Slang & Idioms Starting with "O"

81 entries

Oaf A stupid, clumsy person.
Obs Observations—routine vital sign checks in hospital.
Och Oh, ah (Scottish exclamation).
Odds and ends Miscellaneous small items or tasks
off colour looking or feeling unwell
off the beaten track away from popular routes
Off your face Extremely drunk or high; totally intoxicated.
Off-colour Not feeling well; also means slightly rude or risqué.
Off-licence A shop licensed to sell alcohol for consumption elsewhere (British)
Office banter Playful joking and chat in the workplace
Office politics Power struggles and maneuvering in the workplace
Official In a committed, acknowledged relationship (modern dating).
offline disconnected from internet / unavailable
Offside Illegal forward position when ball is played.
Oggy oggy oggy Chant for pasties/encouragement (Cornwall).
Ohio A place or situation that is weird, cursed, or absurd.
Oik An uncouth person (derogatory)
Old Bill The police (British).
old flame former romantic partner
Old Hand Experienced and skilled person
Old money Inherited wealth from established families
Old pot Old man (father).
Old school tie The network of privilege among public school alumni
on a break temporarily separated
On a roll Experiencing a series of successes.
on a sticky wicket in a difficult situation
On call Available to work if needed; not actively working but must respond if summoned.
On cloud nine Extremely happy, in a state of bliss.
on fire performing exceptionally well
On God I swear; for real; expressing sincerity.
On good terms Having a friendly relationship with someone
On one's last legs Near exhaustion, collapse, or death.
On parade Assembled for inspection; on display
On prescription Medication that requires a doctor's authorisation.
On Second Thought After reconsidering; changing my mind
on tablets taking prescription medication
On Tenterhooks In a state of anxious suspense or tension
On the ball Alert, efficient, and competent
On the Dole Receiving unemployment benefit
On the double Quickly, at double speed
on the home straight approaching completion
on the hoof while traveling / without planning
On the House Free, paid for by the establishment
On the Job At work/working
On the lam On the run from the police or authorities.
On the list Registered for NHS treatment or surgery.
On the mend Recovering from illness; getting better.
on the rocks relationship in trouble
On the ropes In serious trouble; near defeat.
on the take accepting bribes
on your last legs near exhaustion or death
On-again off-again Relationship that repeatedly breaks up and reconciles.
Once in a blue moon Very rarely, almost never
One and t'other Mother.
One for the road A final drink before leaving.
One-club man Player who spent entire career at one club.
One-trick pony A person or thing with only one skill or talent.
One-two Quick pass and return combination.
Op Operation; military mission
Open mic A pub event where anyone can perform.
Oscar Mike On the move (military phonetic)
other half romantic partner
Other half One's partner or spouse
Our kid Sibling or close friend (Scouse/Manchester term of endearment).
Out like a light Fell asleep instantly.
Out of left field Completely unexpected or unusual.
out of sorts feeling unwell or irritable
out of your league too attractive or successful for you
Outbuilding An outdoor toilet (euphemism)
Outpatient Patient who visits hospital but doesn't stay overnight.
Outwith Outside of, beyond (Scottish formal term).
Over the counter Medication available without a prescription.
over the moon extremely happy
Over the top Excessive; originally leaving the trench to attack
Overcast Covered in clouds
Overlap Full-back running past winger on outside.
Overshare To reveal too much personal information
Owt Anything (Yorkshire/Northern).
Oxford Dollar (or five shillings historically).
Oyster card London transport payment card
Ozzy Hospital (Scouse).