😱 Never Say This!! 10 Words and Expressions Natives Never Say

[@gregjones8412]

I’m native and not much older than you and do say ‘how do you do?’ quite frequently and pretty much every other phrase you mentioned. I think language is more subtle than ‘native speakers never say…’

[@earlyalvarez8703]

Well said!

[@justusv.blutacker4926]

Seems like you are not trendy

[@Pandabirdy]

No one would walk in anywhere and say ‘how do you do’ though. And as he said, it’s especially when you’re being informal too

[@derwalter866]

People rarely use these most of these phrases normally. In my experience, they are mostly used when someone is purposely trying to sound older or mock outdated speech, similar to mocking foreign accents.

[@PkmnRangerOllie]

Though you may say it, it is not the norm. You would be the exception

[@midnightbell8828]

I’m a British native speaker. I use all these words & expressions & hear them often from people both younger & older than me. Believe me, they are all in common usage in spoken English in the UK. If you’re learning English as a foreign language, I wouldn’t waste your time worrying about what one individual thinks are outdated phrases. Just enjoy the language & express yourself however you wish to.

[@MomentViralVideo]

s oyou imagine you are trying to figure out how to speak propperly and you´re indeed a new student. You´´re comment is a very big slice of shitdog

[@carlosmendozanieto1823]

I'm an english speaking spaniard , and I totally agree.

[@frankgradus9474]

Thanks awfully for your comment ! As a learner of English I'm actually hell-bent on using these dated, old-fashioned words, phrases and expressions although I know it, using them, isn't trendy. Can you dig it ?

[@Rabbit-d6z]

Don’t take these natives “never” say series too seriously. He just means from his personal experience these simple words aren't popular. And just cause you used it, nobody is going to think “textbook english”. That's only the mindset of a English teacher. Some natives do use these.

[@earlyalvarez8703]

Well said, I am Native speaker and I do use them all the time...

[@cindystockler5757]

Exactly!

[@garumsey8192]

Er...I think they might think that in some cases. Definitely don't say "trendy". It is really, really uncool. And "How do you do?" sounds pretty weird to me but each to their own. If it's raining a lot I say "It's totally chucking/tipping it down" but "It's raining cats and dogs" will always have a in place in my heart... Definitely too good to lose. Someone on these comments pointed out that Freddie Mercury sings "I'm having a ball". He does indeed, and there's another song that goes "I'm doing fine/On cloud nine" . But that's what the backstage or neglected attic of any language is good for: uncommon or less used expressions you can dust off and put to use when you need a rhyme. Although in fact both these songs are quite old as well....

[@84rinne_moo]

Also maybe he should specify for British English?? Idk but as an American this whole video I was like, “but…ppl say this????”

[@louiscypher4186]

@@84rinne_moo it's British English, but even then there's not set rule, Regionally there's a great deal of diversity in how terms are used. When i lived lived in Yorkshire (3 years ago) literally every man and his dog used the term "i'm fine thanks, how are you/ya"

[@francesmitchell5237]

If you ask Americans, "Are you alright?", we'll think you have reason to think we aren't alright.

[@84rinne_moo]

Lol yesss! I’d be like “does my face look bad or something?” 😂

[@inafridge8573]

Very true. "Are you alright?" = "Is something wrong?". "How are you?" doesnt have any implications

[@Herikeeeee]

I'm not even native and to me it sounds just as you described. I would ask someone that if I saw them stumble into something or anything like that.

[@cesarbravo6697]

The same thing happens in spanish. If someone ask you ¿Estás bien? Then you don' look ok.

[@cogitoe6644]

As I have understood, he meant this as an answer, not quenstion. Like "how are you?" " I am alright" enstead of "I am fine".

[@Dysktm]

‘It’s raining cats and dogs’ is so funny you can never take that away from me greg

[@kalebgames7580]

As a ‘native speaker’ I also find it very funny. I don’t use it pre se but it’s much more common than the alternatives he said imo

[@paulsdomainuk]

You might also enjoy "my dogs are barking!" to say that your feet hurt.

[@BostonBobby1961]

In the USA especially New England area for heavy rain, we might say it’s raining buckets. We have some same expressions but we’ve also turned the language on it’s head here.

[@Bear_the_shepherd]

My mum says it's raining cats and dogs all the time and she's in her 40s

[@laurabentzinger200]

I agree i say this frequently. I even have tennis shoes with this on them,so im going to have to keep this phrase in my repitiore.

[@charlottesimpson8462]

I'm a 24 year old from England and I definitely say "how do you do?" and that I "had a ball", neither of those sound unnatural or old-fashioned at all to me.

[@francissanto12]

I guess it depends where you’re from. Here in Canada no one really says either of those things. My grandparents like to say “had a ball” but english is not their first language.

[@caan74]

I am French and I remember a teacher of English once told us students (that's a long time ago) that "how do you do" means "pleased to meet you" or "enchanté", whereas "how are you" is our "comment allez-vous" or "comment ça va" (which is less formal)

[@DavidWoelkechannel]

never say 'never'. I am a native speaker and often use every one of the phrases highlighted in common conversation.

[@heidimarie1198]

I do too, especially when meeting Bosses of my company. I call it etiquette.

[@ziggarillo]

Yes, English varies regionally and culturally in the UK. My use of English differs from my neighbours because I was born and brought up 20 miles away.

[@jamesmcinnis208]

"How do you do?" said quickly and with a little enthusiasm is a nice greeting. I use it all the time.

[@nctpti2073]

@@ziggarillo This is my biggest problem with this person. He seems to be claiming not only to be speaking for his own region (which he does not even define) but for the entire English speaking world, despite the fact that it is very diverse.

[@ziggarillo]

@@nctpti2073 To be fair I think he intended to represent English as it is spoken in the UK. Even in that regard he fails miserably. He sounds like he come from the North West of England, probably an area called Merseyside. He has quite a soft accent so I can't be sure. The majority of his " Advanced English " would be understood everywhere in the UK but is not all in common usage in the South East of England or elsewhere in the UK. Now London is completely different, there are cultural pockets that use different words and phrases to each other living side by side in the same areas. There are over 180 different first languages spoken in London, consequently the use of English there is very variable.

[@kfardell5898]

Im a Londoner and I use use most of these words and sayings frequently, and hear others doing so as well. I think these are personal to Greg

[@gerona48]

As a native English speaker, I’ve always said that it’s raining cats and dogs. Granted, it’s always seen as a humorous expression with other native English speakers, but it is definitely an expression that is always in use.

