The English We Speak (+Texts) podcast

#Hello And Welcome #Podcasting Education

32:17

Jay is more than just the host of All About Change podcast. He is a lawyer and international activist, who has focused his life’s work on seeking social justice by advocating for the rights of people with disabilities worldwide. On the special episode of All About Change, Mijon Zulu, the managing producer of the "All About Change" podcast, is taking over hosting duties to interview Jay Ruderman about his new book, his activist journey, and why activism is even more important today. Episode Chapters (0:00) intro (02:38) How does one choose a cause to go after? (03:33) Jay’s path to activism (07:50) Practical steps a new activist can take (09:24) Confrontation vs trolling (17:36) Learning from activists operating in different sectors (19:20) Resilience in activism (22:24) Reflections on Find Your Fight and goodbye For video episodes, watch on www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation Stay in touch: X: @JayRuderman | @RudermanFdn LinkedIn: Jay Ruderman | Ruderman Family Foundation Instagram: All About Change Podcast | Ruderman Family Foundation To learn more about the podcast, visit https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/ Looking for more insights into the world of activism? Be sure to check out Jay’s brand new book, Find Your Fight , in which Jay teaches the next generation of activists and advocates how to step up and bring about lasting change. You can find Find Your Fight wherever you buy your books, and you can learn more about it at www.jayruderman.com .…

The English We Speak (+Texts)

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Make the English you speak sound more natural with The English We Speak from bbclearningenglish.com. Every week, we look at a different everyday English phrase or piece of slang in this fun three-minute programme.

32 episódios

The English We Speak (+Texts)

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updated há 12 anos

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32 episódios

#Hello And Welcome #Podcasting Education

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The English We Speak (+Texts)

1
The Big Day 3:23

há 12 years3:23

3:23

William: Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, I'm William Kremer. Li: I'm Yang Li and I'm excited! William: So I see! Do you want to share with everybody what you're so excited about, Li? Li: Oh come on Will, you know why I'm excited. William: I'm not sure I do know why you're excited. Li: Well, here's a little clue... Crowds of cheering people William: Lots of cheering people. Hmm, is that one of those 75% off sales on Oxford Street? Li: No, no! Listen, here's another clue... 'Here comes the bride' organ music. William: Durr-du-duh duh! Hmm, organ music. Are you going to an organ concert, Li? I didn't know you were interested in that. Li: OK, I'm just going to tell you. This Friday is Prince William and Catherine Middleton's big day, their wedding day. William: Ah, I knew that. I was joking. Li: Of course you were joking William. We've made lots of programmes about it haven't we! William: Yes, we have. But Li, I think we'd better explain the meaning of 'the big day'. Here 'the big day' means their wedding day. But does 'the big day' always refer to weddings? Listen to these examples: A: Guess what? B: What? A: Marie and Phil are engaged! B: You're kidding – wow, that's fantastic news! A: I know! B: So when's the big day? Have they set a date yet? C: I don't think Charlie and I will ever get married. D: Oh. Why's that? C: Because of my mum and dad being divorced. I just know that at the wedding they'll end up having a massive argument; they can't help it. D: Oh, surely that won't happen. They would never ruin your big day. Li: So in both those examples, the phrase 'big day' was used to describe a wedding. William: Yes, it was. And I think this is how this phrase is usually used, exactly in the way that you used it, Li. People talk about a couple's big day but I've also heard people say 'her big day' to describe the bride's wedding day in particular. It's probably used a little bit less for men. Li: Hmm, but do you, William, still remember your big day? William: I do. But I don't need to remember it now! Li: What do you mean? William: Well, I always forget it on the day that I should remember it. Li: Oh dear, on your anniversary. What a bad husband you are! You might be called William, but I think Prince William is much more romantic than you are! William: Well, we'll see won't we! Now, on our website you'll find lots of other learning English resources relating to the royal wedding, including a photo gallery and a special blog. Li: Not to mention my series, 'A royal wedding, an everyday love story'. William: Oh yes, don't miss that! Li: Bye! William: Bye bye. 'Here comes the bride' organ music fading out.…

