Happy-go-lucky

Feifei Hello, I’m Feifei, and this is The English We Speak. You are Rob…

Rob Yes and hello, you are Feifei! And Feifei, if you don’t mind me saying, you’re looking a bit stressed.

Feifei Stressed! Yes, I am. I’ve got to give a presentation later and I don’t feel very prepared.

Rob Oh relax Feifei. There’s nothing to worry about.

Feifei Really… well I’ve booked the room, got my laptop ready, printed out the handouts… but there must be something else.

Rob Well you sound very well organised to be honest so stop worrying. It’s only a presentation. Everyone will be asleep anyway.

Feifei It’s easy for you to be so calm and relaxed about it - you’re not doing it.

Rob Oh come on Feifei, you know me - I’m always calm and relaxed. You could say I’m a happy-go-lucky kind of guy.

Feifei Happy-go-lucky? Well I know you’re always happy but I’m not sure about lucky!

Rob No! Happy-go-lucky describes someone who doesn’t worry about the future and just accepts what happens. It’s not really about luck - it’s about keeping calm and not planning everything - like you do! Now chill out and listen to these examples…

Examples My sister is happy-go-lucky: she doesn’t worry about a thing, not even exams!

I like you your happy-go-lucky attitude but you’re going to have make a decision on our wedding date!

Jake’s so happy-go-lucky he doesn’t seem to be worried that he’s losing his job. I guess he thinks everything will work out well in the end.

Feifei So that’s ‘happy-go-lucky’ - a phrase that describes someone who doesn’t worry about the future and accepts what happens. It’s something that Rob claims to be but I’m not so sure. Hey Rob, how’s your presentation coming along?

Rob What presentation?

Feifei The one you’re doing next Monday. Don’t you remember, the boss said we have to take it in turns to do one?

Rob
Oh yeah, I remember. Don’t worry, it’ll be fine. What’s the worst that can happen?

Feifei Are you sure? Have you booked a room, prepared your notes, got your laptop working?

Rob
Of course … there’s plenty of time to sort that out… isn’t there? I’m afraid I’ve just got to head off now, things to do… bye!

Feifei Oh dear. It looks like his happiness and luck have gone. Perhaps ‘happy-go-lucky’ isn’t the best phrase to describe Rob. Bye.