Summary
How ordinary is vanilla? It’s not if you like ice cream but the word can have another negative meaning with Rob and Feifei are about to discover in this episode of The English We Speak.
Transcript
Feifei
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. I’m Feifei…
Rob
And hello, I’m Rob.
Feifei
It’s very hot today, Rob. What a good idea to present this programme outside in the lovely sunny weather!
Rob
Yes it is – and what a great suggestion that I buy you an ice cream!
Feifei
Thanks, Rob!
Rob
So, come on then, what flavour do you want – chocolate, strawberry, salted caramel…?
Feifei
Vanilla for me, please. It’s my favourite flavour of ice cream.
Rob
Vanilla! Oh, Feifei, that’s a bit boring… a bit ordinary!
Feifei
It’s just ice cream, Rob – but the word ‘vanilla’ can be used to describe something this is basic or bland. So, vanilla ice cream is very popular because it is delicious, but your taste in clothes is just…
Rob
…vanilla? Thanks! I think we should hear some examples…
Examples
I thought his performance in the movie was very vanilla – he’s normally amazing.
I’m just looking to buy a vanilla car – nothing fancy, no extras – just something to drive to the shops in.
I wanted to go sky diving with my friend, but he’s so vanilla – he’d never do anything risky!
Feifei
This is The English We Speak from BBC Learning English and we’re talking about the word ‘vanilla’ which can be used to describe something that is basic, ordinary or boring. So come on then, Rob. If my vanilla ice cream is so ‘vanilla’, what flavour are you going for?
Rob
It’s got to be salted caramel.
Feifei
That’s so vanilla! Everyone is eating salted caramel-flavoured things these days.
Rob
Well, luckily for you, I’ve forgotten to bring any money – so no ice cream for either of us.
Feifei
Oh well, back to work then.
Rob
That’s vanilla too – it’s such a lovely day, shall we stay in the park a little longer?
Feifei
Yeah, good idea! See you, everyone.
Rob
Bye.