BBC Learning English
The English We Speak
23 August 2011
Brownie points
William:
Hello and welcome to The English we Speak, I'm William.
Feifei:
And I'm Feifei. William, what are you doing with that suitcase and flowers
and boxes of chocolates?
William:
Oh, well I'm spending the weekend with my wife's parents so I thought
I'd better get something for my mother-in-law.
Feifei:
Oh I see! A weekend with the in-laws.
William:
And I'm going to do a bit of decorating and gardening for them too.
Feifei:
Wow, you really are trying to earn some brownie points, aren't you?
William is trying to get praise and approval by doing something for them.
William:
Yes, I'm trying to earn some brownie points.
Feifei:
To earn some brownie points. 'Brownie points' are badges young girls who
are members of a youth organisation called 'The Brownies' earn for doing
good things for others. Now we use that term generally to mean 'trying to
get praise for our actions'.
William:
Yes, you see I'm not sure if my mother-in-law reallyâ€Åš likes me that
much. So that's why I'm trying to earn some brownie points. Maybe she'll
change her attitude towards me.
Feifei:
Oh dear. Yes, maybe you'll get some approval from her.
Example
Man: Look at Gary. He keeps offering to do extra work – even at weekends Woman: Well he's hoping to earn a few brownie points with the bosses. There's a new position opening up and I reckon he'll apply for it.
Feifei:
He's been offering to do extra work to impress his bosses. It's because
there's an opportunity for a promotion coming up.
William:
But to earn brownie points is more than just doing someone a favour.
Feifei:
Yes, the expression means you're trying to get approval from someone.
It's also quite a light-hearted and informal expression.
William:
When was the last time you earned brownie points from someone, Feifei?
The English We Speak
© British Broadcasting Corporation 2011
Page 1 of 2
bbclearningenglish.com
Feifei:
Oh I don't try to get other people's approval.
William:
Hmm, really? So you don't really care what people think about you?
Feifei:
No, not at all. But William, you've got so much stuff with you. Are you
taking the train to your in-laws' house? Can I give you a lift to the
station?
William:
Oh thanks! That's really kind of you, Feifei. I was beginning to think you
were a bit selfish but now I can see you're quite generous. Ah, I
understand!
Feifei:
Yes, I'm trying to earn some brownie points!
William:
Well, you succeeded! Goodbye!
Feifei:
Bye!
The English We Speak
© British Broadcasting Corporation 2011
Page 2 of 2
bbclearningenglish.com
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