What English people SAY vs What English people MEAN! | Passive Aggressive Business English!

[@EnglishwithLucy]

British people like to avoid saying what we really mean at work and in emails! What we SAY vs what we really mean in business English! ⭐ The Business English Course Offer: bit.ly/BusinessCourseOffer 📝 *GET THE FREE LESSON PDF* _here_ 👉🏼 bit.ly/BizMeaningPDF 📊 *FIND OUT YOUR ENGLISH LEVEL!* _Take my level test here_ 👉🏼 bit.ly/EnglishLevelTest12 👩🏼‍🏫 *JOIN MY ONLINE ENGLISH COURSES:* englishwithlucy.teachable.com/courses - _We have launched our B1 and B2 Complete English Programmes!_

[@theheros4863]

Thank s

[@reshmaselvaraj]

Every formal email I'm going to receive hereafter will only remind me of this video.😂

[@MuhammadAli-uv3gs]

My lovely teacher 🤲🤲

[@cogitated]

It’s not just Brits! I’m an Aussie and use these phrases at work when I’m frustrated!

[@mehyiddinemeslem3842]

Aïd Moubarak 🐑🐏🐑🐏🐑🐏🐑🐏 عيد أضحى مبارك

[@lerolerolerolerolero256]

Also the words "Gentle reminder"... It has such a passive aggressive tone to it. It's like when you're clearly frustrated when someone hasn't completed the task but don't want to show it.

[@EnglishwithLucy]

Totally agree 😂

[@zhazhalove]

That is very not a gentle term. I always using it. I thought, it is nice and soft to remind my team

[@allthingsmireille]

Hahaha, you’re quite right! This is one of the phrases I use the most when needing info asap.

[@JustMrFox]

Totally disagree. What would sound not passive aggressive? “Hey, do that stuff I told you yesterday about”?

[@jimarcher5255]

In the US, “If you have the time”, means “I need this now”.

[@teawithtams6596]

When I was working in London, I learned that when my colleagues say "fair enough", they really mean "you're wrong, but I don't want to argue with you anymore".

[@hens0w]

To be fair "fair enough" has some element of I bow to your judgement (or at least this won't cause me problems). Where as if I really strongly disagree: "OK. fine,"

[@teawithtams6596]

@@hens0w fair enough :D

[@andreagriffiths3512]

Fair enough in Australia is more of a conversation ender. Sometimes gives you an opinion you don’t like/value/believe - you reply with ‘fair enough’ means you can’t even be bothered discussing it. It doesn’t even mean the other person is wrong and it’s one I use a fair bit….oooops

[@bromptondevice7685]

@@andreagriffiths3512 It's also used when some one queries another's decision without knowing the full story. Eg "Why's the storeroom locked?" "Accounts keep coming up and taking all our staples because their stores clerk is a useless ****** who doesn't order enough." "Ah, fair enough. Can I borrow the key?" "Sure".

[@rvrmn2682]

Well, I guess this explains why I always subconsciously interpreted this as, "I'm too intellectually lazy, smug, and self-satisfied to examine the issue any further."

[@docbrown2045]

My manager once had British vs. American experience. After some bad meeting he and the other guy were making a coffee and talking about it, he said "That was a very interesting conversation", and the guy replied "I'm American, you can just say how it is. And it was shit".

[@honeyyy8]

Hahahaha, that was funny! Thank you for sharing!

[@dvvna]

Same statement, different delivery

[@altamasparsanov9181]

Hahaha

[@irodaburkhan]

Can't stop laughing xD

[@anndeecosita3586]

@@axemansjazz6670 I think with whether Americans tend to be direct, it depends on what part of the country.

[@stanleymccleave9684]

Although I am a native English speaker (American version) I find Lucy so utterly charming that I've been watching several lessons. I like the clean style of the videos, all well presented. Lucy speaks so beautifully that it is a joy to listen to her subtle humor that is at times self-deprecating and always with a light touch. Lucy is gorgeous as well, always put-together in an elegant but friendly manner. I wish her continued success and my warmest regards.

[@dmitriylee8925]

Absolutely agree, I also admire Lucy, she is constantly making so lovely english lessons for us, with joy and pleasure. With her we all definitely should start speaking english. I´m currently waiting news from her farm and wish her all the best.

