Learning English

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Summary

Neil’s got a serious expression on his face? Is something wrong, or is he just concentrating? Feifei’s about to find out and learn the name for Neil’s intense look.

Transcript

Feifei
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak from BBC Learning English. I’m Feifei…

Neil
[silence]

Feifei
Excuse me, Neil – could we have your attention, please?

Neil
Oh, sorry. I was just playing this computer game – I’m so addicted! I just need to get the zombies to jump in the jelly and…

Feifei
…OK, OK, I get the idea. But why are you looking so serious?

Neil
Serious? Oh no, I’m not looking serious, I’m concentrating - this is my game face!

Feifei
Oh, that’s a game face! I wondered what one was, and now I know. If we describe someone as having a game face, we mean they have an intense, serious expression because they are focussed and determined to win a game or achieve something they want. And Neil, you are serious about winning your game?

Neil
Yes – just one more zombie in the jelly to go.

Feifei
Let’s have some examples, shall we?

Examples
You could tell by his game face that he was going to win!

Look at Jaya’s game face – you can tell she is determined to win the race.

Put your game face on when you go to the bank and ask to borrow some money.

Feifei
You’re listening to The English We Speak from BBC Learning English. Neil’s telling me about his ‘game face’ – a serious or intense facial expression that someone has when they’re determined to win something. Is this a face we only use for computer games?

Neil
No. We can use it for board games, chess, sport also – anywhere where you need to focus to win the game or just achieve something important. Now, please be quiet, I need to finish this game!

Feifei
Sorry, Neil!

Neil
Oh no!

Feifei
What’s wrong?

Neil
The game has frozen. It won’t work!

Feifei
So, is that your game face I’m looking at now?

Neil
No, this is just my angry face.

Feifei
Oh dear. We could call it your ‘game over’ face!

Neil
Grrrr.

Feifei
Bye.

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