• Business Insider asked interior designers which mistakes to avoid when decorating for the holidays.
• Not having a clear organizational system can make decorating a much more time-consuming process.
• It's important to consider your pets when decorating, as certain design choices can be hazardous.

As you make your home merry and bright this holiday season, there are a few things to consider to ensure the process is as fun (and painless) as possible.

So, Business Insider asked interior designers about the common holiday decorating mistakes people should avoid making to ensure everything is organized, festive, and safe for the entire family. Here's what they said.

Lacking a clear theme can make your house look less cohesive.

It's exciting to collect new holiday decorations, but over time, that could lead to some of your items not gelling together.

"It's OK to not use every single decoration piece that you possibly have," Linda Hayslett, principal designer for LH Designs, told Business Insider, adding, "At the end of the day, we always remember those homes that are curated."

Plus, she said that when you don't pull everything out each year, you have more options to switch things up in the future (without accumulating more stuff).

Not having a clear organizational system can make decorating — and cleaning up — a pain.

One thing Hayslett recommends doing to make decorating on-theme easier is grouping similar items together in storage. For example, all your decorations could be grouped by color and labeled accordingly.

She said this makes it easier to find what you're looking for in storage every year. Plus, if you really want to keep things organized, you can even color-code your storage bins.

"For my Christmas decorations, I have green and red bins. And then for Halloween, I have black and orange bins. And then for Thanksgiving, I have brown and yellow bins, " Hayslett told BI.

Placing decorations too close to the fireplace can be a safety hazard.

Placing decorations, especially real Christmas trees, garlands, or wreaths, near an in-use fireplace can be a safety hazard, Jennifer Beget, owner and principal designer of J Beget Designs, said.

For a safer alternative to achieving the festive look, Beget suggests placing faux battery-powered candles in the fireplace instead.

Using decorations that are past their prime can make a space look dated.

There's a big difference between showcasing vintage items and using decor that's long past its shelf life, and it's important not to confuse the two if you don't want your space to look dated.

One obvious sign that a piece of decor didn't last the test of time is if it's faded, Beget said, adding, "Some things just have to be retired."

Don't forget to consider your pets' safety.

Curious cats and dogs can go sniffing around your Christmas tree, resulting in broken ornaments and potential injuries.

"Personally, we have a cat who loves to go after the bottom of the tree, and so we always have to put items he won't be able to bite into or chew so he doesn't choke," Beget said.

Hayslett also suggested decorating a separate, smaller, pet-safe tree for your cat or dog as a potential distraction from the main tree in the house.

You can also avoid placing ornaments on low branches that pets can easily reach, and make sure they're placed evenly over the tree, so it doesn't tip over.

Not using a timer for your lights can cost you extra time and money.

Bending over or climbing behind the couch to plug and unplug your holiday lights every day can be a huge pain (literally).

So, Beget recommends using a timer to allow your lights to turn on and off automatically during the season.

Plus, it's a game changer for when it's cold or rainy, so you don't have to go outside and unplug all your cords, Begets added.

And who doesn't love saving a little money on their electric bill?

• Trump announced a proposed settlement to officially end the SAVE student-loan repayment plan.
• If a court approves the settlement, borrowers on SAVE will have a limited time to enroll in a new plan and resume payments.
• The settlement ends over a year of litigation over the affordable repayment plan.

The door is about to permanently close on a major student-loan repayment plan.

On Tuesday, the Department of Education announced a proposed settlement with the State of Missouri, which, if approved, will officially end the SAVE student-loan repayment plan established by former President Joe Biden.

Biden rolled out the SAVE plan in July 2023, which was intended to provide student-loan borrowers with affordable monthly payments and a condensed timeline for debt relief. In April 2024, Missouri joined other GOP-led states in filing a lawsuit challenging the plan. Borrowers enrolled in the plan have been on forbearance since last summer, while the legal challenges continued.

The department said in a press release that, should the court approve the settlement, the department will not enroll any new borrowers in SAVE, deny pending applications, and move all enrolled borrowers to existing repayment plans.

"The law is clear: if you take out a loan, you must pay it back," Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent said in a statement. "Thanks to the State of Missouri and other states fighting against this egregious federal overreach, American taxpayers can now rest assured they will no longer be forced to serve as collateral for illegal and irresponsible student loan policies."

If the settlement is approved, the department said that borrowers enrolled in SAVE "will have a limited time" to select a new repayment plan and begin repaying their loans. The department and federal servicers are expected to reach out to SAVE borrowers in the coming months with more information.

Trump's administration has indicated its intent to end the SAVE plan for months, with a phase-out of the plan by 2028. The announcement of this proposed settlement accelerates that timeline. On August 1, the Department of Education resumed interest charges on SAVE borrowers' accounts, and the Education Sec. Linda McMahon said at the time that she recommended borrowers transition to "a legally compliant repayment plan," like income-based repayment.

The department is working to carry out changes to expand eligibility for income-based repayment, like removing the requirement to have partial financial hardship, which is set to be completed in December 2025. The "big beautiful" spending legislation that Trump signed into law also included plans to eliminate SAVE and introduce two repayment options for borrowers, effective July 2026.

It's unclear when these changes will take effect. However, borrowers who leave SAVE will likely face higher monthly payments should they enroll in a different plan.

• Growing up in Portland, Oregon, was magical, but I hated my hometown the way angsty teens often do.
• To my surprise, I moved back to my hometown in my 30s and realized it's the perfect city for me.
• I love Portland's quirks, strong sense of community, natural beauty, food, and LGBTQ+ nightlife.

Portland, Oregon, isn't perfect.