[@isabellevince5174]

English language is different depending on region, age and social class. Everything he describes here is in use in England.

[@Jerseybytes2]

I'm in NJ and am looking to move south to south carolina, so contacted a realtor down there to help us find a house. the war of the accents is real :D but funny.

[@8kisinka8]

thanks for reassuring me

[@deanderthal]

And in Texas where I live. Literally every one of them.

[@techguy9023]

@@Jerseybytes2 been there done that- culture shock

[@adolforodolfo6929]

Well, I'm English and, with one exception, I would say that this is accurate, we just don't say these things in everyday conversation. The one I think we do still say is "so so", but not to mean "OK, neither good nor bad", but more euphemistically to imply "not really very good" - so slightly bad.

[@SylviusTheMad]

As a native speaker of Canadian English, I use "moreover" quite regularly. Also, "therein," "albeit," and "aforementioned."

[@nikonijn]

written or spoken...

[@h.calvert3165]

Me, too. As appropriate. The conversation has to be with better-educated persons & has to call for that specific word, of course. 🍁

[@SylviusTheMad]

@@nikonijn I see no reason why the two would call for different vocabulary.

[@heidih3048]

As an American native speaker of English, I also do. I think it has more to do with education in English literature than the location of one's upbringing.

[@nikonijn]

@@SylviusTheMad well i think saying moreover in casual conversation cane come off as a bit stiff,,, but then again im not a native speaker at all! ^^;;

[@bunkle96]

In American spoken English a lot of these are very common - so so and I had a ball especially.

[@cpj5477]

“The reason are because …" oh dear! I’m 73 and when I was 11 years old in Canada, our teacher ( an Australian ) impressed upon us that the construction " the reason is because " is always incorrect. A reason exists on its own and is never " because " of anything. I’ve never forgotten; thanks.

[@Cest_toute_plate]

Drives me crazy when people add more words in an attempt to sound more educated/cultured when in fact, the key to well-spoken and well-written English is to choose fewer, but more precise words to convey thought without loss of meaning (at least compared to say, French. Ever compare side-by-side text translations of English and French? Guaranteed the French will require more space on the page!)

[@richmorris2870]

I’m a native English speaker from Worcester in the English Midlands and we use most of these. Only ‘how do you do’ seems to be the only old fashioned one. I’ve never heard ‘lashing it down’ use ‘cats and dogs’ all the time also ‘so so’. If I was still in school and needed the toilet, I would ask for the toilet. We never say bathroom, that’s American English, we say toilet or loo.

[@ChaniBethyPooPoo]

I feel targeted as a native English speaker for saying things like "so-so" and "it's raining cats and dogs". I also have heard other English speakers currently use these phrases. 😆 Provided, this is more common amongst older generations, and this may be a difference between British and American English. Also, I've never heard "lashing it down" here in America, lol.

[@Henrque123]

I heard someone say a joke about "it's raining cats and dogs" yesterday, I don't think these expressions will disappear

[@kendyll8483]

Same! I also say “I had a ball” and “I’m on cloud nine” and even more than that I say “I’m over the moon”

[@ash.613]

Same. And idk anyone who calls their teachers by their first name here 😂 in college, we call our professors “professor last name” or “dr. last name”

[@ChaniBethyPooPoo]

@@ash.613 Oh really? After high school, I was on a first name basis with all my teachers in college. 🤔

[@ash.613]

@@ChaniBethyPooPoo Maybe depends on school or major but in my program that was not a thing at all 😂

[@alexandrealain]

We use all of these in Arizona. Nothing wrong with coloring your language with old phrases and terms. They're perfectly functional and not a soul will be confused by what you mean.

[@thomasgresham9453]

Old idioms are the bee’s knees.

[@stephenlarson523]

I speak American English, but, was educated using grammar school books from Ginn and Co. in the U.K. I use all of these expressions here in Arizona, and find them used everywhere I go in the English speaking world. "Chucking it down" or "lashing it down" are clearly British English, and I have never heard them used at all, even in the U.K.

[@ziggarillo]

I'm English living in the South East, he comes from the North West, I disagree with everything he said.

[@MsLouisVee]

I disagree also.

[@ash.613]

Chucking and lashing it down are def British sayings bc I’ve never heard those as a native English speaker 😂 I’ve also actually have heard “I’m on cloud nine” and “moreover” a lot actually! Also I’ve only experienced having profs in college wanting us to call them by their last name

[@phenomenologicalOT]

I’m a native speaker of English (I’m Irish actually), and only watching this because it showed up in my recommendations. I have done many language exchanges over the years so have met people who struggle to get English right. But just wanted to say it is obvious that your advice, and this video, is EXCELLENT. Really really impressive. I’ll be passing it on to my Spanish and Italian friends. I don’t know if you’ve done it already but a video on Hiberno-English would be good!

[@SarahBethMac]

American English uses a lot of words and expressions that the British don't use anymore. We're a weird mix of old and modern. Also, in the southern US people have a tendency to speak more formally out of a different mode of courtesy.

[@Hbizzjohnson]

Yea im born and raised in california and all of these expressions seemed fine to me lol maybe not something i say every day or some of them ill say with a sarcastic tone like how do you do but for the most part these are perfectly fine... saying im delighted seems really strange and formal to me lmao

[@staceykeeley4219]

Someone told me once that Americans are responsible for the bastardisation of the English language

[@mudi2000a]

The US people are definitely using the word Sir often. I never heard it from British people.

[@staceykeeley4219]

@@mudi2000a Maybe because when we do say it we really mean it and the recipient is deserving of the use of the word. Whereas the yanks tend to just throw it around willy nilly with no real respect for the word itself.

[@harpharpharpharp1971]

They are also in use in England. This guy talks out of his hat with a weird North of England accent that I don't recommend that you copy.

[@user-rg7ru3lo9w]

As a native English speaker who has lived in the UK for most of my life, I have never heard “chucking” or “lashing it down”. I have definitely heard cats and dogs said by native speakers (normally in a jokey way)

[@danischannel]

" Chuck " is still used in Indian English . Legacy of colonialism I guess

[@yesihavereadit]

Chucking it down is commonly used.

[@yesihavereadit]

Pissing it down, stair rods, cats and dogs.... all used

[@ziggarillo]

I agree, "lashing" is very much a North West England term.

