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Original poster

Having ‘a cuppa’

537 replies

ConstantlyFuriosa · 19/04/2026 10:49

Why does this sentence infuriate me so? I already know I’m probably being unreasonable but it’s so grating. I can’t be the only one?

OP posts:
Yellowpapersun · 19/04/2026 12:06

cardibach · 19/04/2026 11:58

What’s wrong with ‘individual pie’? I like to know. An individual pie - ie the whole of a small pie - has a way bigger pastry to filling ratio than a slice of a larger pie does! I prefer a slice. The filling is the bit I want more of.

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Well obviously there is nothing wrong with an individual pie. The thread is about words that annoy, for no sensible reason. It's not the pie that annoys me, it's the word.

ForCosyLion · 19/04/2026 12:05

I used to love having a morning cuppa with The Hubster in my pjs of a Sunday. We would plan our holibobs and before I knew it, it was midday and I hadn't done my barnet or put my face on! Picky bits for lunch and then a bit of how's your father followed by forty winks. By that time, we needed to put the kettle on again for another cuppa chah!

VeraWang · 19/04/2026 12:05

ConstantlyFuriosa · 19/04/2026 12:01

I know this isn’t the point of the thread but seeing as someone brought up pies (so to speak).

I always used to go in from the top, but after a recent rewatch of Quadrophenia where Jimmy attacks his upturned pie from below, I think it’s the absolute best way to eat one. Genius in fact.

My DH has always eaten his pies like this - the heathen.

I hate it because it makes the top pastry soggy.

BunnyLake · 19/04/2026 12:03

I think it’s fine. I often text friends with a ‘fancy a cuppa at mine?’. If they have a problem with it they haven’t ever voiced it. If they did I would change it to ‘you are cordially invited to take part in a tea ceremony at the Bunny residence’.

PhaedraTwo · 19/04/2026 12:03

I don't use it but it doesn't bother me. On the other hand threads called "recommend me a..." . No. Even if I knew exactly what you are looking for for, I won't.

Auburndi · 19/04/2026 12:01

Many years ago there was an advertising slogan for milk that was "Drinka pinta milka day!" I clearly remember my great-aunt saying it was disgusting that "they" allowed it when it wasn’t "proper English". She was in her seventies at the time. Just saying…

Original poster
ConstantlyFuriosa · 19/04/2026 12:01

I know this isn’t the point of the thread but seeing as someone brought up pies (so to speak).

I always used to go in from the top, but after a recent rewatch of Quadrophenia where Jimmy attacks his upturned pie from below, I think it’s the absolute best way to eat one. Genius in fact.

OP posts:
Twattergy · 19/04/2026 12:01

I don't mind saying it, but yeah writing it (seeing it written) makes my teeth itch!

BananaPeels · 19/04/2026 12:00

3GoldenLamps · 19/04/2026 11:50

There are some hilarious youtube and facebook videos where people convince non-Brits that there is an actual national Tea Alarm and it's the law to rush to a cup of tea.

(I'm easily amused. Tea videos and cat videos for most of my social media diet).

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I think that used to be the commercial break in the middle of coronation street!

3GoldenLamps · 19/04/2026 12:00

Not really the point but why are pies in restaurants often just a casserole with a hat on? I want everything encased by pastry. That annoys me too.

VeraWang · 19/04/2026 11:59

Yeah, cuppa isn't baby talk.

It's just short for 'cup of tea' - Cuppa tea.

cardibach · 19/04/2026 11:58

Yellowpapersun · 19/04/2026 11:47

My SIL says it and I cringe every time. It seems twee and so pleased with itself! It's like when cafés/restaurants say individual pies. I really hate it!

What’s wrong with ‘individual pie’? I like to know. An individual pie - ie the whole of a small pie - has a way bigger pastry to filling ratio than a slice of a larger pie does! I prefer a slice. The filling is the bit I want more of.

Original poster
ConstantlyFuriosa · 19/04/2026 11:57

Itiswhysofew · 19/04/2026 11:56

Weird. Do you say cuppa tea/coffee or are you a pedant who says cup of?

Mind you, the word meal actually triggers me😂

I don’t drink black tea. If I have coffee I say ‘cup of coffee’. If I have tea it’s usually green and ‘cuppa green’ doesn’t really seem to fit.

OP posts:
BananaPeels · 19/04/2026 11:57

honeylulu · 19/04/2026 11:51

God yes, I can't stand baby talk.

Cuppa
Biccies
Veggies
Roasties
Yorkies
Hubby
Drinkies
Kiddies

FFS just talk properly!

But cuppa isn’t baby talk. It’s been used for over a century. It’s just slang. My grandmother used to say it which is why I do.

veggies is pretty common although we just say veg.

someone of the others are a bit silly - don’t know anyone who says ‘drinkies’ unless they are being a bit silly.

sunsettosunrise · 19/04/2026 11:57

Can I also add elevenses to the list, my gran use to say it all the time!

Original poster
ConstantlyFuriosa · 19/04/2026 11:56

AInightingale · 19/04/2026 11:54

'Mash'.
'Nibbles'

No.

Fizz and nibbles.

OP posts:
Itiswhysofew · 19/04/2026 11:56

Weird. Do you say cuppa tea/coffee or are you a pedant who says cup of?

Mind you, the word meal actually triggers me😂

cardibach · 19/04/2026 11:55

PuzzlesintheMorning · 19/04/2026 11:43

"Panad", or "paned" where I come from is perfectly acceptable. It's nowhere near as toothache-inducing because unlike "cuppa", it's not a twee contraction of something else.

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Why is cuppa a twee contraction? It’s just a contraction. No better or worse than isn’t or can’t or any of the others.
I do prefer paned/ad though!

Original poster
ConstantlyFuriosa · 19/04/2026 11:54

cardibach · 19/04/2026 11:53

Caffeine is. Slightly. But there’s more liquid in a normal tea or coffee than the effect of the diuretic so it’s a net hydration gain. The only sort you can’t count is espresso.

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Don’t get me started on ‘expresso’.

OP posts:
AInightingale · 19/04/2026 11:54

'Mash'.
'Nibbles'

No.

AEIOYOU · 19/04/2026 11:53

Frugalgal · 19/04/2026 11:48

Nothing will ever be worse than 'picky bits' 🤬

Agree. Or "a cheeky" whatever.

VeraWang · 19/04/2026 11:53

CustardySergeant · 19/04/2026 11:28

What is "splosh"?

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Tea ☕

It's an old army word my grandad used to use.

cardibach · 19/04/2026 11:53

ConstantlyFuriosa · 19/04/2026 11:37

They’re not, though. Isn’t tea a diuretic?

Show quote history

Caffeine is. Slightly. But there’s more liquid in a normal tea or coffee than the effect of the diuretic so it’s a net hydration gain. The only sort you can’t count is espresso.

AEIOYOU · 19/04/2026 11:52

Where I'm from we say "do you fancy a fly cup". People have fly cups all through the day.

KimberleyClark · 19/04/2026 11:52

ConstantlyFuriosa · 19/04/2026 11:37

They’re not, though. Isn’t tea a diuretic?

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Only a very mild one. The volume of liquid in a cup of tea offsets the diuretic effect.

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