noun
bruv
bruhv
Bruv (noun) means informal British slang for a close male friend or brother. Example: “Alright, bruv, you coming out tonight?”
noun
1
Informal British slang for a close male friend or brother.
"The lads in the Nags 'Ead were just talking about your bit of managerial bovver and I said to Rodney, 'Bruv, this could be my big chance.'"
— Today (1992)
"Alright, bruv, you coming out tonight?"
"He's not really my brother, just an old bruv from school."
How to use bruv
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA casual British way of saying "mate" or "brother."
When to use it
Very informal spoken slang, mainly UK and especially London/urban youth speech — avoid in writing or formal contexts.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like bruv.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- bruvs
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Alright, _____, you coming out tonight?
Etymology
A shortened, informal pronunciation of \"brother.\"
Frequently asked questions
What does “bruv” mean?
The word “bruv” means informal British slang for a close male friend or brother. In plain terms, a casual British way of saying "mate" or "brother.".
How do you pronounce “bruv”?
“Bruv” is pronounced bruhv (/bɹʌv/ in IPA).
How do you use “bruv” in a sentence?
Here is “bruv” used in a sentence: “Alright, bruv, you coming out tonight?”
What part of speech is “bruv”?
“Bruv” is a noun.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include bruv:
