The English We Speak: Touchy-feely
In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases. This week's phrase is touchy-feely.
Apr 25, 2011•4 min
Learning English Conversations
Everyday expressions and real English conversations to help make your English conversations easier.
Every week, we teach you a new phrase or word you can use in conversation with The English We Speak.
And we bring you special series to improve your English conversation.
Try Beating Speaking Anxiety to learn how to fight your fears of speaking English.
Find more at bbclearningenglish.com
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Episodes
The English We Speak: Two Ticks
In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases. This week we find out what it means when someone says "I'll be with you in two ticks", and other related phrases.
Apr 18, 2011•3 min
The English We Speak: Swizz
In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases. This week, find out how Li became the victim of a swizz.
Apr 11, 2011•3 min
The English We Speak: 'Sick'
In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases. This week's word is 'sick' which can have a different meaning to the one you'd expect.
Apr 04, 2011•3 min
The English We Speak: 'Savvy'
In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases that you might not find in your dictionary. This week's word is 'savvy'.
Mar 28, 2011•3 min
The English We Speak: ' anorak'
In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases that you might not find in your dictionary. This week's word is 'anorak'.
Mar 21, 2011•4 min
The English We Speak: 'Awesome'
In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases that you might not find in your dictionary. This week's word is 'awesome'
Mar 10, 2011•3 min
The English We Speak: 'Wee'
In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases that you might not find in your dictionary. This week's word is 'wee'
Mar 07, 2011•4 min
The English We Speak: 'Green'
In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases that you might not find in your dictionary. This week's word is 'green'
Feb 28, 2011•4 min
The English We Speak: 'Loved Up'
In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases that you might not find in your dictionary. This week's phrase is 'loved up'
Feb 21, 2011•3 min
The English We Speak: 'Chillax'
In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases that you might not find in your dictionary. This week's word is 'chillax'
Feb 14, 2011•3 min
The English We Speak: 'Rabbit'
In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases that you might not find in your dictionary. This week's phrase is 'rabbit in the headlights'.
Feb 07, 2011•3 min
The English We Speak: 'Tastic'
This week Finn and Wang Fei talk about the usage of the suffix -tastic. What does it mean and what words can you use it with?
Jan 31, 2011•3 min
The English We Speak: 'Icebreaker'
In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases that you might not find in your dictionary. This week's word is 'icebreaker'.
Jan 24, 2011•3 min
The English We Speak: 'Good Egg'
In our new series you can learn authentic English words and phrases that you might not find in your dictionary. This week's phrase is 'good egg'.
Jan 17, 2011•3 min
BBC Learning English Pantomime 2010 - Cinderella - Part 3
Listen to the final part of our pantomime. Last time, Cinderella had to leave the ball in a big rush. Will she really get her happy ending this week?
Jan 10, 2011•6 min
BBC Learning English Pantomime 2010 - Cinderella - Part 2
Listen to the second part of our pantomime. This week, Cinderella meets the charming Prince Stephen. But he only speaks in English idioms! The final part of the pantomime is next week.
Jan 03, 2011•6 min
BBC Learning English Pantomime 2010 - Cinderella - Part 1
Listen to the first part of Cinderella, our special pantomime. Cinderella dreams of escaping her ugly sisters, but how will she ever be able to go to Prince Stephen's Ball? Part two is next week.
Dec 27, 2010•9 min
English up to date 'Bottle and Bottler'
John Ayto investigates the etymology of "bottle" as a slang term for bravery and "bottler" for a person lacking nerve, referencing political events like Gordon Brown's election decision. The discussion traces the phrase's nearly century-old history, linking it to older slang and Cockney rhyming slang. It also highlights a distinct, positive meaning of "bottler" in Australian English.
Nov 29, 2010•3 min
English up to date 'Early Doors'
John Ayto delves into the phrase 'early doors,' explaining it means 'at an early stage' and discussing its likely theatrical origin where early entry secured better seats. The episode also explores how the idiom gained widespread popularity through British football commentary, particularly by Ron Atkinson, and its subsequent integration into non-sporting contexts as a common cliché.
Nov 22, 2010•2 min
English up to date 'Go Commando'
John Ayto delves into the phrase "go commando," discussing its mysterious origins likely on American college campuses in the 1970s. He examines potential practical and symbolic reasons behind its usage, while highlighting how it fills a "lexical gap" in English for a previously unarticulated concept.
Nov 15, 2010•2 min
English up to date 'Go Postal'
John Ayto explores the phrase 'go postal,' contrasting the reality of postal work in Britain versus the USA, where the phrase originated from a spate of killings by American postal workers. The episode details how the phrase gained popularity, notably after its use in the film 'Clueless,' and how its meaning has softened from a 'murderous frenzy' to simply becoming 'extremely angry' in everyday American English. It also touches on British speakers' current perception of the idiom.
Nov 08, 2010•2 min
English up to date 'Fit for Purpose'
John Ato examines "fit for purpose," tracing its origins in consumer protection law where it described products meeting design standards. The episode highlights how the phrase gained widespread public awareness and metaphorical use after a significant government criticism in 2006, leading to its application across various contexts. It concludes by encouraging listeners to consider their own "English fit for purpose."
Nov 01, 2010•2 min
English up to date 'Issue'
In this episode, John Ayto examines the meaning of the word 'issue' and how it can sometimes be used instead of the word 'problem'.
Oct 25, 2010•2 min
English up to date 'Hella'
In this week's episode, John Ayto explores the origin, meaning and use of the prefix 'hella'.
Oct 18, 2010•2 min
English up to date 'Chugger'
In this episode, John Ayto examines the meaning of the word 'chugger'.
Oct 11, 2010•2 min
English up to date 'Edgy'
In this episode, John Ayto examines a new use of the word 'edgy'.
Oct 04, 2010•2 min
English up to Date 'Minging'
In this episode, John Ayto considers how people use the word 'minging'.
Sep 27, 2010•3 min
English up to date 'Bridezilla'
John Ayto explains the origin, meaning and use of the word 'bridezilla'
Sep 20, 2010•2 min
English up to date 'Tweet'
In this episode, you'll find out about a word regularly used when we talk about social networking. John Ayto explores the origins and uses of the word "Tweet"
Sep 13, 2010•2 min
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