The Chewsday Chats: Learn British English

We ho ho ho'pe you're excited - as it's the Christmas Special! What does Christmas mean to Chris? Is there anything James really does not like about the festive period?  Then in the Christmas Quiz, can you guess the country that spends the 25th December at KFC, and another where you will find pickles hanging on Christmas trees? Want to chat? Email us at thechewsdaychats@gmail.com...Notes to follow :)

Chris & James are back to discuss the UK class system. Are they 'geezers' or 'chaps'? What's the difference between people in the middle classes vs the upper classes? And, most importantly, has Chris ever worn red trousers? Plus we answer your questions in this week's Chewsday Chats...Email us at thechewsdaychats@gmail.com...Episode: Key WordsPart OneLaddish (adj, informal): a male person of any age from early boyhoodHot toddie (noun): a usually hot drink consisting of liquor (such as rum), water, sugar, and spicesPosh (adj, british): someone or something that is expensive and elegant, typical of or intended for the upper classes Posho (noun, informal): a person deemed post (see above)Dress down (verb): to dress casually especially for reasons of fashionDress up (verb):to attire in best or formal clothesAdulthood (noun): of, relating to, intended for, or befitting adultsBygone (adj): pastSocial mobility (noun): to gain a higher social positionFreudian slip (noun):  a slip of the tongue that is motivated by and reveals some unconscious aspect of the mindCockney (adj, British): a native of London and especially of the East End of LondonScuttle off (phrasal verb): to move in or as if in a brisk paceGeezer (British, informal): manTrotter (noun): the foot of a pigBachelor (noun): an unmarried man Vexed (adj): feeling or showing irritation, annoyance, or distressPart TwoBoarding school (noun): a school where students sleep onsite Fly the nest (expression): to leave one's family homeYou call a spade a spade (idiom): to tell the truth as you see it, with directnessPartial to something (expression): like somethingMinutiae (noun): minor detailPart ThreeBuzzing (adj, British, informal): excited, happy Chuffed to bits (expression): happy or overjoyed Legend (noun, British, informal): a good personA good egg (noun, British, informal): a good personTosser (noun, British, slang, vulgar) : used to insult a person, describe a person as bad A bad egg (noun, British): a bad personMate (noun, British, informal): often used as a familiar form of address, friend/buddy Old Chap (noun, British): often used as a familiar form of address, friend/buddy Beavering away (phrasal verb): working hard Galavanting (verb, informal): to travel, roam, or move about for pleasureDelve (verb): to dig or labor with or as if with a spadeTara (interjection): goodbye

This week Chris and James discuss fighting! Is Chris argumentative or easy going? And does James ever fight about the where to go for a beer? Plus, what the hell is a 'barney'? Find out in this week's Chewsday Chats.--Have a question or thought? Email us at thechewsdaychats@gmail.com--*notes to follow*

Today James & Chris are reunited to discuss crime! Why was James "arrested" in Japan? What crime did Chris commit as a child? Is it really illegal to be drunk in a pub? Find out all the answers in this week's Chewsday Chats!... Have a question? Email theChewsdaychats@gmail.com.Key expressions below -->.Part One:Galavant (verb): to roam or travel for pleasureRight up one's street (idiom, British, informal): well suited to one's tastes, interests, or abilities.Star-studded (adjective): featuring a number of famous people, especially actors or sports players.Rough and ready (phrase): crude but effective.Clincher (adjective): a fact, argument, or event that settles a matter conclusively.String (something) out (phrasal verb): prolong something.Where there's a will, there's a way (proverb): determination will overcome any obstacle.Chuck (something) out (phrasal verb): to throw something awayAccomplice (noun): a person who helps another commit a crime.To open Pandora's box (idiom): to cause many troubles and problems.Jaywalk (verb, American): cross or walk in the street or road unlawfully or without regard for approaching traffic.To do time (expression): to be in a prison for a period of time.Pop (verb, British): to put or take something quickly Infamous (adjective): well known for some bad quality or deed.Abuzz (adjective): filled with noise or activities.Bollocks (adjective, British, vulgar slang): used to express contempt, annoyance, or defiance.Scot-free (adjective): without suffering any punishment or injury.Part Two:Yonks (noun, British, informal): a very long time.Kick off (phrasal verb, British): become very angry; suddenly start an argument or fight.Pull a fast one (phrase, informal): try to gain an unfair advantage.Chirpy (adjective): cheerful and lively.Queue (noun, British): a line or sequence of people or vehicles awaiting their turn to be attended to or to proceed.Part Three:Thick as thieves (idiom): to be intimate or close to someone"George and James are thick as thieves - they are always hanging out"Caught red handed (idiom): caught in the action of doing something wrong."If I saw you stealing, I would have caught you red handed"Long Johns (noun): underwear with closely fitted legs that extend to the wearer's ankles, often with a long-sleeved top.Splash out (phrasal verb, informal, British): spend money freely.Jam tomorrow (expression): used to signal a never-fulfilled promise.

