Hello and welcome to The English We Speak
with me, Feifei
And me, Roy. Have you seen Rob's
new video on social media?
Yes, it's amazing!
He has charm and style - he just has...
Ooof!!!
Yes! Oomph! Rob has oomph and charm -
not as much as me of course,
but he has some! Wow, Roy! For once
you actually got the correct word! Oomph!
I didn't say oomph - I said ooof!
I was complaining because I hurt my back
earlier putting your cases in your car
for you to go on your workcation.
Well, one can never be too prepared
when going to the beach. Besides, I need
lots of different outfits for when
I take pictures. My photos have to have real...
Oomph - yes, I get it. Your photos need to have
energy and be exciting.
Exactly! Well, let's talk more about
my oomph right after these examples.
The business owner showed real oomph
in her presentation when she was
pitching the idea.
I really like the way Eric speaks - he has
real energy and oomph.
The dancer showed real oomph in his
performance - an energy I haven't seen
in a long time!
You're listening to The English We Speak
from BBC Learning English,
and we're talking about the word 'oomph'.
If someone or something has 'oomph',
they have real energy and excitement.
Some people argue that it is important
to have real oomph when making
presentations. I'm really good at
talking to a room full of people,
which means I must have real oomph!
You're clearly mistaken! I am the one
with the oomph! I could sell
anything to anyone.
Well, if I bought what you were selling,
I could resell it for double the price -
that's how much oomph I've got!
No, Roy. You don't have oomph.
You have a puppy-like charm.
It's OK to be envious of my oomph!
Puppy-like?! I don't chew slippers
or chase sticks! I have oomph! Energy!
Excitement! People have told me that!
And who said that?
Rob. But ironically, he said it when
he hurt his back helping me with your cases.
Well, I think we all know what he really said!
Bye, Roy.
Bye.
Hello, and welcome to
The English We Speak with me, Feifei
and me, Roy. I am so hungry!
I haven't had anything to eat all day!
Where are the pizzas?
What are you talking about?
You sent me a message saying
you had lots of pizzas, so
I'm ready to eat!
No Roy, I said I had real pizzazz!
I was saying how glamorous I was.
Pizzazz is spelt P-I-Z-Z-A-Z-Z!
It doesn't look anything like 'pizzas'.
I thought you were writing 'pizzas'
with extra 'Z's to be cool!
Now it makes more sense!
Pizzazz relates to be being glamorous
or having vitality.
Anyway, I would never buy you pizzas!
I have too much pizzazz too eat pizzas.
If I were feeling generous,
I would buy you a glass of water
from the tap.
Errr... but that's free.
Exactly! Well, why don't you go and eat
while we listen to these examples?
Have you seen the latest episode?
That new actress has real pizzazz.
I think the colour scheme on your painting
is so vibrant. It has real pizzazz.
The moment I listened to the song
for the first time,
I couldn't stop dancing to it!
The tune has real energy and pizzazz.
You're listening to The English We Speak
from BBC Learning English,
and we're talking about the
expression 'pizzazz'. If someone or
something has 'pizzazz', they are
glamorous or have real energy.
Roy, what are you eating?
I'm just about to eat a slice of pizza -
I am so hungry!
I would offer you a slice
but I know you don't think it has real pizzazz.
Well, I could make an exception this time.
Go on, I'll have a slice of your pizza.
But I only have one slice.
You should give it to me.
I'll tell everyone how much pizzazz you have!
Oh, that's really kind of you Feifei,
but I don't need you to say that.
I already have pizzazz!
You can see that in that picture of me
dressed like a flamingo on social media.
I'm not sure if that's what
I would call glamorous, Roy.
So, are you really not going to
give me your pizza?
No.
Well, I'm going to make
my own pizza then - and it will have
more pizzazz than yours! Bye.
Bye.
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak
with me, Feifei…
…and me, Roy.
In this programme, we have a word that is
used to say that something is amazing or extremely good.
Speaking of which, have you seen
that new blockbuster that everyone’s talking about -
‘Unicorns Eat Bananas in the Stars’?
What kind of title is that?!
That film sounds awful!
It’s not! ‘Unicorns Eat Bananas in the Stars is fire!
Fire? The unicorns that eat bananas in the stars
are on fire?! What is this film about?
No, Roy! Don’t be silly, the banana eating unicorns
aren’t on fire! That would be ridiculous.
I said the film is fire. I mean that the film is amazing!
