All Ears English Podcast

Episode: "What Are You Really Saying? Subtext and Connotation in English"

Hosts: Lindsay McMahon & Michelle Kaplan

Date: January 17, 2026

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode dives into the concepts of subtext and connotation in American English. Lindsay and Michelle answer a listener question about the meaning and usage of “connotation,” discussing why understanding the undertones and implied meanings of words is crucial for intermediate to advanced English learners. The hosts use practical examples, role plays, and a fun, conversational style to reveal how context, tone, and culture shape what native speakers are “really saying.”

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why Connotation Matters

• Advancing Beyond Definitions: Dictionary meanings are only the beginning. To reach higher English proficiency (B2/C1), understanding how a word is used, including its emotional or cultural undertones, is essential.
  • “We don’t want to just know the word. We want to know what’s the undertone of the word, right? Like, what are we actually saying?” – Lindsay (02:12)
• Connection, Not Perfection: Grasping connotation helps build real connections with native speakers, signaling cultural awareness and sensitivity.

2. What is a Connotation?

• Basic Definition: The subtext, implication, or feeling evoked by a word, above and beyond its literal dictionary meaning.
  • “It’s kind of the meaning behind the word, the association, the implication, the feeling. That’s what a connotation is.” – Michelle (03:17)
• Beyond AI & Dictionaries: Real context and native usage are needed to fully understand connotation; AI provides approximations, but “can never give you the full color nuance.” – Lindsay (03:39)

3. Concrete Examples: Positive, Negative, and Neutral Connotations

• The Word “Cheap”
  • “This dress looks cheap. I shouldn’t have bought it.” → negative connotation (implies low quality) (05:25)
  • “I got a great deal on concert tickets. They’re so cheap!” → positive connotation (implies affordability) (05:45)
• The Word “Different”
  • “I love talking with her because she always brings different ideas to the table.” → positive (diverse, interesting) (06:14)
  • “Oh, your outfit, it’s... different.” → negative or neutral, a euphemism for “weird” (06:53)
• The Word “Challenge”
  • “Working with Tim is a challenge. He’s not easy.” → negative (07:25)
  • “I want to take on a challenge. I’m excited for what’s to come!” → positive (07:28)

4. Tone and Context are Key

• The same adjective or noun may be either supportive or critical, polite or dismissive, based on context or tone of voice.
  • “It’s all in your tone of voice.” – Michelle (12:41)

5. Idioms and Words with Fixed Connotations

• Some words are “black and white,” almost always positive (cheerful) or negative (rude). Others require deeper listening for context. (08:05)

6. Synonyms and Antonyms for “Connotation”

• Synonyms: Implication, subtext, undertone, association.
• Antonyms: Denotation, literal meaning.
  • “Synonyms... implication... subtext... undertone... associations.” – Lindsay & Michelle (09:06)
  • “Antonyms would be like denotation... literal meaning.” – Michelle (09:22)

7. Why Learning Connotations is Essential

• Helps achieve next-level fluency (C1).
• Prepares learners to interpret not just what’s said, but what’s meant—crucial for connection.
  • “If you understand all these different connotations... that’s very high level... that’s where we’re headed as a community here.” – Lindsay (10:46)
  • Michelle recalls her TESOL training:
    • “One thing is like the basic definitions... but what are all the different things that the word means and in what context...?” (09:45)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Subtext:
  “Words can be loaded, right? Meaning loaded up on meaning behind the scenes.” – Lindsay (05:00)

• On Euphemisms:
  “It reminds me of when I was a kid. My mom used to use this as kind of a euphemism: ‘Oh, that person is just a little bit different.’ Right?... It’s a little bit more politically correct.” – Lindsay (06:53)

• On Role Play:
  “We used kind of the same words, but with different connotations… And it’s all in your tone of voice.” – Michelle (12:38)

• On Language Mastery:
  “Don’t let that stress you out... We’re here to help you and give you some of the basics and the best ways to do it.” – Michelle (14:20)

• On Intuition:
  “There’s something to trusting your ability to listen closely to tone of voice.” – Lindsay (14:57)

Key Segment Timestamps

• [03:05] Listener Question: “What does connotation mean?”
• [05:00] Explaining “cheap” – positive and negative uses
• [06:14] Exploring “different” and euphemisms
• [07:25] How “challenge” changes in context
• [09:06] Synonyms and antonyms for “connotation”
• [10:46] Why learning connotation is next-level fluency
• [11:10–13:36] Role play segment: Applying connotation to real-life conversation
• [14:20] Advice for learners: Don’t be intimidated
• [14:57] Trust intuition and listen to tone

Final Thoughts & Takeaways

• Connotation and subtext are key ingredients in understanding and speaking English at an advanced level.
• Not all words are explicitly positive or negative—pay attention to tone, context, and delivery.
• Learning the “story” behind a word, not just its definition, is crucial for meaningful communication and making connections in English-speaking environments.
• The journey to mastery is ongoing, so lean into your instincts, observe how native speakers use words, and use resources (like this podcast!) to tune your ear.

Recommended Episode

• “How to Be Better than Decent at English Vocabulary” (Episode 2536) (13:49)