It's not particularly diverse, and most restaurants close way too early for anyone under the age of 60. The "Pacific Northwest freeze" is a real thing: People here can be simultaneously too nice and impossible to befriend.

When I left Portland in my early 20s to travel the world for almost a decade, I didn't think I'd ever move back. Growing up there was pretty magical, but I hated the city in the way most angsty teens hate their hometown.

Then, amid the coronavirus pandemic, I booked a flight back to Portland to be near family. Five years later, I'm still here — and I can't see myself living anywhere else. Here's why.

The access to nature is unbeatable

Portland is surrounded by natural beauty.

Locals love to brag that you can be in the mountains or on the coast within an hour and a half — a luxury few cities can claim.

Believe it or not, you can even be in the rainforest in half an hour, surrounded by ferns and fluorescent-green moss.

I regularly make the scenic drive to the Columbia River Gorge, a historic stretch dotted with tunnels and waterfalls, when I need to clear my mind. Stopping to stand at the base of a 620-foot waterfall and get misted in the face never fails to do the trick.

The natural beauty really is everywhere. On a casual walk around my neighborhood, I've found everything from fresh blackberries and wild bunnies to roaming chickens and secret gardens filled with dahlias and roses.

Our local food scene is on par with major metropolises

I'm convinced Portland has more outstanding restaurants per capita than any other city.

Though the city is predominantly white, my taste buds have been thrilled in recent years to see diversity reflected in Portland's rise to foodie fame.

The star of the show is Kann, a James Beard Award-winning restaurant by Gregory Gourdet, where "Haitian cuisine meets Pacific Northwest bounty," and an absolutely mind-blowing plantain brioche meets my mouth.

Then there's Jinju Patisserie, named the country's most outstanding bakery at the James Beard Awards earlier this year. There, two Korean-born pastry chefs whip up croissants that rival any I've had in Paris.

But award winners barely scratch the surface. My personal list of outstanding local Thai restaurants is longer than my Trader Joe's receipts.

Plus, Portland is especially known for its food trucks, which is how I first tried Guyanese food (at Bake on the Run), snow-cheese Korean fried chicken (at Frybaby), and Puerto Rican-Philly fusion dishes (at Papi Sal's).

The LGBTQ+ nightlife feels truly queer

I came out after leaving Oregon, and before moving back, I'd only lived in areas where the LGBTQ+ community was either small or centered on gay men.

Portland is the first time I've felt included, and the queer community here is at the heart of why I chose to stay. This city's LGBTQ+ community feels refreshingly queer.

My friends and I joke that most bars in Portland are gay bars just because the local population has so many queer folks. Many popular nightlife spots regularly host LGBTQ+ events, even if they aren't specifically "gay bars."

On any given weekend, I might have to choose between a "Twilight"-themed drag show, an LGBTQ+ storytelling event, a queer pie-eating contest, a lesbian dance party, or a trans wrestling match.

Because it rarely takes me longer than 15 minutes to get anywhere around the city, I can try to squeeze all the events in.

And when I wake up exhausted and hungry on Sunday morning, I can join my fellow Portland gays doing what we love most — waiting in inordinately long brunch lines.

Portland has a community for even the quirkiest hobbies

If you've got a special interest, you're bound to find a group of people here who are loudly and proudly into the same thing, no matter how niche or offbeat.

Can you guess where I've made the most friends in Portland? If you said, "a weekly '80s-themed mall walk in the city's half-abandoned Lloyd Center mall," you'd be right.

When I picked up rollerskating during the pandemic, I was thrilled to learn that the city runs a "secret roller disco" every week in undisclosed pop-up locations like warehouse parking lots (and the same half-abandoned mall).

Over the summer, I participated in a watermelon-wrestling fundraiser. In the fall, I got to take an entire four-week class about 1970s cult horror in the back room of Movie Madness, one of the country's only remaining video-rental stores.

All in all, I've fallen for the city

The older I get, the more I appreciate that Portland doesn't feel like a city, but rather it's a bunch of neighborhoods quilted together.

It's easy to feel welcome here when there are free tiny libraries and flyers for different clubs and events around every corner.

Everything I love about Portland, from the hiking trails to my favorite Thai soup spot (shoutout to Khao Moo Dang) to the drag scene, comes down to one thing: community.

It's an elusive concept I spent most of my 20s searching for in far-off places. In an ironic twist of fate that really pleases my mother, I ended up finding it in my hometown.

• Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway revealed a raft of leadership changes on Monday.
• Todd Combs is leaving, Marc Hamburg will retire, and Berkshire is hiring its first general counsel.
• Berkshire gurus broke down what the moves mean and warned of more departures as Buffett prepares to retire.

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway announced its biggest management shake-up in decades on Monday, including a surprise exit, a retirement, and a new position.

Close followers welcomed the moves, but two warned they could mark the start of a wider exodus as the legendary investor enters his final weeks as CEO after six decades in charge.

Greg Abel, the head of Berkshire's non-insurance operations, is poised to take the reins from Buffett on January 1.

Carolyn Dewar, a senior partner at McKinsey and coauthor of "A CEO for All Seasons," told Business Insider that a leadership shuffle often accompanies a CEO change.

"Getting the top team right is the CEO-elect's most important early decision," Dewar said, adding that a CEO's "real leverage comes through leaders" and if they're "not aligned, capable, and energized for the next chapter, no strategy can take hold."

John Longo, a finance professor at Rutgers Business School and the author of "Buffett's Tips," told Business Insider there are parallels to a "new football coach wanting to install his own offensive and defensive coordinators."

Dewar also said a CEO transition is often an "unfreezing moment" for a company's leaders, prompting them to "step back and reflect" on whether they want to keep working under the new boss or make a change as well.

