General
char
What does char mean?
Tea. Specifically the strong, milky, sweet builders' brew that's powered every British military operation since the empire. 'A cup of char' or 'a brew of char' is sacred.
"Stick the kettle on, lad — I'm gasping for a char."
Origin
From Mandarin 'chá' (茶), meaning tea — picked up by British troops and sailors trading through Asia in the 18th–19th century. Cemented in British Army usage and never left.
Frequently asked questions
What does char mean in British/forces slang?
It means tea — described as the forces' lifeblood.
How do you use char in a sentence?
"Fancy a brew? I'll put the kettle on for some char."
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