The English We Speak (+Texts)

1
Touchy-feely 3:55

há 12 years3:55

3:55

Li: Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. I'm Yang Li. William: (subdued) I'm William Kremer. Li: So, what English are we speaking today, William? William: (sigh) I don't know. Li: Oh what a big sigh! What's wrong? William: Oh, it doesn't matter. Li: Oh, come on! I can see something's not right. What's wrong? William: (sigh) It's... well, if you must know, it's Tigger... he's died. Li: Tigger? Who's Tigger? William: Tigger... Tigger is... Tigger was my beautiful cat. He was my best friend. I suppose you could say that. I'm going to miss his stripey face in the morning. And his purr, yeah, I'm going to miss that. But, you know, these things happen. I shouldn't get so upset... Li: Why not? I think it's normal to be very sad when a pet dies. William: No, no, it's silly! I'm getting upset over an animal! I'm not a baby! I should grow up. Li: But you might find it helpful to talk about your feelings for Tigger. William: No, no, no, no! I hate all of that touchy-feely stuff! Li: Touchy-feely? William: Yeah, if something is touchy-feely it's very emotional. If you are a touchy-feely person you don't mind talking about your feelings and maybe actually hugging people. Li: I see. So is this a negative phrase, touchy-feely? William: Yeah, a little bit. Let's hear a couple of examples of it in use: Man: Do you know, I never once saw my mum and dad kiss or hug. Man 2: Really? Gosh, that seems incredible. Man: But I think they really loved each other. They just weren't all touchy-feely about it. Woman: Did you go to that drama group? Woman 2: Yeah. I don't think I'll go again. Woman: Oh? Why not? Woman 2: Well, the acting was fine. But it's all that touchy-feely stuff they do that I don't like. Li: Look, you English people! You just can't talk about your feelings, can you? William: Well, you might be right Li – we're not famous for talking about our feelings. Now, before we finish, I have heard this phrase touchy-feely being used in a very different way too. Listen to this: Woman: I love your sweater! Man: Thanks. Woman: It's so soft! I love this material. It's so touchy-feely! Man: OK. Shall I take it off and then you can touch it properly?! Li: So in that example, 'touchy-feely' was being used to describe a kind of material. William: Yes. If something is touchy-feely it is very soft. You want to stroke it, just like Tigger. I'm going to miss stroking Tigger. William: The way he used to purr... And sometimes he would bring me a little present, you know. A dead mouse or maybe a little bird. So thoughtful. Li: Hmm. It's OK to cry you know, William... William: (recovering himself) No! No it's not. No touchy-feely stuff! Li: Oh I give up. Goodbye everyone. William: Bye!…

The English We Speak (+Texts)

1
Two Ticks 3:05

há 12 years3:05

3:05

William: Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, I'm William Kremer. Wang Fei: And I'm Wang Fei. So how are you today? William: Two ticks... Wang Fei: What? William: Give me two shakes, Wang Fei, I just need to... Wang Fei: Eh? What's that? William: I'll be with you in a jiffy... Wang Fei: In a jiffy. What's a jiffy? William, what are you talking about? William: There, done now. I just needed to send a text. Wang Fei: But what were all those ticks and jiffys? William: Ahh, and shakes? Wang Fei: Yes. William: Well they're all expressions of time, Wang Fei. So they're ways of saying 'just a moment', or 'just a minute'. Wang Fei: I see. Can you come and help me lift this sofa? Yeah, I'll be with you in two ticks. William: Two ticks. In English, we say clocks make this noise: tick tock, tick tock. So two ticks is just like saying two seconds. I said, can you come and help me here? It's too heavy for me. Yes, yes. I'll be there in two shakes. Wang Fei: Hmm. Two shakes? William: Yeah, the full phrase here is 'two shakes of a lamb's tail', but we shorten this to 'two shakes'. Wang Fei: Oh I see. Two shakes of a lamb's tail. English can be a very weird language! William: Yes, it can be! I guess that this is because lambs' tails shake very fast, so two shakes is a short time! And finally... Look Neil, this sofa isn't going to lift itself. Get a move on! I know, I know. I said I'll be with you in a jiffy. Wang Fei: In a jiffy. So in a jiffy also means 'in a short space of time'. But what's a jiffy? William: Well, you know what, Wang Fei? Nobody is completely sure of the origin of this word. But it has been in use for over 200 years! Wang Fei: 200 years! That's quite a long time. More than a jiffy! William: Yes, and that's several billion shakes of a lamb's tail. Wang Fei: Yes and all those ticks of a clock! Bye for now. William: Bye bye. Are you going to help me with sofa or not?! What sofa? You need help with a sofa?…

