Summary
Do you know someone who has charm, energy and is exciting to speak with or listen to? You can learn an English expression to describe that person.
Transcript
Feifei
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak with me, Feifei…
Roy
… and me, Roy. Have you seen Rob’s new video on social media?
Feifei
Yes, it’s amazing! He has charm and style – he just has…
Roy
Ooof!!!
Feifei
Yes! Oomph! Rob has oomph and charm – not as much as me of course, but he has some! Wow, Roy! For once you actually got the correct word! Oomph!
Roy
I didn’t say oomph – I said ooof! I was complaining because I hurt my back earlier putting your cases in your car for you to go on your workcation.
Feifei
Well, one can never be too prepared when going to the beach. Besides, I need lots of different outfits for when I take pictures. My photos have to have real…
Roy
‘Oomph’ – yes, I get it. Your photos need to have energy and be exciting.
Feifei
Exactly! Well, let’s talk more about my oomph right after these examples.
Examples
The business owner showed real oomph in her presentation when she was pitching the idea.
I really like the way Eric speaks – he has real energy and oomph.
The dancer showed real oomph in his performance – an energy I haven’t seen in a long time!
Feifei
You’re listening to The English We Speak from BBC Learning English, and we’re talking about the word ‘oomph’. If someone or something has ‘oomph’, they have real energy and excitement.
Roy
Some people argue that it is important to have real oomph when making presentations. I’m really good at talking to a room full of people, which means I must have real oomph!
Feifei
You’re clearly mistaken! I am the one with the oomph! I could sell anything to anyone.
Roy
Well, if I bought what you were selling, I could resell it for double the price – that’s how much oomph I’ve got!
Feifei
No, Roy. You don’t have oomph. You have a puppy-like charm. It’s OK to be envious of my oomph!
Roy
Puppy-like?! I don’t chew slippers or chase sticks! I have oomph! Energy! Excitement! People have told me that!
Feifei
And who said that?
Roy
Rob. But ironically, he said it when he hurt his back helping me with your cases.
Feifei
Well, I think we all know what he really said! Bye, Roy.
Roy
Bye.