Shut up

Shut up

Author: BBC Radio October 1, 2012 Duration: 3:34

Li and Rosie look at an expression which can be rude or jokey. Be careful how you use it!


Produced by BBC Radio, Learning English Conversations is a practical companion for anyone navigating the nuances of a new language. This podcast moves beyond textbook grammar to focus on the living language you hear in the streets, offices, and cafes. Each episode delves into everyday expressions and authentic dialogues, breaking down how English is actually spoken in casual and professional settings. A regular highlight is the popular segment 'The English We Speak,' which unpacks a new piece of slang, idiom, or useful phrase every week, giving you the confidence to use it yourself. The series also features special deep-dive collections tackling specific challenges, such as the 'Beating Speaking Anxiety' series, which offers strategies to overcome the common fear of making mistakes in conversation. The tone is supportive and clear, prioritizing real-world application over theory. By listening, you gain access to the rhythms, shortcuts, and cultural context that make conversations flow more naturally. Tune in for a direct, accessible route to feeling more at ease and capable in your English speaking and listening journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 802

Learning English Conversations
Podcast Episodes
The English We Speak: Don't get me wrong! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases. In this edition of The English We Speak, Li finds Neil's cat 'just a bit surprising' and teaches us a useful phrase to prevent people taking offence at so…
The English We Speak: Dragon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases. This week's programme looks at the meaning of the word 'Dragon'.
The English We Speak: Easy Tiger! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:54
In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases. This week's programme looks at the phrase 'Easy tiger!'.
The English We Speak: Stuffed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases. This week's programme looks at the words 'stuff' and 'stuffed'.
The English We Speak: Bubbly [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:03
In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases. This week's programme looks at the word 'bubbly'.
The English We Speak: All the trimmings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases. This week we talk about Christmas and the phrase 'all the trimmings'.
The English We Speak: Cheesy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:55
In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases. This week's programme looks at new meanings of the word 'cheesy'.
The English We Speak: Work for peanuts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:17
In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases. This week's programme looks at the phrase 'work for peanuts'.
The English We Speak: Sinking Feeling [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:15
In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases. This week's programme looks at the phrase 'sinking feeling'.
The English We Speak: Head over Heels [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:25
In this series you can learn authentic English words and phrases. This week's programme looks at the phrase 'head over heels'.