The English We Speak (+Texts)

1
Swizz 2:57

há 12 years2:57

2:57

William: Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. I'm William. Yang Li: And I'm Yang Li. William: You look very pleased today Li. Yang Li: Well, I should be. I've just won a prize! William: Wow, great! What did you win? Yang Li: I don't know yet. I ate this bar of chocolate and it told me to phone a number to find out my prize. William: Oh wow, cool. Let's call them. Yang Li: OK. Welcome to the Choccy Choc Chocolate prize hotline. Please hold to find what amazing prize you've won. Yang Li: Wow, this is exciting! Welcome to the Choccy Choc Chocolate prize hotline. Please hold to find what amazing prize you've won. William: Hmmm. Welcome to the Choccy Choc Chocolate prize hotline. Please hold to find what amazing prize you've won. Yang Li: It can't be long now... William: Li, can I see that chocolate wrapper? Yang Li: OK. What does it say? William: It says "Calls to this line are charged at £20 a minute"! Yang Li: What?! No way! Well, shall we hang up? William: I should think so! What a swizz. Hangs up Yang Li: A swizz? William: Yes, a swizz. A swizz is a scheme that tricks people to make money. Like this company is making you call an expensive phone line – it's a swizz. Yang Li: I see. William: We might say "What a swizz", or "That's a bit of a swizz". Yang Li: So, how do we spell this word, swizz? William: Well you know, I'm not too sure. I've seen it spelled S.W.I.Z.Z. but I've also seen S.W.I.Z. Yang Li: You mean you don't know how to spell it? But this is BBC Learning English! We should know how to spell it. What a swizz! William: Ha ha. Yeah, I'm sorry! But that's just the way English is sometimes, it's always changing! At least you know - Phone rings Yang Li: Oh! Hello? Choc Person: Hello is that Yang Li? Yang Li: Yes. Choc Person: We have a missed call from you. Just ringing to say you've won a prize! Yang Li: Wow, what is it? Choc Person: You need to ring this number to find out. 0800 23 4… Yang Li: Ha! What a swizz. Bye. William: Bye.…

The English We Speak (+Texts)

