This Made Me Cringe So Much…
The main focus of today’s episode is the word ‘cringe’. It’s a useful word to describe a strong feeling of embarrassment or awkwardness, especially at someone else’s behaviour, or memories of your own past behaviour. I’ll be sharing a few cringey things from my life, some embarrassing stories, and some everyday things that I find a bit cringe. While chatting, I’ll be sharing some useful phrases and expressions too, so you can learn something new with each story.
Episode Summary
Here’s a summary of the cringe-worthy moments mentioned in this episode.
🎤 Perfect Foreign Pronunciation
When Chinese or Japanese learners use perfect native tones for words like "karaoke" while speaking English. It can feel a bit show-offy.
💃 TikTok Dances in Public
Watching someone do choreographed TikTok dances in public spaces for content.
🏆 Talking About Achievements
A very British thing. In the US you get congratulations; in the UK you might hear "What do you want, a medal?"
💀 "Did Someone Die in Here?"
Walking into a quiet classroom and saying this to the teacher. Instant regret.
👵 Calling Someone's Mum "Old Lady"
A childhood memory that still haunts me. My friend hit me for that one.
🗣️ "You Look Older Than That"
Trying to compliment someone on looking mature but getting the wording very wrong. We never spoke again.
😵 Gibberish Responses
When someone catches you off guard and instead of words, you just make strange sounds. "Hey how are you?" "Aiheeigjrg yeah."
👋 Waving at the Wrong Person
When you wave back at someone who was actually waving at someone behind you. Happened to me in Bangkok last year.
🔄 Wrong Word Realisation
When you realise you said the wrong word in a foreign language, but only after you've already left the conversation.
⭐️ Transcript & Bonus Lesson
What moments do you find the most cringey?
Share them in the comments
Hi Michael! This is a great, real-life topic. Without you and Level up English, I might have studied English for many years without knowing how to express these cringe-worthy moments. All of these situations are exactly like mine. Much appreciated!
I’m glad you can relate to what I spoke about here too! Thanks
Dear master I can only agree with all the other followers of yours. I really think you are the best one: I’m studying English for a long time and nobody else can be so crystal clear and so interesting and helpful as you.
About this specific episode don’t be always so rude with yourself: come back to that coffee shop and talk again with that nice and polite woman. You didn’t make so a bad mistake with her!
Be more self confident because you’re smart and brilliant 😎.
betty
Hi, Betty! (Call me Michael 🙂)
Thanks so much for the kind comments! And I appreciate your support. It’s a good reminder to keep trying and not let these embarrassing moments defeat us.