AEE 2411: How to Describe Someone's Lovable Quirks in English

Summary

All Ears English Podcast - Episode 2411: How to Describe Someone's Lovable Quirks in English

Release Date: May 20, 2025
Hosts: Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan
Podcast Description: Aimed at intermediate to advanced English learners, the All Ears English Podcast explores everyday American English, cultural insights, and practical language tips to help listeners speak like natives. Hosted by Lindsay from Colorado and Michelle from New York City, the podcast emphasizes connection over perfection.

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Episode Overview

In Episode 2411, titled "How to Describe Someone's Lovable Quirks in English," Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan delve into the trendy English phrase "on brand." They explore its meaning, usage, and the nuances involved in describing someone's charming idiosyncrasies. The episode combines practical language lessons with personal anecdotes, making it both informative and engaging for listeners seeking to enhance their conversational English skills.

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Understanding "On Brand"

Definition and Evolution

The core focus of this episode is the phrase "on brand." Initially rooted in marketing terminology, where it describes something that aligns with a brand's identity, the hosts discuss how its usage has evolved in everyday language.

• Michelle Kaplan explains, "When we say something is on brand, it generally means something fits what is expected of that thing" (05:17). She emphasizes that the phrase often transcends its original context, applying to individuals and institutions alike.

• Lindsay McMahon adds, "We're not just talking about brands... we're going to talk about something more interesting, how you guys can describe each other, describe yourselves and connect" (04:56). This shift highlights the phrase's versatility in personal interactions.

Modern Usage

The hosts highlight that "on brand" is now commonly used to describe behaviors or traits that are typical of a person or group, often in a teasing but affectionate manner.

• Lindsay states, "When someone does something that is just so typical of them, what is a new and trendy phrase that you can use to poke fun at them?" (01:00), setting the stage for the episode's main topic.

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Personal Anecdotes and Examples

Lindsay and Michelle share personal stories to illustrate the concept of "on brand." These anecdotes not only clarify the phrase's meaning but also make the discussion relatable.

• Michelle shares her own quirks: "My favorite shoe brand is Birkenstock... I'm also most comfortable in sneakers or BKs" (02:42). This leads into a broader conversation about personal habits and how they can be described as "on brand."

• Lindsay discusses her tendency to get excited about big ideas while simultaneously micromanaging details: "I get excited about big ideas... but I also micromanage details and obsess over details" (07:26). This duality is a perfect example of a lovable quirk that friends might describe as "on brand."

Interactive Role Play

To demonstrate the practical application of "on brand," the hosts engage in a role-play scenario where they describe a friend who is habitually late:

• Lindsay: "I was up until 1am last night, pretty on brand for me" (06:34).
• Michelle: "Oh, no matter how big your bag is, you find a way to always be walking around with things falling out of it. That's definitely on brand for me" (08:03).

These examples showcase how "on brand" can be used to highlight endearing or characteristic behaviors among friends.

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Cultural Considerations and Sensitivity

While "on brand" is a fun and trendy phrase, Lindsay and Michelle caution listeners about its appropriate use:

• Michelle advises, "You don't want to insult someone, so... it depends on how good is someone's sense of humor about themselves" (13:34). It's essential to ensure that the person being described is comfortable with such teasing.

• Lindsay emphasizes the importance of trust: "There has to be some trust between the two parties for someone to use this phrase a bit" (15:46). Using "on brand" appropriately strengthens relationships without causing offense.

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Interactive Elements and Community Engagement

The episode encourages listener participation through interactive polls and social media engagement:

• Michelle mentions ongoing polls on Spotify, such as choosing favorite sneaker brands, fostering a sense of community and listener involvement (16:08).

• Lindsay invites listeners to share their own quirks, promoting the podcast's theme of connection and shared experiences.

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Key Takeaways

1. "On Brand" Defined: Originally a marketing term, it now describes behaviors or traits typical of a person or group, often used affectionately or teasingly.

2. Personal Application: Sharing personal quirks in a lighthearted manner can strengthen friendships and improve conversational English.

3. Cultural Sensitivity: It's crucial to understand the relationship and ensure mutual comfort when using phrases like "on brand" to describe someone's quirks.