[@wolfzmusic9706]

I've heard chucking and lashing it down. I think chucking it down is more common

[@JP-tt3xq]

A development of "It's raining cats and dogs" that I have occasionally heard is "It's absolutely cats out there!" I don't think that phrase is particularly widespread, but it shows how some old idioms survive by evolving with time.

[@pxn748]

I'm an American, so maybe all these don't apply. But, never is a pretty strong term, I say most of these. In the U.S., "How are you?" answered by "I'm fine thank you" is a ritual set in stone in all but the most casual situation.

[@noun6706]

Me, a native English speaker: "Am I outdated???"

[@jamesmcinnis208]

No. He's just not very bright.

[@84rinne_moo]

At least in American English(but this usage is also listed in the Cambridge English Dictionary), “how do you do?” Is actually more like when you first meet someone. Example: “I’d like to introduce you to our new employee, Greg.” “How do you do, I’m Greg. It’s nice to meet you all.” Perfectly natural. I’m really confused by the alternatives he gives, cause it’s a different meaning. “I’m fine thanks, how are you?” Also sounds perfectly fine and modern to me. Am I missing something here? 😂

[@AlliBaba1234]

American here: the only time you would hear “how do you do?” here is when people are imitating posh or old-fashioned Brits.

[@jamesmcinnis208]

@@AlliBaba1234 You haven't been listening.

[@newgabe09]

yes I agree. 'How do you do' is a 'first time polite' thing to say. I'm quite a slangy/casual speaker but would say that first time I met someone, no problem. I'm also an English teacher and am more likely to teach my students to say 'how are you' because it's easier and more likely be pronounced correctly and confidently

[@clarineric]

I and many people I know use most if not all of these words and phrases very often. If you are learning English, don't be afraid to use these.

[@BoogeyManXX]

Hey yo man chill, I say "it's raining cats and dogs" all the time! I mean, when it's raining. Native-ish NYCer here

[@karensmith2215]

"How do you do?" is still in use as a greeting. The conventional reply is also "how do you do?" If you ask someone how they are you run the risk of them telling you, possibly at some length.

[@magdolyn]

It's like "What's up?" Or "Sup?" in the states. The answer is the same as the question.

[@Pidalin]

In Czech schools, they teach us that only correct answer on "how are you" is "I'm fine, how are you?" So you telling me that someone could start with story about how his dog died and food is more expensive than before and streets are not that safe now or something? 😀 That destroyes all myths we believe about English speakers, teachers say that this is typicaly Czech answer, but native English speaker would never say that. But it's not actually true, even in Czech, I would mostly say something like "not bad" or "it's ok" instead of telling a long story.

[@magdolyn]

@@Pidalin American English native speaker here. What they teach you is correct, if you are talking to someone who isn't a really, really close friend. "How are you?" "I'm fine/good/not bad/doing well/pretty good, and you?" It's like a friendlier version of saying hi, instead of actually along how someone is doing. If someone really wants to know how you're doing, it will be asked with a completely different tone of voice and not said as the greeting. The asker will also typically already know that something not good in your life is already going on. For example, "Hey, I know it's been rough lately. How are you doing?" That's when you can be honest.

[@Pidalin]

@@magdolyn Thank you for reply, so it's exactly as I thought, this works in similar way probably in all langauges. You always hear the difference between someone just politely asking and someone really asking about your life, which, as you said, would be different question.

[@hi-rx6ig]

I will now proceed to say all of these

[@Tysandifer]

I'm 24 and from Mississippi and I literally use all of these every week...

[@robertsen7268]

Hello Greg, I learned (or "learnt"?) English in Germany. Your English pronunciation is much more understandable than the pronunciation of other English teachers who speak more posh. I understand each word, even without subtitles. This is a great video, our teachers at school really taught us things like "it's raining cats and dogs". Good to know that a lot has changed. In Germany we say "es gießt", that means "it's pouring".

[@SegularRpork]

Learned and learnt are both correct. Use whichever you prefer, but I think one is more common in America, the other in Britain.

[@robertsen7268]

@@SegularRpork Thanks.

[@br7418]

More people would say learned but English speakers understand what you are saying either way

[@blotski]

@@br7418 Funny, I'm a native speaker from the UK and I use both learnt and learned more or less interchangeably. I googled it before I wrote this and apparently 'learnt' is more common in the UK and 'learned' in North America. I have noticed though that as American English has totally flooded social media more and more American expressions are being used in the UK by younger people. My son's girlfriend, 20 years old from Essex, to my ears speaks American English with a British English accent. She says 'gotten' and uses a lot of American vocabulary. I heard her say 'ladybug' the other day. I'll give it two more generations and British English will have gone.

[@br7418]

@@blotski yeah I’m from Midwest America learned is much more common but that sucks I do like British accents even if our vocabularies are a bit different it’s fun to listen to

[@sammiller9517]

Brit here and I still like whipping out it's raining cats and dogs every now and then!

[@joelmasamba6762]

Oh my gosh!!! I'm not a native speaker though as i do know more about it i would rather use these words in my everyday speaking coz i wanna sound like a Native speaker

[@AniGrannyOG]

I'm an American native English speaker and I have to say that if someone said to me, "It's raining cats and dogs!" I wouldn't think anything of it. Whereas, if someone told me it was "chucking down" or "lashing down", I would probably have to think for a second before understanding what they're trying to say, as I have never heard these expressions. Obviously, this is a difference between UK English and American English. Don't fret, English learners, all the words and expressions in this video are still totally fine in America 😂 I have been studying Japanese for almost two years now and there have been so many times that I have thought to myself that, while Japanese is vast and definitely takes some time to learn, it's relatively straightforward and I'm seriously grateful that I don't have to learn English. lmao!

[@moonloversheila8238]

‘Chucking it down’ is an expression from the north of England. It’s used a lot in my native Lancashire and also in Yorkshire. My husband, who was from Devon in the south-west of England, never said it. It’s very regional.

[@iaincook5835]

As an indigenous Hampshire man living in Australia, I commonly still say "raining cats and dogs", "having a ball" or "how do you do?". "Don't hesitate to contact me" is common in emails, but not spoken, agreed.

[@dibutler9151]

"Fine, thanks, and you?" Is probably THE most common response in the Southern US. Probably even most of the US. If I'm saying it's raining hard, I would say, "It's comin' a frog strangler," or "It's raining like a cow pissing on a flat rock." Most people learning English NEVER learn the dialects or idioms of 60-70% of America.

