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aah, Bisto

(UK) An expression of enjoyment of a pleasant aroma; a general expression of relaxed satisfaction.

Documented since 1920s1920sSilenthistorical45 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
🇬🇧 British & Irish slang
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Born ~1920 · no dated citations yet
1920BornToday, 2026

Definitions

UK
#1·Apr 27, 2026UK

(UK) An expression of enjoyment of a pleasant aroma; a general expression of relaxed satisfaction.

Aah, Bisto! How nice it is to put my feet up after such a long day!
Origin: From the catchphrase of a long-running advertising campaign for Bisto brand gravy granules. Origin information sourced from Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).
For parents

aah, Bisto means: An expression of enjoyment of a pleasant aroma; a general expression of relaxed satisfaction.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.

For ESL learners

aah, Bisto means: An expression of enjoyment of a pleasant aroma; a general expression of relaxed satisfaction.. Register: neutral, standard English. Common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; always check the context before producing it yourself. A formal-English equivalent (a synonym or descriptive phrase) is usually safer in writing. When in doubt, paraphrase rather than reuse the slang form.

Cluster: relaxed
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For specific readers

aah, Bisto means: An expression of enjoyment of a pleasant aroma; a general expression of relaxed satisfaction.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.

Why is this section here?

Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.

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UK

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🇬🇧About British & Irish slang slang

UK and Irish slang — Cockney, Scouse, Geordie, Yorkshire, Glaswegian, Brummie, Welsh, West Country, plus Irish English. Centuries of regional dialects feeding into modern British and Irish street talk.

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