- Something that one likes, enjoys, or is skilled at.
- Very often used in the negative (not my cup of tea) to politely express dislike or lack of interest/skill.
Explanation
Origin
- Originated in Britain in the mid-20th century (or possibly earlier).
- Tea drinking is a significant cultural practice in Britain, associated with comfort, preference, and personal taste (how one takes their tea).
- Liking something became metaphorically linked to finding a particular cup of tea agreeable.
- The negative form (not my cup of tea) became especially popular as a gentle way to decline or express dislike without being offensive.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- (Not) my bag (Slightly dated slang)
- (Not) my jam (Modern slang for something one enjoys, especially music)
- (Doesn't) vibe with it (Slang, indicates lack of connection or enjoyment)
- Ain't my thing (Grammatically informal)
Milder/Standard:
- It's not to my liking.
- I don't particularly care for it.
- I prefer other things.
- That doesn't really appeal to me.
More Direct (potentially less polite):
- I don't like it.
- I hate that.
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to neutral.
- Very common in British English, well-understood in American English and elsewhere.
- Suitable for most social and casual work situations. It's a polite way to express dislike.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Learners might take it literally, thinking the conversation is about actual tea.
- Clarify it's a metaphor for preference or suitability.
Examples
- Thanks for inviting me, but horror movies aren't really my cup of tea.
- He loves classical music, but it's not my cup of tea.
- (Less common positive): A quiet evening with a good book – now that's my cup of tea.
- (Referring to skill): Public speaking is definitely not his cup of tea.
Dialogue
Chloe: Hey, there's a big modern art exhibition opening this weekend. Want to go?
David: Hmm, thanks for the offer, Chloe, but modern art isn't really my cup of tea.
Chloe: Oh, okay. No worries! Maybe the history museum sometime instead?
David: Yeah, that sounds more like my cup of tea!
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Tried watching that hyped new sci-fi show... sorry, just not my cup of tea. #TVshows #Opinion
- Instagram Poll: Is knitting your cup of tea? YES / NO
- Comment: Everyone seems to love camping, but it's really not my cup of tea. Give me a comfy hotel any day!
Response Patterns
When someone says something is not my cup of tea:
- Acknowledgment/Understanding: Okay, fair enough. / No problem. / I get it.
- Asking for their preference: Oh? What kind of movies do you like then?
When someone says something *is* their cup of tea:
- Agreement: Me too! / Sounds great.
- Positive acknowledgment: Oh, nice.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone says not my cup of tea:
- Suggesting an alternative: Okay, how about a comedy instead?
- Changing the topic.
After someone says that's my cup of tea:
- Sharing the interest: Oh, I love that too!
- Asking more about it: What's your favorite book?
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Usually used in response to a suggestion, question, or observation about preferences.
Intonation
- In the negative (not my cup of tea), stress often falls on not and tea, with a slightly apologetic or dismissive tone.
- NOT my cup of TEA.
- In the rarer positive form, stress is on my and tea, with an appreciative tone.
- Now THAT'S MY cup of TEA.
Generation Differences
- Understood by all generations, perhaps slightly more common among older generations (30+), especially in British English.
- Younger people might more often say (not) my thing.
Regional Variations
- Strongly associated with British English, but widely used and understood globally.