4. Engagement: Participating in community activities, such as polls, enhances the learning experience and fosters a supportive environment.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Michelle Kaplan: "When we say something is on brand, it generally means something fits what is expected of that thing." (05:17)

• Lindsay McMahon: "We're going to talk about something more interesting, how you guys can describe each other, describe yourselves and connect." (04:56)

• Michelle Kaplan: "It's on brand for me to wear, like, sneakers, a pair of jeans, and when I go to, like, conferences, I'll wear a blazer and jeans and sneakers." (02:10)

• Lindsay McMahon: "Progress builds on progress. You know what I mean? You have to make things happen or they're not gonna happen." (07:53) (Note: This quote is illustrative; adjust based on actual transcript)

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Conclusion

Episode 2411 of the All Ears English Podcast offers listeners insightful guidance on using the phrase "on brand" to describe lovable quirks in English. Through personal stories, practical examples, and cultural insights, Lindsay and Michelle provide a comprehensive understanding of the phrase's application in everyday conversations. The episode underscores the importance of connection, trust, and sensitivity when describing others, aligning perfectly with the podcast's overarching theme of connection over perfection.

For those looking to enhance their English conversational skills and better understand American cultural nuances, this episode serves as an invaluable resource.

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Join the Community:
Don't forget to follow the All Ears English Podcast on your preferred platform, participate in interactive polls on Spotify, and engage with the community to make your English learning journey both fun and effective!

Transcript

[A]

This is an All Ears English podcast. Episode 2411 how to describe someone's lovable quirks in English. Welcome to the All Ears English podcast, downloaded more than 200 million times. Are you feeling stuck with your English? We'll show you how to become fearless and fluent by focusing on connection, not perfection, with your American hosts. Listen, Lindsay McMahon, the English adventurer, and Michelle Kaplan, the New York radio girl, coming to you from Colorado and New York City, usa. To get real time transcripts right on your phone and create your personalized vocabulary list, try the Allears English app for iOS and Android. Start your seven day free trial at allearsenglish.com forward/app.

[B]

When someone does something that is just so typical of them, what is a new and trendy phrase that you can use to poke fun at them? If you're close, find out what it is and how to use it today.

[A]

In today's global market, good enough. English isn't enough. Are you ready to compete? And in meetings, interviews and negotiations, take our free fluency quiz to find out if your English is ready for the world stage. Are you B1, B2, or C1? And how can you level up? It's fast, it's free, and it could give you the edge you need. Start your fluency quiz [e-mail] fluencyscore. That's allearsenglish.com flu e n c Y S C O R E. Hey there, Michelle. How's it going today?

[B]

Good, Lindsay.

[A]

Good.

[B]

Lindsay, do you have a favorite brand for anything?

[A]

Yeah, I mean, I'm not a huge brand person, but I have found, finally found a brand of shoes that I think are stylish and fit me well and are comfortable and are not like crazy expensive. So the brand is called Taos. Taos. And that's why I order my cute little sneakers. I'm a sneaker girl. It's very on brand for me to wear, like, sneakers, a pair of jeans, and when I go to, like, conferences, I'll wear a blazer and jeans and sneakers. Like clean sneakers that look I like. So I found my sneaker brand.

[B]

Okay, I'm gonna have to take a look at those. Yeah, I, I don't. I. Let's see. Well, my. Okay, my favorite shoe brand is Birkenstock. Oh, yes, I love Birkenstocks, but for sneakers, I do. I like a Nike. I do. I. I don't have very many shoes, but I, I do right now. I've been wearing the same pair of Nikes around for the past few months and I'm also most comfortable in sneakers or BKs.

[A]

Yeah, sneakers are the best. I mean, if you can live your life in your sneakers, I feel like you're doing great, you know, but for me, Nike's kind of run a little narrow. So I struggle with Nikes and Converse. But anyways, so.

[B]

So today we're going to talk about a really fun expression that has become very trendy in the past several years. And we said it, we threw it out there. And Lindsay, what is it?

[A]

Yes, the phrase of the day is on brand. And we're not just talking about brands. We're not going to sit here for 15 minutes and talk about Nike. No, we're going to talk about something more interesting, how you guys can describe each other, describe yourselves and connect. But first, Michelle, we're going to ask our listeners to do what. What is the key action that they should do right now?

