Guv

[irmamar]

What does guv mean? Guy, maybe?

Thanks.

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by irmamar

What does guv mean? Guy, maybe?

Thanks.

May we have some context please?

[irmamar]

Of course, although I have only a sentence:

That's two quid, guv.

I have a few sentences and I have to decide if they are formal, informal or normal. I guess that this is informal (I've found quid=pounds), but I haven't found guv.

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by irmamar

Of course, although I have only a sentence:

That's two quid, guv.

I have a few sentences and I have to decide if they are formal, informal or normal. I guess that this is informal (I've found quid=pounds), but I haven't found guv.

It's short for governor, a polite (but very informal) slang word addressing a stranger, normally a customer you are selling something to.

[irmamar]

Governor? Why they say this word? Do you know it?

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by irmamar

Governor? Why they say this word? Do you know it?

It is a slang word (London) used roughly as Sir (or Boss?) is used in USA (I think). It is used very commonly addressing a customer, as a sign that the customer is somehow of higher social status. If you were to take a taxi in London and give the driver a large tip, he would almost certainly say "Thanks governer". I'm guessing here, but I think this is only to a man, and to a woman he would say "Madame"

From a dictionary of slang:

Noun. 1. One's employer.
2. A term of address, sir. Often seen spelt guv'ner. Cf. 'guv.' {Informal}

[irmamar]

Thanks.