British vs American Phrasal Verbs with Jesús Flórez
Jesús returns for another episode, but this time we challenge each other with some phrasal verbs from America and Britain. We each have a secret list of 5 phrasal verbs, and our goal is to share one that the other doesn’t know.
While talking, we discover whether these phrasal verbs are used internationally, or only in one part of the world, and we also share examples from our own lives.
Join us and level up your English vocabulary with phrasal verbs.
Done in 😴
Meaning: Completely exhausted or spent after physical or mental exertion.
Example: "I am completely done in after that run."
Note: British English - more common than the American equivalent.
Dish out 💬
Meaning: To give or distribute something, especially criticism, advice, or verbal commentary.
Example: "The coach is known to dish out harsh criticism after a bad game."
Note: Used in both British and American English.
Pissed off 😠
Meaning: Annoyed, angry, or irritated about something.
Example: "I was pissed off because the fire alarm interrupted my work."
Note: Mildly vulgar - used in both dialects.
Putter around / Potter around 🚶♂️
Meaning: To move around doing small, inconsequential tasks in a relaxed, unhurried way.
Example: "On my days off, I just like to putter around the house and relax."
Note: Putter = American English; Potter = British English.
Skive off 🎒
Meaning: To avoid work or school without permission; to skip or play truant.
Example: "He skived off school to watch the football game."
Note: British English - American equivalent is "play hooky" (dated).
Tough it out 💪
Meaning: To endure or persevere through a difficult or unpleasant situation with determination.
Example: "I know the last part of the race is hard, but you just have to tough it out."
Note: Used in both British and American English.
Slag off 🗣️
Meaning: To criticize someone strongly or speak badly about them, often in a harsh or blunt way.
Example: "He's always slagging off his boss behind her back."
Note: British English, informal/vulgar - American equivalent is "light someone up".
Hunker down 🏠
Meaning: To take shelter or stay in one place, especially during severe weather or difficulty.
Example: "During the pandemic, we all had to hunker down at home."
Note: Used in both British and American English.
Kick off 🔥
Meaning: To start suddenly (especially a fight); to become angry or upset and cause a disturbance.
Example: "He really kicked off when he got refused entry to the pub."
Note: The "anger" meaning is more British; Americans use "blow up" or "set off".
Bail on 🚪
Meaning: To abandon plans or not show up for an event or meeting with someone, usually at the last minute.
Example: "He bailed on our plans at the last minute."
Note: Used in both dialects - British also say "flake" as an alternative.
Where to Find Jesús
⭐️ Transcript & Bonus Lesson
Which phrasal verb was your favourite?
Comment your thoughts below.
Hi mr. Mesho. So My level is A2 do u think this podcast is good for me?
Hi Moha.
It’s up to you to decide in the end. I don’t aim the podcast at A2 students (usually B1/B2 and above), but if you find you’re learning while listening, then definitely keep it up!
On the other hand, if you are getting frustrated because you don’t understand a lot, then maybe come back in the future.
So level is important, but also follow what you enjoy. I think that’s the main thing 🙂
l know 70% from what u say but some topics seem deeply meaningful so I didn’t understand. l appreciate your help
70% is great! And you’re right – topics and random, and some are harder than generic textbook topics, so it might take time to follow. Good luck