1
Sick (tews) 2:42

há 12 years2:42

2:42

William: Hello and welcome to the English We Speak, I'm William Kremer. Yang Li: And I'm Yang Li. William: Li, are you wearing make-up? Yang Li: Yes, do you like it? It's not too much? William: I think you look sick. Yang Li: What? William: Sick! Yang Li: But I feel fine. I'm perfectly healthy. William: No, you don't look ill Li, you look sick! Yang Li: Sorry I just don't get it. I'm not ill! William: Sorry Li, I should explain. It's our expression for the day. Lots of young people in the UK use the word sick to mean cool or great. Yang Li: English can be weird can't it? Sick means cool? William: Yes, it is a bit odd. I know one teacher who was confused by this word when his student used it in a class. Yang Li: Really? What did they say? William: Something like this: Student: Mr Griffiths! Teacher: Yes? Student: Sir, are you wearing new shoes? Teacher: Yes, I am. Why? Student: Because they are sick! Teacher: Sick? Student: Totally sick, sir. Teacher: Well, young man. As you find them so terrible, how about you give me 100 lines saying… saying… Student: No, no, I like them! Sick means cool! Teacher: First I've heard of it. Yang Li: Lines. Lines are a form of punishment which teachers used to give students – copying out the same sentence again and again. You never had to write lines, did you William? William: Erm... Maybe I won't go into that here! Yang Li: So anyway, what do I say if I really am sick? William: I'm feeling sick. Or I'm feeling ill. Yang Li: So we can work it out from the context. William: Exactly, that's it. Anyway, like I was saying I love the make-up Li. But maybe next time don't wear green eye-shadow. Yang Li: Why? William: It makes you look, erm sick. Yang Li: Oh, I give up. Bye. William: Bye.…

The English We Speak (+Texts)

1
Savvy 2:41

há 12 years2:41

2:41

William: Hello and welcome to the English We Speak, I'm William Kremer. Wang Fei: And I'm Wang Fei. William I hope we finish recording quickly today. William: Oh, why's that? Wang Fei: I need to get to the bank before it closes. William: Oh I see. Wang Fei: Yes, just need to move some money around. I've got to move some money into a high interest account and transfer some into my investment account... William: Look at you Wang Fei. High-interest accounts and investment accounts. You really are quite money-savvy aren't you? Wang Fei: Money what? William: Money-savvy. Wang Fei: Money-savvy? William: Yeah. It means you're good with money. You know what you're doing with it, how to invest it, that kind of thing. Wang Fei: Well, I guess I am. I do look after my money. William: I wish I was a bit more money-savvy like you! But I am quite good with technology. You know, you wouldn't need to rush to the bank if you tried online banking. Wang Fei: Online banking? Not for me. I just don't really trust it. William: Maybe you should try it. Wang Fei: No, I just don't feel safe doing that. I'm not very... can I say... technologically savvy? William: Yes, you can say technologically savvy or just tech-savvy. Or you might say that you're not very web-savvy, as we're talking about the web, the internet. • I wouldn't recommend you go down that street after dark. It's just not safe. And you're not very street-savvy to be honest with you. • A: So what do you think of the new flower shop? B: It's in a good location, and the owner is really business-savvy. I'm sure it'll be a great success. Wang Fei: Money-savvy, tech-savvy... William: And business-savvy. You can be savvy about a lot of things. So are you going to go to the bank in the end? Wang Fei: No I think I'll sign up for an online account. Give it a go. William: And I might buy those stocks that you were suggesting. Wang Fei: Great. And let's hope all our listeners are a bit more slang-savvy after this programme. William: Bye for now. Wang Fei: Bye.…

The English We Speak (+Texts)

1
Anorak 3:15

há 12 years3:15

3:15

Train noise William: Oh, there goes another train! Wang Fei: What do you mean, another train? It was a D5900 Class diesel-electric locomotive, the last one in operation. William: Erm, ok. Wang Fei: And due to arrive at 1203 is the Class 170 "Turbostar" British diesel-multiple-unit train from Edinburgh. William: Great. Wang Fei: You don't sound very interested. William: I'm not. You do realise that you are a complete anorak when it comes to trains, Wang Fei. Train noise Wang Fei: An anorak? That's a kind of coat! Yes, I'm wearing an anorak, but I'm not a kind of coat, William, I'm Wang Fei! William: Yes, well the word anorak is used to describe people who have an obsessive hobby about something that not many people are interested in. Wang Fei: I see. You mean a hobby like train spotting?! But I thought everyone liked it? William: What's so interesting about standing in the cold, waiting for rare types of train to arrive? The only trains I'm interested in are the ones which get me from A to B. Examples He is a total anorak. He always stays in and watches Star Trek. My friend is a bit of an anorak when it comes to dance music. He knows every DJ and every track, when they were published, how high they got in the charts. I prefer just to dance to it! Wang Fei: So you really don't like trains? William: Oh, I don't mind them, Wang Fei, I just don't find them that interesting. And it's so cold in this country that you need to wear that huge anorak while you wait for them, which is where the phrase came from. Wang Fei: You mean, people like me, waiting for trains in my big anorak? William: Yes, exactly - that's it. Wang Fei: So if this phrase exists, it must mean there are lots of other people like me? William: Well, you don't see many. Maybe you could try a trainspotting website. Wang Fei: Hang on. Is that... I think there's someone at the end of the platform in a long coat, with a clipboard… looks like he's waiting for a train! William: Oh, well go and say hello, then. Footsteps Wang Fei: Hello, are you waiting for… Anorak: The Class 170 "Turbostar"… Wang Fei: British diesel-multiple-unit … Anorak: From Edinburgh, due to arrive at 1203…? Yes! And your name is? Train noise William: Well, I don't know. Whatever makes you happy! Bye from me.…