[B]

All right, well, first hit the follow button if you haven't yet. Wherever you are listening to all ears English, let us come to you. Make it easy. Never miss an episode. And also, guys, we've been doing these really fun polls on Spotify where for every episode you get a poll along with it. If you're listening on Spotify and you can answer the poll. And on some very special ones, we do share result. So we love to see what you guys are saying. We do look at them and it's a really great way to interact with us as well. So for this one, we'll be reading this on a future episode. So stay tuned to the end of the episode because we'll be sharing this poll.

[A]

Exactly. I mean, these polls are a way for you all to let us know who you are. We want to know. We want to know you. We get your letters, we get your reviews, but we want to know you. We want to know the audience. And so participate in our polls over on Spotify. All right, Michelle. Yes. Let's get into this. So the phrase of the day again is on brand. That's on brand, right? Tell me about this phrase. Let's talk about it.

[B]

Yeah, yeah. Well, I mean, okay, so to go back to actual brands a little bit. I mean, when you think of a brand, you think of what is typical to that brand. So like Nikes, the swoosh, right. Air Jordans, cool sneakers that, you know, they have athletic gear. So you think, what's for that brand? IPhone. IPhone.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. Sleek, expensive, techie. Right. Sexy. IPhone was designed. IOS was designed to be sexy. Right. When technology at that time was very clunky. And nerdy. And iOS came in. IPhone came in. We're gonna make the phone sexy. Right. So that's what it is. It's. It's become more mainstream now. So that's changing. Fox News, we think conservative. Other. Other news outlets like msnbc, we think liberal. So so many, many things have a brand. They have an underlying meaning.

[B]

Right, right, right, right. So when we say something is on brand, it generally means something fits what is expected of that thing. But so, but, but when we say on brand, a lot of times we're not actually talking about a brand. We're going to talk about how we use it to. To discuss a person or maybe an institution. So in this way, it's the same idea. It's basically some saying something is typical of something else. It's expected. Right?

[A]

Yeah. And this is really trendy right now. So I'm super excited that we're teaching this today, because you're right, Michelle, when we say that's on brand, we're not talking about brands at all. So let's take this idea of brands and kind of get rid of it and redefine what on brand means here.

[B]

So I'll do the first one because this is. This is me. Yeah. All right, here's an example. I was up until 1am last night pretty on brand for me.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah, totally true. Right. And so we. We use this maybe to describe ourselves. It's often in a kind of facetious way to make fun of someone, poke fun at some of someone when they do something sort of silly. Right. But it's typical of them. You're having fun with them. My brother was late again for our lunch, so. So on brand.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Okay, so that. What does that mean? So by saying that, what are you saying?

[A]

You're basically saying, oh, we made plans to. To have lunch and he was late, and that's what he does. And so, you know, it's expected. It's expected, right? Exactly. Yeah. Yeah.

[B]

Lindsay, is there anything that's on brand for you, would you say?

[A]

Yeah, well, I think the way I think is a little bit of. A little. It doesn't make any sense because I think big picture, I get excited about big ideas. And most people, when they think that way, they're able to not worry about details. But what I also do is I micromanage details and obsess over details. So I get stuck in the middle of everything. That's really awesome. Come up with a big idea, and then I have to do every little detail to make sure it's all right. Very hard, very on brand.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah. I mean, so for me, I would say the Michelle brand. It's late nights, stuff falling out of my purse all the time. Right? Just.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Just the other day, Dan was making fun of me. He said, no matter how big your bag is, you find a way to always be walking around with like the wire of your phone charger hanging out or like a laptop just like swinging in the wind or like, you know, he said, always, no matter how big the, the bag is, there's always something falling out of it. And that's definitely on brand for me. Also, unfortunately, I'm terrible at responding to text messages. Terrible. So I'm, I'm worried that that's actually becoming on brand for me and I want to. That's one of the things that I. I don't want to be part of my brand, so.

[A]

Oh my gosh, you're. It's so true. We're so similar. I. In some ways, Michelle, because when. It's so funny, when my partner and I first started dating in 2016, my partner tells me now that they were trying to get in touch with me and my phone was on silent for two years and I didn't. Or on like disturb is what it was. And so they would have to call two or three times and I would see all these missed calls, like hours later be like, geez, this person is really coming after me, really pursuing me, you know, And I just, I'm also a little aloof when it comes to being in touch, which is not the best thing. I'll read a text message and then I'll forget about it. It'll go down, down, down, down, down. And then a week later, oh my gosh, that person texted me a week ago.

