Latest news with #BarbaraMcGillivray
Web Release
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
From Spilling Beans to Spilling Tea: British Council unveils the history and evolution of 100 English phrases
Launched to coincide with World English Day, Phrase-ology explores how English is constantly evolving—shaped by global influences and pop culture—while preserving expressions that date back as far as Ancient Greece. Led by computational linguistics expert Dr. Barbara McGillivray and Natural Language Processing specialist Iacopo Ghinassi, the research analysed millions of online documents to track the emergence and usage of expressions, from breaking the ice to ate and left no crumbs (meaning to do something flawlessly). The British Council then curated a final list of 100 phrases with intriguing linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Spilling Beans and Serving Tea – New Phrases, Familiar Meanings While classic idioms like kill two birds with one stone remain widely used, newer phrases are rising in popularity. Spill the beans (first recorded in the early 1900s) surged in usage during the 1990s, while spill the tea, originating from African American and LGBTQ+ communities, skyrocketed in popularity from 2017—fueled by social media trends. All That Glisters Is Not Gold – Phrases Reinvented by Pop Culture The digital age has birthed expressions like let them cook and main character energy, but linguistic reinvention is hardly new. All that glisters is not gold traces back to a 1229 Middle English phrase, 'Nis hit nower neh gold al þet ter schineð,' centuries before its appearance in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. Some expressions, such as bucket list, emerged rapidly and unexpectedly—the term was virtually unknown before the release of the 2007 film The Bucket List. No Cap – Boomers, Millennials, and Gen Z Still 'Keep It Real' The study examined generational language use online, analysing comments across platforms with strong age group engagement. While phrases like better late than never and pipe down are used widely across generations, modern slang such as glow up is more prevalent among millennials and Gen Z. Some expressions have managed to bridge age gaps—keep it real, popular since the 1960s, remains current, while YOLO (popularised by Drake in 2011) continues to resonate thanks to social media. Long Time No See – The Forgotten Global Origins of English Phrases The research also looked at familiar English phrases with international origins. Moment of truth stems from the Spanish 'hora de la verdad', a bullfighting term. Long time no see may derive from Chinese Pidgin English or early 20th-century American Western novels. Chin chin, now a casual toast, originates from the Chinese 'q?ng', meaning 'please.' It also highlights linguistic parallels across cultures, like the Nigerian phrase to yarn dust, which mirrors the English to talk rubbish or to spin a yarn. The collection categorises phrases into eight groups overall. They include: • Global English – Borrowed from other languages and cultures (e.g., let the genie out of the bottle, from Arabic). • Classic Evergreen – Long-standing phrases (e.g., raining cats and dogs, dating to 1661). • Generational – Popular in specific eras (e.g., instant karma, coined by John Lennon in 1970, common in the 2000s). • Pop Culture – Popularised by media across the ages (e.g., let them cook). • Sports – Derived from sports (e.g., straight off the bat). • Gen Z – Recent expressions and slang (e.g., no cap). • Language of Belief – Rooted in religion (e.g., turn the other cheek). • Shakespeare – Originating from or popularised by his works (e.g., wearing one's heart on one's sleeve, Othello). Mark Walker, Director of English & Exams at the British Council, said: 'This latest study into the evolution of English explores the phrases we use to express shared ideas and experiences – it shows how much English is shaped by people around the world and how it continues to grow and adapt. By celebrating the richness of our language, we're not just looking at its past, but also at the future of English. Whether for work, study, travel, relationships, or lifelong learning, as the global lingua franca, English is one of the key ways that people connect and engage across cultures.' Dr. Barbara McGillivray, leading expert in computational linguistics and digital humanities said: 'Working on this collection, we had the chance to explore the deep historical roots of English expressions while applying modern computational techniques to trace their evolution. Analysing the frequency and emergence of idioms, proverbs, and phrases, we uncover not only the impact of historical events but also how the digital era shapes the language we use today. This collection offers a unique perspective on how English, as both a living and historical entity, continues to adapt and reflect the changing world.'