[@druscanam]

Hahaha this is gold 🤣 😂 Somewhat related, I had a friend that got blown off on a date. She appoligised and explained through a text message, that she couldn't meet their prior arrangement because she was tried and needed to have an early nights sleep. He replied with "Rest in peace". 🤣🤣🤣

[@nowshinsstudio6273]

😂😂😂

[@pedroarthurbarbosa]

Is Rest well aggressive? I use it so much 😴 🛌 haha

[@druscanam]

@@pedroarthurbarbosa No, it's because Rest In Peace in English is typically an expression used when someone has died, is often said at a funeral and sometimes engraved on someone's tombstone. It's is also often abrivated as R.I.P. So saying to someone "rest in peace" may seem like caring sentiment for someone who needs a good sleep however it's also inadvertently implying they should never wake up, in other words, die. So, basically it's telling them to drop dead without actually saying so. Furthermore because its literal meaning is quite endearing, one cannot be accused of being obnoxious when saying such a horrendous thing.

[@francescaminart6308]

@@druscanam In 🇪🇸 D.E.P Descanse en paz (in latin R.I.P.)

[@GeorgeCross-i7c]

I'd probably answer RIP if person plans a date with me and a bit too late announces they aren't coming.

[@matthewfusaro2590]

You just reaffirmed why I hate the corporate world. I frequently use "regards" at the end of my email but never gave much thought to what it could mean to the other person. I'll have to reconsider using "regards" in the future.

[@anapantovic6859]

Not a native, and to me this feels like the most appropriate ending to a letter sent to a business correspondent. A bit sterile, but neutral. "Warmest" sounds waaay too insencere... 🤔

[@ashton1952]

As a native speaker of English I don't see anything wrong with using 'regards', it's a polite and simple way to end an email. All depends on the intention of the speaker; some people have to use tactics in order to feel superior and that entirely reflects on their insecurities and whatever other personal issues.

[@adedow1333]

I use this one as a passé i-dont-have-strong-feelings-about-you kind of sign-off

[@LilyAmongThorns]

I think it might depend on the kind of relationship one has with the sender. If you have a deep connection with them (mother-in-law, or longtime friend, or even a coworker that you’ve always had a very good relationship with for example) it might be sending that passive aggressive message of “you’ve just become very insignificant in my life”.

[@jonchambers131]

@Ashton - the standard phrase is 'kind regards' so if you just say 'regards' it means you're making a concious decision to not be kind!

[@ashton1952]

@@jonchambers131 Yes, maybe we shouldn't leave room for doubt 😉

[@micheledix2616]

As an English speaking person ( first langauge) and when I write 'regards or cheers' I really mean regards or cheers and not any other under meaning. Maybe it is because I am on the older side and my education was decades ago

[@ACGreyhound04]

I think the phrase “with all due respect” is typically used prior to disagreeing with someone who outranks you. It carries the connotation of “I disagree, but will do it your way because you’re the boss.”

[@drunvert]

Basically, verbatim

[@siangmingalexlau8220]

Business English can sometimes sound like passive-aggressive contrived politeness.

[@fozzytheflyingmuppet]

Loved your video! This is probably the most difficult for us Dutch people. We're known to just say what we mean and not beat around the bush.

[@michaelc.1710]

Native speaker here (English person learning Portuguese so not sure why this came up in my feed but sounded interesting ). The problem with some of these is that they’re also used sincerely eg “that’s an interesting perspective” or “we’ll take that into consideration”. In person you’ll hopefully tell the difference in tone and body language but good luck sensing that from an email, even we can’t always.

[@wintersnowowen2254]

For this the English tend to use really and actually a lot. So instead of “that’s an interesting perspective” which might be seen as being PA, they will say “that’s a really interesting perspective,actually”.

[@ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΣΑΛΕΞ-ο7η]

I remember that wonderful quote Hercule Poirot said , while he was talking to Linnet Doyle (Emily Blunt) , which was this : " I listen to what you say , but I hear what you mean " .

[@anapantovic6859]

😂😂

[@_DeadlyNightshade_]

As a non-native English speaker who likes the language and have lived in the UK, I believe certain sentences can be understood as sarcasm in certain situations as opposed to being strictly malicious or hateful. For those who don't know, the British sense of humour is basically sarcasm most of the time. Thank you Lucy, KIND Regards 😁

[@Haijwsyz51846]

I have never thought there is a difference between kind regards and regards. In the US, I think people just use regards at the end of emails as a habit or formality rather than meaning anything.