This week Chris talks discusses working remotely and the importance of having a work-life balance. We find out whether Chris enjoyed his time waitering at a local pizza restaurant. We also hear about the approach in Portugal to working remotely and getting that balance right. At the end you'll learn some tasty new idioms before we answer YOUR questions. Do you wanna chat? email us at thechewsdaychats@gmail.com  Part One:Work-life balance (noun): the division of one's time and focus between working and family or leisure activitiesImplement (verb): put (a decision, plan, agreement, etc.) into effect News bulletin (noun): a short radio or television broadcast of news report Bus boy (American, noun): a young man who clears tables in a restaurant or cafe (a commis waiter in the UK).To take someone to one side (phrase): speak to someone in private, especially so as to advise or warn them about somethingTime to kill (idiom): to have nothing to do for a particular periodTenacious (adj) : a desire to achieve or be successful (determined) No leg to stand on (idiom):  to have no support for what one thinks, says, or does Part Two:Comprehend (verb): to understandRequire (verb): to order someone to do something, especially due to a law or ruleRelief (noun):  a feeling of happiness that something unpleasant has endedDisconnect (verb): to take a break from something (such as work or screen time)Expenses (noun): money that you can spend when doing your jobQuiz (True or False)1. The new law will make it illegal for employers to contact workers outside of official working hours True2. The new law was created in order to protect workers in the Portuguese government False: (it was created by the Portuguese government in order to protect remote workers)3. A document states that workers that work during the night should work for at least 11 hours False: it states that workers need to have at least 11 uninterrupted hours of work during the night  4. Employers will have to pay for some of their employees expenses according to the law  True5. The law was voted on by the European parliament following a recent 'Right to Disconnect' law. False: The law follows a vote in the European parliament but was created by the Portuguese government Bear in mind (phrase): remember a fact or circumstance and take it into account Part Three:To corner the market (idiom): to dominate a particular area of the market "Amazon more or less corners the online retailing market"To raise the bar (idiom): to set the highest standard"iPhone raised the bar for iPhone makers"

Many people are on strike across the UK right now. This ranges from workers at airlines, to train drivers. Is this understandable or simply selfish? We hear what James and the general public think about this. In Part 2 we test your listening skills with a quiz before finishing with the crowd-pleaser Idiom of the Week ! What do you think about today's topic of striking?  What do you think about the new format of the pod? Tell us at thechewsdaychats@gmail.comPart One Strike (noun):  a refusal to work organized by a body of employees as a form of protest, typically in an attempt to gain a concession or concessions from their employer.  Disruption (noun): a situation in which it is difficult for something to continue in the normal way.Disrupt (verb) - see above.To down tools (idiom): to stop working, usually to strikeBacklash (noun):  a strong negative reaction by a large number of people, especially to a social or political development.Push against (something) (phrasal verb): To put constant forceful pressure on someone or something.  Commuter (noun): a person who travels for work.On board (with something) (Phrasal verb): In agreement with; ready or willing to participateCost of living (phrase): the cost of everyday life.Impact (verb):to affect something.Drive (someone) to do something (verb): to force people to do something.Side closer (with someone/something): to agree or support one person or thing more. Knock-on effect (noun):  something (such as a process, action, or event) that causes other things to happen. Domino effect (noun):  the situation in which one event causes a series of related events, one following another.  Selfless (adj): unselfishPart TwoRubbish (informal, British): bad  Quiz:1. True. Following a disagreement with British Airways, staff at Heathrow voted in favour of a strike.2. False. Their salaries were cut at the height of the pandemic.3. False. The strike is set to take place during the summer holidays.4. True. Unions have pointed out that the bonus offered is one-off payment for this year only.5. Not given. We are only told that the company owns British Airways.Part Three Strike whilst the iron is hot (idiom): take advantage of an opportunity whist it exists (do not wait)."There are lots of fish in the river today! Let's strike whilst the iron is hot!"Perpetually (adverb): constantly Petrichor (noun):  a pleasant smell that frequently accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm, dry weather.  Chock-a-block (informal, British, adj):  crammed full of people or things. 

