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100 Body Words in English: Advanced Vocabulary Lesson

Learn 100 body vocabulary words in English for daily conversation!

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Vanessa teaches body-related vocabulary and several idioms that use body parts figuratively. The lesson moves from the head and face through the upper and lower body, showing literal vocabulary alongside expressions that have a broader meaning. This makes the video useful both for describing physical features and for understanding everyday phrases that appear in conversation.

“Off the top of my head” means based on what you can remember right now, without researching or checking. “I’m all ears” is a friendly way to say that you are ready to listen carefully. “Keep your chin up” is an encouraging expression that tells someone to stay hopeful during a difficult time. These phrases are not literal descriptions of body position; their meaning comes from common usage and context.

Vanessa also explains “stick your neck out for someone,” which means support or defend that person even though you may face criticism or risk. Another phrase, “put on a happy face,” means act cheerful even when you may not feel that way. These expressions describe social behavior and emotions, so tone matters. Learners should understand the difference between genuine encouragement and hiding one’s feelings because of pressure.

For practice, choose a situation in which someone needs support. You might say, “Keep your chin up,” or describe how a friend stuck their neck out for you. Use “I’m all ears” when inviting someone to share what happened. The lesson also contains expressions that may be rude or culturally sensitive, so learners should pay attention to the explanations and social context rather than copying every phrase. Body vocabulary can help with clear descriptions, while idioms add color to conversation. Revisit a few expressions at a time and create original sentences so the meaning is easier to recall when you hear it in real life. Check whether each phrase feels appropriate for the person and situation before using it.

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Speak English With VanessaAmerican English23:18

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Transcript

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Select an expression for its meaning · 0:00

Introduces body vocabulary and an idiom about thinking.

Vanessa Hi I'm Vanessa from SpeakEnglishWithVanessa com What's this part of my finger What's this part of my ear called Let's talk about it Do you know this song Theo Head shoulders knee and toes knees and toes Eyes and ears and mouth and nose Head shoulders knees and toes knee and toes Vanessa A classic children's song Today you are going to learn more than just the basics head shoulders knees and toes You are going to master 100 body part vocabulary words plus some useful idioms along the way

Try it: Choose one encouraging phrase and one idiom about supporting someone. Make original examples, and note which expressions are informal.

Phrase cheat sheet

All phrases at a glance

Review each expression, hear it, save it, or jump to where it appears in the video.

6 phrases

off the top of my head

Introduces body vocabulary and an idiom about thinking. · expression

From memory, without checking or researching first.

Tone and use: Common conversational expression. Use it when giving an answer based on what you currently remember.

May not fit: Signal uncertainty if the information needs verification.

Example“Off the top of my head, I think the store closes at eight.”

don’t roll your eyes at me

Introduces body vocabulary and an idiom about thinking. · expression

A warning not to make an eye-rolling gesture that shows annoyance or disrespect.

Tone and use: Informal and admonishing. Use it to call out a dismissive gesture, usually with someone familiar.

May not fit: It can sound confrontational; the gesture itself may be rude.

Example“Don’t roll your eyes at me while I’m explaining the plan.”

I’m all ears

Practises expressions about listening, confidence, and support. · expression

I am ready and willing to listen carefully.

Tone and use: Friendly and conversational. Use it to invite someone to tell you something.

May not fit: It is figurative, not a literal description.

Example“You said you have news—I’m all ears.”

keep your chin up

Practises expressions about listening, confidence, and support. · expression

Stay hopeful or positive during a difficult situation.

Tone and use: Encouraging and informal. Use it to support someone who is facing a setback.

May not fit: It may feel dismissive if the person needs empathy first.

Example“Keep your chin up; you have another chance next week.”

stuck my neck out for her

Practises expressions about listening, confidence, and support. · expression

Took a risk or defended her when there could be criticism.

Tone and use: Informal idiom. Use it when describing support that involved some personal risk.

May not fit: It means taking a risk, not physically moving your neck.

Example“I stuck my neck out for her because I believed she deserved a fair chance.”

put on a happy face

Explains face, shoulders, and everyday body idioms. · expression

Act cheerful even if you do not feel happy.

Tone and use: Common and conversational. Use it to describe displaying a positive expression or attitude.

May not fit: It can suggest hiding feelings; do not imply someone must conceal distress.

Example“I put on a happy face for the customers after a stressful morning.”

Knowledge check

Practice the phrases you heard

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What it means · “off the top of my head”

If you answer off the top of your head, how do you answer?