[@300622041]

I use regards at work all of the time.

[@rw80]

It’s really an English thing. Not British, but English.

[@RickDistance]

I think "regards" is just short for common use.

[@anndeecosita3586]

I’m American and at least in my circles we use regards in more conversation than written. “Give my regards to your grandmother” means like tell your grandmother I said hello. I would write sincerely or best wishes on a letter or email rather than regards.

[@1Thunderfire]

I have literally never heard of it being aggressive in any way in the UK. I sign off all my work emails with regards. It's polite enough without going over the top. P.S Only arrived here with curiosity about the thumbnail.

[@Ghost_Os]

I'm a native speaker. I must say, I actually use number 5 (interesting perspective) in both ways; both the passive aggressive version given here (which I honestly try to make very clear in a teasing sort of way that I think what was just said is absurd or patently insane) as well as the very direct, exactly-as-worded usage: I genuinely find the perspective interesting or intriguing. Number 15 (and the video thumbnail); yes to 'warm(est) regards', yes to 'kind regards', but I actually use 'regards' in the same way as 'kind regards'; as a generically friendly expression. Occasionally, I will escalate a 'regards' to a 'kindest' or 'warmest' regards.

[@grahammcfadyenhill9555]

When I end a note or letter with "Regards", what I really mean is "Get Stuffed". In this case I am in total agreement with Lucy. For example, my genteel Irish mother used terms like "striking" or "breathtaking" to describe some women. What she really meant was "uglier than a mud fence" or "she has been struck in the face by an entire load of lumber". She was a very kind woman.

[@gregvanpaassen]

My mother used to use "charming" ironically: "what a charming man". But said with an unironic inflection, so you had to pay attention.

[@antikrabe8646]

What about "best regards"? Is it like "kind regards" or something?

[@bsteven885]

I sometimes use the word "incredible" to hide my disgust or other negative feelings about someone or something.

[@EnglishwithAntara]

Also the phrase 'Thanks in advance.' It pretty much means that you’re expecting them to do whatever you’re asking, and they pretty much have to do it.

[@ColinHarvey78]

Love it. I always regard “warmest regards” with suspicion - it either means the writer is A Bit Odd or a snake, maybe both. Watch also for the punctuation when signing off an email. A full stop after someone’s name (especially if they don’t normally) is a sign of extreme displeasure. E.g. Regards Colin. Means “I am so f**king angry with you it’s lucky we’re not in the same room”. 😂😇

[@xXJ4FARGAMERXx]

Wtf just a simple typo or autocorrect can lead to this much hate??

[@Boogeymanjw]

@@xXJ4FARGAMERXx yea thats scuffed...

[@YourNickIsTaken]

Very British Problems : Removing the "kind" from "kind regards" to let the recipient know you're absolutely bloody livid. 1:45 PM · Apr 10, 2015

[@EnglishwithLucy]

😂😂😂

[@DarthIckus]

I like the use of saying "take care" to customers and workmates, particularly on the phone. It's as good as saying "f*ck off!"

[@leaannpedigo8944]

Somethings clearly going on in your head. I don’t think that people should ever be pushed Somethings clearly going on in your head. I don’t think that people should ever be pushed to this point. But it does happen more today than ever in history. Especially these young people out Their pretty much have no boundaries I see a lot of this same thing with raising their kids people tell their kids everything by the time they’re 12 they start acting out all the stuff they have learned from home then parents friends then certain family members that act or think the same way.

[@craidiefin]

"With all due respect, of which there is none" Is how I've understood that one.

[@margaretgreenwood4243]

When I was a secretary back in the 1960s, my boss, a highly educated man, would dictate letters to me which I took down in Shorthand. His language was sometimes very passive aggressive couched in the terms you describe. I could hardly write for laughing at the clever poisoned darts aimed at the recipients

[@socialexperiment8045]

“Tonality” also plays a huge part when mentioning these sentences!

[@AlbertNonime]

Tonality in an e-mail... thats an interesting idea to be considered.

[@whitewave09]

All super common in Canada and I see non-native English speakers getting trapped by this all the time. Thank you for this.

