All across the UK humour is an integral part of the typical subtle communication. Although the British as a nation are famously known for their humour and irony, most non-native speakers run the risk of frequently misunderstanding their opponents (opponents?) at first. Understatements and euphemisms are commonly used and need to be recognised as a means to indirectly emphasise a point, for reasons of modesty, to prevent embarrassment, to express criticism, etc.