The English We Speak
Every week, we look at a different everyday English phrase or piece of slang in this fun three-minute programme. From BBC World Service
Tous les épisodes
Mic drop
Roy and Feifei teach you a new English expression.
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Tone deaf
Learn when 'tone deaf' has nothing to do with music...
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'A' game
Sometimes people need to be on top form and do their best work.
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Frontliner
We describe nurses and doctors who have been working on the frontline
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On fleek
From eyebrows to clothes, when they look good we like to say so.
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Contact tracing
Learn vocabulary related to the coronavirus pandemic.
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Key worker
Someone who has become more important than ever during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Sharenting
Don't share too many photos of your children!
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Plastic footprint
It's similar to 'carbon footprint', but this focuses on your plastic usage.
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Spoiler alert!
A warning when we're going to reveal part of the story of a film, book or TV series.
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Listicle
Find out more about a portmanteau that combines the words 'list' and 'article'.
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Doomscrolling
Learn a word about the addiction to looking at depressing news on social media.
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Crowdsourcing
Learn a word that might be useful when you’re developing an idea and need help.
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One step at a time
When you’re trying something new, it’s best not to rush.
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Bog-standard
How do you describe something that is standard, ordinary and nothing special?
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A wake-up call
Learn this expression: it's a warning sign!
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Climate emergency
Find out more about this expression and learn things you can do to help the planet.
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Thirsty
A word for social media attention-seekers!
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Vanilla
Learn a word that can be used to describe something that is basic or bland.
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Roast
Learn the other meaning of the word 'roast'.
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Sticking point
A 'sticking point' is an issue or a problem in a negotiation that blocks an agreement.
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Flatten the curve
Learn language to talk about the coronavirus pandemic.
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Living in a bubble
Do you know someone who's a bit sheltered from the problems of the world?
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Cancelled
Learn the new meaning of the word 'cancelled'.
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New normal
Learn a new expression that describes our new way of life.
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Slippery slope
Learn how to describe a situation that is getting worse and might end in disaster.
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Throw shade
Learn an expression about criticism.
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Bite the bullet
Learn an English expression with bite!
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Blended working
A mix of home and office working has led to a new English expression.
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JOMO
Have you ever felt like turning off your phone and not doing something social?
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Furlough
Not a new word, but it’s more commonly used recently due to the coronavirus crisis.
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Spill the tea
Are you a gossip? You'll love this expression.
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Flexing
What word can you use to describe people who show off? Find out with Roy and Feifei.
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Salty
Why are people saying 'salty'? Find out with Feifei and Roy.
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Skeleton crew
An expression for when there aren't many people working.
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Lowkey
A word used to describe something you love doing, but are embarrassed to tell people.
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Live for something
Learn a phrase for things that excite you!
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Cabin fever
Some people suffer from this experience.Find out what it means.
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Bang on about something
Do you know someone who talks about something so much that it gets annoying?
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Fire
Everyone knows what fire is, don't they? Think again! Roy and Feifei teach a new meaning.
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Running on fumes
What can you say when you have no energy? Learn a new English expression!
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Sheeple
Follow the crowd and learn a new English expression!
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Hater
Learn a phrase to describe a negative attitude.
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Talk shop
If you have to talk about work even when you’re not doing it, this is the phrase for you!
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Snackable
Learn an expression to describe short online content that you can snack on!
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A memory like a sieve
Are you forgetful? This expression is for you!
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Nomophobia
Got a fear of not using your mobile phone? Here's how to describe your condition.
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Peacocking
Rob and Feifei explain the true meaning of this animal-related phrase.
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Kick into the long grass
If you want to delay doing something, where do you kick it?! We have the answer here.
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Rat race
The Year of the Rat is here – so Neil has decided to dedicate his life to work.
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