Summary
How do you describe something that is standard, ordinary and nothing special? Rob’s about to discover an English phrase he can use that is far from ordinary – and you can learn about it too in The English We Speak.
Transcript
Feifei
Hello everyone. This is The English We Speak with me, Feifei…
Rob
…. and me, Rob. Hey, Feifei, do you need me to order you a pizza?
Feifei
Why would I want you to order me a pizza when we are presenting a programme?
Rob
Go on! Just say ‘pizza’ and my new smartphone will instantly order one for you.
Feifei
Oh, I see. I know you’ve got a new and very expensive smartphone, Rob, but I’m quite happy using my bog-standard dumbphone.
Rob
‘Bog-standard’! You mean it’s basic, ordinary and unexceptional?
Feifei
I do, Rob. It’s a strange expression and nobody really knows its origins.
Rob
Well, I think it’s got something to do with the English slang for toilet – bog – which is where your ‘old’ phone should be!
Feifei
Thanks, Rob. Shall we hear some ‘bog-standard’ examples now?
Examples
I’ve got a bog-standard computer, but it’s fine for just sending emails and surfing the internet.
Sorry you got a low mark in your homework, but to be honest, it was bog-standard.
I found the new film bog-standard – it lacked the action and special effects I was expecting.
Feifei
This is The English We Speak from BBC Learning English, and we’re learning about the phrase ‘bog-standard’, which describes things that are basic, ordinary and unexceptional.
Rob
Yes, like your basic mobile phone.
Feifei
Oh, is that a message on your new, shiny, very expensive smartphone?
Rob
Yes, yes, it is. It’s my first bill for my new phone…. Let’s have a look. What?! How much! Oh!
Feifei
Oh dear, Rob. It’s not such a new, shiny phone now, is it?
Rob
Oh no, how are we going to order a pizza now?
Feifei
On my ‘bog-standard’ phone? Here, just press the numbers and you can actually talk to someone.
Rob
No, I’m not hungry now.
Feifei
Bye!
Neil
Bye!