ESL Blogs

When British people say one thing, they often really mean the exact opposite! Any Brit will recognize themselves in this list. 1. 'I might join you later' — Translation: I'm not leaving the house today unless it's on fire. 2. 'Excuse me, sorry, is anyone sitting here?' — Translation: You have 3 seconds to move your bag before I get really annoyed. 3. 'Not to worry.' — Translation: I will never forget this! 4. Saying 'Sorry' as a way of introducing yourself. 5. 'Bit wet out there.' — Translation: You're going to need a snorkel because it's absolutely pissing it down out there! 6. Ending an email with 'Thanks'. — Translation: I'm perilously close to losing my temper! 7. 'Right then, I really should start to think about possibly making a move.' — Translation: Bye! 8. 'It's fine.' — Translation: It really couldn't get any worse, but it probably will do... 9. 'Perfect.' — Translation: Well that's ruined then! 10. 'A bit of a pickle.' — Translation: A catastrophically bad situation with potentially fatal consequences. 11: 'Not too bad, actually.' — Translation: I'm probably the happiest I've ever been. 12. 'Honestly, it doesn't matter.' — Translation: Nothing has ever mattered more than this. 13. 'You've caught the sun.' — Translation: You look like you've been swimming in a volcano. 14. 'That's certainly one way of looking at it.' — Translation: That's certainly the wrong way of looking at it. 15. Saying 'I have the 5p if it helps.' and never knowing if it ever does help. 16. 'If you say so.' — Translation: I'm afraid that what you're saying is the height of idiocy. 17. 'With all due respect...' — Translation: You have absolutely no idea what you're talking about. 18. Saying 'You're welcome' as quietly as possible to people that don't say thank you, but using it as a form of punishment. 19. Meanings of 'I beg your pardon' — Translation: a) I didn't hear you; b) I apologise; c) What you're saying is making me absolutely livid! 20. 'It could be worse.' — Translation: It couldn't possibly be any worse. 21. 'Each to their own.' — Translation: You're wrong, but never mind. 22. 'Pop around anytime.' — Translation: Please stay away from my house. 23. 'I'm just popping out for lunch, does anyone else want anything?' — Translation: I'm getting my own lunch now, please don't ask me to get you anything! 24. Saying: 'I might get some cash out, actually', despite approaching the cash machine and being 100% certain of getting some cash out. 25. 'No, no, honestly it was my fault.' — Translation: It was absolutely your fault and we both know it! 26. 'No, yeah, that's very interesting!' — Translation: You are boring me to death! 27. 'No harm done.' — Translation: You have ruined everything! 28. 'Just whenever you get a minute...' — Translation: Now! 29. 'I'm sure it'll be fine.' — Translation: I fully expect the situation to deteriorate rapidly! 30. 'Sorry, I think you might have dropped something...' — Translation: You have definitely dropped that specific item! ...