Marc Hamburg doesn't get enough credit

Berkshire's finance chief of nearly four decades, Marc Hamburg, will hand over his responsibilities to Berkshire Hathaway Energy's finance boss, Charles Chang, in June 2026, but hold off on retiring until June 2027 to ease the transition.

Adam Mead, the author of "The Complete Financial History of Berkshire Hathaway," told Business Insider that Hamburg was "probably the least appreciated person in Berkshire from the outside looking in." Mead said his "contributions to structuring deals and managing the financials can't be overstated."

Hamburg's willingness to work with his successor for a full year is a "testament to his commitment to Berkshire and its longevity," Chris Bloomstran, the president of Semper Augustus Investments and a Berkshire shareholder for 25 years, told Business Insider.

He likely remained in his role for so long "out of loyalty to Berkshire and to Warren," Bloomstran added.

Adam Johnson could be the first of several divisional chiefs

NetJets CEO Adam Johnson has been appointed president of Berkshire's 32 consumer products, service, and retailing businesses — a group that includes See's Candies, FlightSafety, and Fruit of the Loom.

"Installing a respected senior operator to support dozens of business-unit CEOs both strengthens those businesses and creates needed bandwidth for Greg as he assumes overall responsibility," Lawrence Cunningham, the author of several books about Berkshire and the director of the University of Delaware's Weinberg Center, told Business Insider.

As CEO, Abel will continue to oversee Berkshire's other non-insurance businesses, such as the BNSF Railway, Pilot, and Berkshire Hathaway Energy.

David Kass, a finance professor at the University of Maryland and longtime Buffett blogger, told Business Insider that he expected Abel to pick someone to supervise those "very large" businesses in the near future.

Mead predicted Abel would appoint more divisional heads, emulating a Berkshire-owned conglomerate named Marmon, which has divisional presidents overseeing its more than 100 businesses.

Todd Combs may or may not be replaced

Buffett hired Todd Combs in 2010 and Ted Weschler in 2011, tasking the hedge fund managers with helping him to pick stocks for Berkshire. Combs also took over as Geico's CEO in 2020 and spearheaded the auto insurer's rebound this year.

Combs, widely seen as a key leader of post-Buffett Berkshire, is leaving to head up a new investment unit at JPMorgan and be a special advisor to CEO Jamie Dimon.

Kass predicted Berkshire would find a replacement for Combs to help Weschler manage Berkshire's more than $350 billion worth of cash and roughly $300 billion stock portfolio.

Bloomstran said Weschler might take charge of a larger chunk of Berkshire's portfolio and be a "sounding board" for Abel on major investments, or at least take over Combs' allocation if he hasn't already.

Nancy Pierce is a classic Berkshire pick

Geico's operating chief, Nancy Pierce, has replaced Combs as CEO after nearly 40 years at the company. She's "tremendously qualified" for the job, Bloomstran said.

Pierce's appointment is "pure continuity," Cunningham said, adding that her long tenure, deep experience, and strong endorsement from insurance boss Ajit Jain are "all very on brand for Berkshire."

Michael O'Sullivan is building on Charlie Munger's legacy

Michael O'Sullivan will become Berkshire's first-ever general counsel on New Year's Day. Prior to joining Snap as general counsel in 2017, O'Sullivan spent more than two decades at the law firm Munger, Tolles & Olson, cofounded by Buffett's late business partner, Charlie Munger.

Cunningham said O'Sullivan's appointment is a "prudent modernization and a natural evolution of the Munger lineage inside Berkshire."

Bloomstran said the new position was "interesting but not surprising" as Berkshire has long relied on Munger, Tolles & Olson as external counsel, and cofounder Ron Olson recently retired from Berkshire's board, where he likely served as an informal legal advisor.

More changes may be coming

Kass underscored that no other senior leaders are leaving Berkshire and said it's "critically important" that Jain and other senior insurance bosses, such as Joe Brandon, "remain in place to smooth this management transition."

Meyer Shields, a managing director at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods who's been covering Berkshire for more than 15 years, said in a research note that his team "expect more turnover" in the months ahead, as the cachet of "working for Mr. Buffett's successor is not (at least yet) the same as working for Mr. Buffett himself."

Brett Gardner, the author of "Buffett's Early Investments," told Business Insider there's "justifiable concern that some people want to work for Warren Buffett and not Berkshire Hathaway."

Gardner said that might not be the case with the latest moves, but it's "something to watch out for."

Complicating matters is the reality that many of Buffett's most trusted lieutenants are "past retirement age already," he added.

• Trump's top AI advisor took to X to clarify the administration's goals with AI preemption.
• AI Czar David Sacks said that AI preemption won't force data centers onto people.
• He said the administration was making "an attempt to settle a question of jurisdiction."

President Donald Trump's top AI advisor is seeking to clear up any confusion about the administration's AI preemption plans.

In a lengthy post on X on Monday, White House AI and Crypto Czar David Sacks said that a forthcoming executive order to restrict states' ability to regulate AI is "an attempt to settle a question of jurisdiction."

Sacks, a venture capitalist and a co-host of the "All In" podcast, sought to address various concerns about AI preemption, which has proved to be a controversial topic even within Trump's coalition.

He called those concerns the four Cs — child safety, communities, creators, and censorship.

Regarding communities, Sacks said that AI preemption has little to do with the construction of data centers, which have become a political flashpoint in states around the country due to those centers' heavy water and energy demands.

"AI preemption would not apply to local infrastructure. That's a separate issue," Sacks wrote. "In short, preemption would not force communities to host data centers they don't want."

He also said that state laws requiring platforms to protect against online predators and child sexual abuse material would remain in effect, because AI preemption wouldn't apply to "generally applicable state laws."

