The English We Speak – Wrong ‘un

(Sounds of tapping on a laptop)

Finn: Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. I’m Finn.

Li: And I’m Li. Oh, he looks nice.

Finn: Yes. We’re on Li’s computer, on an online dating site. She’s looking for a date – a hot guy.

Li: Shhh… don’t tell everyone. Well, actually, I don’t really just want a date – I’m hoping to meet Mr Right.

Finn: Ooh, Mr Right – the person who is perfect for you – the one you want to spend the rest of your life with!

Li: Yes… ooh. Finn, he looks lovely. He’s got two MAs, a PhD, an enormous salary, a huge house in the country and, and… cute hair!

Finn: Li, actually, sorry to say this, but I think he looks like a wrong ‘un!

Li: A what?

Finn: A wrong ‘un. That means a bad person, someone you can’t trust. It’s a slang way of saying ‘a wrong one’. We use it with ‘a’ – a wrong ‘un. Like that. A wrong ‘un.

Li: Ahh, I thought he could be Mr Right, and you think he’s a wrong ‘un?

Finn: Yes, someone you can’t trust. Sorry, I just think he sounds too good to be true – I think he’s making it up. Maybe he’s lying. He’s a wrong ‘un. Listen to these examples.

• He’s a real wrong ‘un. He always gets into fights.

• You know, although she says nice things, that Sue’s a wrong ‘un. She owes so many people money!

Li: You know what, Finn? I’ve had enough of looking online for a man.

Finn: Yes, well, I know, OK. But I’m sure you’ll find someone special.

Li: How about you, Finn? Have you found Miss Right?

Finn: Oh, well Li, you know, that’s kind of personal. No need to talk about that in the programme.

Li: Oh Finn, that’s not fair!

Finn: No, no, not just now.

Li: Come on just, oh please!

Finn: No, no. That’s the end of the programme. Please visit bbclearningenglish.com for more. Bye!