Irish Examiner
24-04-2025
- General
- Irish Examiner
Millennials ‘spill the beans', while Gen Z ‘spills the tea', study says
While millennials like to 'spill the beans', Gen Z will ask you to 'spill the tea', a new study on the evolution of English phrases suggests. Popular English idioms are evolving as they pass from one generation to the next, according to the British Council. In its report on 100 phrases which show how the English language is changing, the British Council said that while classic idioms such as 'kill two birds with one stone' remain widely used, newer phrases are gaining momentum – and the top expressions vary between older generations, millennials and Gen Z. 'Spill the beans' was first recorded in 1919, the report said, but saw a surge in the 1990s. Similar phrase 'spill the tea' – meaning to share gossip – grew in popularity from 2017 thanks to social media, the British Council said. This latest study shows how much English is shaped by people around the world and how it continues to grow and adapt According to the study, expressions such as 'step up to the plate', 'bad-mouthing' and 'below the belt' are frequently used among older generations but could be falling out of fashion as they rarely appear in comments on YouTube or Twitch – sites which have younger demographics. One phrase that is a major green flag is 'red flag/green flag', as it appears in the top 20 list for usage for all three generation groups, the British Council study showed. Typically used when referring to relationships and potential partners, the phrase 'red flag' indicates problems, while 'green flag' signals something positive, or a positive trait. Analysing the frequency and emergence of idioms, proverbs, and phrases, we uncover not only the impact of historical events but also how the digital era shapes the language we use today The research, led by computational linguistics expert Dr Barbara McGillivray and natural language processing specialist Iacopo Ghinassi, analysed millions of online documents to track when expressions emerge and how their use changes, from 'breaking the ice' to 'ate and left no crumbs' (meaning to do something perfectly). After creating a list of 100 expressions – including idioms, phrases, and proverbs – from a wide range of sources including the Oxford English Dictionary, academic literature, newspapers and online platforms, the British Council analysed online comments from different platforms to see how different generations use the phrases. 'It is what it is', 'bucket list' and 'Yolo' (you only live once) rank highly across the generations, the study found. Originating in 1949, 'it is what it is' had a steep rise in use after the Covid-19 pandemic. The British Council said the phrase 'bucket list', meaning a list of things to do before you die, was 'practically unheard of' until 2007, when comedy-adventure film The Bucket List was released. It is thought to have come from another idiom: 'to kick the bucket'. This collection offers a unique perspective on how English, as both a living and historical entity, continues to adapt and reflect the changing world Some phrases might even skip a generation, the report said, as idioms such as 'throw in the towel' and 'joie de vivre' are common among older generations and Gen Z, but used less often by millennials. This could show that some idioms are being revived or reinvented among younger speakers, the British Council said. Dr McGillivray said: 'Working on this collection, we had the chance to explore the deep historical roots of English expressions while applying modern computational techniques to trace their evolution. 'Analysing the frequency and emergence of idioms, proverbs, and phrases, we uncover not only the impact of historical events but also how the digital era shapes the language we use today. 'This collection offers a unique perspective on how English, as both a living and historical entity, continues to adapt and reflect the changing world.' 'No cap', meaning no lie or I'm serious, was the most popular of the 100 phrases for Gen Z. First used in 2011, the slang term comes from African American English where 'cap' means exaggeration or falsehood and is used across the generations, the study found, but most prominently by Gen Z. 'The powers that be' was among the most popular idioms used by millennials and older generations, but it was hardly used by Gen Z, the report said, showing that the younger generation are 'more noticeably phasing out traditional or established phrases' than other generations. Mark Walker, director of English and exams at the British Council, said: 'This latest study into the evolution of English explores the phrases we use to express shared ideas and experiences – it shows how much English is shaped by people around the world and how it continues to grow and adapt. 'By celebrating the richness of our language, we're not just looking at its past, but also at the future of English. 'Whether for work, study, travel, relationships, or lifelong learning, as the global lingua franca, English is one of the key ways that people connect and engage across cultures.'