The English We Speak (+Texts)

1
Awesome 2:49

há 12 years2:49

2:49

William: Hello, and welcome to the English We Speak, I'm William. Yang Li: And I'm Yang Li… William: And your task, Yang Li, is to guess today's word, OK? Yang Li: OK. William: Awesome. Li, try some of this cake… Yang Li: A cake? Oh, thanks! That's very nice… William: Do you like it? Awesome. They're pretty awesome cakes, huh?! Yang Li: Yes, and I think I know what this week's word is. It's… William: Hang on Li, try some of this coffee as well – it's really… Yang Li: Awesome? William: Exactly - it's really awesome. You got it. So listen to this. Which three adjectives are used in this clip? Example This party is awesome. The food is amazing. The wine is excellent. Yang Li: Awesome, amazing and excellent. William: That's right. Awesome means excellent or amazing. Yang Li: Awesome. This word has existed in English for a long time, hasn't it? William: Yes, and it used to mean awe-inspiring. So awe means great respect or admiration, so something that’s awesome or awe-inspiring makes you feel great respect and admiration. Yang Li: Full of respect and admiration. But now it just means cool? William: Exactly, and that’s thanks to the influence of American slang. So the word can now be used to describe almost anything. Examples These shoes are awesome. This is an awesome radio programme. Wow! You are awesome at singing, mate! William: And there is one slightly different usage of this word. Listen to this. Example A: Are you free to come for hotpot tonight? B: Yes, I should be. A: Awesome. That makes four of us! William: So what does awesome mean in that clip, Li? Yang Li: It's like when we say 'great' at the beginning of a sentence. William: Well, that's it, yeah, exactly. Awesome can also be used at the beginning of a sentence to indicate agreement or approval. Yang Li: Awesome! That's clear now. William: Awesome. And that's the end of this awesome programme. Yang Li: William, do you have any cakes left? William: Er, just one. Do you want to share it, Li? Yang Li: Awesome. Bye. William: Bye.…

The English We Speak (+Texts)

