General
i'm not being funny
What does i'm not being funny mean?
A Welsh conversational opener signalling that the speaker is about to say something frank or critical.
"I'm not being funny, but that haircut's not doing you any favours."
Origin
Welsh English discourse marker.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'I'm not being funny' mean?
It's a spoken preface that warns the listener a blunt or critical opinion is about to follow, softening the honesty a little.
Is it associated with Wales?
Yes, it's a well-known Welsh English discourse marker, though the phrasing is heard across Britain too.
How do you use 'I'm not being funny'?
You put it before a frank statement, for example 'I'm not being funny, but that haircut's not doing you any favours.'
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