Hello and welcome back to
The English We Speak.
I'm Feifei.
And I'm Rob.
Have I told you about
the competition that I've entered, Feifei?
No, Rob.
What is it?
It's a singing competition!
You have to perform a popular song
from your favourite band -
and I'm going to win!
You?
Are you going to win?
No offence, Rob, but I've heard your
singing voice, and, well, I'm not sure...
What are you trying to say, Feifei?
All I'm saying is that
there is a fat chance
of you winning the competition!
Right! So first you make fun
of my singing and now
you're calling me fat!
How cheeky!
Oh Rob, no. I'm not calling you fat:
I'm saying that the likelihood of
you winning the competition is very small.
Rob: Oh right, yes.
'Fat chance' is an English phrase
to say something is not very likely -
I remember now.
Right, while you calm down,
let's hear some other examples
of this phrase.
I bought a lottery ticket for tonight's
draw - and these are my lucky numbers!
I'm definitely going to win!
Fat chance!
I hope it's warm this weekend -
I want to go fishing.
Well, fat chance of that.
It's the middle of November!
I auditioned for a role in a movie, but there
is fat chance of me getting the role - I saw
loads of famous actors auditioning too.
This is The English We Speak
from BBC Learning English and we're
talking about the phrase 'fat chance'.
This is a noun phrase that means
a small chance, or possibility,
of something happening.
It can be used in a full sentence,
and also as a standalone phrase.
For example, when Rob said
he was going to win the competition,
I could have just said 'fat chance'!
Hey!
I think I've got
a really good chance!
I've been practising hard and
I've even taken a few lessons!
OK, Rob.
Well... good luck -
I suppose...
Well, Feifei, when I win
the £5000 prize money,
there's fat chance of you getting any of it.
Wait, £5000?
Rob, hold on!
I didn't mean it!
Thanks for joining us - I've got to go
and apologise to Rob.
Hopefully he'll
share his winnings!
Bye!
Hi Neil.
Good weekend?
Do anything nice?
Hi Feifei!
Actually, I stayed in and
watched TV.
Football?
No, I watched this marvellous
programme from Norway.
Oh, one of those police dramas?
They’re great!
Actually, believe it or not, the entire film
was just the view from the front of
a train, all the way from one city to another.
It was seven hours long.
Seven hours?!
That’s all that happened?
No people?
No police?
No nothing?
Just the view from the train.
It was such a relaxing journey.
They call it 'slow TV'.
Ahh, yes.
I’ve heard of that.
Wasn't there one on a boat too?
Isn’t it a bit boring?
Well, it’s not for everyone.
But my life is so busy,
I just like to slow down now and again.
I’m still not convinced.
Anyway,
let’s hear some more examples
about this slow TV.
It’s our phrase on
The English We Speak.
Michaela's company specialises in
making slow TV.
She says business is great right now!
I recently discovered slow TV.
My friends think it's really dull,
but I find it helps
clear my head after a stressful day.
What are you watching?
It looks just like a fireplace
with a big piece of wood burning.
It is! Isn’t slow TV fantastic?
It takes about four hours
for the wood to burn completely.
You're listening to The English We Speak
from BBC Learning English.
The expression we're looking at
in this programme is 'slow TV'.
So Neil, is this what you’ll be doing
with your free time from now on?
Watching slow TV?
No, I’ve got an even better idea
for this weekend.
You know that oak tree I planted?
Err, yes.
I’m going to film it.
And make my
very own slow TV!
Then you can watch
my tree grow, any time you like.
Honestly, Neil.
I don’t think so.
Maybe this will be the next big thing
in slow TV.
I could call it… slow tree-V. Get it?
I think what you need is to take
a long, slow walk outside.
Then you can admire
all the trees you like!
Just you wait, Feifei!
This will be the slowest TV ever -
oak trees take around 30 years to grow.
Good luck Neil! See you in 30 years.
I’ll stick to police dramas in the meantime.
Bye.
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak.
I'm Feifei.
And I’m Rob!
Hey, Feifei, did you know they’re looking for a new
team leader to manage and motivate our team?
Oooh, a promotion!
And you think I should apply for it?
No, no!
I was going to ask if you think
I’d be good for the position?
Well... well, you’re sometimes friendly
and you like to chat.
Great.
Well, the job description
says that they want someone with ‘soft skills’
– and that means 'the ability to communicate
and work well with other people'.
I'm basically a team player.
You are a team player?
Well, Rob, you’re certainly ‘soft’
– not very strict
– so nobody would listen to you!
Oh, well, we’ll see about that.
We are going to hear some examples,
and no arguing!