[@magdolyn]

My thoughts completely! If someone says anything other than, "Fine thanks, and you?" something's either really wrong or really great, and you're about to hear aaaaaaaaaaall about it, whether you want to or not. For rain, I'll usually go between cats and dogs or just a simple "it's pissing buckets", depending on what kind of company I'm keeping at the time. ETA: I'm a Midwest native that spent 3 years in Kentucky before moving to Switzerland. Taught my German class the word y'all once. It was mindblowing to them. I was like, "Not one of y'all'd ever heard the word y'all before?" Mind blown.

[@Pidalin]

"It's raining like a cow pissing on a flat rock" I wish I could remember that, but it's too long 😀

[@visitingfromsantafe1329]

Never heard those on the west coast. . .

[@likewhaaaat]

Have never heard of those, those must be exclusively Southern. But I agree, "I'm fine, thanks, how are you?" is how I respond to that question if I'm out and about and pass a stranger. It's context.

[@spaceknight793]

@@magdolyn did you encounter "you-uns" (pronouced YOO-ins) the alternative to y'all? or "yourn," meaning yours? If you travel up the Ohio River between Cincinnati and Pittsburgh you'll hear 'yinz" (the up-river version of you'ns).

[@markalliksaar1605]

I was born and raised in Canada and say "how do you do?" all the time.

[@KazAlphaville]

I'm a native Brit and I use these. You can't generalise for the whole English-speaking population.

[@lynnfarmokie7553]

I'm a native English speaker & I say the things you say that people don't say anymore

[@olly5764]

We still use "Raining cats and dogs" round here, still use "On cloud nine" too, but normally when we want to say something beyond "Thrilled" I remember going to College for my apprenticeship, when one of the students called the lecturer "Sir" he replied that he hadn't been knighted!

[@Cest_toute_plate]

Sounds like the lecturer went out of his way to embarrass the student, who IMO was only showing a conventional level of respect in a situation with an unequal power dynamic. I would have felt a bit humiliated in that student's place. If I was still a young student, that is. My middle-aged self would probably confront the teacher after class lol

[@jchow5966]

I am a native english speaker in the usa. I say thiese things on the regular.

[@johnnicholls5344]

If you are in Australia and you are learning English let me tell you no one here says 'It's lashing it down'. Instead some people in Australia might say 'It's pissing down', but it is a pretty vulgar idiom so I would advise against using it. 'It's raining cats and dogs' is probably a bit quaint, but in my opinion, it is totally acceptable and I frankly would be very impressed by any English student who used it. So go right ahead and use it. In Sydney it's been raining cats and dogs for weeks and frankly we are fed up with all the recent heavy rain.

[@casssowary]

Came to say just this! If I was talking to close friends I would say pissing down but my polite alternative would definitely be raining cats and dogs. Never heard of any of the other suggestions he gave. I'm 8 minutes in and so far the only one I don't say is how do you do. The others are all completely normal.

[@johnnicholls5344]

@@casssowary There is a radio announcer on Sydney radio who still says 'how do you do' to guests. It is rather homely sounding when she says it. Not posh at all.

[@boogerandfriends]

Phrases that are indeed still very commonly used: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 A few notes: I have never heard "it's chugging/lashing it down" my entire life. Replacing "cloud 9" with "I'm happy" is very wrong. Could 9 refers to being in love. Many of the "modern" phrases you suggest are considered rude in direct speak. An example is "Sir". It is a term of respect and politeness. In fact, in both the US and Britain this is considered the proper thing to do and exceptional rude to call someone by their first name if you don't know them. While I am American, I have plenty of British friends and watch a lot of modern British television shows. Everyone of of these phrases I hear almost every day, multiple times from both my American and English collaborators and friends. This video is overall a 1 out of a 10 on usefulness as it directly states not to use formal speech when taking politely to people and even suggests a term to replace another term that makes no sense (see above note).

[@chrissont4956]

As a native english speaker (don't ask why im watching as a native speaker) ive never heard "it's chucking it down" or "its lashing it down." also the idioms he said we don't use aaaare used, but taught to really young kids. also in america, dont call your teacher by their first name unless they say you can. it can bee seen as rude. if its a male, say Mister Lastname, and for a female, Miss Lastname or Misses Lastname.

[@kamiixow8345]

Maybe that’s American, in the uk what he says is right. I pretty much always say it’s chucking it down

[@ash.613]

Yes. I just finished college and I only had one professor who was okay with us calling them by their first name. Usually we called them “dr. ____”

[@SarahBethMac]

Once you get past a bachelor's, master's and doctoral professors use first names with students. I think it has to do with teaching someone you consider another adult. I've always let my students use my first name (they get a kick out of it, but very few ever took me up on it) because I've always wanted my students to feel comfortable coming to me with problems. (I'm in Texas.) All of these language tips depend on the formality of the conversation.

[@bradwalton3977]

I am a Canadian and I am pleased to see that our form of English is not nearly so degraded as British English appears to be, according to you.

[@ziggarillo]

His English is totally degraded, he's from the North West, none of what he is saying applies nationwide.

[@bradwalton3977]

@@ziggarillo I am so relieved to hear that.

[@frankgradus9474]

Don't fret, wokery is laying waste to Canada and the language.

[@ryanallison2965]

I am Canadian we use some things he said we don't and we don't use some he said we do. He obviously means his part of the world. Take what he is saying with a grain of salt. As someone who helps people with spoken English I try to be more carful about how I word it. We don't use it here but maybe elsewhere.

[@renan8699]

Thank you for this!

[@annabelleclark8433]

I use these phrases all the time and so do my friends and family… we are all native English speakers

[@lexiedamoose5551]

I'm a midwestern american. Over here, I use the parallel idioms "I had a blast" and "its rainin buckets". I also like the word ecstatic. Its interesting to see how differently you guys speak out east.

[@lilskywalker3738]

“How do you do” was never used to ask after one’s health or well being; it was always used as a very formal way of saying, “nice to meet you”.

[@herrakaarme]

"How do you do", "how are you doing", "how's it going", "what's up", and so forth are confusing for those non-native English speakers who don't have a deep enough understanding of the English small talk. Thus, they could start to explain what has recently happened to them, creating an awkward atmosphere. When such a non-native is travelling in an English speaking country, they really should be aware of this, but when a native English speaker is visiting a country of a different (language) culture, I feel like they themselves should be the one avoiding it, even if they expect their contacts to know English in most civilised countries. So, they should use something like "good day" or "nice to meet you" instead.