The administration appears to be moving forward with an effort to curtail state power to regulate AI, arguing that forcing companies to comply with competing regulations across 50 states will hamper the US's competitiveness in the AI race with China.

While it's unclear exactly what's in the forthcoming executive order, a draft seen by Business Insider last month would direct the Department of Justice to sue states over "onerous" AI laws.

It comes after multiple attempts to enact AI preemption via Congress, most notably in the "Big Beautiful Bill." That provision was ultimately struck from the bill before passage due to opposition from several Republicans.

Sacks wrote on X that the administration will "continue to work with Congress to define a federal framework that can be enacted through legislation." But that hasn't stopped the pushback from other Republicans.

"Nice framework," replied Republican Rep. Warren Davidson of Ohio. "This should be a law, not an executive order."

• In January, my husband and I sailed from Barcelona to Rome on a winter cruise.
• With fewer crowds, it felt like we had the Mediterranean to ourselves as we toured famous sites.
• Despite the chilly weather, we had an amazing time, and I'd love to visit during this season again.

When I found out that Windstar Cruises had begun winter sailings to the Mediterranean, I couldn't book fast enough.

I'd visited France, Italy, and Greece during the summer months before, and I had grown increasingly disillusioned each year as Mediterranean Europe became more crowded, expensive, and uncomfortably hot.

It seemed like a January cruise would help me avoid a lot of my past grievances, so I booked Europe's Winter Riviera eight-day itinerary on Windstar, sailing from Barcelona to Rome with stops in Nice, Genoa, and Livorno, the port city for excursions to Florence, Pisa, and Lucca.

After a week of seeing these iconic destinations in a whole new light, I went home with the conviction that winter is the absolute best time to take a Mediterranean cruise.

I loved feeling like I had the Mediterranean to myself

Rather than stumbling through hordes of tourists filling Barcelona's streets, trying to find towel space on a beach in Nice, or waiting hours in lines to enter the Vatican museums, I felt like I had a lot of memorable places to myself.

That's probably because I visited during what Windstar calls the "Local Season," the time between late fall and early spring, when this area typically welcomes far fewer tourists.

Fewer crowds and shorter lines meant I could see more of each city I visited throughout the cruise. I took all the time I liked exploring each place and capturing it all without having to erase throngs of people from my photos.

On one excursion, my small group climbed the medieval village of Èze on the French Riviera — a popular spot often filled with cruise passengers and tourists — and never saw another person. I loved taking in the sweeping views of the sea, unobstructed by massive cruise ships.

In Florence, no more than 20 people circled Michelangelo's famous David statue. And in Rome, my husband and I purchased tickets to the Colosseum 15 minutes before our scheduled entry time and were allowed to enter even earlier.

We felt like VIPs with special access to the best of the region — quite different from the summer months when we had to wait for hours just to get close to an attraction.

Though we had to adapt to the weather, the special winter experiences were worth it

We may have escaped the sweltering heat the Riviera is famous for in the summer, but we did experience some chilly weather.

By our hometown of Houston's standards, it was cold, with morning temperatures dipping into the 40s and afternoons hovering in the 50s — and we were not prepared. Luckily, hats and scarves were readily available and cost about 10 Euros, so we managed.

And, we had to give up some usual summer fun, including relaxing on the ship's deck, which meant spending a bit more time indoors.

I really didn't mind, though, especially since sailing during this season came with some special seasonal activities and spots.

Some winter itineraries include cities Windstar only visits (or spends extra time in) during winter, when there are typically fewer crowds and ships.

Another perk of cruising during the winter is the opportunity to experience seasonal events and activities.

For example, while docked in Nice, France, cruisers can travel less than an hour from the port to visit Menton's Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival), held annually starting in mid-February. The two-week festival features giant floats and structures made of fruit, as well as performances, parades, markets, and more.

All in all, I think winter is the absolute best time to visit

As an added bonus, our winter sailing was hundreds of dollars cheaper than a similar one at peak season in June and July.

Of course, if your dreams of the Mediterranean include sunbathing on the beach or swimming in the sea, this isn't the vacation for you.

But for me, the positives far outweighed the negatives. We got to see so much more than we could have during the summer months, without the crowds — and for that, I'll pack a cozy hat and gloves any day.

• I became pregnant with my oldest daughter during my senior year of college.
• Now, she's applying to college herself, and it's making me realize how young I really was.
• I'm so excited for her future, while also dealing with some surprising feelings of grief for myself.

I've been helping my 17-year-old daughter, a senior in high school, apply to college.

I've watched her type her applications, and it sparked a flashback to when I sat in the kitchen of my run-down college apartment and learned I was pregnant with her.

I'll never forget the look of the brown linoleum floor illuminated under the harsh fluorescent light, its buzzing the only other sound competing with my sobs. My boyfriend held his head in his hands, the positive pregnancy tests fanned around him like the color sticks at a nail salon.

Is it really possible that I was only a few years older than my daughter is right now? She, who still prefers me to run in and grab the smoothie I preordered because she doesn't like to talk to people? The girl whose room is messier than I ever thought possible? The one whose kindergarten picture was so perfect it took my breath away?

I can't even fathom what it would look like for her to be facing down motherhood in a few short years, so it's stirred some new emotions up for me.

I was so young when I found out I was pregnant

I distinctly remember my boyfriend picking me up for class at the beginning of that semester. The sun was shining, my gold hoops were swinging, and as I hopped into his truck, I felt a surge of hope and excitement for the future.

That was a few weeks before I would realize that my period was not coming after all. Looking at my daughter now, it's finally hitting me: I was so young.

