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! ...

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  • Honestly I don't know it is correct or not. I think it will differ to everyone understanding. And it is your rights also to define it by your opinion.

    By the way thanks for these information.

  • Dinner time......... Why don`t you guys join me in Dinner...I hope you guys know what I meant By "Why don`t you guys join me in Dinner"
     

  • Mr.Jeffery and Miss Anne (I may not answer the whole Thing you wrote but ........)
    My intend to share this post is to make people aware,JUST SIMPLY what British says and What they mean In some specific situation,It has nothing to do with their culture...Honestly It was copy past Again The main aim was to share this people to make them understand English Properly and correctly....
     
    Miss Lady Anne 
    As you and so I belong to a society where people say what they meant and What they mean They just say that,But some languages which exist in our society has their own Beauty and charming,The they way they really are...
    Never mind I will not ask you back What did you meant by "Your blog is very informative" lol 

    O Rajib..You are welcome Dude :)
    Afro,You are most welcome too....

    Thanks for your positive response

  • Interesting! I really meant it, has no any hidden meaning..lol

  • That's excellent ! It is very informative. 

  • I think it's their way of saying the opposite in a nice way because more often than not, saying something straight or right in front of the face of a person can be offensive or hurtful for him.

    Reading your blog made me think that British people were truly a diplomatic people.  I think this has something to do with the monarchial governance of your state.

    Likewise, saying those words with inverse meaning is not very common in rural areas where people say "YES" when they mean yes, and "NO" when they really mean no.  My country is not 100% following this "diplomatic approach" of conversation.  Simple people tend to simplify their way of living by simple answers.

    If someone is used to this kind of conversation, it will not look very disrespectful.  I prefer the straightforward kind of conversation.

    So if I say "Your blog is very informative", does it mean the opposite way?  Oh, look at the confusion that it brought about, hahaha!

    Thanks for bringing up this topic, Elmaz!

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