[@harpharpharpharp1971]

Well spotted.

[@RHCPolina]

I am from Russia and my brain was able to process the information so that I really understood 90% of the words like if you would talk in russian.. though with subtitles but! actually this is a big level for me. thanks for the info, it was interesting!

[@OggyXXXL]

Why do Russians need English? Will they speak English among themselves in Russia? those who live outside of Russia do not consider it necessary to speak another language, the rest are obliged to understand them even without it

[@RHCPolina]

@@OggyXXXL Because almost no one outside of Russia speaks Russian. To understand and talk to others, we need a different language

[@h.calvert3165]

Here in Canada, we use "How do you do!" all the time when being formally introduced to anyone. We don't use it to ask how someone's health is! It means, I acknowledge my introduction to you, & yours to me. If we are asked, "How are you?", we reply, "Fine, thanks!" even if we have pneumonia. It's understood as a greeting, not an inquiry. Every one of the things you said are never used anymore are used here all the time. As long as a person isn't actually making a mistake, I say let them use any colourful or old-fashioned expression they like. Brings variety to our convos! 👏

[@SIC647]

Thank you for the lesson. 🙂 However, you teach this as if English only has one sociolect and one set of common expressions, while in reality the language is so big, that it has many of them. I know Brits who use "having a ball" in their everyday language. In the USA Southern States Sir and Ma'am are common ect.

[@harpharpharpharp1971]

Interesting. You thank him for the lesson and then tell him what is wrong with it. I agree with you. He not only talks nonsense, he mispronounces the nonsense he talks.

[@ziggarillo]

@@harpharpharpharp1971 You are absolutely right, he is from North West England and seems to think the English language is homogeneous throughout the UK. I'm from the South East and do not agree with anything he said.

[@dionlindsay2]

Your enunciation is so good that when I play your video at 1.5 speed (it's a bit slow for me as a native speaker), everything you say is very easy to hear. That's often not the case with other people's videos - elsewhere any slurring for example is magnified to the extent I can't even make out the sense.

[@lawrencedeleurere4427]

It should be noted that you are teaching one particular dialect. Some of the words and phrases that you use sound very strange to my particular dialect (Appalachian English) I've never heard of "It's lashing" or "It's chucking" as an example, but do hear 'It's raining cats and dogs' though "It's pouring" is probably the most common thing. Other differences are that so-so is completely acceptable, but the modern usage of "Meh" is increasingly popular. "OK" is probably most commonly heard. If you were to say "I'm delighted" here, we'd look at you like you were strange. "Over the moon" is sometimes used, but honestly, our dialect and culture rarely uses anything to describe "very happy" since it's considered bragging and our culture is notoriously self-deprecating. The closest we use is probably "I'm pumped." Actually just saying "I'm doing alright." is considered a very high form of happiness as is "Not too bad." So if you were to walk up to someone and say "How're you doin?" and they responded "Not too bad, really." The implication is that something is going on that has made them very happy. Also, "Sir" and "Ma'am" are extremely common in our dialect. Typically Sir isn't a form of address with the imperative, so you wouldn't say "Sir, hand me that salt shaker." (Although, "Ma'am" is normal to use in the imperative context [although it's weird to ever use an imperative when speaking with women you don't know and would likely be considered rude] and sir can be used if placed in a more supplicative context - as an example, "Sorry to bother you, sir, but would it be possible for you to hand me the salt shaker?") But after you received the salt shaker, "Thank you, sir" is appropriate and normal. Similarly, in response to a yes or no question, 'sir' is added on to the end of the response without pause almost as a suffix "Yessir" or "Nosir."

[@maryturpel8413]

"I had a ball", "It's raining cats and dogs", and "I'm on cloud nine" are still used in spoken English here in the US.

[@bobland7628]

I am a native speaker of America English (from the Midwestern State of Indiana), and I have never ever (not eve once) heard or used the words "chucking" or "lashing" to describe rainfall. In fact, if I had heard ever heard either of these words used to decribe rainfall, I would have had no idea at all what the speaker was talking about. Yes, I think the Brits and the Americans really are one people separated by a common language. 🙂

[@newgabe09]

It's a slangy UK usage think. I'd understand it but never say it (Australian)

[@missgood5355]

Most of these are used in the US. However, I have never heard "It's chucking it down" or "it's lashing it down," I guess it's British slang.

[@LittleKittenOWO]

AMERICAN ENGLISH: How do you do: "How's it going?" (Casual, friends) "What's up?" (REALLY casual) "How are you?" (Formal) "Are you alright?" And "are you okay?" Is something you use when someone seems sad or bothered by something Answers: "Good, and you?" (Formal, polite) "I'm alright" ("so-so") "Not so great" / "Not so hot" / "Not too well" (doing badly) "I can't complain" ("life is so-so but I can handle it")

[@gernotreinheimer4385]

I am a german working as a chef for the RAF in the 8O´s. We often used to say " how´s your parts, mate" or " how´s your parts, luv " to female co-workers.

[@odindva3115]

Hi Greg! The same thing happened with my French when I read a lot of fairy tales that were issued many hundred years ago. After some years I came to a French teacher to talk with her. She was surprised to hear my correct but not modern French

[@BrandonAEnglish]

This list comes off as more of a personal opinion than fact. Some of these wouldn't even be easily understood by many English speakers (lashing/chucking it down for example) so an English learner would likely get occasional, strange responses from an international audience. I'm careful to not make "hard and fast," universal rules about what English speakers say/never say, as there are different generations, geographical locations, countries, families, preferences, education backgrounds, etc. Telling a student "No one ever says this" while giving suggestions that a huge amount of English speakers never say seems an odd combo. I can say, however, that I'm tired of hearing students say "I am fine, thank you, and you?" Just say no to robot English!

[@Rinabow]

Absolutely this! This video seems to make the weird assumption that anyone learning English is a young person having casual English chat with their friends, but the world is so much more diverse than that, and there are people using English for so many varied reasons. For example, "sir" is something he says English people don't use, but if you're talking English at work, then you absolutely would use that word to address a customer, or your boss. I also feel like this kind of prescriptive teaching really discourages people from developing their own speech style that fits for them, and just insists that the teacher's style is the only correct one. I actually had this happen to be a few years back when I had an ex that would constantly criticize my writing style as a language mistake even though grammatically there wasn't anything wrong with it; such as how I tended to frequently punctuate my text with commas.