ITV News
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- ITV News
'No cap': the slang terms 'kicking the bucket'
Whether you're "keeping it real", having a "glow-up", or "eating and leaving no crumbs' could have a lot to do with how old you are. The British Council, an organisation which promotes and educates on UK culture, claims some older expressions are falling out of fashion as new ones rise in popularity - driven largely by social media and Gen Z. In its report on 100 phrases which show how the English language is changing, they said that whilst classic idioms such as 'kill two birds with one stone' remain widely used, newer phrases are gaining momentum. 'No cap', meaning no lie or I'm serious, was the most popular of the 100 phrases for Gen Z. First used in 2011, the slang term comes from African American English where 'cap' means exaggeration or falsehood and is used across the generations, the study found, but most prominently by Gen Z. Other phrases are being replaced by modern alternatives as younger generations embrace the shift. 'Spill the beans' was first recorded in 1919, the report said, but saw a surge in the 1990s. The British Council says the rise in social media is partly to blame for the rising popularity of similar phrase, "spill the tea" - an idiom popular with gen Z. Some phrases like "step up to the plate" and "below the belt" are frequently used among older generations but could be falling out of fashion as they're rarely seen in internet comment sections which skew to a younger audience. The British Council said the phrase 'bucket list', meaning a list of things to do before you die, was 'practically unheard of' until 2007, when comedy-adventure film The Bucket List was released. It is thought to have come from another idiom: 'to kick the bucket'. The research, led by computational linguistics expert Dr Barbara McGillivray and natural language processing specialist Iacopo Ghinassi, analysed millions of online documents to track when expressions emerge and how their use changes Dr McGillivray said: 'Analysing the frequency and emergence of idioms, proverbs, and phrases, we uncover not only the impact of historical events but also how the digital era shapes the language we use today. The British Council found some idioms appeared to skip a generation, with phrases like "throw in the towel" and "joie de vivre" being popular among older generations and gen Z, but not with millenials. This could show that some idioms are being revived or reinvented among younger speakers, the British Council said. Mark Walker, director of English and exams at the British Council, said: 'This latest study into the evolution of English explores the phrases we use to express shared ideas and experiences – it shows how much English is shaped by people around the world and how it continues to grow and adapt. 'By celebrating the richness of our language, we're not just looking at its past, but also at the future of English. 'Whether for work, study, travel, relationships, or lifelong learning, as the global lingua franca, English is one of the key ways that people connect and engage across cultures.'
Western Telegraph
24-04-2025
- General
- Western Telegraph
Millennials ‘spill the beans', while Gen Z ‘spills the tea', study says
Popular English idioms are evolving as they pass from one generation to the next, according to the British Council. In its report on 100 phrases which show how the English language is changing, the British Council said that while classic idioms such as 'kill two birds with one stone' remain widely used, newer phrases are gaining momentum – and the top expressions vary between older generations, millennials and Gen Z. 'Spill the beans' was first recorded in 1919, the report said, but saw a surge in the 1990s. Similar phrase 'spill the tea' – meaning to share gossip – grew in popularity from 2017 thanks to social media, the British Council said. This latest study shows how much English is shaped by people around the world and how it continues to grow and adapt Mark Walker, British Council According to the study, expressions such as 'step up to the plate', 'bad-mouthing' and 'below the belt' are frequently used among older generations but could be falling out of fashion as they rarely appear in comments on YouTube or Twitch – sites which have younger demographics. One phrase that is a major green flag is 'red flag/green flag', as it appears in the top 20 list for usage for all three generation groups, the British Council study showed. Typically used when referring to relationships and potential partners, the phrase 'red flag' indicates problems, while 'green flag' signals something positive, or a positive trait. Analysing the frequency and emergence of idioms, proverbs, and phrases, we uncover not only the impact of historical events but also how the digital era shapes the language we use today Dr Barbara McGillivray, linguistics expert The research, led by computational linguistics expert Dr Barbara McGillivray and natural language processing specialist Iacopo Ghinassi, analysed millions of online documents to track when expressions emerge and how their use changes, from 'breaking the ice' to 'ate and left no crumbs' (meaning to do something perfectly). After creating a list of 100 expressions – including idioms, phrases, and proverbs – from a wide range of sources including the Oxford English Dictionary, academic literature, newspapers and online platforms, the British Council analysed online comments from different platforms to see how different generations use the phrases. 