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council pop

British slang, often used with dry humor, for tap water — the stuff that comes free from the council (local government) pipes.

ˈkaʊnsəl ˈpɑp162 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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#1·Apr 28, 2026

British slang, often used with dry humor, for tap water — the stuff that comes free from the council (local government) pipes. The joke is in the contrast: 'pop' (British for fizzy drink or any beverage) elevated to something worth naming, when really it's just what comes out of the tap. Ordering 'council pop' at a pub or restaurant is a classically British way of asking for water without seeming pretentious about it, while also gently mocking the affectation of paying for bottled water.

I'm skint this week so I'll just have council pop — no need to spend two quid on a bottle.
Origin: 'Council' refers to the local government that supplies and maintains the public water supply in the UK. 'Pop' is British and northern English slang for a soft drink or fizzy beverage. Editorial expansion authored on Slangora.
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#2·Apr 26, 2026

(UK, slang) tap water.

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