2025-04-28 It’s giving – The English We Speak

Introduction

An expression meaning something has a certain energy or vibe. Learn it here.

Transcript

Feifei
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, where we explain phrases used by fluent English speakers so that you can use them too. I’m Feifei, and I’m joined by Beth.

Beth
Hi Feifei. Your outfit is very colourful today. It’s totally giving summer.

Feifei
‘It’s giving summer’? I keep hearing and seeing this phrase ‘it’s giving’. What does it mean?

Beth
‘It’s giving’ is a phrase we use when something reminds us of a particular style, mood or vibe, so your outfit is ‘giving summer’ because it has that summer kind of energy.

Feifei
Ah, well, thank you, Beth. This is a slang phrase that’s often used as a compliment or for giving praise. Beth, the cake you brought in is delicious, by the way. It’s giving professional baker.

Beth
Thanks a lot! Feifei, can you give us another example of ‘it’s giving’?

Feifei
Yes, I can. Have you seen Neil recently? He’s got new glasses, new trainers, new haircut. His new look – it’s giving sophistication.

Beth
Oh, yeah. Totally.

Feifei
Let’s hear some more examples of ‘it’s giving’.

Examples
She didn’t congratulate me on my promotion. It’s giving jealousy.

Oh, have you heard that new song? It is giving 90s vibes – big time.

This restaurant looks super fancy. Look at the tablecloths and candles. It’s giving expensive.

Beth
Now, ‘it’s giving’ is really popular on social media, but I’ve seen it on adverts too. It’s a slang phrase that’s becoming part of general pop culture.

Feifei
And it’s often used to add intensity or drama to what you’re saying, and maybe to exaggerate. If a person is acting in a dramatic way, you could say ‘they’re giving main character energy’.

Beth
And that’s all from us. We’ll be back next time with another useful English phrase. See you soon!

Feifei
Bye-bye!