[@Ana_crusis]

the expressions lashing down and specially chucking it down along with its pissing down are completely common everyday expressions in England, nobody would have the tiniest problem understanding what you meant they are used all the time

[@annarae2396]

@@Ana_crusis yes, but in North America where we also speak "English" NO ONE says chucking it down or the other one.

[@Ana_crusis]

@@annarae2396 I didn't claim that they did say that in North America.. if you read my comment again you will see that I said " _in England_ " . I suppose you do speak English of a sort in North America :)

[@annarae2396]

@@Ana_crusis it is definitely a sort of English spoken in North America. I guess there was an assumption somewhere that anyone learning English would only be conversing in that language with someone FROM England.

[@stukaseptember]

1) Used in the NW but shortened to how do 2) used all the time in most parts of the UK 3) Again, used in many parts of the UK today 4) old but still used in some parts of the country 5) Haven't heard that for a while now but have heard the sarcastic come back when you walk into a room wet through and someone asks is it raining? No I just sweat a lot 6) Not heard that for ages 7) True 8) Not spoken much but used a lot in writing 9) Still used in schools, but not in uni 10) Correct There are a lot of channels on KZbin that teach correct English but all of them sound like they have never been out of the classroom. This channel isn't bad by comparison but I think you still need to get out and about :)

[@d3dast]

Great pronunciation, extremely usufull for me. Thanks a lot.

[@EnglishWithGreg]

You are welcome, Valera!

[@SegularRpork]

Useful*

[@mckenzi4608]

@@SegularRpork useful, you can't have a capitalized word in the middle of the sentence

[@SegularRpork]

@@mckenzi4608 you can, if it is a noun. and the autocorrect system automatically did that for me considering it was the first word in what it assumed to be a sentance.

[@jubba9263]

@@SegularRpork sentence*

[@rabbakahn]

I must be old. I still use the 10 words and phrases you listed.

[@swa8357]

Greg, I am delighted seeing this video. Please take more lessons about how to become fluent in English within 6 or one years...? Can it be possible?

[@malachiosborn9452]

Im a native English speaker but it's really interesting to see what people think we say.

[@davidh9844]

As an American who LOVES the English language, I was fascinated! BUT, there are some very distinct differences between American colloquial English, and English English. And as my first son says, we are the guys who won that war. "Having a ball..." agreed, outdated, but you definitely will hear it in the US. The equivalents, "I'm on cloud 9" or "I'm in heaven", perfectly, perfectly acceptable in oral English. Your "It's raining cats and dogs", absolutely. An expression from the 1950s here, fully understood everywhere, and used nowhere. "Pouring" is the current expression. However, "lashing" and "chucking" must be Britishisms. I've never heard it. If anything, on this side of the pond "chucking" would refer to violent vomiting, but not raining. AH, "First name". Common here in the US, and much, much, much too informal and totally inappropriate with someone you do not know. And certainly NOT with a teacher or physician! And here is a small present I've carried with me for some 40 years. My wife and I lived in Italy for many years, and she taught English as a second language. We loved idioms -ours and theirs. The text book she used I think was printed in a Soviet gulag, and contained a fascinating word that we had never heard before, or since. How does one say, "Previously there had been......" Simple: "Used to". "There used to be a building here, but now...." Did you know there is a negative for of that expression? We didn't, but English being as plastic a language as it is, and can absorb so much, I cannot give this one up. Usen't. I think I spelled it correctly. I think it means, "used there not to be.......?" More simply, "Usen't there to be a wooden spoon in the cabinet?" It is a lot like "wasn't" but it conveys a sense of confusion rather than bemused disappointment. It is similar, but not identical, to "Yes, we have no bananas." Irregardless of whether or not it is a word, I love it. (Along with irregardless, which when spoken is like finger nails drawn across a chalk board to my wife, is a great word which I used to convey my sense of just how stupid and ignorant the other person is for having made that previous statement.) I love the English language! It was lovely listening to your lecture!

[@dcs4219]

I use "sir; for different reasons, like to show respect, to make a more formal distance from the person, or as a familiar greeting to a friend or my brothers.

[@dionlindsay2]

I bet it is used as a challenge as well: "Sir, you are a liar." Followed by a pretend slap on both cheeks, as if preparing to challenge to a duel. Though that feels more like tipsy behavior nowadays I suppose.

[@danielsaunders2878]

You're teaching people opinions over facts my guy. I say "how do?" or "how do you do?" quite often. Pretty sure it's even more common depending on where you're from.

[@afox1689]

English is the most widely spoken language in the world. Of course there's gonna be people that use expressions much less than others. This video is targeted to people who aren't yet fluent in english, it's not a good idea for an english learner to get attached to expressions that are very rare

[@danielsaunders2878]

@@afox1689 English is my language. Any other version is a bastardisation. All of those idioms are said very commonly in the North of England.

[@danielsaunders2878]

@@afox1689 I will not be corrected by a fucking owl

[@afox1689]

@@danielsaunders2878 and I refuse to be corrected by Fungus from monsters inc 🤣

[@84rinne_moo]

@@afox1689 that could be true, but it’s important to notice that the maker might THINK they rare, but in actuality they are more common. I’m American and most of this video was way off to me. We say plenty of these things and it is not seen as old fashioned or weird. When putting these things out online you have to do your due diligence to present the facts as best as possible. I don’t think he considered it enough. It will greatly confuse English learners to teach like this.

[@ShikiSenriismine]

I've been speaking English my whole life and I use the phrase "it's raining cats and dogs" if anyone said "it's chucking it down" or "it's lashing it down". I'd ask them what planet they are from or if they just escaped a mental hospital because no one say that at least in PA,USA where I'm from.

[@AJ-nw5sn]

Sorry I disagree with you. I use many of these words and phrases in my everyday speech. I'm not as old as you may think because of my language, I just believe it to be normal.

[@briangonigal3974]

My advice to non-native English speakers who wish to conform to more American conventions of English would be to ignore pretty much everything this guy says here except for most of the "formal" category. Pretty much every other example he cites is either still in common use in the US or at the very least would not at all get you a second look were you to say it out loud.