Ahhh of course! We use 'fire' to describe
something that is really good! For example,
your T-shirt is fire, Feifei!
Oh thanks, Roy! I bought it this week!
It's official merchandise for the film!
Anyway, let’s listen to these examples…
Have you checked out my new phone? It’s fire.
It can do so many cool things!
I went to a concert to see ‘Rob’s Rolling Biscuits'
last night. Their new song is fire.
That new series everyone is talking about
is fire! It’s got dragons, zombies and
vampires in it. I love it!
This is The English We Speak from BBC Learning
English and we’re talking about the word 'fire',
which is used to say that something
is amazing.
I might have to go tonight and watch the film
at the cinema.
You definitely should. It’s straight fire!
We sometimes put the word ‘straight’
in front of ‘fire’. Straight here means ‘very’.
So I probably should have said your t-shirt
is straight fire, then.
Only if that's what you really think.
You haven’t even seen the film yet!
What about my T-shirt? Do you think it’s fire?
Honestly, no. It looks like it needs to be
put in a fire. You should just burn it.
The film on your T-shirt is not fire!
That film is terrible.
OK, maybe I’ll buy a new one today.
Bye, Roy.
Bye.
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. I'm Feifei
And hi, I'm Rob. Hey, Feifei.
Err, why the long face?
What's wrong with my face?
I mean, why are you looking so... grumpy?
Grumpy!?
Yes... moody.
Moody! There is nothing wrong!
This is my normal face. Why are you
throwing so many insults at me?
Oh come on, you do look
a bit bad-tempered.
I'm not bad-tempered.
But I'm getting angry now.
Oh great! Then I can describe you as 'mardy'.
Mardy? I hope that's not another insult.
It's not an insult - but 'mardy' does
describe someone who is in a bad mood,
moans a lot and gets annoyed easily.
So, thanks for demonstrating that, Feifei!
My pleasure! Let's hear some examples...
There are no desks for Pedro to work at today
so he has to sit on the sofa.
No wonder he is so mardy.
My boyfriend is always so mardy.
Nothing seems to please him.
Maybe I shouldn't have
come home drunk last night!
Steer clear of me today.
I only had four hours sleep last night
and I'm really mardy today.
This is The English We Speak from
BBC Learning English and we're talking
about the word 'mardy', which describes
someone in a bad mood. As I was saying, Rob,
I am not mardy!
If you say so, Feifei.
But I know something to make you mardy.
Oh yes?
You're going to have to record
this programme again.
What? Again? Why?
You forgot to explain that 'mardy'
also describes someone who is
sulky or grumpy.
Hmm, you're just being awkward.
I'm not going to start this programme again.
I'm too busy.
Right, I'm off to get a coffee. Goodbye!
Who's mardy now? Or he is just acting? Bye!
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak.
I'm Feifei.
And I'm Roy!
I'm really impressed, Roy.
Neil said you have real clout!
What?! You mean that Neil wants to
hit me? Is he angry with me?
Oh, no, Roy. 'Clout' can mean 'to hit someone'
as a verb, but it can also be used
as a noun to mean
'your influence or fame on social media'.
Neil was talking about how much
clout you have with all your followers.
Ahh... that kind of clout. But I don't
have that many followers.
Sometimes people get my name confused with
Rob! It's Rob who has the clout!
He has lots of followers and
some real influence on social media.
He's using it to sell biscuits
his mum made.
Hmmm! I'm going to try and find
some more followers while we listen
to some examples.
Esmeralda has some real clout
on social media. She has so many
followers who watch all her vlogs.
We've decided to hire an influencer
with real clout to help us launch
our new project.
Derek used his clout to sell the
new perfume to his millions of followers.
This is The English We Speak
from BBC Learning English,
and we're talking about the informal
expression 'clout', which means
your level of fame or influence
on social media. It can also be used
in another situation, can't it?
That's right!
It can also be used in business or politics
to refer to the level of power and influence
a person has. For example,
My boss used their clout to get the deal done.
That's right. So Roy, did you have any success
in getting any more followers?
Do you have some more clout?
Yes! My mum just followed me
and as soon as I posted my new photo
someone liked it.
Liking your own photos doesn't count
as clout. You can't influence yourself.
Right, I'm off to get a photo with Rob,
so I can get more followers.
That sounds like a great way to increase your clout.
It does. Bye Roy!
Bye Feifei!
