transcript  

Feifei
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak with me, Feifei… 

Roy

…and me, Roy. 

Feifei                                                                                           
We may sound a little different – that’s because we are not able to record in our normal studios during the coronavirus outbreak. Roy! I saw the photo you sent to the text group this morning! I didn’t know you had a fancy sports car, a mansion and a swimming pool. Roy, you need to stop flexing?! 

Roy
What do you mean ‘flexing’? I’m not exercising my muscles at all, right now! 

Feifei
Not flexing your muscles, Roy. You’re showing off! This is our word for this programme – ‘flexing’ – which means to show off! 

Roy
I’m not showing off. I just want everyone to be aware of my amazing lifestyle! I’m thinking about getting some dolphins to go in my pool.

Feifei
Roy! Now you’re just inventing things! I don’t think you have a mansion, a swimming pool or a fancy sports car. Not only do I think you’re flexing, but you’re totally exaggerating just to impress people! 

Roy
Are you impressed? 

Feifei
No, not at all. Anyway, let’s listen to these examples… 

Examples
He’s always flexing on social media, – showing these glamorous pictures of his holidays! 

People who flex are so annoying! It’s just showing off. 

She can’t stop flexing about her new house, but it’s actually not that nice. 

Feifei
This is The English We Speak from BBC Learning English and we’re talking about the word ‘flexing’, which means showing-off. When you’re showing off about something strange, or tacky, some people say ‘weird flex, but OK’. 

Roy
Well, I’m sorry if you think I was showing off. I just want people to think I’m cool! That’s all. 

Feifei
You don’t need to flex for people to like you! Everyone already does think you’re cool! It’s because you’re an amazing person like me. But, talking about amazing things: have you seen my new phone? 

Roy
Weird flex, but OK. 

Feifei
What? I didn’t flex! Plus, why is it weird? 

Roy
Well, it’s not a cool phone – I’ve never even heard of the brand, and the colours look like someone vomited rainbows. 

Feifei
Well, I like it. Wait, what are those car keys on your desk? Do you really have a sportscar? 

Roy
Of course, I do – and a mansion and a pool – The only reason I shared that photo was because I wanted to invite people to my house party! 

Feifei
Really? Can I come to the party? 

Roy
Sure, as long as you don’t flex about that horrible phone. 

Feifei
OK, I won’t talk about my amazing phone. Bye, Roy. 

Roy
Bye.