[@va3ngc]

The only one I haven't seen here in Canada is "stick a pin in it". Also I think people here also always universally use "Regards" to end an email. The rest seem to informal.

[@MrsDesiremore]

Let's stick a pin in this for now - can also mean: let's preserve our energy and deal with this challenging thing later. It works well when trying to diffuse a conflict. I think it's a great practice when you need to prioritise an urgent matter over a corrective action which can wait

[@ryanb9873]

LOL no. Do you also think the tooth fairy is real?

[@thrillereighties8241]

I find "let's stick a pin in this for now" very arrogant. It is a patronizing way someone will tell others they have seniority and authority and he or she is killing an argument or idea right there and then. It is typically used by people who like the sound of their own voice and have an overinflated opinion of themselves. It is a nice way to say you don't matter, just shut up already.

[@azhersamin3387]

In the next video, you should discuss the alternatives about those phrases. It'll be helpful for the learners who want to learn English. By the way, I appreciate your work.

[@jessygt4414]

Thanks for setting up the schedule.

[@hydrolito]

Americans say two weeks vacation or two weeks off they don't say two weeks holiday unless it is a holiday period such as over Christmas and New Year's, when school is out is called Christmas vacation.

[@Haarhzh]

The “I’ll take that into consideration” reminds me of a sketch in the British TV-series “Yes, Minister”, where a distinction is made between “take into consideration” and “take into active consideration”. Lovely!

[@TheCimbrianBull]

Presumably uttered by Sir Humphrey Appleby!

[@АлёнаЕгорова-ъ4х]

thanks now I know I have to translate from my native into English and further from English into English! So lovely

[@revenge425]

passive aggressiviness just fly out of my head... I am so dense that people need to tell me directly if I have done something wrong 😅

[@lukass1700]

Passive aggression is a sign of possessing a subordinate role within a hierarchy (child-parents or at the work). The earlier you realize the better, so you can step out.

[@liarunaway]

Right!? I watched the video and felt so triggered and I just stopped watching. I don’t want to become like this nor do I want surround myself to people like this.

[@ashton1952]

Lukas S absolutely agree; when people have to resort to this instead of just having the courage to be direct

[@raapyna8544]

The worst thing is, when I'm being direct and people assume I'm being passive-aggressive, because other people would only say such things sarcastically. I'm trying to be genuine and kind and people assume I hate them. 😅 I don't know if this is a problem with the society, or if I'm using my tone of voice wrong or something about my face

[@ashton1952]

@@raapyna8544 just smile more 😅 could be a tone situation; your tone being perfectly normal for you but it sounds snarkyish to someone from another culture/language background, especially if it's a call/messages and they can't see your face

[@Jenny-mo1be]

If only my workplace had the courtesy to be "passively" aggressive instead of just blatantly aggressive 😭💀

[@WhooshWh0sh]

At least you know they mean what they say

[@nazish9167]

@@WhooshWh0sh 😂

[@nathufo]

Ikr It is horrible Management failure all the way but I still don't want to work in a passive aggressive environment You can really respectfully disagree with people or don't try to impose your views if they aren't relevant to the situation 😭

[@clivepygott3883]

You missed one of my favourites (that I have been know to use myself) "I hear what you say" - which means 'I've heard what you said, but I thoroughly intend to ignore it from now on'

[@patienceowusuwiredu375]

The “regards” bit got me laughing. I do that a lot without knowledge of it's passivity😂 Thanks, Lucy. I enjoyed this lesson too.

[@billdavies6463]

And so do I, and many other people. It only causes offence if you believe those that claim it is aggressive, which it is not.

[@daless3526]

@@billdavies6463 I use it all the time in emails. Hope nobody is thinking I am telling them off.

[@kme3894]

what about kind regards, is that bad?

[@mothwaltz4163]

@@kme3894 Lucy mentioned that "kind regards" means "You're ok. We're good".

[@Geedz806]

I tend to use them ironically - the angrier I am the warmer my regards

[@calciumchannel]

This video is so needed. I wish I knew all this stuff before I came to Britain. It is not only in corpos people talk like this, in every day life it is also common.

[@joyc9844]

I really appreciate the timeframes you put on your videos it makes it easy to navigate

[@vasili9756]

SO much need it, as I am not a native speaker, and I was always wondering what they really mean, hovering over the earth with a big question mark over my head!!!! Thank you!!!!!!

