Do you ever worry that you’re saying something rude in English?
Today, get three blatantly rude phrases that you should avoid at all costs in English.
Politeness and culture
Aubrey asks Lindsay what’s the most polite culture she has ever visited.
Lindsay says that politeness can be in the eye of the beholder.
There are many places she’s been to and there may be moments of politeness that she may not have recognized.
But in her experience, when she lived in Japan, she was surprised by the level of politeness and formality.
She even got to compare it to a flight to Vietnam where she found the stewardesses very rude.
This is different across cultures.
Rudeness can be present everywhere.
Today’s episode is inspired by a listener’s question.
Lindsay and Aubrey are going to share English phrases to avoid in order to not give offense.
Bahruz’s question was about the phrase “Who asked you?”
Rude phrases
Today we’ll share three rude phrases in English that you should avoid.
They can break the connection between you and the person you’re talking to.
Take note of the intonation and situational tips that they will share so you can prevent saying this in English.
#1: Who asked you?
This phrase implies that someone gave an unwanted opinion or should not have spoken.
This can be said after the following phrases:
- I think you should break up with that guy.
- This soup needs more salt.
If you respond “Who asked you?” you are directly saying that their opinion is unwanted.
Mini roleplay
Aubrey: I don’t think you should take that job.
Lindsay: Who asked you?!
#2: Mind your business!
When you use this phrase, you are telling someone to not pry and to not get involved.
You can say this after the following questions:
- Are you sure you should take that job?
- What did they just text you?
This is a response when someone is being nosy or annoyingly trying to learn something that doesn’t concern them.
Mini roleplay
Lindsay: You really shouldn’t text and drive.
Aubrey: Mind your own business!
#3: Figure it out
This is said to mean someone should do something on their own.
It means they shouldn’t be asking for help.
Someone would use this phrase to just end a conversation.
Mini roleplay
Lindsay: These instructions don’t make sense.
Aubrey: I don’t know. Figure it out.
The intonation is key in these phrases and it would often have an angry or annoyed tone that would sound very offensive.
Some might use these phrases to be sarcastic.
However, be careful to use them because they will usually be interpreted as rude.
Roleplay
Here is a quick roleplay from Lindsay and Aubrey using the phrases shared in this episode.
This will give you an understanding how these would sound in a conversation.
In this scenario, Lindsay and Aubrey are making coffee.
Lindsay: Did you just put in 3 sugar packets?
Aubrey: Okay, mind your business!
Lindsay: Well, sugar is just so bad for you.
Aubrey: Who asked you? I like my sugar with coffee and cream, thank you very much.
Lindsay: I mean, every now and then is okay but every day?? You gotta figure it out.
Takeaway
Some phrases in English are quite rude and you should avoid them if you don’t want to offend others.
Be careful with sarcasm!
The intonation is extremely important, and it can often still be interpreted as rude or dismissive, even if you don’t intend it that way.
When in doubt, it’s better to be direct and clear rather than rely on sarcasm to make a point.
Understanding context, tone, and how your words might be received will go a long way in ensuring you’re being respectful and avoiding offense.
Remember, connection is always important so use the right words and phrases to miss an opportunity to build a strong relationship in English.
What are other rude phrases in English you know?
Share it with us in the comments below.