'It is what it is', 'bucket list' and 'Yolo' (you only live once) rank highly across the generations, the study found. Originating in 1949, 'it is what it is' had a steep rise in use after the Covid-19 pandemic. The British Council said the phrase 'bucket list', meaning a list of things to do before you die, was 'practically unheard of' until 2007, when comedy-adventure film The Bucket List was released. It is thought to have come from another idiom: 'to kick the bucket'. This collection offers a unique perspective on how English, as both a living and historical entity, continues to adapt and reflect the changing world Dr Barbara McGillivray Some phrases might even skip a generation, the report said, as idioms such as 'throw in the towel' and 'joie de vivre' are common among older generations and Gen Z, but used less often by millennials. This could show that some idioms are being revived or reinvented among younger speakers, the British Council said. Dr McGillivray said: 'Working on this collection, we had the chance to explore the deep historical roots of English expressions while applying modern computational techniques to trace their evolution. 'Analysing the frequency and emergence of idioms, proverbs, and phrases, we uncover not only the impact of historical events but also how the digital era shapes the language we use today. 'This collection offers a unique perspective on how English, as both a living and historical entity, continues to adapt and reflect the changing world.' 'No cap', meaning no lie or I'm serious, was the most popular of the 100 phrases for Gen Z. First used in 2011, the slang term comes from African American English where 'cap' means exaggeration or falsehood and is used across the generations, the study found, but most prominently by Gen Z. 'The powers that be' was among the most popular idioms used by millennials and older generations, but it was hardly used by Gen Z, the report said, showing that the younger generation are 'more noticeably phasing out traditional or established phrases' than other generations. Mark Walker, director of English and exams at the British Council, said: 'This latest study into the evolution of English explores the phrases we use to express shared ideas and experiences – it shows how much English is shaped by people around the world and how it continues to grow and adapt. 'By celebrating the richness of our language, we're not just looking at its past, but also at the future of English. 'Whether for work, study, travel, relationships, or lifelong learning, as the global lingua franca, English is one of the key ways that people connect and engage across cultures.'
Scotsman
23-04-2025
- General
- Scotsman
The Scottish idioms and phrases that have helped shape the English language
A number of Scottish idioms and phrases feature prominently in a British Council list that sheds light on the evolution of English. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Launched to coincide with World English Day, Phrase-ology highlights how language is constantly evolving, shaped by global influences and pop culture, while preserving phrases with origins that date as far back as Ancient Greece. Led by computational linguistics expert Dr. Barbara McGillivray and Natural Language Processing specialist Iacopo Ghinassi, the research analysed millions of online documents to track the emergence and frequency of expressions. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The British Council then curated a final list of 100 phrases with intriguing backgrounds. The British Council has marked World English Day with a list of 100 key idioms and phrases One of the oldest and most well-known Scottish sayings to make the list is "blood is thicker than water." First recorded in 1737, this phrase emphasises the importance of family loyalty, suggesting that familial bonds are stronger than other relationships. While its meaning has been debated over the years, it remains a cornerstone of family-related expressions. Another classic phrase, "the best-laid plans," comes from the 1785 Robert Burns poem To a Mouse. The line "The best laid schemes o' mice an' men Gang aft agley" poignantly illustrates that no matter how carefully laid a plan may be, it can still go awry. This timeless piece of wisdom has been adopted across cultures and is frequently cited to acknowledge the unpredictability of life. Scotland's influence also extends to the world of fashion, with the phrase "dressed to the nines" originating in a 1719 epistle by Scottish poet William Hamilton. This expression, meaning to be dressed in the height of fashion, has been part of the English lexicon for centuries and remains as relevant today as ever. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The playful yet direct "Haud yer wheesht!" – which translates to "be quiet" or "shut up" – can be traced back to the 1800s and is a common colloquialism in both Scotland and Northern Ireland. The word "wheesht" is derived from the Irish Gaelic word "faoistin," which means to whisper or to be quiet and has recently gained renewed attention thanks to popular TV shows like Derry Girls and Line of Duty. A phrase with a more subtle meaning is "to give someone the cold shoulder." First recorded in 1816, this expression refers to intentionally showing indifference or disdain, often by offering a cold piece of meat (the "cold shoulder") to someone. It has since become synonymous with social rejection and is still widely used today. In a more dramatic context, "to set the heather on fire" was first used in 1817 by renowned Scottish author Walter Scott. The phrase suggests creating a disturbance or making a bold statement, much like the expression "setting the world on fire" in English. Historically, it also referenced becoming an outlaw or troublemaker, emphasising Scotland's wild, rebellious spirit. No Cap - boomers, millennials, and Gen Z still "keep it real" Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Outside of Scottish phrases, the study also examined how different generations use language online, analysing comments across platforms with high interaction from specific age groups. While expressions like "better late than never" and "pipe down" remain widespread across generations, modern slang such as "glow up" is more common among millennials and Gen Z. Some phrases, however, bridge generational divides—"keep it real", popular since the 1960s, remains widely used, while "YOLO", although popularised by Drake in 2011, is also commonly used across all platforms and likely reached older generations through the influence of social media. Long time no see - the forgotten global origins of English phrases The research also looked at familiar English phrases with international origins. "Moment of truth" is believed to come from the Spanish "hora de la verdad", a bullfighting term. "Long time no see" may have roots in Chinese Pidgin English or early 20th-century American Western literature. "Chin chin", now a drinking toast, derives from the Chinese "qǐng" (meaning "please"). The study also highlights global linguistic parallels—like the Nigerian phrase "to yarn dust", which mirrors the English phrase "to talk rubbish" or "to spin a yarn". The collection categorises phrases into eight groups overall. They include: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Global English – Borrowed from other languages and cultures (e.g., let the genie out of the bottle, from Arabic). Classic Evergreen – Long-standing phrases (e.g., raining cats and dogs, dating to 1661). Generational – Popular in specific eras (e.g., instant karma, coined by John Lennon in 1970, common in the 2000s). Pop Culture – Popularised by media across the ages (e.g., let them cook). Sports – Derived from sports (e.g., straight off the bat). Gen Z – Recent expressions and slang (e.g., no cap). Language of Belief – Rooted in religion (e.g., turn the other cheek). Shakespeare – Originating from or popularised by his works (e.g., wearing one's heart on one's sleeve, Othello). Speaking about the list, Peter Brown, Director, British Council Scotland, said: "The Scottish idioms and phrases that feature in our Phrase-ology list, along with many others, continue to influence how English is spoken today. Their historical roots and continued use across generations show just how much Scotland has shaped the language we speak. As more people begin to rediscover these expressions, they remain a vibrant part of Scotland's cultural legacy, reminding us all of the power of language to connect us across time and place." Mark Walker, Director of English & Exams at the British Council, said: "This latest study into the evolution of English explores the phrases we use to express shared ideas and experiences - it shows how much English is shaped by people around the world and how it continues to grow and adapt. By celebrating the richness of our language, we're not just looking at its past, but also at the future of English. Whether for work, study, travel, relationships, or lifelong learning, as the global lingua franca, English is one of the key ways that people connect and engage across cultures." Dr. Barbara McGillivray, leading expert in computational linguistics and digital humanities said: "Working on this collection, we had the chance to explore the deep historical roots of English expressions while applying modern computational techniques to trace their evolution. Analysing the frequency and emergence of idioms, proverbs, and phrases, we uncover not only the impact of historical events but also how the digital era shapes the language we use today. This collection offers a unique perspective on how English, as both a living and historical entity, continues to adapt and reflect the changing world."
