Elon Musk (one of the most famous South Africans in the world at the moment), called his son this… And, where I come from these kinds of tops are usually worn by surfers or white guys with dreadlocks and thai… Read More ›
Slang
New words
I am sure that self-isolation and social distancing will enter the dictionary this year, as will many slang terms related to COVID-19. In addition, ‘old’ words like ‘furlough’ have been used more and more this year. ADAM JACOT DE BOINOD… Read More ›
The rise and fall of slang over 900 years
I read an interesting article recently about the rise and fall of slang words throughout history. There is even an interactive chart where you can see words in different areas that have come and gone over time. The English language… Read More ›
Pants (UK), pants (US), pants (mathematical) and a pile of pants
Another potential for embarrassment between US and UK English In the US pants are worn outside your underwear: In many parts in the UK pants ARE your underwear: So, it may be inadvisable to say ‘ooh nice pants’ in the… Read More ›
Eggcorns
The misuse of certain phrases in English is something that really gets my goat. Some examples: baited breath instead of bated breath here here instead of hear hear step foot instead of set foot it’s not rocket surgery instead of… Read More ›
Cockney Rhyming Slang
Sometimes, for fun, I give my students things like this to ‘translate’ (answer at bottom of article): Got to my mickey, found me way up the apples, put on me whistle and then the dog went. It was me trouble… Read More ›
Pants (UK), pants (US), pants (mathematical) and a pile of pants
Another potential for embarrassment between US and UK English In the US pants are worn outside your underwear: In many parts in the UK pants ARE your underwear: So, it may be inadvisable to say ‘ooh nice pants’ in the… Read More ›
This post is, like, very educational…
Every language has its vocalized pauses, which are meaningless words used to keep the conversation flowing smoothly. In English, it’s usually “um”, “er”, “ah”, or “you know.” In North America, especially among young people, it’s common to use the word “like”… Read More ›
Idioms and Euphemisms for Death
The most common and gentlest easily-understandable euphemism used to announce that someone has died is passed away, passed on or simply passed. Anything stronger may give offence, anything more delicate may be misunderstood. Below is a list of the many expressions… Read More ›
