The English We Speak

by BBC · · · · 492 subscribers

Every week, we look at a different everyday English phrase or piece of slang in this fun three-minute programme. From BBC World Service

Clout March 2, 2021
Learn an expression about having influence.
GOAT Feb. 23, 2021
'GOAT' is used to talk about things or people that we think are the best.
Workation Feb. 16, 2021
'Workation' is a combination of the words 'work' and 'vacation'.
Moonshot Feb. 9, 2021
Learn an expression used to describe an experimental project.
Slap-bang Feb. 2, 2021
Learn a phrase to describe an exact position.
Sadfishing Jan. 26, 2021
A word used when someone exaggerates their emotional problems to get attention.
Mic drop Jan. 19, 2021
Roy and Feifei teach you a new English expression.
Tone deaf Jan. 12, 2021
Learn when 'tone deaf' has nothing to do with music...
'A' game Jan. 5, 2021
Sometimes people need to be on top form and do their best work.
Frontliner Dec. 28, 2020
We describe nurses and doctors who have been working on the frontline
On fleek Dec. 15, 2020
From eyebrows to clothes, when they look good we like to say so.
Contact tracing Dec. 8, 2020
Learn vocabulary related to the coronavirus pandemic.
Key worker Dec. 1, 2020
Someone who has become more important than ever during the coronavirus pandemic.
Sharenting Nov. 24, 2020
Don't share too many photos of your children!
Plastic footprint Nov. 17, 2020
It's similar to 'carbon footprint', but this focuses on your plastic usage.
Spoiler alert! Nov. 10, 2020
A warning when we're going to reveal part of the story of a film, book or TV series.
Listicle Nov. 2, 2020
Find out more about a portmanteau that combines the words 'list' and 'article'.
Doomscrolling Oct. 27, 2020
Learn a word about the addiction to looking at depressing news on social media.
Crowdsourcing Oct. 20, 2020
Learn a word that might be useful when you’re developing an idea and need help.
One step at a time Oct. 13, 2020
When you’re trying something new, it’s best not to rush.