Speakers: Justin Ratcliffe, Mark Worden, Rachel Roberts (Standard British accent), Chuck Rolando (Standard American accent)

A list has been circulating on the Internet recently and it has found fans in many countries. It is well known that the British rarely mean what they say and so, to help people understand them, a list of phrases was prepared.

It featured three columns:
1. What the British say,
2. What the British mean, and
3. What others understand.

Here are some examples:

1. What the British say: “With the greatest respect…”
2. What the British mean: “I think you are an idiot.”
3. What others understand: “This person is listening to me.”

Another example?
1. What the British say: “I hear what you say…”
2. What the British mean: “I disagree and do not wish to discuss it further.”
3. What others understand: “This person accepts my point of view.”

Another example?
1. What the British say: “Very interesting.”
2. What the British mean: “You are insane.”
3. What others understand: “This person thinks I have courage.”

Another one?
1. What the British say: “That’s not bad.”
2. What the British mean: “That’s good.”
3. What others understand: “That’s poor.”

And finally:
1. What the British say: “Quite good.”
2. What the British mean: “A bit disappointing.”
3. What others understand: “Quite good.”