Feifei Hello and welcome to The English We Speak with me, Feifei…
Neil …and me, Neil.
Feifei Nice bobble hat, Neil!
Neil Thanks.
Feifei But not very practical - wearing a hat indoors must be quite hot.
Neil It’s the fashion, Feifei. Some of us have to keep up with the trends.
Feifei Right! Maybe that explains the waistcoat you’re wearing as well – to be fashionable?
Neil Oh you wouldn’t understand, Feifei!
Feifei I understand very clearly – you are a sheeple.
Neil What are you bleating on about?
Feifei Sheeple – It describes people who just follow the crowd, without much thought. Basically, you are easily led – like a sheep! But you’re not the only one – listen to these examples…
Examples I can’t believe all these sheeple who’ve paid lots of money for the latest smartphone – they’ll be half price in a few months’ time!
My brother’s one of those sheeple who has to follow the latest fashions – he’s now wearing ripped jeans, but so is everyone else at his college!
Although nearly everyone in my class has one of those smartwatches, I’m not going to be one of those sheeple – I’m going to stick with the old watch my grandmother gave me instead!
Feifei This is The English We Speak from BBC Learning English and we’re talking about the word ‘sheeple’. It’s a mix of the English words ‘sheep’ and ‘people’. It describes people, who just like sheep, follow what other people do or things that are trending.
Neil So you’re saying I’m trending?
Feifei No, I’m saying you are just following the trend – you can’t think for yourself. Like a sheep!
Neil I don’t think so – look I’m wearing sandals and socks. That’s not fashionable but very comfortable.
Feifei Hmmm, that reminds me of sheep as well – stupid!
Neil Charming! I’d watch out, Feifei. I might be a wolf in sheep’s clothing!
Feifei Bye, Neil.
Neil Bye.