Feifei Hello and welcome to The English We Speak from BBC Learning English. I’m Feifei…
Neil …and hello, it’s me, ouch! …Neil.
Feifei Are you OK?
Neil I can’t stop itching.
Feifei Oh dear, that’s very uncomfortable. What’s caused that?
Neil Well, it’s probably because I’ve started gardening – I’ve planted some flowers and I’ve started growing my own vegetables.
Feifei I’m impressed! It sounds like you’ve been bitten by the bug.
Neil Yes, bugs in the garden – that’s what’s causing me to itch. Ouch!
Feifei Probably, but I wasn’t referring to the actual bugs! When you are ‘bitten by the bug’, it means you have become very interested and excited in doing something. We’re not actually being bitten by a bug! But in your case, Neil, it looks like you’ve been bitten by both types of bugs!
Neil Yep. Can we have some examples, please?
Examples Ballroom dancing is back in fashion and Catherina’s been bitten by the bug – she’s bought a sequin dress to wear at her lessons.
Lyn’s been bitten by the fitness bug – he spends hours at the gym every day.
I’ve been bitten by the travel bug – I’m always looking for new destinations to visit.
Feifei You’re listening to The English We Speak from BBC Learning English. I’ve been explaining the phrase ‘to be bitten by the bug’, which means to become interested and excited in doing something. So, it’s great that you’ve become interested in gardening, Neil.
Neil Thanks – but not great if bugs are going to bite me every time I go into the garden.
Feifei Maybe it’s not bugs. I’ve heard that poison ivy can cause severe itching.
Neil Oh no, I don’t like the sound of that. Hmm, maybe gardening isn’t for me. Can I be ‘unbitten by the bug’?
Feifei No, Neil. But I know what you mean.
Neil Right, I’m off to buy some cream to soothe my itches. Bye.
Feifei Bye, Neil.