English

Alternative forms

• broken Britain

Proper noun

Broken Britain

1. (informal, derogatory) Britain (viewed as a crime-ridden state where society and common sense have failed)
   • 2010 February 22, Jay Z, quoted in "Jay-Z Claims Britain Is 'Broken'", MTV News

     People are calling it Broken Britain, so there's obviously a problem. The rise of the BNP is also a problem.

   • 2010 March 19, Richard Palmer, "Prince Charles: Tackle a lout and you risk a stabbing", Daily Express

     PRINCE Charles weighed into the debate on Broken Britain yesterday, warning of the risks of ordinary citizens being stabbed while trying to stop litter louts.

   • 2012 August 11, Alistair Campbell, "London Olympics have redefined how Britain sees itself", CNN

     A year ago, amid the London riots, people were entitled to wonder if Mr Cameron had a point about Broken Britain.

Usage notes

• Used primarily in tabloid newspapers.