What does 'hater' mean? - The English We Speak

Feifei: Hello, and welcome to The English We Speak,

with me, Feifei…

Neil: ..and me, Neil.

Feifei: Hey, Neil. Would you like to try this new

coconut smoothie I bought from that new cafe?

Neil: Coconut? Yuk, I hate coconut!

Feifei: Oh, right.

Neil: In fact, I hate that new cafe.

It’s too expensive.

Feifei: But it’s good quality,

and the staff are very pleasant.

They always smile and say ‘hello’.

Neil: I hate talking to people in the morning.

Feifei: Oh dear, Neil – you're very negative.

‘Hate’ is a very strong word.

You're a perfect example of a ‘hater’.

This describes a negative person who

dislikes someone or something

– but not everything, unlike you, Neil!

Let’s hear from some other ‘haters’…

Examples: I’m a real hater of restaurants adding a

fixed service charge to the bill.

Why can’t I choose how much to tip?

My wife’s a hater of horror films,

so we had to go and see a romcom

at the cinema instead!

Feifei: So those are examples of ‘haters’

– negative people who dislike someone or something,

and sometimes without good reason - like Neil.

Neil: I hate it when you call me names!

But, Feifei, I am allowed to dislike things

and I'm not as bad as modern ‘haters’.

These are people who write unpleasant things

about someone on the internet, like this…

Example: I wish I had ignored the haters who criticised

my acting career on my blog.

It’s really knocked my confidence.

Feifei: Not nice!

That’s an example of a ‘hater’ who writes unpleasant

things about someone on the internet.

Neil: Someone like this often criticises someone

unfairly, or without good reason.

It can be very discouraging.

Don’t you just hate those kinds of people, Feifei?

Feifei: I do, but sometimes it’s best just to ignore it.

Neil: Yes. Anyway, Feifei,

I know what I don’t hate

– a nice cup of tea.

Do you fancy making me one?

…Oh, you’re ignoring me now.

I hate it when you do that!

Feifei: Bye, Neil.

Neil: Oh, bye. Alright. Shall I put the kettle on?