We’ve got to build a team that works well together,
so soft skills are vital if you want to work here.
The recruitment company are looking for
someone with soft skills to fill the vacancy.
A positive attitude, self-confidence
and being a good communicator
are the soft skills we’re looking for in this job.
Does that describe you?
This is The English We Speak from
BBC Learning English
and we’re talking about the phrase ‘soft skills’,
which describes someone’s ability to communicate
and work well with others.
But, Rob, I’m still not sure if you’ve
got the soft skills for the new job.
Oh well!
Thanks for your vote of confidence!
Actually, maybe I should apply for the new job.
Hmmm, let’s have a think about your skills…
You’re bossy.
You tell people what to do.
You take charge.
They sound like ‘hard skills’ to me.
Hard skills?!
It sounds like I’d be perfect for the job.
So, Rob, pop outside the studio
and make me a cup of tea.
Erm, any chance you could ask me
using some ‘soft skills’?
No, Rob.
Just do it.
See ya!
Somehow I think she’d get the job!
Bye!
Hello and welcome to The English
We Speak.
I'm Feifei...
And hello, I'm Rob!
You're looking pleased
with yourself today, Rob.
I am. Look - biscuits!
Hmm, are biscuits
really that exciting?
Well, it's not actually the biscuits,
it's the price.
I got five pence off the packet
- a great discount, hey?
Five pence!
Big deal!
Well, yes it is a big deal, Feifei -
a big, big deal.
By my calculations it's a five per cent discount.
So every bite tastes
better because it's cheaper!
Oh hold on -
you're being sarcastic, aren't you?
I am.
It's a sarcastic phrase.
When we say 'big deal' to someone, we're telling them
that we don't think what they've told us
is very special or impressive.
So, sorry Rob - I'm not impressed!
It takes a lot to impress you, Feifei.
How about some impressive examples?
Have you heard - we're getting
a one per cent pay rise?
Big deal!
My brother said he completed
the marathon in four hours.
Big deal - I did it in three!
This is The English We Speak
from BBC Learning English and
we're talking about
the expression 'big deal', which
can be said to someone to show
you're not impressed
by what they've told you.
You can also say
something is 'no big deal' to mean it's not
a serious problem, like this...
Failing your driving test is no big deal -
it happens to people all the time.
You can try again next month.
So that's 'no big deal', but I think
saving five pence off a packet of biscuits
is a great deal.
You know what people say -
every penny counts.
Rob, you're making a big deal about this -
that's another use of 'big deal'.
When you make a big deal about something,
it means you make a big fuss.
A big fuss?
I bought 100 packets, Feifei,
saving five pounds - that's
quite a deal don't you think?
100 packets!
That's a bit extreme
- you must really love biscuits.
What sort are they?
They are chocolate digestives.
Oh! Chocolate digestives!
My favourite - OK then, Rob, open them up
and let's start munching.
Ha!
I can see you are impressed
with my 'big deal'.
Bye.
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak.
I’m Neil and this is Feifei.
Feifei?
Feifei!
Huh?
Oh sorry, Neil!
I had a really late night last night so
I'm dead tired today!
You’re dead tired, Feifei?
Are you dying?
That’s awful!
What have you got?
Is it contagious?
Oh Neil, don’t be silly!
I’m not sick
or contagious or dying!
I’m just really tired!
That’s a relief!
But, you said you were
‘dead’ tired.
But you’re not dying?
Oh really, Neil – I think you’re more
tired than I am!
I said ‘dead’ tired because
I’m really tired.
So we can use ‘dead’ to mean ‘really’
or ‘very’?
That’s right – if you want
to emphasise an adjective, you can use
'dead' to make it stronger.
Well that’s dead confusing –
perhaps we should take a look at some examples.
Is it lunchtime yet?
I’m dead hungry!
The man sat next to me on the train this morning
kept falling asleep on my shoulder.
It was dead annoying! I was dead happy when I passed
my driving test!
This is The English We Speak from
BBC Learning English and we’re talking about
a different use of the word ‘dead’.
Normally it means the opposite of
the adjective ‘alive’, but native
English speakers, particularly people in
the North of England, often use it before
an adjective to emphasise
what they are saying.
Could you tell us a time when
you were dead happy, Neil?
Well, when I woke up this morning
and found I had another hour until my
alarm went off!
I was dead thrilled!
Not quite, Neil!
You were dead happy,
but not dead thrilled!
You can’t use
‘dead’ with extreme adjectives.
Oh OK, so you can say ‘dead cold’
but not ‘dead freezing’ Or ‘dead good’
but not ‘dead fantastic’.