[@scifino1]

You never stop learning. I legit thought someone using just "Regards," was just them being brief.

[@Anvilshock]

Then perhaps ask yourself why they chose to be brief in a phrase whose sole purpose is the show of courtesy.

[@scifino1]

@@Anvilshock Maybe they just included the phrase for formality reasons?

[@Anvilshock]

@@scifino1 Don't ask me, I didn't write those e-mails.

[@MadokaKima]

Thank you! As a foreigner in the UK working in a business environment, this is very helpful. One of the ones I hate the most is "I'm happy for you to do smth". I so wish they said directly "please do this", instead of making it sound like they're generosity delegating the task to me, when in truth they really don't want to do it!

[@penelopetoniaccini8783]

I learnt 95% of this by working in the bank in Dublin, I learnt fast and thought it was brilliant language, however I wish I'd known the real meaning behind each phrase as you explain it in this video, so as to use each even better. I can't remember the amount of times I used 'as per my previous email' and 'for your future reference'. In the banks where I worked people seemed to be particularly thick!!!

[@grahammcfadyenhill9555]

Well, after all, you were working in Dublin. I can assure you that there is no shortage of the "particularly thick" in Ireland. See, that's how it's done.

[@tessat338]

It's interesting to see how British business-speak influences American business-speak and vice-versa. "Stick a pin in it" means literally to post something on a message board by fastening a piece of paper on it with a pin. As we all know, messages on a board quickly go out of date and get covered up by other messages. This polite, formal, passive-aggressive way of speaking is because we all have to keep working together day in and day out and we can't blow up relationships without serious fall-out. This style of speaking gives everyone reasonable acknowledgement and allows people to feel that they have been heard, if possibly not fully understood. It allows people to disagree and to still continue on with the job.

[@jaroslawlukaszewicz]

"It's a valid point - and your point is taken". Thanks Lucy, you're nearly the best channel on the entire network! Cheers!

[@Isleofskye]

Yes, Lucy is my 11th favourite Channel..

[@BBKing1977]

"I'm just looping [insert name here] in on this." I'm not sure if this one is used much in the UK, but I see it in Canada a lot. This one depends on context. Sometimes this is genuine as you just want to include an additional person, but sometimes it's a passive aggressive way of saying "this has nothing to do with me, and I don't know why you sent it to me at all, but here's the person you should've contacted in the first place".

[@snich63]

I think the “Regards” warning is specific to British English. “Regards” is is the standard email closing in New Zealand. One that missed this list is “Kindly” e.g. Kindly fill in this form and return it. Using “kindly” instead of “please” telegraphs some subtle snark. I’ve advised numerous non-native English speakers not to use “kindly” as an alternative.

[@thetrashmaster1352]

Same in Australia as well, "Regards" is probably the most common way to sign off even with customers.

[@phineaspepper3530]

Same in the U.S. Ending with just "Regards" or "Best" is common and doesn't carry bad connotations.

[@amandajane8227]

@@thetrashmaster1352 If I am happy with the service I am getting I use warm regards or kind regards. If I am pissed off I just use regards. I guess the other ozzies I communicate with may be missing this.

[@phil4986]

This video was alot of fun. Clearly ,at one time or another,you have had to use all of these phrases. Your expression betraying your memory of how those few people genuinely deserved it ,was priceless.

[@Cicelyize]

I’m a Spanish person working in the UK for the last 2 years and this video has increased my heart rate 😓 Passive aggression is most scary and toxic and I wouldn’t miss it if I moved away from this lovely country 😬

[@marynatimmylucyelsaleonie1031]

Very toxic indeed. I feel physically ill just listening to this 🤢

[@martymiller9514]

Perhaps we could just draw a veil over this for now?

[@sprogg2001]

We love to hate each other especially in the workplace 🤣

[@KonstantinEgorovSpb]

@@sprogg2001 Nice oxymoron 👍

[@arsikkbar]

Regards!

[@cogitated]

I tend to drop from “warm regards” to “sincerely” when I no longer feel those warm regards to the person I’m emailing.

[@peterpain6625]

Oh, getting out the dagger i see ;)

[@cogitated]

@@peterpain6625 and when I’m typing it - I always say it out loud through gritted teeth too!!!!

