This used to be a common phrase uttered among families gathered around the TV set, meaning change the channel. It dates back to a time long before streaming and when there was much less choice when it came to what to watch, with the UK only getting a fourth channel in 1982. People also often refer to TV shows rather than programmes these days, too, while the British word series is facing a battle for survival against the US equivalent season.placeholder image
This used to be a common phrase uttered among families gathered around the TV set, meaning change the channel. It dates back to a time long before streaming and when there was much less choice when it came to what to watch, with the UK only getting a fourth channel in 1982. People also often refer to TV shows rather than programmes these days, too, while the British word series is facing a battle for survival against the US equivalent season. | Frank Martin/BIPs/Getty Images

You're probably showing your age if you use these 13 words and phrases, which are at risk of dying out

Robert Cumber
By Robert Cumber

Property and retro writer

Published 2nd Jun 2025, 14:41 BST

The English language has some brilliant words and phrases, some of which you’ll rarely hear outside of the UK.

But language is an ever-evolving thing and as new words and sayings are born, others inevitably fall out of fashion.

We’ve put together a list of words and phrases you don’t hear as often as you once did - some of which are at risk of dying out.

They may be the victims of developing technology and changing lifestyles, or perhaps they’ve been superseded by their US equivalents.

There are some fantastically colourful turns of phrase among them, which it would be a shame if we lost for good.

But if you find yourself uttering any of these words and sayings on a regular basis then you’re probably showing your age.

How many of these do you use, are there any you don’t recognise, and what other sayings do you not hear as often today as you once did?

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We've grown used to American words and phrases killing off traditional British sayings but this is one which originated in the US in the 1920s and is now at risk of dying out. For those who weren't aware, it means being particularly knowledgeable about a particular subject.

5. Know your onions

We've grown used to American words and phrases killing off traditional British sayings but this is one which originated in the US in the 1920s and is now at risk of dying out. For those who weren't aware, it means being particularly knowledgeable about a particular subject. | General Photographic Agency/Getty Images Photo: General Photographic Agency/Getty Images

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This is another archaic word, once commonly used to refer to a radio back when the wireless technology was still a thing of wonder. Nowadays it's just a part of everyday life and you're more likely to ask someone to try turning the Wifi off and on when your internet's playing up.

6. Switch on the wireless

This is another archaic word, once commonly used to refer to a radio back when the wireless technology was still a thing of wonder. Nowadays it's just a part of everyday life and you're more likely to ask someone to try turning the Wifi off and on when your internet's playing up. | Richards/Fox Photos/Getty Images Photo: Richards/Fox Photos/Getty Images

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The British have always had a way with insults, which is probably why we have so many of them. Plonker was Del Boy's favourite put-down for his long-suffering little brother Rodney on Only Fools and Horses but it's not one you hear very often these days. Other once popular insults which could be on their way out include pillock, dipstick and wazzock

7. Plonker

The British have always had a way with insults, which is probably why we have so many of them. Plonker was Del Boy's favourite put-down for his long-suffering little brother Rodney on Only Fools and Horses but it's not one you hear very often these days. Other once popular insults which could be on their way out include pillock, dipstick and wazzock | Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Photo: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

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Avocados are hugely popular in the UK today but that wasn't always the case. Marks & Spencer claim to have introduced them to the UK in 1968 but it took a while for us to warm to them. That was partly down to confusion, with the exotic, new foodstuff initially marketed as 'avocado pears' and one customer complaining that she'd stewed them and served them with custard, with unsurprisingly disappointing results. The term 'avocado pear' stuck around for a while but is rarely used today. Despite their similar shape, avocados are not related to pears in any way and are actually part of the berry family.

8. Avocado pear

Avocados are hugely popular in the UK today but that wasn't always the case. Marks & Spencer claim to have introduced them to the UK in 1968 but it took a while for us to warm to them. That was partly down to confusion, with the exotic, new foodstuff initially marketed as 'avocado pears' and one customer complaining that she'd stewed them and served them with custard, with unsurprisingly disappointing results. The term 'avocado pear' stuck around for a while but is rarely used today. Despite their similar shape, avocados are not related to pears in any way and are actually part of the berry family. | ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images Photo: ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images

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