That was a dead good explanation, Neil!
I see you have woken up a bit now,
but I’m still dead tired.
Well how about you make us both
a coffee while I finish the programme –
it's your turn to make the coffees!
Err, no, Neil – I always make the coffee!
I’ll go make a coffee for me, not you,
while you finish the programme!
Uh oh.
I’d best go and make the coffees -
she’s dead sensitive when she
hasn’t had enough sleep!
Well, bye everyone,
see you next time!
Welcome to The English We Speak.
Hello, I'm Feifei... but where is Rob?
Oh!
Hi, Feifei, you're nice and early -
can't wait to get started, hey?
I'm not early - you are late!
Late?
No, no, no, no - we said we'd
start at half past ten... didn't we?
No - ten o'clock, Rob.
Look at this
text message: "Can we start earlier at ten,
please?" and you replied "sure".
Oh!
My bad!
Your back?
Don't start complaining
about your back just to avoid apologising.
No, not my back - my bad!
I am apologising -
that's what 'my bad' means,
It's an American English phrase that
we use sometimes to mean
we accept responsibility for a mistake.
Well, that's good to know.
So you're really saying 'sorry'?
Well, not exactly.
Let's hear some more examples of using 'my bad'.
My bad!
It was me who put my pink socks
in with the white washing - oops!
My friend knocked a glass of red wine
over me and all he could say was 'my bad'.
I don't think he was that bothered!
It was me who lost the car keys - my bad -
I'm sure they'll turn up somewhere.
This is The English We Speak from
BBC Learning English, and we're finding out
about the phrase 'my bad' which is
slang for saying my fault, my mistake, I am to blame -
but Rob just can't bring himself
to say 'sorry'!
I'm sensing 'my bad' is
a way of apologising without actually
saying 'sorry'.
Yes, I suppose so - but I'll say 'sorry'
if that helps.
You know I can't be perfect
all the time!
That's true.
Anyway, why are you so keen to
start early today?
Oh!
My bad - I forgot to tell you
it's Neil's birthday and we're leaving early
to go and celebrate at the pub.
That is bad - that wasn't a mistake,
you just did that on purpose.
Why would I do that?
Come on Rob,
I'm sure you can join us -
just don't forget your wallet.
OK.
Bye.
Hello and welcome to The English
We Speak. You're Neil...
...and hello, you're Feifei.
Neil, a question - if you looked into
my purse, what would you find?
Not much! Probably lots of small
coins that aren't worth much.
Well I'm not rich, Neil - but yes,
you would find small change. A collection
of coins with little value.
OK - is this the phrase for this programme?
Not exactly. The phrase is 'small change'
but it's not about money.
Something that is insignificant or trivial,
meaning not important,
can also be described as 'small change'.
Like getting a seat on the train
during the rush hour is 'small change' for me.
And getting chocolate sprinkles
on top of my cappuccino
is 'small change' for me.
Really? That's 'big change' for me!
Let's hear some examples that are
far from being small change!
I've only got a cold so my health problems
are small change compared with
your broken leg.
Eating out every night is small change
to Molly - she can afford it
with the huge salary she's on.
Where I sit on the plane is small change to me,
as long as we arrive on time.
This is The English We Speak from
BBC Learning English and we're talking
about the phrase 'small change' which
describes something insignificant
or trivial, meaning 'not important'.
We can also describe someone as
being 'small change' - so they are not important.
Feifei, do you think I'm small change
in this programme?
Of course not, Neil. You are very
important to this programme -
and besides, we couldn't afford the other presenter!
Ha ha. Very funny. So now we've
explained 'small change' - can you lend me some?
You mean money? How much do
you want?
Ten pounds!
Neil, that's NOT small change - and
your request is not 'small change' either.
The answer is 'no'!
Well it was worth a try. See ya.
Bye.
Hello, this The English We Speak. I'm Feifei.
And hello, I’m Rob.
Hey, Rob. You know we've got
a 'bright spark' in our office?
A bright spark? Oh yes – by that
you mean someone intelligent…
Well…
Someone full of energy…
I didn't exactly…
Someone with clever ideas. Feifei,
there's no need to waste everyone's time.
Just say my name! Rob is the bright spark
in the office.
Ermm... Rob, that is just one
definition of 'a bright spark'.
'A bright spark' can describe someone
who is clever, intelligent with lots of energy.
But this isn't the definition that applies to you Rob!
Oh. So come on, Feifei. When else would
you describe someone as 'a bright spark?
Well, it can be used sarcastically
and humorously to describe someone
who thinks they are intelligent
but actually does something stupid.
