Knees up: The English We Speak

Feifei: Hello, I'm Feifei and  this is The English We Speak.

Rob: ...and hello, it's Rob  here. Err, Feifei, I hope

you don't mind me saying but you look a bit

hot and sweaty.

Feifei: That's because I've been training

for this 'thing' that Dan's  having for his birthday.

Rob: A 'thing' - what sort of thing?

Feifei: Well according to his party invitation,

he's having a knees-up to celebrate his birthday.

I'm not sure what it is  but I wanted to be prepared

by getting fit. Look I can  get my knee up to my chin!

Rob: That's impressive but completely unnecessary.

A knees-up is an informal way of saying

a lively party where there's usually dancing.

So he's having a party!

Feifei: Oh right. So I've  been invited to Dan's birthday

party! Well, if there's dancing  I still need to get fit.

Rob: That's true. Let's hear some more examples

of people having a knees-up...

Examples: Sorry I'm a bit sleepy today, we

had a big knees-up last night. It was great!

We're planning a knees-up for Dad's 70th birthday,

I hope you can come.

Now our exams have finished, let's have a

knees-up at my house tonight!

Feifei: So a knees-up is a  lively party or gathering

to celebrate something. This is going to be fun!

Rob: Yes, there'll be dancing... Feifei: Good.

Rob: Eating and drinking... Feifei: Perfect.

Rob: And lots of celebrating. But this knees-up

will be missing one thing.

Feifei: Oh yes, what's that?

Rob: Me. I won't be coming - I haven't got time -

I'm up to my knees in paperwork.

Feifei: 'Up to your knees' in paperwork!

You mean you've got too much work to do

- come on Rob, be honest,  you haven't been invited!

Rob: Well... yes. I can't dance anyway,

I've got a bad knee.

Feifei: Excuses. I'll let  you know how it goes. Bye!

Rob: Bye!