Not Gonna Lie: The English We Speak

source: BBC Learning English       2017年12月18日
Neil thinks he's the best presenter at BBC Learning English. Feifei doesn’t agree. How can you use the phrase 'not gonna lie' before saying something very direct, critical or boastful?

(Transcript: from http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/...)
Neil
Welcome to The English We Speak. I'm Neil.

Feifei
And I'm Feifei.

Neil
You're a pretty polite person, aren't you, Feifei?

Feifei
Well, thanks. I don't know. I try to be!

Neil
That was a very polite answer! But sometimes we want to say things that are very honest, or that others might not want to hear.

Feifei
For example, I ask you: "Do I look tired today?"

Neil
Well, I could directly say: "Yes, you do look a bit tired."

Feifei
Or you could start with this slang expression: 'not gonna lie'.

Neil
Not gonna lie Feifei, you do look a little tired.

Feifei
I know, I need to get to bed earlier! 'Gonna' of course, is short for 'going to'. Using this phrase indicates that you're choosing to be honest, rather than polite.

Neil
It's not only used for honest criticism; we might also use it before something we're very proud of, or something we boast about. For example: I love recording these programmes. Though I'm not gonna lie, I'm the best presenter in the team.

Feifei
Whoah, that's enough. I'm sure everyone listening agrees that I'm the best presenter.

Neil
Of course you're a fantastic presenter, Feifei. Just an example!

Feifei
Talking of examples, let's hear a few more.

Examples
A: Fancy coming round for dinner tomorrow?
B: Absolutely. If you're making your famous roast?
A: Oh yes. Not gonna lie, it's the best roast in town!

Slow down! You really are a terrible driver Mark, not gonna lie.

Not gonna lie, I absolutely love my job. I feel so happy when I walk through the office door every day.

Neil
That last example sounds just like me. Especially as I'm the best presenter.

Feifei
OK, OK, that joke is getting old now.

Neil
You're right. OK, one more thing. This phrase 'not gonna lie'…

Feifei
Yes?

Neil
Not gonna lie, I think some people use it too much!

Feifei
Yes, it's become a popular phrase on social media. Usually accompanied by a photo of someone on holiday at the beach with a post saying "Not gonna lie, it's stunning here!"

Neil
The kind of post that makes me feel jealous when I'm stuck in the office.

Feifei
But I thought you loved your job?!

Neil
Oh, I do.

Feifei
And yes, you are a very good presenter, Neil.

Neil
That makes me feel much better, not gonna lie.

Neil and Feifei
Bye.