A bit like this:
Which bright spark suggested we go for a walk
on the wettest day of the year?!
Come on, own up – who's the bright spark
who turned the power off and caused
everything in the freezer to melt?
Are you the bright spark who told the
other team our game plan?
I think you owe us an apology.
This is The English We Speak from
BBC Learning English. And we've
discovered that 'a bright spark' can either
be a very smart person or someone who
has done something stupid. So I'm sorry
to say, Rob, you are the second kind
of bright spark!
Oh really. Why is that?
You left the window open last night
and this morning I found all my
documents and scripts blown all over the floor.
Are you sure? A bright spark like me
would never do something like that.
Rob, it's exactly what a bright spark
like you might do – and it means I've lost
the last page of this script.
Oh really! I think I can remember
what it said. Something like - 'Sorry, Rob.
You are wise and clever and the brightest
spark I have ever known'.
I don't think so, Rob. Which bright spark
would write something as cringey as that?
Err... Time to go I think.
Good idea. Bye.
Bye.
Hello.
This is The English
We Speak.
This is Rob...
And this is Feifei.
So, Feifei,
how did the blind date go?
Not great - a disaster in fact.
Oh no.
Why didn't you just
follow my advice?
I did!
Wear something nice,
turn up late and make small talk.
Yes, make small talk.
Exactly.
Well, when I started making small talk,
the guy looked at me in a strange way
and then walked off.
Oh no.
What did you say?
Things like 'hi', 'good', 'yes', 'no',
'great' - small words.
But no sentences?
I think you've got the wrong end of the stick here - I mean
you misunderstood - 'making small talk'
means 'making informal conversation
about unimportant things'.
If you're meeting someone
for the first time, it's a good way
to make them feel relaxed
- you know, break the ice.
Right!
Make 'small' conversation.
I guess we should hear
some examples...
I didn't know anybody at my
cousin's wedding so I tried
to make small talk with the guests.
I'm shy and not very good at small talk.
That's why I hate going to parties.
At the office party, we all had to stand around
making small talk, but all I really wanted
to do was go home!
This is The English We Speak from
BBC Learning English.
And we're learning
about the expression 'small talk' - that's
informal conversation which is meant
to make people feel more relaxed
and stops any embarrassing silence.
Actually, Rob, I do know about small talk.
It's just that...
So, why didn't you say?
Well, I was going to tell you that...
You'll never get a boyfriend
if you don't speak up, Feifei!
You really need to talk more.
Rob.
Yes?
What I was trying to say was, I did
not have time for small talk because my date
would not stop talking.
He was rude,
arrogant and wouldn't let me
get a word in edgeways!
Now, who does that remind me of?!
Err...
Nice weather for the
time of year, don't you think?
It's a bit late for small talk now, Rob.
You've said far too much.
Oh.
Bye bye!
Bye!
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak,
I’m Feifei… and you are?
I’m Rob!
Yes, of course you are.
And what is the capital of Greenland?
Strange question.
Why are you asking?
Well, somebody has sold me this pair of
‘clever clogs’ and I’m trying them out.
But they don’t seem to be working.
I don’t feel any cleverer.
Well, they’re nice shoes, Feifei,
but I’m afraid wearing them
won’t improve your intelligence.
In fact,
buying them has made you look stupid, not clever.
Oh, thanks.
Clogs are interesting, though.
They’re made of wood, and were first made in Holland.
They were used for farming,
but are also used for dancing and…
Yes, Rob!
I know you’re trying to show how clever you are,
but it’s actually quite annoying.
Well, I’m just demonstrating what a 'clever clogs' is.
It’s someone who is annoying
because they think they know more than everyone else.
That sounds like you!
Let’s hear some clever examples.
If you’re such a clever clogs,
why don’t you work out our accounts?
My brother’s such a clever clogs.
He always comes first in the pub quiz.
We got lost in the city because Neil,
being such a clever clogs,
insisted he knew the right way to go.
He didn’t!
This is The English We Speak
from BBC Learning English
and we’re talking about the expression ‘clever clogs’,
which is used to describe someone who is annoying
because they think they know more than everyone else,
or they always think they’re right.
Yes, and of course I’m right in saying
you were stupid to buy a pair of 'clever clogs'
to make you more intelligent.
You can’t buy intelligence!
Actually they’re very comfortable
and ideal for wearing around the office.
But come on Mr Clever Clogs.
If you’re so smart,
what is the capital of Greenland?
Well, it’s Anchorage of course.
Wrong!
The capital of Greenland is Nuuk.
Who’s clever now?
Smart Alec!
Smart Feifei, actually.
Bye.
Goodbye.