Calling all Chewsday Chatters...we're back and ready to talk!Have you ever taken a phone call in English? How about an awkward phone call from your boss? Today we tackle some tricky conversations, and share some useful phone phrases!  Want a question answered? Ask us at thechewsdaychats@gmail.comKey Vocabulary BELOWPart One...Dabble (verb): to work or involve oneself superficially or intermittently especially in a secondary activity or interestChubby (adjective): plump and roundedOstracised (verb): exclude from a society or group(a) bargain (noun): a thing bought or offered for sale much more cheaply than is usual or expected Sold down the river/ lead down the garden path (idioms): to be deceived To be had (idiom; informal; British): to be tricked or connedOn the edge of one's seat (idiom): very excited and giving one's full attention to something.On edge (phrase): tense, nervous, or irritableTo bring up / to be brought up (phrasal verb): to bring (a person) to maturity through nurturing care and educationDitch (someone) (verb): abandon Scammer (noun): a person who commits fraud or participates in a dishonest schemeWind up (phrasal verb; British; informal): If you wind someone up, you deliberately say things which annoy themWind down (phrasal verb; British; informal): (of a person) relax after stress or excitementTo cheese (someone) off (phrasal verb; British; informal): to annoy someonePart Two (Worst situations over the phone)...To plug away (at something): to continue doing something even though it is difficult or boring These things happen (phrase): used for telling someone not to be upset about something unpleasant that has happened or something bad that they have done Put off (something) (phrasal verb): to delay doing something, especially because you do not want to do itI didn't catch (something)(idiom): means that you heard and understood part, but not all that was being spoken  Could you repeat that? (expression): A polite way to ask for repetition   Head (somewhere) (verb): go in a particular direction  Cut out (phrasal verb): used to mean the sound temporarily drops or the signal goes entirelyLoud and clear (collocation): used to signal one can clearly hear the speakerWet behind the ears (idiom): lacking maturity, naïve Go ahead (phrasal verb): proceedCan I leave a message (expression): a useful way to ask someone to share a message with another person Part 3 (Idiom of the week)...To have a word with someone (idiom): to talk to someone about something you are not happy with"I am going to have a word with him about his kid's behavour!"To  talk someone into doing something (idiom): to persuade someone to do something"I walked into the phone shop determined to buy an iPhone, but then the shop worker talked me into buying a Xiaomi phone!"

