Knackered is a British term meaning tired or exhausted. The word is used across many English-speaking countries (UK, Ireland, Australia, etc). Example: Sorry, but I can’t come to the party tonight. I am knackered. When a horse became useless it was sent to the knackers yard. The knackers yard was the slaughterhouse for horses. It … Read More
Choosing an American saying for this week is probably the most difficult task. American customs (and language) have been spread over the globe through media, politics, and American socio-economic power. So, it is hard to find Americanisms that are not well-known but are useful for a second language learner to learn. I decided to use … Read More
I would like to start today’s entry by asking you three questions: In the past month have you helped a stranger, or someone you didn’t know who needed help? In the past month, have you donated to a charity? In the past month, have you volunteered your time to an organization? Ubuntu Ubuntu is difficult … Read More
Today we are going to take a look at a New Zealand slang word. Munted means broken beyond repair or intoxicated. It can be used as an insult. It should also be noted that munted is also used in Australia in a same way and can be used in British English to describe a drunk … Read More
It’s cold in Canada. A toque (alternatively tuque or touque) is what Canadians call a winter hat. You may know this garment as a wool cap, stocking cap, or beanie. The defining detail was a long tassel or pom-pom, but that is no longer required. Now, a toque can refer to any winter hat. The … Read More
My friend, Joel, challenged me to look at some phrases from around the world for my daily phrases this week. I thought it might be interesting to look at nationally specific phrases. The phrase fair dinkum is one that has always fascinated me. Fair dinkum is an Australian phrase that means unquestionably good or genuine. … Read More
Yesterday we talked about a few different types of suits; lawsuits, suit yourself, well-suited. However, I omitted another type of suit. In playing cards we call the symbols ‘suits’. The four most common suits are diamonds, hearts, clubs, and spades. Indeed, that is where today’s phrase comes from, card suits. In spades is an intensifier … Read More
Today is graduation day for our trainees. It is the only time that you will see me wearing a suit. Did you know the word ‘suit’ is over 600 years old? It has a few different meanings. You probably know that it refers to matching clothes (late 1300s) and you might also know its lawful … Read More
The phrase, ‘I can’t stomach it’ means that you can’t tolerate it any longer. It is something that you find disgusting. Usually, this phrase is used to talk about something that makes you feel ill. I can’t stomach it sounds like it will make you vomit. Example 1: I can’t stomach the sight of blood. … Read More
I usually try to make my phrase of the day relatable. I use things that I hear in my regular life, in videos, or in conversation that I want to learn more about. On the same day that I wrote down, “roll with the punches”, my friend used it in a blog post (dccopypro.com). I … Read More