[@peterpain6625]

@@cogitated Had a colleague like that once. We had to donate for a "less loud" keyboard for him ;)

[@cogitated]

@@peterpain6625 thank goodness I work from home and no one can hear me!!!

[@peterpain6625]

@@cogitated That poor keyboard ;)

[@ashikihsan1946]

Lucy, I love these clarification words of you in Business English. That is good for me to learn to deal with anyone in business or in daily life. Learning English from you is precious for me Lucy

[@PatGilliland]

I'm a Canadian with British parents so I speak both dialects. I dare not share this video with my work colleagues - they'll find out what I'm _really_ saying.

[@Patrick462]

I though I was the master of the backhand compliment and passive aggressive communication, but Lucy you take it to the next level. I will say by the second half of my career I started just saying my "true thoughts" without the sugar coating, beating around the bush passive aggression.

[@orchiddo1]

That's implications. And this lesson guides us to understand these ones easily and correctly. It's wonderful.

[@alstaneva]

Thanks for this video. Had a lot of fun and laugh watching. Also the phrase ‘I appreciate your opinion’. I’m loving it and it’s nice to have a polite way of telling people you don’t really give a… care about their opinions 😂

[@like90]

I do use “thanks for the input” and I literally mean that I’m thankful for their input and I plan on doing something about their concern.

[@whatevergoesforme5129]

I think all cultures tend to avoid being too direct so polite language was created to avoid hurting the feelings of others too much. Of course, many can be tactless, but those who want to be seen as civil/polite needs to be careful with their wording. But even if the Brits use this kind of polite language as shown in this video, the true meaning is still clear, especially when you hear the word "but." In my Asian world, our language can too indirect that foreigners can't really catch the true meaning of our words . We don't use polite phrases to soften the blow. We use paragraphs at times to avoid being too blunt LOL.

[@chrissherritt2470]

I have heard many of these and find her explanation amusing. Lucy is very likable and talented.

[@mikoajswiety8149]

I use some of these phrases REALLY MEANING what I say (Eg. "It seems there's been a misunderstanding". I did not know that you can understand it in any other way. And now you tell me that I was rude because my English interlocutor understood something that I have not say). I wonder if you could provide us with phrases which we can use instead those, so that our interlocutor understands that there really has been a misunderstanding (sorry for my English, it is very poor).

[@deeskaggs4087]

just say “I don’t get it.”

[@guntramblohm4179]

Poor language skills give you some leeway, or at least plausible deniability.

[@DieezahArts]

If I say " It seems there's been a misunderstanding..." in most contexts it means "How could you be that dumb?" or "You already have the relevant information, how come you're not tak8ng it into account?" and it works for social media comments in professional groups as well as for PMs who still insist on sending me Canadian French translation projects right after being reminded they have my info on file and that this is not one of my working language variants...

[@jimistorm]

I occasionally use these phrases although I do not intend being passive aggressive. I am curious how a native speaker perceives these phrases if he knows that the sender is not a native English speaker?

[@kosmas7713]

I'm also curious about that

[@azhivago2296]

Ignore her - I'm British and her analysis is utterly cynical and glass-half-empty.

[@hyunjinsfadedamericanostai3431]

@@azhivago2296 Ikr but she's already mentioned in the comment section that this video is slightly exaggerated for entertainment purpose. She isn't that serious.

[@KBinturong]

It’s the context that matters. In her examples it’s easy to spot that the person is playing on words. In other context it’s not that harsh and used to ease what we have to say.

[@w.rhiannonm.4347]

@@azhivago2296 It's funny!

[@ronls3578]

This video has made my day (a good way to start the week-end😄 !). The way you say the meanest things with the cutest smile is everything ! Yes it's a bit exaggerated but so fun to watch. Thanks Lucy and "warmest regards" !

[@nafslee]

I use Kind Regards when its a person I haven't emailed before or not familiar with and Regards regularly for everyone else because it sounds less formal. I don't use it for a passive aggressive undertone.

[@steviebarrett]

This video is too funny because it's absolutely spot on! I have heard and said pretty much all of these during my working life.

[@PumpkinBecki]

15) Email endings - YES! Though I have a few more layers. You're the best person I've ever corresponded with - "Kindest Regards" You've just made my day so much better - "Very much appreciated" You're pretty awesome - "Kind Regards" You've made my day better - "Much appreciated" You're alright - "Best regards" You're now on my list, I never wish to correspond with you again - "Regards" If someone gets an email from me, and I've signed off with "regards", they may need to get their device defrosted, because this is COLD!