In today's episode we welcome a new friend of the pod, Lewis. We discuss the key differences between English in the North vs the South of England. Who's friendlier? Which accent is the most (and least attractive? Perhaps most importantly though, we quiz Chris to find out if he's really a Northerner or Southerner, with surprising results…Notes Below→Part One: (English) Riviera (noun): a coastal region with a subtropical climate and vegetationQuid (noun, informal): one pound sterling (GBP)Southern Fairies (noun, informal):  Someone from southern England, stereotyped as soft and pretentious.Hard (British, informal, adj): (of a person) not showing any signs of weakness; toughNorthern Monkeys (noun, informal):  Someone from northern England, stereotyped as uncouth and uncivilized.Alright, luv? (British, informal, expression): A common greeting, particularly heard in the North of England; equivalent to ‘hello, how are you?’Eyup (informal, British, expression): A common greeting, particularly heard in the North of the England; equivalent to ‘hello’Long weekend (noun): a holiday period that includes one or more of the days preceding or following a weekend, in addition to the Saturday and SundayGeordie (British, informal, noun): a person from Tyneside in the north-east of England, e.g., NewcastleScouser (British, informal, noun): a person from LiverpoolLiverpudlian (noun): a native of LiverpoolCockney (noun): a native of East London, traditionally one born within hearing of Bow BellsMockney (British, informal, noun): a form of speech regarded as an affected imitation of cockney in accent and vocabularyBrummie (British, informal, noun): a person from BirminghamBlushing (verb): red in the face from shyness, embarrassment, or shameEmulate (verb): imitate, copyI'm gannin yem (Newcastle, informal, expression): ‘I’m going home’To put it on (British, informal, expression): to please or playfully deceive someoneBloody (British, informal, verb): used to express anger, annoyance, or shock, or simply for emphasis; ‘very’To nail it (idiom): expression used to comment on the successful, skillful, or clever completion or performance of something. Part Two: What is Chris?Giraffe (noun)Book (noun)Demand (noun)Photograph (noun)Example (noun)Slander (verb)Definitive (adj)Part Three: Idiom of the weekSpeak the same language (idiom): to share the same beliefs, ideas and opinions“Despite the supposed North-South cultural divide, most people in England speak the same language”.Mince one’s words (idiom): to speak bluntly and directly, without regard for someone else’s feelings. “Your wife really doesn’t mince her words! Is my haircut really that bad?!”In plain English (idiom): In clear, straightforward, and uncomplicated English.“Stop overcomplicating these idioms, and explain the meanings in plain English!”Picturesque (adj): of a place or building) visually attractive, especially in a quaint or charming way.A blast (informal, noun): an enjoyable experienceA ball (informal, noun): an enjoyable experience***A special thanks to Lewis for joining us for today’s episode. Go check him out Instagram at @englishwithlewis ***Want to ask some questions? Email us at thechewsdaychats@gmail.com 

What do Chris & James enjoy about solo travelling? What are the best countries you can visit by yourself? What's the difference between a khaze and a commode? All shall be revealed in this week's Chewsday Chats!Learn lots of commonly used vocab by following along with the notes below.You can also now email us at thechewsdaychats@gmail.comEpisode Notes:Part oneGorgeous  (adj): beautiful; very attractiveI'll say! (informal, expression): used to indicate one completely agrees with what has just been saidAffair (noun): a sexual relationship between two people, one or both of whom are married to someone elsePro (noun): an advantage or argument in favour of somethingCon (noun): an disadvantage or argument in favour of somethingPotter (verb): move or go in a casual wayReminisce (verb): indulge in enjoyable recollection of past eventsOn the road (phrase): on a long journey or series of journeysTedious (adjective): too long, slow, and/or boringPiss poor (British, expression): terribleDoorstop (noun): an object which opens a doorOff the beaten track (idiom): in or into an isolated, less visited placeA different kettle of fish (idiom): If you say that something is a different kettle of fish, you mean that it is very different from another related thing that you are talking about.Bucket list (informal, noun): a number of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime Part twoGive (someone) a hand (phrase): to help someone in an action or enterpriseBuggy (American, informal, noun): a shopping cart/ trolleyTrolley (British, noun): shopping cartCammode (American, informal, noun): toilet/bathroomPopping / to pop (British, informal, verb): to go somewhere suddenly or for a short period of timeKhazi (British slang, noun): toiletDoohickey (American, informal, noun): a small object or gadget, especially one whose precise name the speaker cannot recallThingy (British, slang, noun): a small object or gadget, especially one whose precise name the speaker cannot recallWhatdoyoucallit (British, informal, noun): a small object or gadget, especially one whose precise name the speaker cannot recallIcky (informal, noun): nasty or unpleasant Part three To miss the boat (idiom): to fail to take advantage of an opportunity"he didn't get his application in earlier, so he missed the boat!" To jump on the bandwagon (idiom): to join others in doing something that is fashionable or going to be successful"this hotel used to be so quiet, but it seems like everyone is jumping on the bandwagon and now it's too busy!" Sticky toffee pudding: a delicious (but sweet) dessertNondescript (adjective): lacking distinctive featuresCrumbly (adjective): consisting of or easily breaking into small fragmentsApple crumble: another delicious dessertCustard: a dessert or sweet sauce made with milk and eggs, or milk and a proprietary powder***Join the fun! Email us at thechewsdaychats@gmail.comCheers,C&J