The naive self-confidence of my younger, college self crumbled that night in my apartment kitchen, and I can't say that I ever regained it. Becoming a mother at any stage can have that effect on you. It carves you apart, empties you out, and makes you question everything at all times forever.

I grieve for my younger self, but I was always meant to be her mother

Now, as my teenage daughter teeters on the cusp of the age I was when I had her, I feel a little bit of loss and grief for my own self at her stage.

Seeing her with the world at her fingertips reminds me of how I felt just before she came into existence. I had no fears. I was confident in a way I would never be again.

But what I remember the most, among the uncertainty, the anxiety, and the complete reorganizing of myself, is the moment I met her, the instant the nurse laid her on my chest. The moment my newborn baby nestled herself into me, burrowing, it felt as though she had straight into my heart; I felt a complete recognition, like nothing I could ever describe. My only thought was, Oh. It's you.

I remember a complete calm settling into my being, as if we were two souls who had known each other forever, simply meeting again.

I'm excited for all the opportunities she has before her

I feel like I've spent the past 18 years learning who I am with her and because of her. Overnight, I'm supposed to relearn what it's like to live without her here. I feel a mixture of fear and excitement for her future, much like I did in those early days of her existence.

I also feel grief for the girl I was when I had her, but I don't want her to share in that grief.

I want her to feel the freedom I had at her age, even if I acknowledge the loss of my own.

I want her to have a life I did not have, while never, for a second, feeling guilt for her life.

I want things that feel impossible, for both of us. But she has the world at her fingertips now, and I want so much for her to embrace every bit of it, maybe, selfishly, for both of us.

And no matter what happens, I hope and pray that we can always find our way back together, just like that moment we first met, when I can hold her close again and whisper, Oh, it's you.

• From "chockablock" to a "full Monty," the Brits have a wide range of interesting slang words.
• You don't want to be described as "dim," "a mug," or "a few sandwiches short of a picnic."
• If you're "zonked" or "cream crackered," you might want to take a nap. 

Americans might want to mind the gap when it comes to discerning what these British phrases actually mean.

Some terms, like "dim," "a mug," or "a few sandwiches short of a picnic," can be used as colorful insults, while some British slang words like "cheeky" can be either negative or positive, depending on the context. 

In a business setting, you could incorporate British terms into presentations or marketing materials to relate with British clients or customers, but take caution not to offend them or totally miss the mark.

Here are 60 British phrases that will confuse anybody who didn't grow up in the UK.

A few sandwiches short of a picnic

"A few sandwiches short of a picnic" means someone who lacks common sense. The phrase was first documented in the BBC's "Lenny Henry Christmas Special" in 1987.

"She's great fun, but she's a few sandwiches short of a picnic."

Anorak

"Anorak" refers to someone who's a little bit geeky, with strong interests or expertise in a niche area.

Although it's more often used as a synonym for a raincoat, an anorak is something slightly different in playground slang. This word probably originates from the "uncool" appearance of anorak coats and the people wearing them.

"Thomas is such an anorak when it comes to train trivia."

Bagsy

"Bagsy" is the British equivalent of calling "shotgun" or "dibs" when something, like the front seat of the car or food, is offered up to a group. School kids might call "bagsy" on items in their friends' pack lunches, like an apple or a cereal bar, that the friend isn't going to eat.

"Does anyone want thi—"

"Bagsy!"

Bee's knees

"Bee's knees" refers to something at the "height of cool." This phrase became mainstream in the USA in the 1920s despite its British origins, but its popularity has dwindled since the turn of the century.

When first documented in the 18th century, the "bee's knees" referred to small or insignificant details. Since then, the phrase has evolved and now refers to something popular or cool.

"The Beatles are the bee's knees."

Bender

A "bender" is an extended period of drinking, usually in excess. Someone on a spree of excessive drinking and mischief is "on a bender."

Benders can last over 24 hours, and so you might say that someone is on "a weekend bender," or a "three-day bender."

"I bumped into him towards the end of his four-day bender. He was a wreck."

Bird

A "bird" is an informal word for a girl or young woman.

While the phrase can be interpreted as misogynistic, it's still commonly used. It's usually used to describe a woman between the ages of 18 and 50, particularly one who is attractive.

"Look at that bird over there. She's fit."

Pull a blinder

To "pull a blinder" involves achieving something difficult faultlessly and skillfully. The phrase is most commonly used when the individual has been lucky and the person saying it is in disbelief that the first person has managed to pull it off.

"And did you see that equalizing goal in the last minute of injury time? He pulled a blinder there."

Bloody

"Bloody" or "bleeding" is used to add emphasis to adjectives, similar to how "wicked" is used in New England. The origins of the word are widely disputed. Some believe it's derived from the Dutch word "blute," meaning "bare." Others believe the word is a contraction of the 17th-century phrase "by our lady," and is blasphemous.

This second theory has been disproved, however, by the slang's first documentation predating the widespread use of the phrase "by our lady."

Nowadays, "bloody" is used widely — it's even used in children's films such as "Harry Potter" — and is arguably one of the most quintessentially British words on the list.

"That was bloody good."

Bob's your uncle

"Bob's your uncle" is the very British equivalent to "hey presto!" or "et voilá!" This phrase is often used to describe a process that seems more difficult than it actually is.

"Press down the clutch, put it into gear, then slowly ease off the clutch again. Bob's your uncle — you're driving!"

Bog-standard

Something that is "bog-standard" is completely ordinary with no frills, embellishments, or add-ons. Its origins are somewhat unclear, but a "bog" is another word for a toilet in British slang, adding to the connotations that something "bog-standard" is unglamorous and unspecial.

