Is it REALLY English or Chinese?

The Chewsday Chats: Learn British English

In this week’s episode Chris and James explore how English has borrowed words from languages from all around the world. We ask what is in the water over in South Korea? Plus, Chris is quizzed on the origin of English words: is the ‘noodle’ really from China? Where did shampoo originate? Which language gave us the word alcohol? All this and more in the Chewsday Chats!
Part One

Panache (noun): flamboyant confidence of style or manner
Faux pas (noun): an embarrassing or tactless remark in a social situation
Butcher [something]: (verb, informal British): to spoil something completely by perfuming or dealing with it very badly
Something in the water (idiom): used to describe when there are many people doing a particular thing
Exploded (verb): increase suddenly in size, number or extent
Out and about (idiom): going to different places
Jam-packed (adjective, informal): full of people or things that are pushed closely together
Chock-a-block (adjective, informal British): crammed full of people or things

Part Two
Derive from (verb): obtain something from (a specified source)
Double bluff (noun British): a clever attempt to deceive someone, especially by telling the truth when they think you are telling lies
Pass away (verb): to go out of existence
Pinch (verb, informal British): to steal
Throw [someone] (verb): to confuse or perplex someone
Egg on one’s face (idiom British informal): to look stupid because of something that has been done
Part Three

Speak the same language (idiom): to have similar ideas and similar ways of expressing them
Ex: “me and my friend don’t speak the same language when it comes to politics”
Speak someone’s language (idiom): to say something or communicate in a way that aligns with one’s preferences, desires, motivations, etc.
Ex: “Shall we go and grab a beer? Oh now you’re speaking my language!”
Abso-bloody-lutely (adverb, informal British): informal or humorous form of absolutely