What does “Fancy Someone (British English)” mean?

"Fancy someone" (British English) means to have a romantic interest or attraction towards someone.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I think he fancies her, they're always flirting.

Example

She's been fancying him for months, but hasn't made a move.

Example

Do you think he fancies me? He's been acting differently around me lately

Is “Fancy Someone (British English)” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Fancy Someone (British English)” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Fancy Someone (British English)” effectively in context?

You can use "Fancy Someone" to express that you or someone else has a romantic interest or attraction towards another person. It is commonly used in British English. For example, if you notice two people flirting, you might say, 'I think he "fancies" her, they're always flirting.'

1Observing Others
She's been fancying him for months, but hasn't made a move.
2Self-Reflection
Do you think he fancies me? He's been acting differently around me lately.
3Gossip
I heard that she fancies him, but he's completely oblivious.

Similar phrases to “Fancy Someone (British English)”:

Have a crush on

To have strong romantic feelings or infatuation towards someone

Example

She has had a crush on him since they first met.

Be smitten with

To be deeply and strongly attracted to someone

Example

He is completely smitten with her, he can't stop talking about her.

Be infatuated with

To have an intense but short-lived passion or attraction towards someone

Example

She was infatuated with him for a while, but eventually moved on.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Fancy Someone (British English)” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Fancy Someone" is unknown.

Is “Fancy Someone (British English)” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Fancy Someone" is a common expression in British English and is frequently used in everyday conversation. It is often used to discuss romantic interests or attractions between people.

What tone does “Fancy Someone (British English)” have?

"Fancy Someone" conveys a tone of curiosity and interest. It is often used in a lighthearted or playful manner to discuss romantic feelings or potential relationships.

Can “Fancy Someone (British English)” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Fancy Someone" can be used in both informal and formal settings. However, it is more commonly used in casual conversations among friends, family, or colleagues. In more formal situations, it may be more appropriate to use alternative expressions such as 'have a romantic interest in' or 'be attracted to'.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I think he "fancies" her.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I think he "fancies"!' to imply that someone has a romantic interest in another person.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

be attracted to
have feelings for
be interested in romantically
be enamored with
be captivated by

Antonyms

not be interested in
not have feelings for
not be attracted to
be indifferent towards
be repulsed by