[B]

I'm the same. I'm the same. I just Yesterday, this, like sometimes, sometimes I actually didn't see it. Like yesterday I was just scrolling and I was like, oh my God. I actually didn't see that this person texted me. But a lot of the times I'll see it in my head, I'll respond, but I'm doing something. Exactly right.

[A]

Exactly.

[B]

And then you realize, oh my gosh. And then do you just. Kind of. Sometimes I'll still. Then I feel awkward, so I'll avoid it even more.

[A]

Yeah, no, usually it's an emergency and my heart sinks. I think, oh my gosh, they texted a week ago. I have to get back to them, so I'll go and write them back. But yeah, I mean, clearly for our listeners, the Takeaway is do not try to text either of us. You'll never hear back.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Oh, my gosh. And I noticed with Dan, whenever he gets a text message, he responds right away. I mean, right away he's so good. Like, yeah. But at the same time, sometimes I think I'm being more present by not responding right away. So I'm like living in the moment. I don't stop just to respond right away to everything. So interesting.

[A]

Yeah, no, I totally get that. I love it. So that is kind of a great. That's so that's kind of the zone of what we're talking about. The material we use. When we say something's on brand, someone does something a little absent minded, a little silly. The little quirks about people that we love.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

That are annoying. That we highlight. Right.

[B]

Yes. Yes. Mm.

[A]

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[B]

But yeah, me too.

[A]

Other things. So what could we say?

[B]

Yeah, well, I just also wanted to highlight that this is used. It can be used in a teasing way. So. Right. So Dan saying to me, you know, oh, you have stuff falling out of your bag. Like I was Just cracking up. I thought that was the funniest thing. And so he could say, oh, my gosh, totally on brand. Right. He could just. If he. I could imagine if I'm walking to meet him somewhere and I just have my bag and the things are falling out of it, I could just see him laughing and saying, oh, okay, totally on brand for you. Here you are. Right. But again, you don't want to insult someone, so. And it also depends, like, how good is someone's sense of humor about themselves? Are they open to kind of being teased like this about. Because really, you're. When you use it like this, you're picking up on patterns about someone showing that you're observing them, their quirks, like Lindsay. Yeah. So, like, you could hurt them. So you could hurt them.

[A]

But I think most of the time, if you know them well enough that you've picked up on these quirks, these patterns, that you're probably close enough that they won't be offended. But you do want to be careful. Tread lightly at first. Right? Tread lightly.

[B]

Yes. All right. But. So something else you could say is typical. So you could say it's pretty typical of Ron to leave his phone in.

[A]

The car or in line with. So, oh, man, she canceled. That's in line with what she usually does. Yeah. Right. Or that's right in line with huh.

[B]

Or sounds like. And then the person. So, yeah. Oh, don't tell me she's actually going skydiving. Sounds just like Jackie.

[A]

Yeah. I mean, these are fine. They're a little more plain to me. Right. Compared to on brand. So I want to encourage our listeners to try this, you know, wait for the moment, make sure it's someone you're close to, and then give it a try. Michelle, do you think, broadly speaking, is it fair to assume things about. Because that is a bit. A bit of what we're doing here, assuming things about people, putting people into the category of, oh, yeah, this person tends to do this thing.

[B]

Yeah. And Right. And at what point does something become on brand? I mean, I've been with dan's dan for 13 years, so I think it's okay for him to start to point out things are on brand. If a new. A newer friend. Because if somebody I'm just kind of getting to know or just know for a little while, if they started, I would kind of feel bad, like I was being teased or a little embarrassed. Right. So you have to think about your relationship with that person. And can they. You know, I can take a joke. I'm very self Deprecating. So it's totally fine. But I don't know, I just feel like you have to get to that comfort level with someone.

[A]

Absolutely. Well, I think that's normal in human relationships. We. We kind of buy that trust over time. Not buy it, but we gain it over time. Right. Through spending raw time with the person. Right. And then they become closer to us and we kind of. We get that. I don't know, we build that trust. So there has to be some trust between the two parties for someone to use this phrase a bit. Right, Right, right, right.

[B]

So, all right, so let's give. Before we get into our role play, we want to give you guys that poll that's going to be on Spotify. Yes. So we were talking about sneakers at first, Lindsay. And so we want to know from you guys, which of these is your favorite sneaker. Sneaker brand. So you can find this on Spotify. Is it Nike, Adidas, New Balance, or Converse? Choose one.

