2017-11-20 A knees-up – The English We Speak

Summary

What happens at a ‘knees-up’? Feifei been training for one but Rob’s about to explain that she can relax and enjoy herself, she won’t be needing her knees! Find out more in this programme.

Transcript

Feifei
Hello, I’m Feifei and this is The English We Speak.

Rob
… and hello, it’s Rob here. Err, Feifei, I hope you don’t mind me saying but you look a bit hot and sweaty.

Feifei
That’s because I’ve been training for this ‘thing’ that Dan’s having for his birthday.

Rob
A ‘thing’ – what sort of thing?

Feifei
Well according to his party invitation, he’s having a knees-up to celebrate his birthday. I’m not sure what it is but I wanted to be prepared by getting fit. Look I can get my knee up to my chin!

Rob
That’s impressive but completely unnecessary. A knees-up is an informal way of saying a lively party where there’s usually dancing. So he’s having a party!

Feifei
Oh right. So I’ve been invited to Dan’s birthday party! Well, if there’s dancing I still need to get fit.

Rob
That’s true. Let’s hear some more examples of people having a knees-up…

Examples
Sorry I’m a bit sleepy today, we had a big knees-up last night. It was great!

We’re planning a knees-up for Dad’s 70th birthday, I hope you can come.

Now our exams have finished, let’s have a knees-up at my house tonight!

Feifei
So a knees-up is a lively party or gathering to celebrate something. This is going to be fun!

Rob
Yes, there’ll be dancing…

Feifei
Good.

Rob
Eating and drinking…

Feifei
Perfect.

Rob
And lots of celebrating. But this knees-up will be missing one thing.

Feifei
Oh yes, what’s that?

Rob
Me. I won’t be coming – I haven’t got time – I’m up to my knees in paperwork.

Feifei
‘Up to your knees’ in paperwork! You mean you’ve got too much work to do – come on Rob, be honest, you haven’t been invited!

Rob
Well….yes. I can’t dance anyway, I’ve got a bad knee.

Feifei
Excuses. I’ll let you know how it goes. Bye!

Rob
Bye!