"How was the hostel?" "Oh, nothing exciting to report. Just your bog-standard dorm, really."

Boot

The "boot" of a car is the trunk in American English. A popular pastime in the United Kingdom is attending or having your own "car boot sale," in which people usually sell knickknacks and old personal items out of the back of their cars.

"Shove the shopping in the boot."

Botch job

A "botch job" is a repair job that's been completed in a hurry and will probably fall apart reasonably soon. A "botch job" can also refer to anything that's been done haphazardly, like a work assignment.

"Sam did a botch job on these shelves — they're wonky!"

Brolly

A "brolly" is a shortened word for an umbrella. On a rainy day in London, you would definitely want a brolly on hand.

"Grab your brolly, it's drizzling outside."

Budge up

"Budge up" is similar to "scoot over" or "move over." An informal way of asking someone to make room where they are sitting for you to sit down, too, would be asking them to "budge up."

"Hey, there's loads of room on that bench. Budge up and make some room for us, too!"

Builder's tea

"Builder's tea" is the name of a strongly brewed cup of English breakfast tea with milk and sugar.

It's common courtesy to offer a laborer or builder working on your house a builder's tea while they're working — especially if they're working out in the cold. This is probably how the term came about.

"A bacon sandwich and a builder's tea. Now that's a proper breakfast."

Butcher's hook

"Butcher's hook" is Cockney rhyming slang for "look." Therefore, if you're "having a butchers," you're having a look at something.

"Would you take a butchers at this broken bike for me?"

Cheeky

"Cheeky" refers to an act that could be deemed impolite or shameless but, for some reason, comes across as funny or endearing to others. "Being cheeky" means being funny or humorous, but slightly mischievous at the same time. 

"Joe's children are absolute rascals — they tied my shoelaces together last week!"

"Those cheeky monkeys."

Chinwag

A "good old chinwag" is a good chat, catch-up, or gossip with someone.

The action of chatting away — with the jaw bobbing up and down — resembles a chin "wagging" like a dog's tail.

"Those two are having a proper chinwag — I haven't been able to get a word in edgeways for half an hour!"

Chockablock

"Chockablock" could be used to describe something that's full to the brim or rammed. This is sometimes shortened to "chocka." The phrase is most often used to describe heavy road traffic.

"We should've taken the other route. This road is chocka!"

Chuffed

"Chuffed" means overjoyed and full of pride. If you get a promotion or meet someone special, you might describe yourself as "chuffed."

"I heard you got the promotion. Congratulations! You must be chuffed."

Codswallop

"Codswallop" means something untrue, often made up for dramatic effect.

Although no one is completely sure of the word's origins, it could derive from the words "cod" and "wallop," which historically meant "imitation" and "beer" respectively — implying that "codswallop" is the kind of rubbish you make up when drunk.

"Oh, what a load of codswallop!"

Cream crackered

"Cream crackered" is Cockney rhyming slang for "knackered," or incredibly tired.

The term probably came about because it rhymes with "knacker." A "knacker" was the person who slaughtered worn-out horses in the 19th and 20th centuries for their meat, hoofs, and hides. So, if you're "ready for the knacker's yard," you're exhausted beyond relief.

"This week's done me in already, and it's only Tuesday. I'm cream crackered."

Dench

"Dench" is an adjective used to advocate something that is impressive or agreeable. Dench is also the equivalent of "solid" or "cool" when used in response to someone else.

Its reported creator, British rapper Lethal Bizzle, elusively told The Guardian in 2013 that the word "means anything you want." 

"I'm going to make us spaghetti carbonara for dinner."

"Dench."

Dim

"Dim" refers to someone who lacks common knowledge. On the other hand, someone who's intelligent might be described as "bright."

"She's a bit dim."

Doddle

A "doddle" is an easy task. The word could be a variation of "toddle" — like a young child's first steps.

"This will be a doddle."

Dog's dinner

A "dog's dinner" is a mess or fiasco. It is also sometimes referred to as a "dog's breakfast."

"You've made a dog's dinner of that paint job."

Faff

To "faff" or "faff about" is to waste time doing very little. "Faff" comes from the 17th-century word "faffle," which means to flap about in the wind.

"What did you do on your day off from work?"

"We were just faffing about."

Fit

"Fit" is used to describe someone physically attractive, usually referring to their physique. If you see someone you find attractive, you would call them "fit."

"He's fit."

Flog

To "flog" means to sell something, usually quickly and cheaply.

"Flogging" also refers to whipping a racehorse in order to make it move faster, so there is some speculation into whether you flog goods in order to make them shift faster, too. However, there is no proof for this theory.

"I'm trying to flog my old sofa. Do you know anyone who might be interested?"

Full Monty

A "full Monty" refers to pursuing something to the absolute limits.

After "The Full Monty" film was released in 1997, there was some international confusion over the phrase, which was taken as a euphemism for stripping. However, "the full Monty" now usually refers to taking something as far as it can go, similar to "the whole nine yards."

"The full Monty" historically refers to an old tailor called Sir Montague Burton. Going "the full Monty" meant purchasing a full three-piece suit, a shirt, and all of the trimmings.

"Our Christmas dinner had everything from sprouts to Yorkshire puddings. If you're going to have a roast, have the full Monty!"

Full of beans

"Full of beans" can be used to describe someone who's energetic, lively, or enthusiastic. This phrase could be a reference to coffee beans, although these claims have been disputed.

"Goodness, you're full of beans this morning!"

Gaff

"Gaff" is an informal word for "home." Although the origins of this phrase are largely unknown, a gaff in the 18th century was a music hall or theater, and so it's believed to derive from this.

"What are you up to this weekend? We've got a party at our gaff, if you fancy it?"