Ohhh... Welcome to The English We Speak
with me, Jiaying
and me, Roy. What are you doing?
You look really relaxed. Shouldn't you be working?
I am working! I’m just enjoying
the chilled vibe of working from home!
Chilled vibe? Is that some kind of juice?
No, Roy!
We use the expression ‘vibe’
to talk about the mood of or a feeling
you get from a place or person.
If something or someone has a good vibe,
then it means they're cool.
Ahh... for example, that online concert
we went to had a really good vibe!
Yes, now you’re getting it!
Yeah – you can listen to calming music
or play a game to relax –
things that have a good vibe!
Exactly – we can talk about how to
improve our vibe after these examples.
Derek has such a good vibe!
Everyone who speaks with him
just feels so chilled out!
That place has got a really bad vibe.
When I walk into the building,
I get really anxious and stressed.
I’m so happy after watching that film.
It was such a nice story
and had a really chilled vibe!
You’re listening to The English We Speak
from BBC Learning English,
and we’re talking about the expression 'vibe'
which means 'atmosphere'
also referred to as 'an aura'.
You can also ask for a ‘vibe check’
if you want to know if something
or someone has a good vibe.
So, Roy – what sort of things can you do
to improve your mood and vibe?
Well, like I said, watching films
or listening to music that chill you out can help.
Or, speaking to people who have a good vibe!
I also try to avoid things that have a bad vibe!
For me, I like to try and improve myself every day!
What, like exercising or reading a book?
Exactly. I try to go to bed every day better
than when I woke up, by learning something new.
An improved Roy every day.
And that vibe can affect other people too.
It's especially important for me to think this way
after a year like this.
I agree. So, can I get a vibe check?
How are you feeling, Roy?
I'm feeling chilled out. I've got a good vibe.
You certainly do. Bye Roy!
Bye!
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak.
I'm Feifei.
And I'm Rob.
So Rob, you don't look so happy.
I'm OK.
I thought you were off to a rock concert
for your birthday this weekend.
Yeah. I was. I love rock music.
Oh. What happened?
Well, I booked my ticket a month ago.
It wasn't cheap. Three of my friends
said they were coming too. But they just
told me they forgot to book the tickets,
and now there are none left.
Oh, what a pain. I’m sorry.
Yeah, I’m a bit miffed.
I'm not surprised. Um, Rob, sorry to mention
this while you’re feeling upset…
Yes...
Do you mind if I used 'miffed' as our word today?
Yeah, OK then.
OK. So, as you might have worked out,
to feel 'miffed' is to feel frustrated or annoyed,
usually because of the behaviour of other people.
It's what Rob is feeling right now
because his friends didn't book tickets to
a concert with him. Let's just give him a minute
while we listen to these examples.
You know what? I've been working really late
all week to finish this proposal but
my boss hasn’t said a word of thanks.
Yeah, you could say I'm pretty miffed.
Laura met this guy on holiday. She told me he was
really special and that they seemed serious
about each other, but he hasn't called in weeks.
She's really miffed about it.
You'd think that when you order a vegetarian pizza
it would come without meat. No wonder
Martin was miffed when it arrived with ham on it.
This is The English We Speak from
BBC Learning English.
So, feeling any better yet, Rob?
Well, I just got a message. Get this:
Apparently, my friends were joking.
Err, I knew.
What?
Well, I told them to say that, so we had the
opportunity to talk about ‘miffed’.
Seriously?
Yeah, you don’t mind, do you?
Of course I mind. You made me feel, well... miffed!
Sorry about that.
And I’m miffed with you now!
Rob, you know what?
What?
I got a ticket too. It is your birthday after all.
I wouldn’t miss it!
Really? OK, all is forgiven!
Bye.
Welcome to The English We Speak. I'm Feifei
and hello, I'm Rob. Hey Feifei, listen to this. [MICROWAVE 'READY' SOUND]
OK, interesting. Has your ready meal finished
cooking in a microwave?
Well yes, actually, but I wanted you to name that sound.
Um, well, it's a 'ping' sound, obvs.
So, what's that got to do with today's
piece of authentic English?
Well, we can use the word 'ping' to describe
something else.
I know that, Rob. 'Ping' is a short, sharp sound
like a microwave makes, to alert you
that the food in it is cooked. But the word 'ping'
is also an informal way of describing
sending an email or a text message.
So if I 'ping' you an email
I basically send you an email.
