Speaking in a flat British accent has everything to do with food
Ricky Gervais gives an online explanation of British slang words, meaning words that are used very informally. And what do you know? A significant portion of those words have to do with food and drink. Wait, what?
Actor Ricky Gervais is known as a stand-up comedian and for series such as The Office and Afterlife, but also for his outspoken presentation of the Golden Globes, where he made a fool of everyone in attendance. For the American men’s magazine Vanity Fair, he gives an online lesson in English expressions. Well, well: many of those expressions have to do with the pub and pub food.
Something irritating
Bevvy is a word for a drink. Makes sense—it’s short for ‘beverage’. By the way, it doesn’t have to be alcohol; it can also be a cup of tea. Cheesed off—had you ever heard that expression? You could translate it as ‘being completely fed up’ or being irritated about something, so it has nothing to do with cheese. Ricky gives an example: if you go to a restaurant and the other table is too close to yours, then you’re cheesed off.
George Clooney
Another one: dishy. Attractive, according to Ricky. ‘A woman who sees George Clooney on television can say: ‘I like him, he’s dishy.’ It probably comes from the culinary world. ‘What a beautiful plate of food, the food looks delicious, something like that,’ he says. ‘You’re actually comparing George Clooney to a large plate of pasta.’ And why do we actually say cheers when saying goodbye? Does that have anything to do with making a toast with your drink?
Ricky in the pub
Does Ricky himself spend so much time with his mates in the pub? Not really, especially during this lockdown. He enjoys an IPA from time to time, and he eats one hundred percent vegan, because he is an animal-rights advocate. Vegan, but not necessarily healthy, because he loves fried food with as many carbohydrates as possible.
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Photo: Vanity Fair
