In British English, the term “bangs” is not commonly used to refer to the hairstyle where strands of hair are cut to fall over the forehead. Instead, British English speakers have their own words and phrases to describe this hairstyle. Let’s explore how to say “bangs” in British English, including both formal and informal ways, as well as regional variations if necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Bangs” in British English
1. Fringe: The most common and formal term used to describe bangs in British English is “fringe.” This term is widely understood and accepted across the United Kingdom. You can say, “She has a lovely fringe,” or “I’m thinking of getting a fringe.”
Informal Ways to Say “Bangs” in British English
1. Forehead Hair: In informal contexts, people may refer to bangs as “forehead hair”. For example, you might hear, “I love your forehead hair, it suits you!” or “I’m considering cutting my forehead hair.”
2. Front Fringe: Another informal way to refer to bangs is “front fringe.” This term is less commonly used than “fringe” but can still be heard in casual conversations. For instance, you could say, “She has a trendy front fringe.”
Regional Variations
While the terms mentioned above are commonly used throughout the United Kingdom, there may be some regional variations in slang or colloquial language. Let’s take a look at a few of them:
Scotland:
In Scotland, the term “bairns” is sometimes used to refer to bangs. This term derives from Scots language and is more commonly used to describe children in general. However, when it comes to hairstyles, you may hear someone say, “She has beautiful bairns.”
Wales:
In Wales, the Welsh word “cocyn” can be used to describe bangs. It is pronounced as “co-kin.” You might hear someone say, “I’m getting my hair cut with a nice cocyn.”
While these regional variations exist, it’s important to note that they are not widely used and may not be understood by everyone across the United Kingdom.
Tips and Examples
To better understand the usage of the terms mentioned above, let’s take a look at some tips and examples:
Tip 1: Use “fringe” in formal settings
If you’re discussing hairstyles in a formal context or professional setting, it’s best to use the word “fringe.” For example:
“I’m considering getting a fringe. What do you think?”
“Her fringe perfectly frames her face.”
Tip 2: Use “forehead hair” in casual conversations
When talking casually with friends or family, you can use the term “forehead hair” to refer to bangs. Here are a few examples:
“I love your forehead hair. Where did you get it cut?”
“Should I get forehead hair or let it grow longer?”
Tip 3: “Front fringe” for a trendy touch
If you want to add a trendy touch to your conversation or want to sound more fashionable, you can use the term “front fringe.” Check out these examples:
“I think a front fringe would really suit your face shape.”
“She styled her hair with a chic front fringe.”
Conclusion
While the term “bangs” may not be widely used in British English, there are several alternatives to describe this hairstyle. “Fringe” is the most commonly used term, while “forehead hair” and “front fringe” are more informal ways of referring to bangs. Regional variations like “bairns” in Scotland and “cocyn” in Wales exist but are not as commonly understood. To ensure effective communication, it is advisable to use the appropriate term depending on the context and formality of the conversation.
Remember, whether you’re rocking a fringe, forehead hair, or a front fringe, the most important thing is to feel confident and comfortable with your hairstyle!
