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British English 1 min read Published January 2025 10 learners asked about this

What does "mint" mean in British slang?

As British slang - excellent, brilliant, perfect:"That new album is absolutely mint!""The car's in mint condition." (perfect, as new)"Mint!" - used as an exclamation of approval (especially Northern England)Two uses:1. "Mint condition" - like new, perfectly preserved. This usage is widespread acr...

As British slang - excellent, brilliant, perfect

"That new album is absolutely mint!"
"The car's in mint condition." (perfect, as new)
"Mint!" - used as an exclamation of approval (especially Northern England)

Two uses

1. "Mint condition" - like new, perfectly preserved. This usage is widespread across British and American English:
"I found a first edition in mint condition."
"The car's only two years old and still mint."

2. Slang for "brilliant" - particularly strong in Geordie (Newcastle) and other Northern English dialects:
"That's mint, that is."
"She's absolutely mint." (she's great)

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Regional British slang (especially Northeast England) for the approval meaning. Mint condition is standard and widely understood.

Why it means excellent

The mint is where coins are made - a freshly minted coin is perfect, unscratched, flawless. The quality association transferred to the general slang.

A native would say

  • "Brilliant" - standard British approval
  • "Class" - Northern/Scouse equivalent
  • "Lush" - Welsh/Southwest English approval
  • "Banging" - informal approval across regions
Frequently asked

What does "mint" mean?

As British slang - excellent, brilliant, perfect:"That new album is absolutely mint!""The car's in mint condition." (perfect, as new)"Mint!" - used as an exclamation of approval (especially Northern England)Two uses:1. "Mint condition" - like new, perfectly preserved. This usage is widespread acr...

Is "mint" formal or informal?

Regional British slang (especially Northeast England) for the approval meaning. Mint condition is standard and widely understood.

What's another way to say "mint"?

  • "Brilliant" - standard British approval
  • "Class" - Northern/Scouse equivalent
  • "Lush" - Welsh/Southwest English approval
  • "Banging" - informal approval across regions
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