Overview

• A Trinity College London survey reveals nearly half of British adults regularly use polite phrases to avoid confrontation or express indirect meanings.
• Common phrases like 'Sounds fun, I’ll let you know' and 'Could I just squeeze past you?' often mean the opposite of their literal interpretations.
• The study links the use of 'polite-isms' to medieval British literature, with examples found in works like Beowulf and Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.
• While 60% of Britons dislike receiving such phrases, 29% prefer them over outright rudeness or passive-aggressiveness.
• Global exposure through media has helped non-native speakers understand British politeness, though many still find the indirect style confusing.