Not Gonna Lie: The English We Speak - YouTube

Neil: Welcome to The English We Speak. I'm Neil.

Feifei: And I'm Feifei.

Neil: You're a pretty polite person, aren't you, Feifei?

Feifei: Well, thanks. I don't know. I do try to be!

Neil: That was a very polite answer! But sometimes

we want to say things that are very honest,

or that others might not want to hear.

Feifei: For example, I ask you: "Do I look tired today?"

Neil: Well, I could directly say:

"Yes, you do look a bit tired."

Feifei: Or you could start with today's slang expression

'not gonna lie'.

Neil: Not gonna lie Feifei, you do look a little tired.

Feifei: I know, I need to get to bed earlier!

'Gonna' of course, is short for 'going to'.

Using this phrase indicates that you're choosing

to be honest rather than polite.

Neil: It's not only used for honest criticism,

we might also use it before something we're very

proud of, or something we boast about.

For example: I love recording these programmes.

Though I'm not gonna lie, I'm the best presenter

in this team.

Feifei: Whoah, that's enough. I'm sure everyone listening

agrees that I'm the best presenter.

Neil: Of course you're a fantastic presenter, Feifei.

Just an example!

Feifei: Talking of examples, let's hear a few more.

Examples: A: Fancy coming round for dinner tomorrow?

B: Absolutely. If you're making your famous roast?

A: Oh yes. Not gonna lie, it's the best roast in town!

Slow down! You really are a terrible driver Mark,

not gonna lie.

Not gonna lie, I absolutely love my job.

I feel so happy when I walk through the office door every day.

Neil: That last example sounds just like me.

Especially as I'm (coughs) the best presenter.

Feifei: OK, OK, that joke is getting old now.

Neil: You're right. OK, one more thing.

This phrase 'not gonna lie'...

Feifei: Yes?

Neil: Not gonna lie, I think some people use it too much!

Feifei: Yes, it's become a popular phrase

on social media. Usually accompanied by

a photo of someone on holiday at the beach

with a post saying

"Not gonna lie, it's stunning here!"

Neil: The kind of post that makes me feel

jealous when I'm stuck in the office.

Feifei: But I thought you loved your job?!

Neil: Oh, I do.

Feifei: And yes, you are a very good presenter, Neil.

Neil: That makes me feel much better, not gonna lie.

Neil and Feifei: Bye.