1
Wee dram 3:28

há 12 years3:28

3:28

Finn: Welcome to The English We Speak, I'm Finn. Wang Fei: And I'm Wang Fei. So, what English word do we have today? Finn: Well, Wang Fei, today's English word is actually a Scottish one! Wang Fei: A Scottish phrase on The English We Speak? Finn: That’s right. Wang Fei: Finn, I know you're from Scotland, but this is The English We Speak, not the Scottish! Finn: Not the Scottish I know, but actually, Wang Fei, this is a word that is very widely used. Wang Fei: Ok, what's the word, then? Finn: Today's word is wee. Wang Fei: Wii – oh, I know! Isn't that a kind of Japanese game console? Surely that's The Japanese We Speak?! Finn: No, not that Wii! That Wii is spelt W-I-I, and the word I mean is spelt W-E-E. And it means… small or little. Wang Fei: Ok – so that's very nice and easy to remember! Finn: It is. Quite often, you'll hear it together with the word 'bit'. A wee bit. Listen to these examples. Examples I might be a wee bit late, please just wait for me. You're looking a wee bit tired, are you ok? I'm a wee bit hungry, fancy getting a sandwich? Wang Fei: So a wee bit is just like a little bit. How else can we use this word, Finn? Finn: Well a wee bit is probably what you'll hear most often. What do you think it means in this sentence? Example When I was wee, I used to eat to love climbing trees! Wang Fei: When I was wee… is that when I was young? Finn: That's right – when I was young, when I was wee - though you'll more likely hear Scottish people say this! And there is another phrase using wee which I'm going to tell you in a moment, but first – tell me, what is the most famous Scottish drink, Wang Fei? Wang Fei: That’s easy – whisky! Finn: Whisky – yes it is! Do you like whisky? Wang Fei: Oh, yes, but it’s a bit strong, isn’t it! Maybe I would just have a small glass. Finn: Well, we have a word for a glass of whisky, which is a dram. Wang Fei: A dram. Finn: That’s right, D-R-A-M, a dram. Wang Fei: Mm, a dram. Finn: So if you want a small dram, what do you say? Wang Fei: Can I have a wee dram? Finn: Can I have a wee dram – that’s it! Really? Would you like a wee dram, Wang Fei? Wang Fei: OK, great, yeah! Finn: We're in the studio! Wang Fei: Yes, maybe later! Finn: Maybe later! Wang Fei: Well, that's the word for today, wee, W-E-E. Finn: If you have time, why not have a wee look at our website! Wang Fei: Mm – and it's bbclearningenglish.com! Finn: That’s right, bye for now! Wang Fei: Bye.…

The English We Speak (+Texts)

1
Green 3:33

há 12 years3:33

3:33

Wang Fei: Welcome to The English We Speak. I'm Wang Fei! Finn: And I'm Finn! Wang Fei: Finn has decided to take us out for a ride on his new motorbike today and he's very proud of it. Finn: I am, very proud of it. I thought it would be good to get out of the studio. Look at all the beautiful, green fields around us, Wang Fei. Wang Fei: Yes, beautiful green fields. That's the word for the day isn't it: green? Finn: Green, yes! Wang Fei: A bit easy, isn't it? Everyone knows the colour green! Finn: The colour green? No, not that meaning, Wang Fei! Wang Fei: So, what do you mean? Green as in good for the environment? Finn: No, not that green either! Wang Fei: Oh, ok, maybe another green? Oh ok, maybe, green with envy? I know that phrase, that means to envy somebody, doesn't it? Finn: Yes, that's right. But what are you envious about, Wang Fei? That's not what we're… oh! ... ahhh! FX - CRASH Both: Ow! Wang Fei: Finn, you are a terrible, terrible driver! Finn: I know. Wang Fei: Will you tell me what this green means?! Finn: I'm sorry Wang Fei. What I mean is I'm very green at riding motorbikes, that's what I wanted to say. Green means inexperienced or new to something. Wang Fei: Oh, I see. So when do we use it? Finn: Well, normally we use it to describe someone who is new to a particular job or skill. Wang Fei: Ooh, I see. But I'm not feeling good. So why don't we listen to some examples for a moment? I'm a bit green at video editing, so it takes me a long time to edit things. He's a bit green in this job so he's bound to need some help. My uncle's very green at searching the internet. He prefers to go to the library. Finn: Ok, time to go again, Wang Fei! Wang Fei: (To himself) Hmm. But I'm still not feeling that great to be honest… FX - BIKE STARTS Finn: What was that, Wang Fei? Wang Fei: Oh nothing. Let's go. Finn: Wow, what beautiful countryside… Wang Fei: Gosh, I'm really feeling ill to be honest. I'm worried we're going to crash again. Finn: Wang Fei, what did you say? Are you ok? Wang Fei: Not really. Finn: Oh no, you look bad. You've gone green! Wang Fei: What? Finn: You've gone green – it means you look ill! Wang Fei: Another green phrase… Finn – can't you just concentrate on your driving! Finn: Ok, sorry. OK then! Bye everyone… Wang Fei: And wish me luck. Bye.…