Would you rather push a person onto a train or sniff their armpits? Would you rather be a professional apologiser or mourner? In this episode of the Chewsday Chats we explore the world of weird work! Lots of new words and expressions can be found in the notes below -->Get in touch with us: thechewsdaychats@gmail.comPart Oneworkaholic (adj): a person who compulsively works excessively hard and long hoursknuckle down (phrasal verb) :apply oneself seriously to a taskswings and roundabouts (idiom): two choices or situations are basically the same because they have an equal number of advantages and disadvantages wacky (adj, informal): funny or amusing in a slightly odd or peculiar waya pretty penny (expression, British): very expensive  Wetherspoons (British, noun): a well-known, budget British pub chainClientele (noun): clients collectively Karen (noun, slang): a pejorative term for a white woman perceived as entitled or demanding beyond the scope of what is normal.Part Two:queue (verb, British): to wait in a line of people or vehicles beef (noun, London slang): an argument or fightargy bargy (expression, informal, British): a noisy  argument or fightbetween a rock and a hard place (idiom): to be forced to choose between two bad optionspop something (somewhere) (verb, informal, British): to put something quickly into something elsemourn (verb): feel or show sorrow for the death of (someone)Part Three:Snowed under (idiom): to be inundated with work or study Pull one's socks up (idiom): make an effort to improve one's work, performance, or behaviour

What makes the Scottish different? Can James even understand Scottish English? In this episode, Chris & James chat all things Scotland and help you navigate the land of tartan kilts and bright orange fizzy drinks.Part OneBloody hell (informal, British): used to express anger, annoyance, or shockLoch (noun, Scottish): a lakeScenic (adj): relating to views of impressive or beautiful natural sceneryStrenuous (adj): requiring or using great effort or exertionToddler (noun): a young child who is just beginning to walkIrn Bru (noun): the best drink on earth (if you ask a Scottish person)Florescent (adj): vividly colourfulOch aye (expression, Scottish): Oh yesPart TwoGonnae (verb, Scottish): going toCannae - Can't (verb, Scottish): can'tI dinnae ken (Scottish): I don't knowYou're just a wee bairn (expression, Scottish): you're a small childWee (adj, Scottish): smallYer bum's oot the windae (expression, Scottish): you are lying or exaggeratingYer oot yer face (expression, Scottish): You're out of your face, meaning you are very intoxicatedMa heid's mince (expression, Scottish): my head is mince, meaning I am confusedPart ThreeRight up one's street (idiom): something that appeals to someone"I love a bit of whiskey, so I'm sure Scotland will be right up my street!"Running on fumes (idiom): to continue to do something even if you are extremely tired or lacking in enthusiasm"When I got to the top of Ben Nevis, I was running on fumes and I needed to have a rest."

What do British people really think of the royal family? Is the UK monarchy the richest in the world? Does the queen own all of the country's swans? And, perhaps most importantly, which football team does the Queen support? As we head towards the Queen's 70-year Platinum Anniversary, we talk all things regal.*apologies in advance for the issues with the sound quality in this episode*

In today's episode we welcome a very special guest onto the pod! Ruwa is fluent in four languages already (Arabic, Spanish, Dutch, English) and is currently studying Italian and Japanese too. In this episode we cover the 'magic formula' for language learning, Ruwa's journey to becoming multilingual, the key differences between languages, and lots more!Idiom of the WeekEat my hat (idiom): used to say that something will not happen or cannot be true "I'll eat my hat if it snows today"Take (something) with a pinch of saltRegard something as exaggerated; believe only part of something."Take everything I say with a pinch of salt" (Chris, 2022)

