Meaning of I'm not being funny | Babel Free

Definitions

Used as a softening preface to a statement that might be taken as offensive or malicious.

UK, idiomatic

Examples

“Clara: Well, I'm not being funny, but those clothes aren't really suitable for having meetings with clients. John: Really? Clara: I think so – a shirt and tie, or suit and shirt would be better.”

“I'm not being funny, but you make me nervous.”

“You know, I'm not being funny, but, you know, when he's with all his cool new 'creative' mates. They ain't real, Tony. They ain't like us. They sit around, with ironic trousers on and three haircuts each, waiting to be discovered.”

CEFR level