The English We Speak (+Texts)

1
Loved Up 2:32

há 12 years2:32

2:32

Finn: Welcome to The English We Speak. I'm Finn. Li: (Very happy) And I'm Yang Li… Finn: How are you today, Li? Li:(Dreamy, romantic voice) Oh fantastic. Just great. Amazing… Finn: Really? Great… ok. Are you ready to start the programme? Li: (Dreamy, romantic voice) Any time… Isn't life wonderful? Finn: Are you sure you're alright? Li: Perfect. He's lovely, isn't he? He's perfect! Finn: Oh, I see! You're talking about your new boyfriend. You're so loved up right now, Li! Li: But he has the most beautiful eyes and smile. And when he dances… Finn: Li! (To audience) Well, I think Li is completely loved up - which is our phrase for the day. When you're loved up, it means you are really happy because you're in love. Li: He dances like a dream, especially salsa… Finn: You know, I think I'm going to have to present the rest of this programme on my own. As you can see, when you're loved up, sometimes you don't pay a lot of attention to things around you. She's so loved up at the moment. She even forgets to eat lunch. Finn: It can also be used to describe a couple who are very much in love, and who openly show their affection in public. They're always together; holding hands, laughing. They seem so happy. They're really loved up! Finn: Li, Li… Li, how long have you been in love? Hello?! Li: Ooh, I'm going salsa dancing tonight with him, and I can't wait. Oh, he's so gorgeous. Don't you think, Finn? Finn: Yes, sure, he's so gorgeous. Anyway, I'm getting a bit lonely here. Maybe I should take up salsa dancing too? Ok, bye for now everyone! Li, time to say goodbye. Li: Oh yeah, goodbye, bye, bye!…

The English We Speak (+Texts)

1
Chillax 2:41

há 12 years2:41

2:41

Wang Fei: (Screaming) Ahhh!! Finn: Wang Fei, are you ok? Wang Fei: (Screaming) No, no. Ahhh!! Finn: What's wrong? What's wrong? Wang Fei: There's a big, green spider in the studio! Finn: A spider? Oh, it's only a spider. Chillax! Wang Fei: Chillax?! Finn: Yes, chillax. I'll get the spider... Now, hold on... Got it. Feel better? Wang Fei: Thanks, yes, much better. So Finn, what was that word you just said? Finn: Chillax. It's a combination of two words. Can you guess them? Wang Fei: Chill... and... relax? Finn: Chill and relax, yes. It means the same as chill or chill out or relax. So just now I told you to chillax, which means don't worry, relax. Wang Fei: Oh, I understand. So if I tell somebody to chillax it means, basically, to relax or to calm down? Finn: That's right. That's one way we can use it. For example: I'm so worried about going on my first date with Steven! Chillax, it'll be ok. I'm sure you'll have a nice time. Finn: You could also just say, I want to chillax or I'm chillaxing. Wang Fei: Chillaxing. What are you doing tonight? Nothing special, just going to chillax at home. Wang Fei: So does chillax mean exactly the same as chill out and relax? Finn: Well the meaning is the same, but chillax is a newer expression, so you probably won't hear it as much. Wang Fei: Great. So by the way Finn, where did you put that spider? Finn: The spider? Wang Fei: Yes, the big, green spider. Finn: Oh, the spider. I can't remember. I think I left it on the desk. Wang Fei: Really? Then what is that big, green thing climbing up your neck? Finn: Eh? What? Ahhh!! Wang Fei: Ha ha. Finn, chillax! I was just kidding. Finn: Very funny Wang Fei. Bye for now. Wang Fei: Bye.…

The English We Speak (+Texts)

