Small Talk & Conversation
This is the term for light, informal conversation about everyday topics.
What is small talk?
To meet someone by chance.
What is to run into (someone)?
A national obsession and a constant, safe topic for small talk in the UK.
What is the weather?
To feel slightly ill or unwell.
What is to feel under the weather?
Informal words or expressions used by a particular group (e.g., "chill", "legit")
What is slang?
Verbal signals like "uh-huh" or "right" that show you are listening.
What is back-channeling?
To be excited about a future event.
What is to look forward to (something)?
The type of humour where you make jokes about your own flaws.
What is self-deprecating humour?
To be extremely happy and delighted.
What is to be over the moon?
Sounds or words like "um", "like", "you know" used to fill pauses in speech.
What are filler words?
A question added to the end of a statement to engage the listener (e.g., "It's cold, ______?")
What is a tag question?
To start discussing a particular, often sensitive, subject.
What is to bring up (a topic)?
Source of british humor. The art of waiting in an orderly line. Breaking it is a serious social offence.
What is queuing?
To become very angry.
What is to hit the roof / to go through the roof?
A London expression for 'food'.
What is grub?
This is the most natural follow-up question to: "I'm going on a road trip next week." A) "Are you going by yourself?" B) "That sounds fun! What are you planning to do there?"
What is B?
To tell someone the details about something they missed.
What is to fill (someone) in?
To find out about what has happened in someone’s life since you last met.
What is to catch up?
The final problem in a series that makes you lose patience.
What is the last straw?
A London expression meaning 'tacky' or 'uncool'.
What is naff?
Complete the tag question: "I am right, ______?"
What is 'aren't I'?
Complete the tag question: "You have a dog, ______?"
What is 'don't you'?
Identify the error in this inverted sentence: "Rarely she visits contemporary art exhibitions."
What is 'Rarely does she visit...'?
Rewrite for emphasis: "I had never seen such a captivating painting."
What is 'Never had I seen such a captivating painting'?
Combine using a participle clause: "The artist was inspired by urban life. She created a powerful series of photos."
What is 'Inspired by urban life, the artist created a powerful series of photos'?