2016-08-23 Hangry – The English We Speak

Summary

When Feifei arrives at the studio, she realises that Sian is not in a very good mood! What is wrong with her? Maybe she just needs something to eat – quickly! There is a word to describe this combination of anger and hunger. Find out what it is in the programme.

Transcript

Feifei
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. I’m Feifei and joining me is Sian.

Sian                                          
Hi everyone.

Feifei
Are you OK Sian?

Sian
Yes, of course I am! Can we just get on with the programme?!

Feifei
Um Sian, have you had your breakfast today?

Sian
No I haven’t. I overslept and then the bus was late and, uh, it’s just not been a good day so far!

Feifei
Hmmm, maybe we should do the programme once you’ve eaten something. Here have this chocolate bar.

Sian
Oh I’m sorry, I know I’m a bit hangry this morning. I do tend to get moody when I don’t eat. My husband’s always complaining about it!

Feifei
Hangry? Don’t you mean ‘angry’?

Sian
No, ‘hangry’. ‘Hangry’ describes someone who is angry – or irritable – as a result of being hungry. Like me today – I’m feeling a bit annoyed because I haven’t eaten breakfast!

Feifei
You certainly are! So ‘hangry’ is a combination of ‘angry’ and ‘hungry’?

Sian
Yes, that’s right. Let’s hear a few examples.

Examples
A: This food is taking forever to arrive. I’m not coming to this restaurant again.
B: Oh dear, someone’s getting hangry! Let’s get you some food quickly! 

My boyfriend is a nightmare whenever he misses a meal; he gets so hangry!

People tend to get a bit hangry when their blood sugar level drops.

Feifei
Interesting. You wouldn’t catch me getting ‘hangry’ though, I’m always very chilled.

Sian
Is that right Feifei? You know, I’m feeling much happier after eating that chocolate bar. Shall we do the programme again? I feel ready now. 

Feifei
No! come on that will do. I’m starving!

Sian
Oh dear, it seems like you’re a bit hangry too Feifei! Let’s get you to the cafe now.

Feifei
Good idea! Let’s go.