Feifei Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. I’m Feifei…
Neil … and hello, it’s me, Neil.
Feifei Neil, have you heard everyone talking about quiet quitting?
Neil No – but are you about to tell me you’re going to leave your job but not make much noise about it. That is a surprise, it’s been so nice working with you and I wish you….
Feifei No, Neil. I am not quitting. This new expression is about stopping doing extra things at work and just doing the minimum amount you are paid to do.
Neil I like the sound of this – tell me more!
Feifei ‘Quiet quitting’ is a new expression used to describe not overworking but just doing the work that is required and within your defined working hours. To be honest, Neil, I’ve been working too much recently so quiet quitting is just what I need.
Neil Good idea, Feifei. But are you still able to give us some examples?
Feifei Yes, I’ve just got time. Here they are…
Examples I’ve decided not to work late any more! I’m quiet quitting and sticking to office hours only.
Despite trying to suggest some new ideas and offer to research them, no one seems interested so I’m quiet quitting.
It looks like he’s quiet quitting as he never seems to be here after five o’clock!
Feifei This is The English We Speak from BBC Learning English. We’re talking about the expression ‘quiet quitting’ which describes cutting back on the work you do and just doing what is required within defined working hours. So, no more overtime!
Neil OK, and it’s about not taking work too seriously?
Feifei Yes, you could say that.
Neil Well, it sounds good. I’m going to try some ‘quiet quitting’.
Feifei Neil! It might be a new expression, but you’ve been doing it for years!
Hold on, where has the rest of the script gone? I don’t know what to say next.
Neil Sorry, Feifei. I’m quiet quitting – I’ve worked my hours, so I haven’t got time to finish it. I’ve got to go. Bye!
Feifei Neil, if you carry on like this, you won’t be quiet quitting – you’ll be sacked!