Rob's got a phrase to explain that he thinks applies to him but Feifei has another use for it. Join them in this programme to hear another English phrase in use.
Note: This is not a word-for-word transcript
Feifei
Hello, this is The English We Speak with me Feifei ...
Rob
And me Rob. Hello!
Feifei
So Rob, what's that thing you've got there?
Rob
Oh this? It's a barrel [tapping on wooden barrel] ...
Feifei
A barrel?! I see.
Rob
And do you want to know what's inside?
Feifei
Not really.
Rob
OK—well, if I just open the lid here you'll be able to hear [Opens lid and sounds of laughing]—funny, isn't it?!
Feifei
[not impressed] You have 'a barrel of laughs'—hmm, and that is supposed to be funny?
Rob
It's supposed to illustrate today's piece of authentic real English. It's hilarious, isn't it? And do you know what—the phrase 'a barrel of laughs' can be used to describe me—someone who is fun and always joking around.
Feifei
Really? Someone who is funny is 'a barrel of laughs'? But this doesn't describe you Rob—you're not funny.
Rob
Oh? What?! I think we'd better hear some examples of this phrase in action—and I'll show you how funny I really am ...
Examples
I shall miss having John in the office. He was a such a barrel of laughs.
What a barrel of laughs that bus driver was. He made the long journey much more fun with his funny announcements!
Since I split up with my boyfriend, life hasn't been a barrel of laughs.
Feifei
So if someone is a 'barrel of laughs', they are fun—and an enjoyable person to be around.
Rob
Yeah, exactly—the phrase can also describe a thing such as TV show. But come on Feifei, you have to agree, this barrel full of laughs is so funny! Listen to this! [Opens lid again: laughter].
Feifei
Hmm, it's a cheap joke but it's not funny. I know what you can do if you want to make me laugh ...
Rob
Oh yes—go on, what is it?
Feifei
Why don't you see if you can fit inside the barrel?
Rob
Oh, right, OK. Well, that sounds like a laugh. OK, then, here goes ... [Sound of Rob getting in] ... Alright, I'm in.
Feifei
Wow Rob—you actually fit in the barrel! That's so funny!
Rob
Hey Feifei what are you doing?
Feifei
Making you into a real life 'barrel of laughs'
Rob
That's not funny.
Feifei
It's hilarious! See you later.