Living in Britain for around 4 years has been an exciting and sometimes challenging journey for me. Learning the language which being an essential skill for survival, has also been equally exciting. Here I present a compilation of 15 of the most encountered phrases you will come across when in Britain. 🙂
- “Not too bad, actually” – Meaning: I’m probably the happiest I’ve ever been!
- “Honestly, it doesn’t matter” (Imagine the tone) – Meaning: Nothing has ever mattered more than this.
- “That’s certainly one way of looking at it” – Meaning: That’s certainly the wrong way of looking at it.
- “With all due respect” – Meaning: You have absolutely no idea what you are talking about.
- “I beg your pardon” – Meaning: I didn’t hear you OR I apologise OR What you are saying is making me absolutely mad!
- “Pop round anytime” – Meaning: Please stay away from my house.
- “I might get some cash out actually” – Meaning: I am going to the cash machine and I am 100% certain of getting cash.
- “I am sure it will be fine” – Meaning: I fully expect the situation to deteriorate rapidly.
- “It could be worse” – Meaning: It couldn’t possibly be any worse.
- “If you say so” – Meaning: I am afraid that what you are saying is the height of idiocy.
- “It’s fine” – Meaning: It really could not possibly get any worse, but no doubt it will do.
- ‘Right then, I suppose I really should start thinking about possibly making a move” – Meaning: Bye!
- Saying sorry as a way of introducing yourself.
- “I might join you later” – Meaning: I am not leaving my house today unless it’s on fire.
- “Excuse me, sorry, is anyone sitting here?” – Meaning: You have three seconds to move your bag before I end you.
These are some of the ambiguous things you will hear at times. But, hey, this is the land of the English (And the Welsh before people hate me!). The land of the gentlemen! Let’s do what we should. As they say, In Rome, do as Romans do!
