squeaky bum time

Questions

What does squeaky bum time mean?

Chiefly, an exciting part of a sporting event, particularly the final moments of a close game or season.

Where does squeaky bum time come from?

Attributed to Sir Alex Ferguson, famed Scottish association football manager and former player, it implies the sound made by moving around in a plastic seat while squirming under pressure. Ferguson had said "squeeze your bum time" (that is, clenching one's buttocks under pressure) but it was misheard by journalist Kevin McCarra and the misquote stuck.

How to pronounce squeaky bum time

1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “squeaky bum time”.
2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “squeaky bum time”.
4. Repeat and practice — Say “squeaky bum time” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.