The English We Speak: -coded

The English We Speak: -coded

Author: BBC Radio November 10, 2025 Duration: 2:59

Eating beans and chips for dinner is very student-coded. Learn a different meaning of the word 'coded'.

FIND A TRANSCRIPT: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2025/ep-251103

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus

LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ Learning English Grammar ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ Learning English Stories

They're all available by searching in your podcast app.


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
Tread on someone's toes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:34
It can be annoying when someone does something you were supposed to do.
Mental gymnastics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:30
How do we talk about complicated tasks done by your brain?
Call dibs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:14
If you want to get the last slice of pizza, what can you say?
Run for the hills [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:03
What makes you want to run for the hills?
Each to their own [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:40
How do you feel when someone does something that you would never do, but it's OK?
Fill your boots [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:57
If you are presented with an opportunity, how can you tell some to take advantage?
Join the club [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01
How to tell someone that the bad situation they are experiencing is the same as yours.
Go with the flow [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:16
Learn a phrase to say that you are happy to do what other want to do
Cakeism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:07
Learn a phrase about wanting to have two good things at the same time.
Drip feed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:02
Learn a phrase about giving information little by little.