What does 'bog-standard' mean? - The English We Speak

Hello everyone. This is The English

We Speak with me, Feifei...

... and me, Rob. Hey, Feifei, do you

need me to order you a pizza?

Why would I want you to order me a pizza

when we are presenting a programme?

Go on! Just say 'pizza' and my new

smartphone will instantly

order one for you.

Oh, I see. I know you've got a new and

very expensive smartphone,

Rob, but I'm quite happy

using my bog-standard dumbphone.

'Bog-standard'! You mean it's basic,

ordinary and unexceptional?

I do, Rob. It's a strange expression

and nobody really knows its origins.

Well, I think it's got something to do with

the English slang for toilet - bog - which

is where your 'old' phone should be!

Thanks, Rob. Shall we hear some

'bog-standard' examples now?

I've got a bog-standard computer, but it's

fine for just sending emails

and surfing the

internet.

Sorry you got a low mark in your

homework, but to be honest,

it was bog-standard.

I found the new film bog-standard - it

lacked the action and

special effects I was expecting.

This is The English We Speak from BBC

Learning English, and we're

learning about the phrase

'bog-standard', which describes

things that are basic, ordinary

and unexceptional.

Yes, like your basic mobile phone.

Oh, is that a message on your

new shiny, very expensive, smartphone?

Yes, yes, it is. It's my first bill for my

new phone.... Let's have a look.

What?! How

much! Oh!

Oh dear, Rob. It's not such a new shiny

phone now, is it?

Oh no, how are we going to order

a pizza now?

On my 'bog-standard' phone? Here, just

press the numbers and you

can actually talk to someone.

No, I'm not hungry now.

Bye!

Bye!