Proper British English on the Streets of London - B2 Listening

Summary

In this lively street interview at Piccadilly Circus, people share the personal items they would never lend to others. Responses range from a microphone used for beatboxing, cherished keepsakes like a Buzz Lightyear toy and Chelsea boots, to everyday items like pillows, makeup brushes, and chef knives. Some cite emotional attachment, hygiene concerns, or fear of damage as reasons. The discussion touches on the personal significance of these possessions and the boundaries people set around them, making for a relatable and engaging conversation.

Takeaways

• 🎤 People often have personal items they would never lend to others due to sentimental value or hygiene reasons.
• 🤢 One individual wouldn't lend their microphone because it's used for beatboxing and gets dirty.
• 🛏️ Jim wouldn't lend his pillow, as he feels it's too personal and involves close contact with his face.
• 📱 Another person would never lend their phone due to privacy concerns and the secrets it holds.
• 🔪 A chef is protective of their knives and wouldn't let anyone use them because they are expensive and easily ruined.
• 🧸 A person is emotionally attached to their Buzz Lightyear toy and their uncle's old boots, which they wouldn't lend to anyone.
• 💄 Makeup brushes are another item that some wouldn't lend, as improper use can damage them.
• 🍲 Someone mentioned they wouldn't lend their Kimchi, a traditional food item.
• 👁️ Sharing eye makeup, like mascara and eyeliner, can lead to infections like styes, which is why some avoid lending these items.
• 👩‍🏫 The video concludes with a note to the audience, encouraging them to avoid sharing eye products to prevent infections.

Q & A

Why wouldn't the first person lend their microphone to anyone?

The person wouldn't lend their microphone because it's dirty from beatboxing into it all the time, even though they clean it daily, it's still filthy.

What is Jim's reason for not lending his pillow to someone?

Jim wouldn't lend his pillow because he sleeps on it all night and doesn't want someone else's germs on his face.

Why would the chef never lend his knives to anyone?

The chef would never lend his knives because they are expensive, and he doesn't want anyone to ruin them.

What are the sentimental items mentioned that the owners wouldn't lend?

The sentimental items mentioned are a Buzz Lightyear toy given by the speaker's grandfather before he passed away and old-school bourbon Chelsea boots from an uncle who also passed away.

Why wouldn't the speaker lend their makeup brushes?

The speaker wouldn't lend their makeup brushes because others might use them incorrectly, causing the bristles to go funny.

What is the reason given for not lending mascara?

The reason given for not lending mascara is that it can cause a sty, which is a small bump or eye infection caused by bacteria buildup.

What is a sty, according to the conversation?

A sty is described as a small bump or infection that forms on the eye due to bacteria buildup.

Why does one person not want to share their kimchi?

The person simply states they wouldn't lend their kimchi, the fermented food, to anyone.

What advice is given regarding sharing eye products?

The advice given is to never share eye products with other females to avoid getting a sty or other eye infections.

What is the general theme of the items people would not lend?

The general theme is that people wouldn't lend items that are either highly personal, hold sentimental value, or could lead to hygiene issues if shared.