Culture and Gestures

Ba Dum Tsss

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Ba Dum Tsss  (onomatopeia) (Many different spellings, but same basic sound)   = drum technique following the conclusion of a  cheesy/ corny joke However, people can make the sound (with their mouth) when they hear a cheesy joke This is the sound:   *Imagine an unfunny comedian telling cheesy jokes on stage, and after each […]

Popular Expression

Break a Leg

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Break a Leg = good luck “Break a leg” is usually said to a performer (actor, musician etc.) before a performance. However, it is now common to use the expression in other situations. (Ex: taking a test) The origin of this phrase is unknown.  There are many different stories of how it originated. In theatrical […]

Grammar

Did You Know vs Do You Know

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Did You Know vs Do You Know “Do” is present tense, so do you know = do you currently know (at this moment)  Ex: Do you know we have a test today?  (Are you aware of it?) “Did” is past tense, so did you know = have you previously known something Ex: Did you know we […]

Phrasal Verbs

Put Up With

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Put Up With   = to accept or continue to accept an unpleasant situation or experience, or someone who behaves unpleasant Ex:  I don’t know why I continue to “put up with” her lying.  I need to be stronger and make her tell me the truth. Ex:  I can “put up with” a few dirty […]

Phrasal Verbs

Pig Out

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Pig Out = to eat as much as you can, gorge oneself, eat like a pig Ex:  The food at the party was free, so I “pigged out,” and ate as much as I could. Ex:  On Thanksgiving Day, I skip breakfast, so I have enough room in my stomach to “pig out” on turkey […]

Cuss Word

Hell

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Hell Level 1 curse word (slightly inappropriate) *IMPORTANT NOTE: This expression usually doesn’t refer to the religious hell, unless if you’re angry and tell someone to “go to hell.” In this case, hell = annoyance, surprise or to show emphasis Ex: Oh “hell!”  I forgot to pay the electricity bill. Ex:  Get the “hell” out […]

Popular Expression

What’s the Deal?

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What’s the Deal? 1) =  How are you?/ what’s up? (informal greeting) 2) = please explain the situation/ problem/ plan Ex: So, “what’s the deal?”  How have you been?  = tell me about your life (informal) Ex: Sara hasn’t been to work in a week.  “What’s the deal?” = what’s the problem Ex: So “what’s […]

Culture and Gestures

Keyboard Warrior

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Keyboard Warrior  = a person who makes abusive posts on the internet, but hides their true identity Ex:  The “keyboard warrior” is always harassing people on the internet, but he would be afraid to say the same things face to face. Ex:  Any “keyboard warrior” can be brave and say rude things on the internet […]

Culture and Gestures

Side Effect

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Side Effect   = the secondary, usually unwanted effect from taking medicine or receiving medical surgery Ex: The “side effect” from taking the medicine may include diarrhea or vomiting. “Side effect” can also be used to describe other things with unintended consequences. Ex: Using chemicals to kill insects may have many dangerous “side effects” for […]