'fancy doing sth' still in use?

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kettu
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'fancy doing sth' still in use?

Post by kettu »

In our English class a student and a teacher are having a discussion about the expression "fancy doing sth". One of them says this phrase is old-fashioned and out-dated. The other says it is still in use. We're learning British English at school. Who is right? Can you help out? Thank you!
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solzen
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Re: 'fancy doing sth' still in use?

Post by solzen »

I don't know about British English, but people still use that phrase in the U.S., though rarely. In my opinion it sounds more upper-class! When I ask "Fancy a drink?" or say "She fancies him" it feels reminiscent of Jane Austen or the Victorian era. So old-fashioned, but also a little nostalgic.
darcy
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Re: 'fancy doing sth' still in use?

Post by darcy »

Both teachers are right: the verb is still in use but is a bit old-fashioned. In British English it doesn't sound upper class. Note that it's for informal use only.
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