Starting a new job is always a mix of excitement and nerves. Beginning a night shift at a new workplace takes that to another level. Everything feels different, the quietness, slow pace, picking up cues and the surreal, especially in healthcare. I had just resumed my new job, adjusting to the brightly lit lounges, new faces, incomprehensible accents, the occasional howls of foxes and the ruffling in the bed of some of my hosts.

This was my sixth shift. The last of our employers had just been supported to bed. All chores were done. Just as I was settling into the rhythm of things, one of my colleagues turned to me and asked, “Fancy a cuppa?”

Fancy… a what? I stared for a moment, processing the words. Was this some office slang? A special task? An inside joke? My brain scrambled for an answer and seeing my hesitation, the colleague simply smiled and walked toward the kitchen.  I followed after him and much to my relief, I later discovered that “Fancy a cuppa?” was just a casual way of asking if I wanted a cup of tea.

For someone new to the United Kingdom, this phrase initially seems strange. While the words themselves are simple, the meaning isn’t instantly obvious. In many other cultures, especially where I am from, someone offering you a cup of tea would be straightforward. They say something like, “Would you like some tea?” but here, it’s all about the charm of informality and warmth.

The phrase “Fancy a cuppa?” is more than just an invitation for tea. It’s an unspoken gesture of friendliness. It’s a way of saying, “Let’s take a break” or “Let’s have a chat.” It can be used in workplaces, at home, or even when visiting someone for the first time. It’s a phrase so deeply embedded in British culture that it’s second nature to locals but completely mystifying to newcomers.

Adjusting to British phrases like this can be a challenge. Beyond “Fancy a cuppa?” there’s a whole collection of expressions that don’t quite translate directly. “I’m knackered” means someone is exhausted. “Give it a go” means to try something. “Bob’s your uncle” is… well, a way of saying something is easily done or there it is. Oh! and there is one that’s really weird “Break a leg”, how in the world does that mean good luck?

The tea culture itself is a shock. In many countries, tea is reserved for specific moments. These include mornings, after meals, or during social gatherings. But here, it’s an all-day affair. Whether it’s to wake up or wind down, tea is always the answer. It helps to recover from a stressful meeting or simply fills an awkward silence. I took more of it in my first three months than I had in my entire earlier life.

After that first moment of confusion, I quickly embraced the phrase. Soon, I found myself asking colleagues, “Fancy a cuppa?” without even thinking about it. It became a small yet meaningful way to bond with my co-workers. There’s something comforting about stepping away from work for a few minutes. You can wrap your hands around a warm mug and can share a casual conversation in a world where everyone lives on the edge.

So for anyone new to the UK, my advice is simple. When someone asks if you “fancy a cuppa,” say yes. Do it not just for the tea, but for the experience.  A cup of tea is never just a drink. It’s a moment of connection. It’s a conversation lengthener, if there is a word like that. It’s a pause in the day and a warm welcome into the culture.

What strange phrases have you heard as a foreigner or a local?