Phrase · Food & drink

the 'sorry, mate' reflex

noun phrase /thuh-sor-ee-mayt-ree-fleks/

Definition

The distinctly British instinct to seek forgiveness from the very person who just assaulted your personal space in a pub.

In use

“A guy spilled my pint down my shirt and I hit him with the 'sorry, mate' reflex.”

Filed under

british life laundry politeness
Published 3 August 2026

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The details

About this phrase

The language, classification and history attached to this Definr entry.

Language

Language form
noun phrase
Pronunciation
/thuh-sor-ee-mayt-ree-fleks/

Classification

Life domain
Everyday life

History

Published
Last updated

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