Exactly. and [EMAIL ALERT SOUND]
Oh. Someone's pinged me a text message.
It says, ''Let's have some examples, Rob.''
That was me, Rob! Come on then.
I need to know the details of the contract.
Could you ping them over to me
as soon as possible, please?
My friend's just pinged me to say
she can't go out tonight so I suppose
I'll have to stay in and watch TV.
I'll ping you over the address of the party
and hopefully I'll see you there later.
This is The English We Speak from the BBC
and we're finding out about the word
'ping' which is an informal way to describe
sending an email or a text message. And Rob,
I'm going to ping you something.
Oh yes? What's that?
I'm going to ping you an email containing a recipe.
A recipe? What would I need that for?
You need to start cooking some real food.
You can't live on unhealthy microwave dinners!
Oh right. And I'm pinging you a message right now...
Send!
[TEXT ALERT SOUND] "If you'd invited me for dinner,
I wouldn't have to eat microwave dinners."
OK Rob, I get the hint. How about tonight?
Great! But can you remind me where you live?
I'll ping you my address. See ya.
Don't forget. Bye!
Welcome to The English We Speak
with me, Jiaying
and me, Roy. I really like your jumper
is that a vampire on the front?
Yes, it is! I slay!
I'm sorry? You do what?!
I said that I slay!
When you look this amazing,
you are going to slay!
Whoa! Wait there a second. Are you saying you are
going to kill vampires? I thought they weren't real!
No, Roy. I know that 'slay' can mean 'kill',
but it can also mean 'to be amazing' or 'impressive'.
For example, I read a great book last night. It slays!
So, you're not 'Jiaying the vampire slayer' then.
That makes more sense.
Well, your jumper is awesome, so, yes, it slays.
Exactly. Well, let's talk about more things that slay
after these examples.
He looks amazing today!
He's wearing a really smart suit - he slays!
Their house is incredible - decorated with true style
and taste. And don't get me started
on the furniture - it slays!
She really slayed last night at the award ceremony.
She looked amazing!
You're listening to The English We Speak
from BBC Learning English
and we're talking about the word 'slay'.
If someone, or something, 'slays', they look amazing
or very impressive.
Yes! For example, last night I watched a great film
about vampires. It slays!.
I think that was why I was so scared earlier.
Well, don't worry. Hey, do you know what else slays?
My amazing smile!
Your teeth - they're really sharp! You have fangs!
Wait! Are you a vampire?
Of course I'm not! Fooled you!
They're not my real teeth - they're just a toy!
But they look really realistic. They slay.
Wow, that's the second time
you've tricked me today. You're hilarious.
What are you drinking?
Just a fruit smoothie. It's delicious. It slays.
It's really red! Are you sure that's a fruit smoothie?
Definitely - what else could it be? Mwahahahaha!
Bye, Roy!
Bye.
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak
With me, Jiaying - ohhhh...
And me, Neil.
You look tired today. Are you OK?
I am. Did you watch the stream of the new
'Fishing Dragons' game last night?
No. It was too late for me.
Was the game any good?
It was lit!
What do you mean 'lit'?
The stream was on fire?
Or the dragons catch fish
by lighting them on fire?
What are you talking about?
I said ‘lit’ – which means that
something is amazing.
I said that the game was amazing!
Ahhh – that’s what you meant by ‘lit’!
And do the dragons catch fish with fire?
Of course not!
They use the power of their minds!
Let’s talk more about it after these examples.
John’s new car is lit! It’s so amazing!
I joined a virtual dance party last night
and it was lit! There was a DJ
and everyone had an amazing time.
Erica said that new film was lit
but I thought it was a bit disappointing.
I didn’t like the plot or characters.
You’re listening to The English We Speak
from BBC Learning English
and we’re talking about the expression ‘lit’
which is used to say
that something is amazing.
Yes, that’s right! For example,
that video game we played is lit!
You can also say that something is 'fire'
with the same meaning.
For example,
‘That new song I listened to was fire’
or ‘That new song I listened to was lit’.
Which is why some people send
a fire emoji on their phones.
Is that why you sent me a message
just now saying ‘my food’
and then a fire emoji?
Do you think my cooking was amazing?
Not this time! I’m afraid to say that
your food really was on fire!
Have you seen that thing in the bin?
What – the black mess?
Is that my food? That looks disgusting.
Yeah – the taste definitely isn’t lit.
Bye, Neil!
Bye.