[@paulsomers6048]

You are certainly teaching British, not American. "So so" is still used often here in the US. The most modern is "meh". "Cats and dogs is still used commonly, but NEVER "chucken' it down" or "lashing it down". Both would be incomprehensible in the US. As a teacher I have NEVER been called by my first name!! I was always "Mr. Somers" though not "Sir". Had I been called by my first name all the way through college teaching, I would have put a stop to it immediately!! Far too familiar!! Adult to adult is, of course on a first name basis. "Trendy" is, I hope, just an annoying fad. I use it only when being satirical. Everything else you said is good "on both sides of the pond" (a phrase which never grows stale).

[@tannerh7774]

I'd say that sir/miss are still used, just not in the same context that they used to be. If you know someone well and address them as sir/miss, it can sound funny or strange, but if you're speaking with someone who you don't know, it's completely okay to address them as sir/miss/ma'am. Natives do this all the time, but if you know the person's name, don't be scared to use it. Miss and ma'am can both be used to address females of any age. Generally, if you're speaking to someone in your age group or younger, use 'miss'. Otherwise, you would use 'ma'am', which is a shortening of 'madam', but nobody actually says that. Some (typically younger or AAVE) speakers also regularly use the phrases "yes sir" or "yes ma'am" to give an emphatic response, even in informal situations. We never say "yes miss"; The feminine version of the phrase is "yes ma'am". It's also not unheard of to say "yes sir" to a female, though she may take offense to it. Sometimes when saying "yes sir", the S vocalizes to "yezzir", but this is more of a feature of AAVE rather than standard English.

[@BabyBugBug]

I use the word trendy lol… perhaps you’re speaking from a British perspective. We use it in the US quite a bit. I also use moreover depending on the context but perhaps my English is a bit more formal by nature.

[@Etchacritic]

Moreover, (see what I did there?) “trendy” (at least in America) is usually used as a synonym for popular with a bit of irony. You might call something “trendy” that may be popular at the time, but it’s not something with long lasting appeal. Like, it’s part of something that’s just a trend, so it’s safe to ignore it.

[@Wshilighlights]

Sorry but when you say native? Do you mean only your region? I am a native speaker and a lot of the things you said are used where I come from.

[@mattneillninasmom]

I am in my 80's and I will continue to "have a ball", be "on cloud nine" and say, "How do you do?"

[@annacvlemos]

Greg, I love your lessons. I always use that tip of speeding the video up a bit.

[@EnglishWithGreg]

Thanks, Anna! That's great listening practice! Glad you liked the tip :-)

[@NSResponder]

Native born English speaker, and I've certainly said "how do you do" when meeting someone for the first time, particularly in an upscale setting.

[@calvinjus7457]

Thanks Greg for this lesson. So many people in France use trendy and it’s one of the mistakes we make just to seem to be cool… By the way, un je ne sais quoi or déjà vu are french expressions we never use😀

[@BabyBugBug]

Le mot « trendy » se dit assez souvent aux États Unis. Ça dépend de la situation franchement.

[@calvinjus7457]

@@BabyBugBug merci pour la précision, je l’ignorais 👍

[@walkingwithshadows]

If you only use it ironically, you'll be fine.

[@harpharpharpharp1971]

Don't listen to him. He talks nonsense, and he can't even pronounce it properly. Most French tourists can speak better English than this "teacher" and his opinion about what to say is complete nonsense.

[@johnjames3286]

I use "I'm fine thanks, how are you" and "So, so" and I use "It's raining cats and dogs ". I also work in a care home and call all the guys sir and if I'm out and hold a door open for an older guy I say "after you sir"

[@juleslefumiste9204]

Sir, it was raining cats and dogs. At first, it was just so so, but then I was on cloud 9, moreover I was really having a ball. Do not hesitate to contact me

[@bobosmodernlife]

The issue with this video is the use of never. Plenty of people still use these terms across the UK.

[@s.danieladuarte3144]

When you had mentioned "how do you do?" reminded me of something common in Brazil (at least in my state): some kind of "intelectual" competition among English "learners". If you say "how are you?", you're treated as a "joke" (oh, poor thing - he/she is using a basic question). And they return with something different, such as "how do you do?", "how are you doing?". Many give up studying; give up practicing thanks to this behavior. Years ago, I heard from a colleague... that his teacher used to compare himself to the students. After that, he never thought about learning another language...

[@Glub2]

Maybe it’s a british thing, but if someone said “it’s chucking/lashing it down” I’d be 1000x more taken aback than if a foreigner said “it’s raining cats and dogs”. Never even heard those first expressions before..

[@Daisy-cz1tv]

Thank you Greg you're gem 💗 am preparing for IELTS and British English is sooooo difficult to understand. but now it seems easier .

[@EnglishWithGreg]

Thanks a lot!!! Good luck with the IELTS preparation!!

[@newgabe09]

Perhaps because there are so many regional accents in 'British English' ,which can sound very different to each other.

[@joaoferreira-gh8nn]

I LOVE your accent. British accent is the best, in my opinion. I'm a Brazilian English teacher, but my accent is more American-like. I'd like to live a few years in England so I could get the accent and, obviously, have the experience to live in such a beautiful place. 🙏🙌

[@kikimdo]

Lots of British accents out there that just sound like grunts and gibberish.

[@joaoferreira-gh8nn]

@@kikimdo True! But lots that don't! 😊

[@kikimdo]

@@joaoferreira-gh8nn the further north you go in the UK you'll start to wonder if you're/they're speaking English. 😅 Though you're right, not every British accent sounds like you're in need of some subtitles.

[@davel9514]

@@kikimdo Only to you

[@kikimdo]

@@davel9514 I'm just saying, that too many English language learners look at London as their example of a British accent while usually forgetting the rest.

[@BowieRulez]

How do you do is used all the time. But only when you first meet someone.

[@riazhassan6570]

English is spoken by plenty of non-native speakers round the world. They use it for their own purposes, not to please prescriptive native speakers such as this one. Language is creative and flexible

[@francomarini560]

Brilliant as always, Greg! When you mentioned "to have a ball" I started singing a Queen's Song " Don't stop me now, I'm having such a good time, I'm having a ball!" It came out in 1978. It's interesting to see how a language evolves!

[@EnglishWithGreg]

Language may evolve, but the brilliance of Queen will never change!

