6 Minute English 6 Minute English

Rude emails

Jul 2, 2026 · 6m

Summary

This BBC Learning English episode explores rude email etiquette, featuring psychologist Dr. Emma Russell to explain how stress triggers uncivil behavior. The hosts discuss listener complaints about missing greetings and emoji-only replies, linking them to fight-or-flight responses. Key vocabulary includes "put on the defensive," "belittle," and "frazzled." The segment concludes by revealing that Elon Musk sent the controversial email demanding job justifications.

Topics discussed

Sponsor ads for Intuit ERP and Learning English for Work Introduction: Rude email habits and listener examples Quiz: Who sent the email demanding job justification? Psychology of rudeness: Fight or flight responses in emails Stress and incivility: Feeling frazzled at work Quiz answer: Elon Musk sent the controversial email Vocabulary recap: Defensive, uncivil, belittle, and more Outro: Office English series and website resources Promo for Good Bad Billionaire podcast on MrBeast
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