1
Rabbit in the Headlights 2:59

há 12 years2:59

2:59

Finn: Hello. I'm Finn. Li: And I'm Li. Finn: And we're whispering – we're talking very quietly - because we are about to watch an awards ceremony for the best dancer in the UK. Li: Yes – I think it's going to begin now. Shh. Awards Host: And the award for best dancer this year goes to… Timmy Tapper! (Applause) Timmy Tapper: Erm, thank you! Awards Host: Timmy, would you like to say a few words? Timmy Tapper: Yes, erm, thank you… to… everybody! Thanks. Awards Host: Great. Well thank you Timmy. You've done a fantastic job this year! Finn: (whispers) Li, what happened? He was like a rabbit in the headlights. Li: I don't know, he was very nervous. But what did you say, Finn, about rabbits? Finn: Oh, rabbits, yes. A rabbit in the headlights. It's a phrase used to describe someone who is so nervous that they can't move or speak. Li: I see. Someone who is too nervous to move or speak. But why does it involve headlights – the lights at the front of a car? Finn: Well if you think about if you are driving a car at night and you have your headlights on. Suddenly, a rabbit appears in the middle of the road. But it is too scared by the car driving towards for it to run away. It's a rabbit in the headlights. Li: That's a rabbit in the headlights. Oh, Finn, I think Timmy Tapper wants to say something. Finn: Oh yes. Timmy Tapper: Oh, sorry. Can I just say one more thing? Awards Host: Sure, go ahead, Timmy! (Timmy starts tap dancing) Awards Host: Well, isn't that amazing! Li: Ha ha. I think Timmy was nervous speaking in front of everyone here just now, but now he's happy to express himself through tap dancing! Finn: He looks very happy doesn't he? And while Timmy dances, I have some advice for everyone. If you want to speak confident English, and not be like a rabbit in the headlights, why not visit our website explore our free English learning materials? Li: bbclearningenglish.com Finn: That's it. Bye. Li: Bye. (Timmy tap dancing)…

The English We Speak (+Texts)

1
Tastic 2:44

há 12 years2:44

2:44

Finn: Welcome to the slang-tastic programme, The English We Speak. Wang Fei: Hello I'm Wang Fei. Finn: This is our word-tastic programme where you learn the latest English-tastic phrases. Wang Fei: Yes… erm… Finn: We hope you have a learning-tastic time with us today… Wang Fei: Finn, sorry for interrupting you, but why do you keep adding 'tastic' to all these words? Finn: Sorry Wang Fei, I should have said. Tastic is our new word, or should I say, new suffix, for the day. Wang Fei: A suffix is something you add onto the end of another word to change the meaning. Finn: That's right. Wang Fei: So when we add tastic, what does that mean? Finn: Well, it's kind of related to the word fantastic. When you add tastic to a word, for example slang, it means 'fantastic in terms of slang'. So English-tastic means 'fantastic in terms of English'. Wang Fei: And learning-tastic means fantastic in terms of learning? Finn: It does, absolutely. Let's hear a couple more examples. A: Did you hear Britney's new song? B: Yes. It's pop-tastic! I love it. A: Did you have a good time yesterday? B: It was so much fun. Fun-tastic! Ha ha. Wang Fei: Wow, very good examples. So can I say example-tastic? Finn: Example-tastic, you can! Now, this way of making new words is very informal – it comes from pop culture – so you probably wouldn't see it in a business letter. Wang Fei: So, it's not business-tastic?! Finn: It's not business-tastic. Not really, unless you work in an industry like fashion or pop music. Anyway, I think it's time to tell our listeners about our website. Wang Fei: Yes, and our web-tastic site is www.bbclearningenglish.com! You can learn English for free, and even download programmes to your mp3 player. Finn: Yes, it's download-tastic! Time to go, now. Bye! Wang Fei: Bye!…

The English We Speak (+Texts)

1
Icebreaker 3:18

há 12 years3:18