Geezer

A "geezer" is a man who could be described as "suave" or "dapper," and is often suited and booted. Men from east London are also commonly referred to as "geezers," where the term is more interchangeable with "lad."

Geezer is thought to stem from the 15th-century "guiser," which meant a well-dressed person.

"That guy's got such swagger — he's a proper geezer."

Gutted

"Gutted" means devastated or extremely upset. If your favorite football team were to lose, you'd be "gutted."

"I was absolutely gutted."

Innit

"Innit" is an abbreviation of "isn't it," most commonly used among teenagers and young people. This phrase is used to confirm or agree with something that another person has just said.

"It's really cold today."

"Innit."

Kip

A "kip" is slang for a short sleep or nap. The term is usually used to refer to a nap, but it can also mean a long sleep.

"What a long day. When we get home, I'm going to take a quick kip."

Leg it

"Leg it" means to make a run for it, run away, or escape. It's used most commonly when you're trying to get out of a situation by physically running away.

"That's when all of the lights came on, and so we legged it."

Miffed

"Miffed" means slightly irritated or annoyed and possibly derives from the German "muffen," meaning "to sulk."

"I was a bit miffed, I can't lie."

Mint

"Mint" might be used when referring to something of the highest caliber. It's derived from "mint condition," which refers to something pre-owned that retains its pristine condition — although something that's just "mint" doesn't have to be pre-owned.

"Those shoes are mint!"

Mortal

"Mortal" describes someone highly intoxicated or drunk in a sloppy manner. Derived from the Newcastle sociolect, "mortal" gained widespread recognition nationwide in 2011 through the reality TV show "Geordie Shore."

"Did you see Scott last night? He was mortal."

Mug

A "mug" is someone who has been made a fool of. "Mug" likely originated in London with Cockney slang. It means a stupid, often gullible, person who is easily taken advantage of.

"You signed that contract? You're such a mug."

Mug off

In the same vein, to "mug off" someone is to make a fool of them, usually by deceiving or cheating on them. The phrase is common on the hit British reality show "Love Island."

"He's going on a date with Amber? I feel so mugged off right now."

"You're mugging me off."

Nick

To "nick" something means to steal it. "The Nick" can refer to a prison. The origins of the phrase are largely debated online, however, it's believed that "to nick" as in to steal influenced the slang term for prison, as being imprisoned is similar to being "stolen" away.

"Did you just nick that?"

"Don't get caught, or you'll end up in the Nick!"

On the pull

Someone who's "on the pull" has gone out, usually on a night out, with the intention of attracting a sexual partner. "Pull" can also be used as a verb. If you've "pulled," you've kissed someone.

"You look nice. Are you going on the pull?"

Pants

"Pants" means something is rubbish, trash, or garbage. It's most often used to say something is unsatisfactory, like "blows" or "reeks," rather than actual trash.

"That is pants."

Pea-souper

A "pea-souper" is a thick fog, often with a yellow or black tinge, caused by air pollution. The idiom was first used to describe the thick, choking smog that settled over London as early as 1200 C.E., caused by the widespread burning of fossil fuels in close proximity.

The smogs were compared to pea soup due to their color and density.

"Be careful when you're driving — it's a pea-souper out there."

Pop your clogs

To "pop your clogs" means to die. This cheery phrase is widely believed to originate from Northern factory workers during the Industrial Revolution. When they worked on the factory floor, employees had to wear hard clogs to protect their feet.

The idea is when someone popped or cocked their clogs, the toes of the clogs pointed up in the air as they lay down dead.

"Did you hear what happened to John's old man? He popped his clogs, didn't he…"

Poppycock

"Poppycock" means something that is nonsense, rubbish, or simply untrue. This quintessentially British idiom does not refer to actual poppies. It derives from the Dutch "pap" and "kak," which translate as "soft" and "dung."

"What a load of poppycock!"

Quids in

"Quids in" means investing in something, sometimes — but not always — financially. Someone who's "quids in" has invested in an opportunity that will probably benefit them massively.

"Quid" is British slang for "pounds." For example, "five quid" means £5.

"If it all works out as planned, he'll be quids in."

Shirty

"Shirty" could be used to describe someone who is short-tempered or irritated. The meaning of this slang has been debated at length.

The word "shirt" is derived from the Norse for "short," hence short-tempered. However, other people believe that "shirty" has connotations of being disheveled.

"Don't get shirty with me, mister."

Skew-whiff

"Skew-whiff" means askew. It means literally tilted on one side rather than slightly off or uneasy, as askew can mean in the US.

"Is it just me or is that painting a bit skew-whiff?"

Skive

To "skive" is to avoid work or school, often by pretending to be ill. "Skive" is derived from the French "esquiver," meaning "to slink away."

"He skived off school so we could all go to Thorpe Park on a weekday."

Smarmy

"Smarmy" is used to describe someone who comes across as scheming or untrustworthy.

Although the adjective's origins remain largely unknown, early documented uses seem to use the word as synonymous with "smear," further suggesting that someone who is "smarmy" is also "slick" or "slippery."

"Don't trust him — he's a smarmy geezer."

Take the biscuit

"Take the biscuit" is used similarly to "take the cake" and is the equivalent of taking the nonexistent medal for foolishness or incredulity.

If someone has done something highly irritating or surprising in an exasperating fashion, you might say that they've "taken the biscuit."

"I could just about deal with the dog barking at 5:30 a.m., but the lawnmower at 3 a.m. really takes the biscuit."

Take the Mickey

To "take the Mickey" means to take liberties at the expense of others. It can be used in both a lighthearted and an irritated fashion.

