Expressions used with fancy isn't a problem I have encountered with many students. Maybe one reason is the younger generation use it less and may deem some phrases used by their parents or even grandparents as a little uncool or no longer dope or lit. However I think it's necessary to mention as it's used in many phrases in everyday conversation. Also I have a funny little story to share with you on this word.
First, lets take a closer look at those fancy terms
Fancy can be used in a myriad of ways as a noun, verb or adjective.
Fancy can be used to describe something posh.
For example: “Tonight we're going to eat at a fancy restaurant.”
To fancy someone is to like a person or be attracted to them.
For example: “I think he fancies you my lady.” Said the old blind man to Maid Marion in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves film 1991 (also a good film recommendation for low - for intermediate learners.)
Fancy that or Fancy! An expression used when one is surprised.
Fancy also means not only to desire someone but something.
For example: I fancy a cup of coffee. I fancy going for a swim. Do you fancy a drink?…
and also… I really fancy him.
I have an endearing little story to share with you. It makes me laugh so much when I think back to this memory. I could be on a busy bus and suddenly it pops into my head for no particular reason and I cannot help but laugh out loud amidst some confused onlookers.
This story is also a lesson to my fellow Brits, a reminder to ourselves to be careful when using expressions and phrases that can leave many 2nd language learners even the most fluent befuddled, taking them to quite a lost in translation moment!
Fancy that!
A few years ago at art college my Danish friend Sylvia (who speaks excellent English by-the-way) was picking up a camera in the rental department when the photography technician exclaimed, “Sylvia, fancy seeing you here!”
Bewildered she replied with a “Um…I fancy seeing you too?”….
Now, poor embarrassed Sylvia thought the technician was saying to her:
“I really fancy you!” She was also dumfounded because I remember he was married with children so I think this also shocked her a little.
When she learnt of the mis-interpretation she wanted to “die of embarrassment” and I think we’ve all experienced that feeling in some way or another. Sylvia has a great sense of humour and was able to laugh at the incident. It was very funny and even today we have a good laugh about it.
Do you have a similar 'lost in translation moment' to share? I would love to hear your stories!
To learn about more confusing words used in everyday conversation...
Book a trial class with me
Some fancy glossary:
Fan·cy
Adjective
Elaborate in structure or decoration."the furniture was very fancy"
"I used to take a seat and busy myself in sketching fancy vignettes"
Verb
feel a desire or liking for."do you fancy a drink?"
regard (a horse, team, or player) as a likely winner.
"I fancy him to win the tournament"
Noun
a feeling of liking or attraction, typically one that is superficial or transient.
"this does not mean that the law should change with every passing fancy"
Fancy that
Wow; imagine that. Usually said when someone is surprised to hear something. Primarily heard in UK.
A: "Did you hear that Ed won that major award?" B: "Really? Fancy that!"
Imagine; think.
"he fancied he could smell the perfume of roses"
BRITISH
used to express surprise at something.
"fancy meeting all those television actors!"