5 things you shouldn't say in English (if you want to be polite)

Translation is dangerous! Sometimes there are words and phrases that work in one culture that are rude in English.

This video is about how to be polite in English and cultural differences. We look at 5 things you shouldn't say if you want to be polite (unless you want a black eye).
* grandma and grandad/granddad
* aunt and aunty
* How old are you?
* How much do you earn?
* You're looking fat.

We talk about cultural differences that can cause problems if you translate and also the importance of giving people the benefit of the doubt.

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Twitter: @vickivideos

There you can get email updates on new videos and live classes and also download a free copy of 'Fix It', a checklist for correcting common English mistakes

[OscarJark]

Of course you're not old for being Youtubers. We really appreciate the effort you put into every single video. Thanks they're helpful and they will be useful in the years to come.

[atttalvarez]

Everybody compliments Vicky’s accent and way of expressing, but I also think Jay has an incredible and soft use of American English. It sounds to me like those movies from Hollywood’s golden age. Both are the factual example of what I always answer when people ask me which language sounds better to my ears: I say “a language sounds beautiful depending on the speaker”. You make English sound incredibly appealing. Don’t stop making and posting your videos.

[gabomay]

In my country grandma or grandpa gives authority and respect to someone

[wijangkumoro]

It's interesting...
We not only learn english but also attitude...😁👍

[midnightposting]

Great video!
In Spanish (at least in Chile) kids and early teens use the words aunt and uncle to refer to a grown-up person. For example it's common for kids to call their teacher aunt at school (so it is a bit informal but not impolite) or also to refer to the dad of one of their friends. A funny thing is that you know you are getting old here when kids start to refer to you as aunt or uncle (it is a sad moment in one's life haha).

[naina]

I am from India. In our culture we don't address elders by their name even if they are stranger. We call them sister/brother, uncle/aunt and grandma/grandpa to show respect. Calling by someone's name may be considered rude here. (I am talking about social life though, it dosn't apply in professional world. )

[christinach]

Nobody wants to insult you, as you helped so many people understand the English language a little more. I am one of them❤

Respect from Greece.

[Budder]

It’s 12:57 AM and my first language is English... why am I here...

Edit: 4:41 Lmfao 😂

[adrianamarara]

You both are very kind. I loved her smile. This is a very good way to learn English.
Here in Brazil, usually, children call their teachers "aunt" . We really need to learn about the culture, not only about language.
Thanks.

[servertoaster]

2:22
Vicki: We’re a little old for YouTubers
Jay: not me

[arveehh]

In my country, calling someone older than you by their name is rude. That’s why we called them, big brother/big sister, aunt/uncle or grandma/granddad depends on the age. It doesn’t matter if they are you relatives or not.
By the way, I love your videos so much and I love you guys. ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

[MikeTXBC]

The "aunt/aunty" part is interesting to me because I've seen many people from India constantly use the term "dear" when speaking to someone they don't know well (or at all). Maybe they think they're being respectful, but in English (American, Australian, British or Canadian) the term "dear" is meant for people who're emotionally close to you, and this doesn't include random strangers on the Internet. I suppose the one instance where "dear" might work is if you're writing a letter and you begin with "Dear such-and-such" but that's understood to be different than conversationally referring to someone as "dear."

[ElizabeteReis]

I am from Brazil and I've found you channel studying from English With Jennifer's. I'm having a lot of fun with you both. You teach English in a very simple way and that's what I like most. Thank you so much for sharing both knowledge and entertainment.

[gemarodriguezvillegas]

Thank you. It's important to respect and know about other cultures.

[marsaaas]

I am Lezghin (the indigenous nationality of the Caucasus in the very south of Russia). Asking “How old are you?” Is important here because your speech depends on it (the older person should be called the 'elder sister / brother' as well as in Korean or Chinese I think. Even when speaking about myself I have to say it with another word that you can simply use “I” only when you talk with your close friends and with someone who are younger)

Thaks for video!!

[indirapatinomendoza]

I totally agree with you both. I am a language teacher in Latin America and I try to explain these things you have mentioned in this video to some of my students because while they are in the learning process, they tend to translate literally some sayings and words from their native language into English and I otta tell them those expressions are nonsense for English native speakers. In that case, we have to find an equivalent expression in English so that it would be understandable.

You both are definitely really patient, kind and pretty respectful even when correcting these type of errors.
Jay and Vicky: You both are simply adorable. Hope you are safe at home. <3 <3

[misuri]

Thank you so much to you guys! English is not my native language and it's not easy for me to find someone to talk English with but these videos helps me a lot!! Thank u, ❤️❤️

[yukiousuzumi]

In the Chinese culture, when people say "grandma" and "grandpa", they are being respectful and want to sound closer and intimate.


It just blows my mind how a word can bear the meanings of two opposite emotions at the same time.

[mahmoudalbriki]

Currently, I living in Sweden but I am not Swedish however I am from Syria. I have been in Sweden for 3 years ago. First of all in my school here in Sweden in failed in English despite English is my favorite language. I'm 16 years old.
I have watched yours videos for almost 6 months ago it was very instructive to me because you bring up a lot of phrasal verb and word for example (conservative).
I would to say also to say Grandma it basically means tow as you mention. It means to be admiration.
I would like to say you are and ziky is incredibly amazing people. And the way you speak is so nice. The way you speak is very adaptable.
I have one desire if you can do videos once or twice about vocabulary?

[paulohenriqueaguiargomiero]

Watching you makes me feel happy! And by the way Vick your accent is beyond perfection! Thank you both :)