Brits left 'feeling sick' after hearing what people are calling the snap UK general election

A snap general election is no laughing matter - unless you're British.

Throughout the day (22 May), speculation of a big announcement has been looming large as Cabinet ministers were summoned for an unusually timed meeting.

The likes of Defence Secretary Grant Shapps and Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron seemingly cut their foreign trips short to attend.

And just after 5pm, Rishi Sunak took to Downing Street to reveal a shock summer polling date.

Rishi Sunak has made the shock announcement of an upcoming UK general election. (PA)

Announcing a general election, the Prime Minister said: “This hard earned economic stability was only ever meant to be the beginning, the question now is how and who do you trust to turn that foundation into a secure future for you, your family, and our country?

“Now is the moment for Britain to choose its future, to decide whether we want to build on the progress we have made or risk going back to square one with no plan and no certainty.

“Earlier today I spoke with His Majesty the King to request the dissolution of Parliament.

“The King has granted this request and we will have a general election on July 4.”

The poll comes in the middle of the European football championships, Wimbledon and the British Grand Prix.

As expected, social media has blown up following the announcement.

But even for our standards, Brits have been left 'feeling sick' after hearing what people are calling the snap election - Genny Lex.

Yes, Genny Lex. I mean, I don't hate it.

Social media can't handle it. (X/@OHMYDAYSitsHayz)

Taking to X, one political spectator said: "Just heard the term Genny Lex for the first time, which simultaneously made me feel sick and also tbh quite impressed me.

"I love that as a nation we're keeping this Lingy Trad going."

A second penned: "My day has been made by the term genny lex I am obsessed."

"If I see one more person calling the general election the 'genny lex' I'm going to have a menty b," a third added.

"We’ve had the platty joobs, the corrie nash, and now the genny lex. You’re really spoiling us guys," wrote a fourth.

Meanwhile, Labour has urged Sunak to 'get on with it'.

A party spokesman said this afternoon: “We are fully ready to go whenever the Prime Minister calls an election.

“We have a fully organised and operational campaign ready to go and we think the country is crying out for a general election so would urge the prime minister to get on with it.”