"Take the Mickey" is an abbreviation of "taking the Mickey Bliss," which is Cockney rhyming slang for "take the p***."

"Hey! Don't take the Mickey."

Waffle

To "waffle" means to talk at length while not getting to the point. When someone makes a great speech while skirting around a subject or saying little of any value, you might say that they're talking "waffle " or "waffling."

In the 17th century, to "waff" meant to yelp, and that quickly evolved to mean to talk foolishly or indecisively.

"I wish he'd stop waffling on."

"What a load of waffle!"

Wally

A "wally" is someone silly or incompetent. Although its origins are largely debated, the term's meaning has undergone significant evolution over the last 50 years.

In the 1960s, someone who was unfashionable might be nicknamed a "wally," Dictionary.com reported. 

"Don't put down a leaking mug on top of the newspaper, you wally!"

Whinge

To "whinge" means to moan, groan, and complain in an irritating or whiny fashion. It is often deemed unnecessary or over-the-top. 

"Quit whinging."

Wind your neck in

"Wind your neck in" means to mind your own business. If you want to tell someone to not concern themselves with issues that don't directly affect them, you might tell them to "wind their neck in."

This classic phrase is another way of telling someone that their opinion is not appreciated in the given scenario.

 "Wind your neck in and stop being so nosy!"

Zonked

"Zonked" means exhausted or tired. It can also refer to someone already asleep or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

"I was going to go out tonight, but when I finished work, I was absolutely zonked."

"When I got home, he was already zonked."

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story was written by Bobbie Edsor and first published in 2017. It was most recently updated in December 2025.

• After traveling for three months straight, I felt exhausted and had a panic attack.
• I knew something needed to change, so I spent an entire trip to Maui simply relaxing.
• The vacation was unconventional for me, but it reshaped the way I think about productivity.

I've always been the kind of traveler who squeezes every drop out of a destination.

Even if I only have a few days in a city, I'll fill them with early-morning hikes, back-to-back tours, buzzy restaurants, and enough walking to hit 15,000 steps without even trying. After all, if I'm in a beautiful place, I want to make the most of it.

My camera roll is full of photos of bucket-list moments, and every new experience has taught me something about myself and the world. But somewhere along the way, my version of traveling started to feel a lot like work. And after months of nonstop travel, I hit a wall.

On the first night of a trip to Maui, my last big trip after almost three months away from home, I became overwhelmed by exhaustion and had a panic attack.

I broke down crying and hyperventilating, feeling like I just couldn't catch my breath. However, this breakdown brought me to a startling realization: I needed to slow down.

From that moment on, I knew this trip would be different

When I woke up the next morning, I had one goal: to do nothing. As someone who's always on the go (both physically and mentally), I knew it wouldn't be easy for me. However, to feel like myself again, I knew something needed to change.

Unlike my past trips, there would be no packed itineraries, pressure to post on social media, or chasing the next adventure. Just rest.

I let myself lounge in bed while I sipped my coffee, went for a walk on the beach, booked a spa treatment, then spent time on a beach chair for the rest of the afternoon.

I never left the resort that day, and I had to fight the guilt of not "making the most" of my time on the island. However, it was the very thing that rejuvenated me and brought me back to life.

It also encouraged me to put my phone away. In today's digital age, vacations often come with an unspoken expectation to document, post, and share every highlight on social media.

And as someone who makes a portion of my living by sharing my travels on these platforms, that pressure multiplies tenfold. After the scary experience of that panic attack, I decided, for once, to step back from my phone.

I still took photos and shared parts of the trip, but it was because I wanted to, not because I felt like I had to. When my partner and I watched the sunset from our hotel room balcony, I actually took in the sky's vibrant colors. I even ate my fresh sushi before snapping an Instagram story.

I felt more present and wanted to hold that feeling closely before inviting in the rest of the world to see and comment on my trip.

My trip to Maui changed the way I think about travel

What surprised me most about this trip wasn't just how restorative it felt, but how much it reshaped the way I think about productivity culture and what "vacation" is really for.

I learned that every travel experience has its own purpose. Some trips are for adventure, while some are for rejuvenation. And that's OK.

When I'm running on empty, even the most exciting itinerary or the most beautiful setting can feel like an obligation rather than the privilege that it's meant to be.

By paying closer attention to my senses in the present moment — taking in the sound of the waves, soaking in the cool blue water against my skin, or the delicious taste and texture of fresh poke on my tongue — I returned to a state of calm and contentment. I was even able to be more present with my partner in such a romantic setting.

Ironically, slowing down ended up giving me more energy to move forward. After resting and letting my body and mind reset, I returned home feeling more focused and inspired to get things done.

For me, this trip was a reminder that true productivity comes from balance. Rest isn't wasted time. Rather, it's what makes everything else possible.

• American sentiment toward capitalism is on the decline, surveys show.
• It comes amid an increased dissatisfaction with economic conditions in the US.
• Business Insider wants to hear what you think about capitalism — take our survey below.

What does capitalism mean to you?

Over the past few years, polls have shown that American sentiment toward capitalism is on the decline — especially among Democrats and younger generations.

For example, the latest Harvard Youth Poll found that 39% of surveyed 18- to 29-year-olds support capitalism, down from 45% in 2020. A September poll from Gallup showed that it's not just young people — 54% of Americans view capitalism favorably, down from 60% in 2021. It's the lowest result that Gallup has measured to date.

The shifting sentiment reflects a broader shift in the US, with Americans growing increasingly dissatisfied with the state of the economy, including inflation and the high cost of living. They're seeking solutions, and it could help explain why political figures who support socialism have gained support.

Business Insider is exploring the future of capitalism, and we want to hear what our readers think. Please fill out our survey below.