What the British Say and What It Actually Means

The British are known for their roundabout way of saying things instead of taking the direct approach - which would save a lot of time and would be much less confusing. Here I share some examples of we say and what we really mean...
The Top Ten
1 With all due respect - You're wrong entirely

Mr. Dennit: Ricky, your little obscene gesture is going to cost you 100 points. Do you know how much that costs us in sponsorship dollars?
Ricky: With all due respect, Mr. Dennit, I had no idea you'd gotten experimental surgery to have your balls removed.
Mr. Dennit: What did you just say to me?
Ricky: What? I said it with all due respect!
Mr. Dennit: Just because you say that doesn't mean you get to say whatever you want to say to me!
Ricky: It sure as hell does!
Mr. Dennit: No, it doesn't--
Ricky: It's in the Geneva Conventions, look it up!

2 Honestly I'm fine - I'm about to have a meltdown

Haha! NOW I THINK THAT PositronWildhawk said this to me once. This list is helpful.

A similar thing I notice about girls, in general. Including me!

Love this list but this is the best!

3 I'll bear that in mind - I'll forget it as soon as I leave

Haha this one sounds familiar!

4 That's quite good - it's terrible
5 I shouldn't really... - Yes!

Oh I shouldn't really... Go on then, if you're having one. Why don't we just say what we mean?!

6 Correct me if I'm wrong - I don't want to be contradicted
7 The subject is closed - you were right

We don't like admitting this. Ever.

8 Oh, it's only a minor injury - My ankle has been ripped off by a bear trap

As was once said on a medical show on British television, his heart is not beating, but he's just fine.

Never ones to make a big deal, the Brits. Had a leg amputated? Pah! No problem, we have another!

9 I'll get back to you - You'll never hear from me again
10 Tell me about it - DON'T tell me about it!

"Tell me all about your trip to Pets At Home, Mum! " is a common phrase of mine.

We really aren't that interested. We are just good at appearing it.

We say this in the USA too!

The Contenders
11 How interesting - I really couldn't care less
12 You are Brave - You are an idiot
13 I think we'll be off now - I think you should leave now. Not me.
14 Excuse me, is anyone sitting here? - You have less than 5 seconds to move your coat from that seat.
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