Father Ted: "a bit"

In Father Ted, why does Ted and Dougal use the phrase "a bit"?

Examples:

1: A friend of ours had A BIT of an accident.
2: Surely, it's A BIT extreme.
3: Actually, I'm A BIT of a fan.
4: No. Honestly, Tom. It's A BIT cruel.
5: She seems to be taking the whole catholic thing A BIT serious, Ted.
6: Do you think the catholic church is A BIT sexist?
7: Oh. Actually, that was A BIT disrespectful.
7: I was A BIT lonely without you, Ted.
8: Come on, Ted. You're going A BIT mad, there.
9: Sorry, Ted. You were going A BIT too mad.
10: Mrs Doyle, I think Father Jessup was just being A BIT sarcastic.
11: Mrs Doyle, I know it's A BIT confusing.

Maybe because it's only a BIT.

By the way I'm sure there are Father Ted threads already.

Quote: Chappers @ 9th June 2018, 5:15 PM

Maybe because it's only a BIT.

By the way I'm sure there are Father Ted threads already.

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Yep spot on Chappy (do you mind me calling you Chappy?) I concur it's 100% because the noun bit exists to describe a small quantity of something. I put it at no more than 10-20% but it can vary and there are also times when it can be used as a deliberate understatement.

"So...how are you enjoying this BBC Radio One shit balls concert you juvenile twat?"

"Thanks for asking and Justin Bieber was really great. I've got 24 tattoos of him and multiple restraining orders so as you can probably guess I'm a bit of a fan."

Does "a bit" mean something like "not seriously"?

And they don't use the word "serious" because the show is a comedy and not a drama?

Quote: Catholic man @ 9th June 2018, 8:58 PM

Does "a bit" mean something like "not seriously"?

And they don't use the word "serious" because the show is a comedy and not a drama?

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It was indeed and they told me it was a litter of six. All doing well

ASS BISCUITS!