Your friend tastes your soup and says, "Not bad." You feel hurt. But in Britain, "not bad" is often real praise. British speakers often say less than they mean. In this episode: • What understatement is • Small words, big meanings • Polite codes • Quite, gentle irony and tone • Listening lab • Practice • Self-check questions with answers Key phrases from this episode: Not bad — good, often very good (casual) Not bad at all — really good (casual) Not too bad, thanks — I'm fine (casual reply to How are you?) Could be worse — things are okay and I'm coping (casual) It's a bit chilly — it's quite cold (neutral) I'm a bit peckish — I'm hungry (casual) It's not ideal — it's bad (neutral) "How was the film?" "Not bad, actually." — the speaker enjoyed it. A bit of a problem — a big problem A bit annoying — very annoying Slightly late — sometimes very late A bit of a mess — a real mess That's a shame — I'm disappointed (neutral) Not the best — bad (casual) The washing machine's making a bit of a noise. — It's loud; something is wrong. The kids have left the kitchen in a bit of a state. — The kitchen is a big mess. It's a bit annoying when the bins aren't collected. — It's very annoying. We've got a bit of a problem with the boiler. — A serious problem. That's interesting — often polite doubt (neutral) With respect — I'm about to disagree (formal) I hear what you're saying — I understand, but I don't agree (neutral) It's not really my thing — I don't like it (casual) Perhaps we could try another time? — I'd like a change (polite) Real British English: the complete spoken course for learners worldwide — modern British accent, everyday grammar, phrasal verbs, idioms, slang, he/she/it for things, and real conversations at home. Listen, repeat out loud, then take the 52-question quiz. Audio voiced with AI from an original script by Dr. Rashmi R Nair.