[@gattorosso4784]

"We'll take that into consideration" --> "And print it on toilet paper"

[@marcuswilson007]

Watching this confirms my life choice to run my own business. I kindly say exactly what I mean and people take me as I am or just don't do business with me.

[@Indy_at_the_beach]

"Circle back", "reach out" "actionable" and other words and phrases popularized in business schools push my button. Straightforward speech is more authentic and can still be used in a manner that does not insult or attack the listener.

[@resourcedragon]

And "take carriage of" and "hit the ground running". Yes, those phrases rub me up the wrong way too.

[@l0remipsum991]

Corporate people love their smarmy BS and often they feel 'smart' about it. You'll get punished however if you're being too honest.

[@hollybelleorchid1350]

This is like reading someone's mind, like versus what they're saying to you and what they're saying in their mind。🤫

[@beautifulcrazy]

That's what I love about the English Language. We can be so passive aggressive, so standoffish, in such an aristocratic way, that the next person is not sure where we stand. It's always great to use to keep people at bay, especially at the office!

[@Isleofskye]

Yes and if they take offence then we play innocent and say "we didn't mean it that way!"....WE DID:)

[@emilybowne6043]

Omg, I've used some of those phrases in the past! My main one was: I'll put this under consideration. What I actually meant was never going to happen. Thanks for the video. Warmest regards 😸

[@da96103]

What was said: She's an acquired taste. What was meant: Interact with her at your own risk.

[@CJFCarlsson]

I for one appreciate the attempts to keep any conversation polite.

[@firsttpt]

"The position pay range is $15.00 to $20.00 per hour" "We will bring you in at $15 and never give you a raise, because if you stay here you're not smart enough to be worth more than the minimum."

[@zeventine]

I love it when someone ends an email with ‘Thanks’. It’s even worse than just ‘Regards’.

[@farshadmn4273]

i wish u would give the positive sides as well. what i mean is i have used and still using some of them "with all due respect" i have written this for my professors in universities and still for my boss! although there is a point. english is my second lan. and i have never lived in a english speaking countries but the jobs and universities i was in were always been in english!🤔😁...

[@fionamainey7686]

I work in corporate Australia and agree with all you describe but have always used just regards when signing off and did not realise its conatation. I am going to pay more attention to what others use now and consider changing it to sincerely

[@lesharley3137]

I’m old enough to remember it’s changing from “sincerely” as being too formal to “kind regards” as more friendly. I literally know no-one who thinks kind regards is insulting. It’s at the bottom of 95% of emails I receive every day. Also work in Australia.

[@andrewjones575]

If a woman says to a man "you're a nice guy", that means she finds him boring & unattractive. A woman saying "you're a nice guy" is almost always followed by a rejection. "You're a nice guy, but you're not my type", "You're a nice guy but I'm not into nice guys", "You're a nice guy & you'll find someone some day". It's never "You're a nice guy, let's jump straight into bed together".

[@Alastair_]

"You're a nice guy, why can't I find any nice guys like you!?" *Me standing there wondering wtf is going on

[@TheCimbrianBull]

@@Alastair_ in that case she's not worth your time!

[@td3807]

I had a British co-worker. She is emotionally intelligent but very passive aggressive. The phrases in this video remind me of her.

[@messinalyle4030]

I would anticipate that it could potentially confuse a person who was learning English as a second language to imply that this video would be helpful for anyone who "wants to move to an English-speaking country." Because not all of the expressions you mentioned necessarily have those meanings in all English speaking countries. It might be more accurate to say that these phrases have these meanings in the UK, and particularly in the corporate world. And obviously, whether or not some of these phrases should be interpreted as having such a passive-agressive meaning should depend on other context clues, such as what you know of the personality and the current emotional state of the person using them.

[@DieezahArts]

And in my experience, the way they're being used to hide (barely) feelings that aren't deemed socially acceptable may vary from one British city to the next and even from one type of corporate space to the next.

[@sasasthisu]

Wow I do know/ know by instinct the meaning of most of the phrases. But I really didn't know about the ending of an email.