In today's episode we talk about dating in the UK! How best to find true love? What are some cheesy chat-up lines to attract/repel a partner? When will Jonathan pop the question? All this and more in the Chewsday Chats.As always, notes are in the description 📝Part One:(Good/bad) chemistry (slang, noun): relates to feelings between people, especially friends and romantic interestsCan't hear myself think (phrase): you cannot give your attention to anything because there is so much noiseStigma: a mark of shame or discreditMover and shaker (noun): a person who is active or influential in some field of endeavourVicariously (adverb): experienced or realized through imaginative or sympathetic participation in the experience of another One-night stand (informal, noun): a sexual relationship lasting only one nightA fan of someone/something (idiom): To strongly like, appreciate, support, or be interested in someone or something.Part Two:Chat-up line 1: Do you know CPR? I hope so, because you took my breath awayLock eyes (with someone) (idiom): used to say that someone is looking at someone or something and not looking at anything elseChat-up line 2: Excuse me, is your name Google? Because you are everything I am looking forWeirdo (informal, noun): a strange personBadger (someone) (Verb): to harass or annoy persistentlyVexed (adjective): annoyed, frustrated, or worriedChat-up line 3: Excuse me, you can go ahead and cancel that Uber, because I'm trying to pick you up.Chat-up line 4: That looks heavy can I hold it for you... I mean your handBrace for (something) (verb): prepare (oneself) for something difficult or unpleasantClammy (adjective): unpleasantly damp and sticky or slimy to touchNot dig (something) (idiom): to not understand, appreciate or like something Chat-up line 5: So cute together! No, I'm not talking about our dogs...I'm talking about us.Creep out (informal, phrasal verb): give someone an unpleasant feeling of fear or uneaseChat-up line 5: Wow you love dogs? I love dogs! I think we might be the paw-fect match!Part three: Idiom One: Out of (one's) league: In a situation in which one is mismatched with one or more others whose accomplishments, preparedness, or other characteristics are on a significantly higher or lower level than one's own."Your wife is way out of your league"Idiom Two: To pop the question: propose marriage."Jonathon was dating his girlfriend for ten years, so I asked him, "when are you going to pop the question!?"

We discuss everything you need to know before heading to the 'boozer'. What can you do to avoid a hangover?  How can you make sure you keep friends in the UK? Fancy a pint? Listen and learn 🇬🇧🍻Key words below in the description 💁🏻‍♂️💁🏻‍♂️Part One - the process of the pubBoozing  (verb, British, informal): to drink alcohol, especially large quantities  Booze (noun, British, informal): alcoholic drinkTipsy (adj, British, informal): a little drunkBoozer (noun, British, informal): a pubDodgy (adjective, British, informal): suspicious, dishonest, unreliableShall we go for a pint? (phrase, British): common way to invite someone to go drinking Fancy a pint? (phrase, British): common way to invite someone to go drinkingPub crawl (phrase, British, informal): a tour taking in several pubs or drinking placesPub golf: (phrase, British, informal): a tour taking in nine pubs dressed in golfing attireCopious: (adjective): a lot, abundant in supply or quantityAttire (adjective, formal): clothes(to) hop (verb, informal): to go quickly from one place to anotherCraic (adjective, Irish): funRound (noun, British): a set of alcoholic beverages purchased by one person in a group for that complete groupFaux pas (noun): an embarrassing or tactless act or remark in a social situationCheapskate (adjective, British, informal):a miserly personTight (adjective, British, informal):a miserly personStingy (adjective, British, informal):a miserly person(a) night out (collocation, British): an evening spent outside of the home doing something funPart two- Friends down the pubPosh (adjective, British) : elegant, classyHow's things? (phrase, British): an alternative way to say 'how are you?'Gasping (adjective, British, informal): to be desperate to obtain or consume; cravePop (verb, British, informal): to go somewhere (usually suddenly)Spitting feathers (idiom): to feel thirsty / be angryTwist my arm (phrase, British): pressurize someone into doing something that they are reluctant to doOut and about (phrase, British): going to different places Bump into (someone): (phrase, British): If you bump into someone you know, you meet them unexpectedlyPint (568ml UK) (473ml USA): (noun) a measurement of fluidIt's my shout  (Phrase, British): i.e. "it's my turn to buy everyone drinks"Made of money (expression, British): having a lot of moneyHalf arsed (adjective, British): done with little effort or care; incompetent or inadequatePart threeHair of the dog (idiom): An alcoholic drink taken to cure a hangover"I'm feeling terrible, I think it is time for hair of the dog"Drown your sorrows (idiom): Forget one's problems by getting drunk"Let's go down the pub, I need to drown my sorrows"