[@zootsoot2006]

I'm not sure Greg mentions this. but almost all of these expressions can still be used nowadays, as long as you put an ironic twist on them, i.e. saying them but expressing that you're fully aware they're cliches. I'm pretty sure that was how Freddie used this phrase too. Probably hasn't been used straight since the 1930s.

[@gd.ritter]

USA native speaker. I use all of these often except moreover.

[@elliequinn6660]

I’m 18 and I use most of the things you’ve said we dont

[@PUAlum]

I enjoyed this! I was once an ESL teacher....and you're right! my students loved idiomatic expressions. "had a ball" = "Had a blast" in California. don't say "chucking it down" in America and expect to be understood. "Sir" is still used a lot in the American South.

[@OneOfDisease]

I agree with sir. I use it all the time I also use ma'am, but I find it is less well received. I am getting to the age where people are calling me "sir" not the biggest fan but I will get over it.

[@PUAlum]

@@OneOfDisease i know what you mean! I was mildly offended when a teenager called me 'sir' at a market. But one adapts. When i was in school (mid 1960's) we were expected to call teacher "sir" or "mam". So times change....,and kind of fast!

[@tarasrybin8410]

Well, man. We never use it. That is to say, me and my circle of friends never use them. Come, I heard loads of times people using 'cats and dogs'! Native speakers, mind you, and not too old ones.

[@erickrobson60]

Lots of these phrases are still used and am Native American. I would say it’s just not heard as much or used as much. They are not taboo or things that have negative or brow furrowing reactions. Most are these are quite fine to use. However, I am fine thank you and you DOES need to go. It is the signal of I am speaking to a robot hahah. I know they are using what they learned but yah… It might not be the actual answer to “how are you doing?” Hehe

[@tarasrybin8410]

@@erickrobson60 Yep, totally agree with the latter point, including the whole hypocritical culture around modern small talk, when all you need is a tool kit of how to say that you're fantastic as usual. And no one cares if you are not. It is more than a closed question, it is a no-choice question.

[@martinfinzel7679]

In a cosmopolitan world, the important part is to communicate in a way everyone is comfortable with. I would not take the British English as gospel! Being older I feel at ease with cats and dogs, as well as how do you do, and stick with it. They might be old and old-fashioned, but so am I!

[@dionlindsay2]

Or to add a little pep to the conversation by using expressions that are clear enough but just need a little thought. A "second take" maybe. Gives a sense of dimension to a flat conversation. Youngsters do it to us older folk - no harm in us joining in :-)

[@stefan0ni]

You’ve some very funny ideas! Saying Never use it” is absolutely inaccurate. There are occasions when some (not all) of these words, phrases and idioms would still be used. But I would tend to agree that they sound awkward from the lips of non-native speakers of British English. However, “How do you do” is still widely used depending upon where in Britain one might be and the age of the person one is engaging with. Teenagers wouldn’t say it to each other, but middle aged and older folk would. “Raining cats and dogs” would be used still but it a slightly funny or ironic way. But completely agree about the use of Sir and Trendy. Though given my age, a young man in the 80s, it still trips of my tongue too easily. 🤣 Great video though. English evolves and that’s your main point.

[@servillanonaoe9089]

And.... do not tell me " expression greetings how. do you do is already 60 years old or old fashioned already. Originally, I was born & grew up in Philippines & I have learned in my elementary education in the year 1959. Teaching those years were so strict & correct pronunciation is universally acceptable from UNICEF organization. Therefore, in school we used " how do you do" instead of " how are you" because " how do you do" is more acceptable & very impressive to you that you are active always . However, " how are you " not recommended in school because you are not alert or outdated person... Also, so so is a synonym for average learner only.Do not say that not to disappoint your learners... Remember??? Adverb of time in English the 2nd Language ? do you? #1. always it is used everyday out of 5 days #2.usually it is used 4 days out of 5 days #3. frequent or often both of these words are used 3 times out of 5 days #4. seldom or rare ...these words are used only 2 times or 1 time out of 5 days. #5. never.... it is a word that nothing action is done at all Zero in other words..

[@spookypixels]

I know this teacher is British so maybe that's why, but I wanted to disagree with a few things in terms of American English, because some of these work perfectly fine in the states. As native English speaker (a millennial, I'm 40-years-old at the time of this comment), I want to say that some of these are still used at a good frequency in American english, just that the context needs to be specific. So for example "I'm fine thanks, how are you" and "so so" are perfectly common in formal and business settings. We don't have a formalized "formal language" versus "casual language" as some other languages do (example: Japanese), but we do have things like this "I'm fine, thanks. how are you?" is something I have said at work before. "Having a ball" is a specific one these days, these days (in America) we don't say it as much about ourselves anymore, but we absolutely say it reasonably often when talking about other people, especially children. "It's time for dinner, the kids should come inside now." "Oh let them have ten more minutes, they're having a ball." quite common. "Raining cats and dogs" is not the most common anymore, but still used quite a bit in the states. It wouldn't sound "off" to hear it used. "I'm on cloud nine" is also not extremely unusual, but again, this is one you would more likely say about someone rather than say about yourself. You would hear "he's on cloud nine" more often than someone say "I'm on cloud nine" Saying "I'm on cloud nine" about yourself sounds like a line from a movie, but it fits if someone is saying it about someone else. In America we say "sir" a lot to teachers, especially depending on which state you live in.

[@wanjektube]

I politely disagree with just about every entry. I'm American, and maybe this video is a reflection of British English. The expression "how do you do" to me doesn't mean "how are you" but rather "nice to meet you." It's a greeting: My name is X. How do you do? As such, the answer wouldn't be "I'm fine." Also, "I'm fine" is something I hear every day. Same for "so so". I'll agree about "having a ball". But "chucking" and "lashing" sound like British slang. I don't find "raining cats and dogs" or "cloud nine" to be old fashioned. The latter is the title of a 1987 George Harrison album. And "trendy" is very much trending on this side of the pond. Strange selection, in my opinion. But again, maybe this is insight into British English.

[@Ana_crusis]

Again the word *trendy* is actually in use all the time and you see it in magazines and you hear it used. again it may be slightly ironically and for the sake of humour there is the general shared knowledge that it's slightly harking back to the 60s but it is still used, that's the point

[@blvk3]

Things get out of fashion because people like you drive those phases away, labeling them, and hence less and less people use them, fearing being labelled. Those phase are grammatically correct and still wildly used in my part of the world

[@madeline6342]

I live in texas and we definitely still use the phrase “it’s raining cats and dogs” quite often