What it means
A very British way to tell someone to shift along a bit so there's space for you to sit or squeeze in. You hear it on sofas, benches, buses, trains, anywhere people are packed in and personal space has already left the building. Usually friendly enough, but it's still a tiny bossy shove in word form.
Usage examples
"Oi, budge up, mate, there’s room for another. I’m balancing a brew and a chippy tea, I can’t hover, can I."
"Budge up a sec, love, my nan is on the way with a tray of biscuits and she will not stand the whole afternoon."
"On the train back from Brighton we had to budge up four times for new passengers, ended up with my elbow in a stranger's crisp packet."
"Budge up, lads, this isn't a private kingdom, there's half a seat going spare."
"Can you budge up a touch? This bus is rammed and I'm not doing the whole one-cheek hover till town."