What's it really like to live in England as a non-native speaker? This week we were delighted to be joined by special guest Heea Park from South Korea! We discuss why it is important experience a different way of life, the pros and cons of staying in a foreign country and we question Heea on her personal experiences of living and studying in London!As always, key words are down below :)Part OneCut-off point (noun): the limit at which something is no longer applicable Alien (adj): unfamiliar and disturbing Perspective (noun): a particular attitude towards or way of regarding something; a point of viewUltra-processed food: food and drink products that have undergone  a lot of specified types of food processingFresh in one's mind (idiom): remembered clearly by onePocket (noun): a small patch of somethingPop (verb, British): go somewhere for a short time, often without noticeAbso-bloody-lutely (adverb, humorous, British): emphatic or humorous form of absolutely Part TwoBits and bobs (phrase, British): an assortment of small items Mandatory (adj): required by law or mandate; compulsoryLovely (adj, British): pleasant or enjoyableRP (initialism, received pronunciation): a way of pronouncing British English that is often considered to be the standard accent Riddled with (something) (expression, British): to be damaged or impaired by somethingPart ThreeTo start from scratch (idiom): to start again,; to begin something completely new"I wasn't happy living in England,. I had no money, no friends, no opportunities so I moved to Spain and started from scratch."To be plain sailing (idiom): easy and without problems"Before I moved to Tokyo I expected it to be difficult and complicated, but when I got there it was plain sailing!"

Which country has created the world's worst cheese? Is cheese actually healthy? And will Chris or James laugh first at the 'brie'lliant jokes in the cheesy joke-athon? All this and more covered in this week's Chewsday Chats.You can slow down the playback speed if it helps with comprehension, and don't forget to check out the vocabulary & key expressions!Key Words & Expressions:Part OneAbomination (noun): a thing that causes disgust or loathingOn a side note (phrase): Parenthetically or incidentally; by the way; in addition to but less important than what was just being discussedTainted by association (verb): If a person or thing is hampered by something bad or undesirable, their status or reputation is harmed because they are associated with it. Chunk (of cheese): a thick, solid piece of somethingMoreish (adj, informal British): so pleasant to eat that one wants more(Something) nut (noun): a person who is excessively interested in or enthusiastic about a specified thing.Part Two (the Cheese-off)Joke 1: What is the BBCs favourite TV channel? The Brie Brie CJoke2 : What do you say to someone who is trying to steal your cheese? That is Na cho cheese!Chortle (verb): laugh in a noisy, gleeful wayJoke 3: What did the cheese say when it looked in the mirror? HalloumiJoke 4: What other kind of music does cheese listen to? R and Brie Joke 5: What did the cheese say to the therapist? I camembert it any longerJoke 6: Why did the chicken cross the road made of cheese? He wanted to feta the other sideClincher (noun): a fact, argument, or event that settles a matter conclusivelyJoke 7: Why didn't the cheese want to get sliced? It had grater plansNip (something) in the bud (phrase): suppress or destroy something at an early stage Part Three (Idiom of the week)Cheesed off (British Informal): to be angry or irritated"I was bloody cheesed off when my flight was cancelled at the last minute!"Like chalk and cheese (British): fundamentally different or incompatible"My friend and I are chalk and cheese, he likes football, whilst I like cooking!"

What type of biscuit goes best with a cuppa? Does the Queen or Sherlock Holmes enjoy Earl Grey tea? Why is tea such a popular drink in the UK? In this week's episode, Chris & James dive into the world of tea drinking.Don't forget to check out the key words below!Part OneBeaver away (phrasal verb, British): to work hardNational treasure (n): an artefact, institution, or public figure regarded as being emblematic of a nation's cultural heritage or identityPosh (adj, informal British): elegant or stylishly luxuriousCuppa (abbreviation): cup of teaDunk (verb): to dip (bread or other food) into a drink or soup before eating it.Knocking about (phrasal verb, British): to spend time with someone or to have something lying around one’s houseNaff (adj, informal British):  lacking in style or good taste Part TwoDubious (adj): suspicious, untrustworthyPartial to [something] (idiom): : liking something or someone very much and usually more than other things or people To live a sheltered life (phrase): to have a life in which you are protected too much and experience very little danger Part ThreeA storm in a teacup (idiom): used to describe when people talk about a small event or problem as if it were a big tragedy“James’ complaints about the wedding cake was a storm in a teacup”As good as a chocolate teapot (idiom): to describe something with no use“Chris, your plan is as good as a chocolate teapot!”

