What does bruv mean?

Most of the time bruv is just a friendly way to talk to someone: “You good, bruv?” It doesn’t mean you’re related. It is especially common in London and in the slang often called Multicultural London English, but you will hear it all over the UK and in British TV, music and memes.

Tone changes everything. Said with a grin, it is affectionate. Said slowly with a raised eyebrow, “Bruv. What are you doing?” it means you’ve messed up.

How to use it

• “You good, bruv? Haven’t seen you in ages.”
• “Bruv, I told you the train was cancelled.”
• “Calm down, bruv, it’s just a game.”
• “Cheers for the lift, bruv.”

Where it comes from

It is a shortened, slangy version of “brother,” closely related to the Cockney pronunciation “bruvver,” where the “th” sound turns into a “v.” The short form spread with London street slang and is now familiar far beyond it.

Bruv vs. bro vs. mate

All three are casual ways to address a friend. “Bro” is more American, “mate” is the default across Britain, Australia and New Zealand, and “bruv” has a distinctly London, younger, streetwise feel.

Related terms

• mandem: your group of guy friends
• innit: “isn’t it,” the all-purpose British tag
• roadman: a young guy into street culture
• peng: attractive or really good
• ting: “thing,” London style
• wasteman: a useless, annoying person

See more terms like this in our British slang dictionary.