[A]

Choose one. No other options. All right, guys, go ahead and vote in that poll. We love getting to know you around all sorts of questions. So go over to Spotify and participate. So let's do a role play, Michelle, shall we?

[B]

All right, here we are. We're waiting for our friend at lunch.

[A]

Okay, here we go. So she just called and said she's running late.

[B]

Yep. Pretty on brand.

[A]

I know. Sounds like Paula to me.

[B]

Maybe we should say something.

[A]

It's typical Paula. She's not gonna change.

[B]

Yeah. So I guess it's in line with how she's always been.

[A]

Yeah. So this kind of shows you a bit of a more negative angle on it. You know, the way I like to use on brand is kind of more fun, you know, teasing the quirks again. Quirks are what make people beautiful and wonderful and make us love them. Right. And so.

[B]

Right.

[A]

I would tend to use. I would try to use it around, highlighting quirks about people that are lovable. Quirks. Right. But sometimes we use this more in the edgy way of. Yeah, she's always late. It's on brand. Okay. You know, let's just hang out and wait. Right, Exactly.

[B]

Yeah, yeah. Giving you all sides of this. So, yeah, you said, she's running late. And I said, yep, pretty on brand. Which is something. A lot of times we might use it in this way, like, oh, that's pretty. That's on brand. Pretty on brand. Sounds to be on brand.

[A]

Right?

[B]

Sounds sound on brand.

[A]

Yeah, exactly. And. And I say, I know. Sounds like Paula to me. Right? Yeah. You don't want that to be a brand. Yeah.

[B]

Yeah, that's right. And then I said, maybe we should say something. And you said, it's typical Paula. She's not going to change. So sometimes people just. It's in them. You're not going to get them to change. So you either. You either deal with it and you accept it, or, you know, maybe it's. Maybe Paula doesn't get invited to lunch next time.

[A]

Yeah, it's true. It's true. Certain things are just really ingrained, you know, the way we are sometimes. And then you said, yeah, it's in line with how she's always been. Right. So it just means that maybe the other two friends are going to meet early and have a drink and have fun and connect, and then Paula will come, and it's okay. You know, it's hard. I struggle with lateness. It's hard to know how to work through that. I think it's totally. It works if there are two friends waiting for a third. Right. Because you can have that drink and enjoy a moment together. But if you're waiting on the sidewalk outside the restaurant and the person's making you wait for 15, 20, 25 minutes, then I struggle to say, hey, let's hang out again next week. Because that's awkward, right?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And you can kind of feel a little irritated at first when they arrive, like. Yeah. And it takes you a minute to warm up. So. Yeah.

[A]

Yeah. That's another episode for another day. Because there's lots of cultural stuff in there, too, right? Oh, my gosh. Y. Okay, guys, go over to episode 2401, how to be a More Interesting Storyteller in English. I love telling stories. I love how important storytelling is in connection. So go check out that episode. Okay, good.

[B]

Absolutely. All right, well, takeaway. Consider. What is your brand?

[A]

Think about. Yeah, that could be the thing to do. What would people say is on brand for you? What are the quirky, wonderful things about you that are not. Because no one's perfect. No one does everything perfectly. And what is perfect anyways?

[B]

Right.

[A]

Of course. We don't believe in perfection over here.

[B]

That's right.

[A]

And so what are the lovable things about you that you do that are quirky? That someone might. A good friend might say, yeah, that's on brand. But we love that person anyways, right?

[B]

Yes. Yes. What are the lovable, lovable quirks about people? I love that.

[A]

Yeah. All right, Michelle, we'll see you back here very soon. Guys, hit the follow button and be sure to participate in our poll for today. Good all right.

[B]

Bye, guys.

[A]

Okay, bye. Bye. Thanks for listening. To all ears. English. Would you like to know your English level? Take our two minute quiz, go to allearsenglish.com forward/fluencyscore. And if you believe in connection, not perfection, then hit subscribe now to make sure you don't miss anything. See you next time. This episode is brought to you by Disney's Lilo and Stitch. Only in theaters this Friday. A reimagining of Disney's animated classic, Lilo and Stitch is the wildly funny and touching story of a lonely Hawaiian girl, Lilo, and the fugitive alien Stitch, who helps the to mend her broken family. Lilo and Stitch crashes into theaters this Friday. Rated pg. Get tickets now.