In this week’s episode Chris and James explore how English has borrowed words from languages from all around the world. We ask what is in the water over in South Korea? Plus, Chris is quizzed on the origin of English words: is the ‘noodle’ really from China? Where did shampoo originate? Which language gave us the word alcohol?  All this and more in the Chewsday Chats!Part OnePanache (noun): flamboyant confidence of style or mannerFaux pas (noun): an embarrassing or tactless remark in a social situationButcher [something]: (verb, informal British): to spoil something completely by perfuming or dealing with it very badlySomething in the water (idiom): used to describe when there are many people doing a particular thingExploded (verb): increase suddenly in size, number or extentOut and about (idiom): going to different placesJam-packed (adjective, informal): full of people or things that are pushed closely togetherChock-a-block (adjective, informal British): crammed full of people or thingsPart TwoDerive from (verb): obtain something from (a specified source)Double bluff (noun British): a clever attempt to deceive someone, especially by telling the truth when they think you are telling liesPass away (verb): to go out of existencePinch (verb, informal British): to stealThrow [someone] (verb): to confuse or perplex someoneEgg on one’s face (idiom British informal): to look stupid because of something that has been donePart ThreeSpeak the same language (idiom): to have similar ideas and similar ways of expressing themEx: “me and my friend don’t speak the same language when it comes to politics”Speak someone’s language (idiom): to say something or communicate in a way that aligns with one’s preferences, desires, motivations, etc.Ex: “Shall we go and grab a beer? Oh now you’re speaking my language!”Abso-bloody-lutely (adverb, informal British): informal or humorous form of absolutely

In this week’s (belated) episode, Chris and James discuss all things related to money. Can money really buy you happiness? What purchases have caused the most regret? Why was James allegedly on the front cover of a national newspaper? All this and more are covered in today’s Chewsday Chats! (all today’s vocabulary is listed in running order)Part One Life admin (informal, British): Refers to one's personal day-to-day chores that are of an administrative nature.      Adulting (noun, informal): the practice of behaving in a way characteristic of a responsible adult, especially the accomplishment of mundane but necessary tasks.Befriend: (verb): act as or become a friend to (someone), especially when they are in need of help or support.To hammer home (idiom): To repeatedly emphasise somethingKeep [something] under wraps (idiom, informal): keep something secretFellow (noun, informal, British): a manCombo (noun, informal, American): a combinationHandy (adjective): useful)Fall of one’s chair (idiom): to react with great shock or surpriseSmells fishy (idiom): seems suspiciousCosts a pretty penny (idiom, British): To be very expensiveCost a bomb (idiom, British) To be very expensiveKnock [something] out of the park (idiom, informal, British): to do something much better than someone else, or to be much better than someone or something elsePricey (adjective, informal, British): expensive Part TwoTipsy (adjective, informal, British): slightly drunkGraze (noun): a slight injury where the skin is scraped.Paparazzi (noun): a freelance photographer who pursues celebrities to get photographs of themGutter press (noun, British): derogatory term relating to reporters or newspapers engaging in sensational journalism, especially accounts of the private lives of public figuresLet [someone] off the hook (idiom): to allow someone who has been caught doing something wrong to go unpunishedPinch/nick (verb, informal, British): to steal Quid (noun, informal, British): a pound sterling A kitty (noun): a fund of money for communal useA monkey (noun, informal, British): London Cockney Rhyming Slang for £500A pony (noun, informal, British): London Cockney Rhyming Slang for £25A score (noun, informal, British): £20 Part Three To feel the pinch (idiom): experience hardship, especially financialEx: “I don’t have much work at the moment, so I am starting to feel the pinch!”Frugal (adjective): sparing or economical as regards money or fooBargain-hunting (noun): the act of shopping for items sold at cheap, especially discounted, pricesPenny-pinching (noun): unwilling to spend money, miserlyTo cut one’s losses (idiom): to stop an activity, business, etc., that is failing in order to prevent more losses or damageEx: “I kept losing at the casino, so I decided to cut my losses and head home.” See you next week!