[@thebibosez7949]

Another fun one, for someone leaving the company. "We wish him well in his future endeavors." Meaning, "Goodbye, traitor!"

[@andreagriffiths3512]

Too true 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@vladlikedraculabutnice]

Not necessarily business language but passive aggressive and quite common in the office setting. The biggest cultural shock for me was people saying "God bless" when they basically mean "go f yourself"

[@RedneckWarlock]

"Let's play it by ear" is like when my parents would say "we'll see" it's no, they mean no haha

[@joebloggs2473]

Thank goodness I worked in a Dutch environment. Straight talking saves time which saves money and is more efficient. Going round the garden is so English.

[@markoshun]

I hope your students will realize that this is mostly a joke. People ‘could’ mean some of these passive aggressive interpretations, and I wish you would have said ‘could’.. because very often they just don’t. We would need more context, tone, etc. to know.

[@stephendisraeli1143]

One of the favourites from my experience is the simple "Interesting...", which means "I'm bored by what you;re telling me, let's change the subject".

[@mikeorlowski_]

This happens all the time in Polish and I'm sure in other Slavic speaking countries too (The "we love you but we hate you" situation).

[@christianeaster2776]

I've actually used a lot these phrases when I was working as a problem solver for my last job. Especially, when the other person was being rather dense.

[@BrockMak]

3:55 I even had "Let's spike that". This comes from restaurants. When an order is finished, the order ticket/receipt is spiked, before being collected at the end of service. This basically means: "This conversation is over, and we're not revisiting that same old topic again."

[@lindsayheyes925]

From commerce generally: In every business, bills were immediately spiked after entering them as paid in the ledger. At the end of the day they were taken off the spike, put in an envelope which was marked with the date and put in a box-file for the Annual Audit. The hole in a bill was evidence that it had been processed. Thus "spiked" means "dealt with", and "let's spike that" means "we're never going to look at that again". Spikes were removed from desks in the 1970s for safety.

[@amazinggrace5692]

My experience with “let’s play it by ear” means your actions to the situation can be adjusted as things progress.

[@pinkeHelga]

What does 'best regards' actually mean, and where to use it? Is it the more formal form of 'warmest regards'? What is the best and safe form when writing to new business contacts? - Not too exuberant, but still respectful.

[@Diskutierholz]

Thanks for the video, it was very interesting! After working for 7 years for an international company I just can say... you're completely right, Lucy! But what I experienced is that even the german colleagues use a lot of these phrases in their conversations or meetings, of course in german language but the same words in meaning. Funny about this is that it didn't matter if you were a colleague from the management or just one of our regular employees.

[@aferret5]

I've gotten into the habit of ending an email the same way the person who sent it to me did LOL and I didn't realize what some of that meant. I really enjoyed this video, parts really gave me a laugh and taught me something too

[@παυροεπής]

It says a lot about the national character!

[@Julia-ck5ff]

I really love English! What a fun and useful lesson! It was a pleasure to watch! Thank you, teacher Lucy!

[@CricoKiss]

That's so true about the email's ending.

[@eiramu]

I started writing business emails in German and must say they were pretty much the same as described in this video, so when I switched to English, I used the same sentences 😆 I don’t want to generalize but this was my experience. Not sure about Americans here though

[@lucyhardman2267]

I once met a woman who spoke exclusively in corporate jargon. I didn't have a clue what she was talking about half the time but it was fascinating to watch. I honestly don't know how she could remember it all.

[@malcomtux]

Wonderful video, tks. It's almost a business class instead of an English class hehehe and I think it's probably quite global too, I'm Brazilian and at least here with Portuguese I recognized many of these phrases/situations hehehe I think maybe some have an equivalent in every language/place. And thanks for the "regards" lesson, better not use just "regards" to end an email anymore. hahaha :D 😅

[@DaNZealand]

Lucy I normally do not leave comments on KZbin but this video rocks, thank you for the awesome content!

[@brigittanagy9087]

Not just English people mean it, there were a few occasions when I intentionally used "Regards" instead of "Kind regards" :) Greetings from Hungary

[@robread-jones3698]

I've used 'Regards' for many years without knowing this. Armed with this newly acquired knowledge, in future, I shall ensure I continue to use 'Regards'.

[@MusicMediaPlayer777]

I am terrified for all the warnings I might have missed...