Builder's tea
BIL-derz TEE /ˈbɪldəz tiː/
Informal Neutral
What it really means
Strong English breakfast tea with milk, and often sugar — the everyday tea most British people drink. Called "builder's" because construction workers drink it strong.
Chinese explanation
加奶（常加糖）的浓红茶，是英国人日常喝的普通茶。因建筑工人爱喝浓茶而得名。
Example conversation
A: How do you take your tea?
B: Builder's, please — strong with milk and one sugar.
A：你的茶要怎么喝？
B：普通浓茶就行——泡浓一点，加奶和一勺糖。
All Food & Dining
Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team
· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake