A look at common British polite phrases and the blunt meanings that often lie behind them.
In this article
Discover the intriguing world of communication as we explore the phrases and expressions that encapsulate things British people say.
Keep reading to unveil the hidden meanings and cultural intricacies behind the British English language, a journey to shed light on the art of British communication. As an audio and video localisation agency, interpreting the truth behind British niceties is our daily job. So, contact us if you need help not being lost in translation in your audiovisual projects.
The Truth Behind Everyday Things British People Say
From "not bad" to "quite good", how does the trait of being polite stop us from saying what we mean?
Ever been told by a new neighbour "You must come for dinner", then spent weeks waiting for a follow-up invitation that never arrives? Or been thrilled when the boss said he'd bear your "very interesting" idea in mind, only to be surprised when it was never mentioned again?
Then you've been a victim of the uniquely British trait of being too prim and polite to say what we really mean. And if it can be baffling for us, imagine what it must be like for foreigners who take our every word at face value.
A "niceties translation table" that became a massive hit online captures the gap between what Brits say and what they mean:
| What a British person says | What they really mean |
|---|---|
| With the greatest respect… | I think you are an idiot. |
| I hear what you say | I disagree and do not want to discuss it further |
| That is a very brave proposal | You are insane |
| Leave it with me | Hell will freeze over before a solution is found |
| When you get a minute | Do this immediately |
| Let's keep in touch | I never want to see or hear from you again |
The chart, posted on numerous blogs, has received thousands of comments acknowledging that it's spot on, from foreigners and Britons alike.
New York-based Joanne Goddard, in her blog A Cup of Jo, says her English father often left her baffled:
When we were in high school, my sister asked him if she could drive to Detroit with her boyfriend to see a band. He said, "I'd rather you not." She went anyway. When he got mad later, she was confused: "But you never said I couldn't go".
— Joanne Goddard
The origins of the table remain undisclosed, although speculation suggests a Dutch firm crafted it several years ago as a lighthearted aid for executives working in the UK. Since then, online contributors have enthusiastically shared their own translations. Pam Burton humorously noted that "Leave it with me" often means "Hell will freeze over before a solution is found"; another contributor said "When you get a minute" really means "Do this immediately"; and a third pointed out that "Let's keep in touch" can subtly imply "I never want to see or hear from you again".
Peter Atkin shared a personal anecdote:
While attempting to explain to a French company why their seemingly excellent letter of recommendation would essentially damn me to the deepest pit of hell in the eyes of any English company, I came across this article.
Ultimately, the prevalence of politeness and the avoidance of confrontation underlie these linguistic subtleties, sometimes leading to awkward situations. Not all British individuals communicate this way, of course. The British are renowned masters of understatement, and whether this annoys or intrigues you, it contributes to the cultural quirks that make life abroad or an accurate audiovisual translation a tad more challenging.
Politeness in Cross-Cultural Communication
Being polite and courteous is integral to effective communication and to being responsible global citizens. In our daily interactions, manners are the most common way of expressing politeness across situations and age groups.
But do we overuse phrases such as "Please" and "Thank you"? And when we use them abroad, are we really as polite as we perceive ourselves to be?
In the UK, "Thank you" is ubiquitous, from children thanking parents to strangers thanking each other for small gestures like holding doors, and even passengers thanking bus drivers. Not saying it might be considered rude. But this is not universal:
- In Spain, "Thank you" remains common but is less expected, giving it more significance when spoken. It's not deemed necessary in many situations where Brits would use it.
- In Sweden, "Tack" serves as both "Please" and "Thank you", reflecting the politeness of the Swedish language.
Apologising is also a common British trait, which diminishes the word's impact over time, even when the speaker is not at fault. While manners and politeness are crucial in languages worldwide, customs vary, and excessive use of polite phrases can ironically dilute their intended effect.
Audio and Video Localisation Services
Making simplistic binary language comparisons without considering context can inadvertently cultivate imbalanced opinions, potentially fuelling resentment. That's worth keeping in mind when localising audiovisual content too.
It is essential to remember that, despite their unique communication style, British people are equally capable of fairness, honesty and trustworthiness, just like anyone else. Let us avoid hasty judgments based solely on things British people say, and strive to grasp the complete picture before drawing conclusions, particularly when translating.
Need help making your content land naturally with British or international audiences? Get a quote and our language specialists will help you avoid being lost in translation.
