Summary

Rob claims to be a laid back guy and doesn't worry about the future – or so he thinks. But is he really happy-go-lucky? Feifei has some news that might make him change his mind. Find out more about this phrase in The English We Speak.

Transcript

Feifei
Hello, I'm Feifei, and this is The English We Speak. You are Rob…

Rob
Yes and hello, you are Feifei! And Feifei, if you don't mind me saying, you're looking a bit stressed.

Feifei
Stressed! Yes, I am. I've got to give a presentation later and I don't feel very prepared.

Rob
Oh relax Feifei. There's nothing to worry about.

Feifei
Really… well I've booked the room, got my laptop ready, printed out the handouts… but there must be something else.

Rob
Well you sound very well organised to be honest so stop worrying. It's only a presentation. Everyone will be asleep anyway.

Feifei
It's easy for you to be so calm and relaxed about it – you're not doing it.

Rob
Oh come on Feifei, you know me – I'm always calm and relaxed. You could say I'm a happy-go-lucky kind of guy.

Feifei
Happy-go-lucky? Well I know you're always happy but I'm not sure about lucky!

Rob
No! Happy-go-lucky describes someone who doesn't worry about the future and just accepts what happens. It's not really about luck – it's about keeping calm and not planning everything – like you do! Now chill out and listen to these examples…

Examples
My sister is happy-go-lucky: she doesn't worry about a thing, not even exams!

I like you your happy-go-lucky attitude but you're going to have make a decision on our wedding date!

Jake's so happy-go-lucky he doesn't seem to be worried that he's losing his job. I guess he thinks everything will work out well in the end.

Feifei
So that's 'happy-go-lucky' – a phrase that describes someone who doesn't worry about the future and accepts what happens. It's something that Rob claims to be but I'm not so sure. Hey Rob, how's your presentation coming along?

Rob
What presentation? 

Feifei
The one you're doing next Monday. Don't you remember, the boss said we have to take it in turns to do one?

Rob
Oh yeah, I remember. Don't worry, it'll be fine. What's the worst that can happen?

Feifei
Are you sure? Have you booked a room, prepared your notes, got your laptop working?

Rob
Of course… there's plenty of time to sort that out… isn't there? I'm afraid I've just got to head off now, things to do… bye!

Feifei
Oh dear. It looks like his happiness and luck have gone. Perhaps 'happy-go-lucky' isn't the best phrase to describe Rob. Bye.