KNOW YOUR ENGLISH



KNOW  YOUR  ENGLISH
Know your English - What is the meaning and origin of ‘out of sorts?
Most read @ EET India - Smartphones losing appeal, smaller tablets are hot, says Gartner statswww.eetindia.co.in
S. UPENDRAN
SHARE  ·   COMMENT   ·   PRINT   ·   T+  
TOPICS

What is the meaning and origin of ‘out of sorts?
(B. Mukund, Bangalore)
The expression is mostly used in informal contexts. When you say that you are ‘out of sorts, you mean that you are not your usual self. You do not feel one hundred per cent okay, and as a result, are grumpy and irritable.
*Is something wrong? You look out of sorts today.
According to some scholars, the expression comes from the world of printing. In the past, typesetters composed each page manually; it was a laborious process. The person first picked the letters that made up a word and then proceeded to put them together. In the world of printing, these letters were called ‘sorts.
Sometimes, while composing a page, the typesetter ran out of sorts. When this happened, when he didn’t have enough letters to complete the task at hand, he often became irritated or frustrated. Not everyone, however, believes that this is how the idiom came into being.
What is the difference between ‘prone and ‘supine?
(J. Vinod, Gulbarga)
First, let us deal with the pronunciation of ‘supine. The ‘u in the first syllable is like the ‘oo in ‘cool, ‘pool and ‘fool. The second syllable rhymes with the words ‘fine, ‘shine and ‘dine. One way of pronouncing the word is ‘SOO-pine with the stress on the first syllable. It is also possible to pronounce it ‘SYOO-pine. When you lie supine on the floor or on the bed, you are lying flat on your back, looking up.
*Rama was lying supine on the couch and reading the newspaper.
The word has a figurative meaning as well. When you refer to someone as being supine, you mean he is an individual without a backbone. He is someone who can be easily controlled or manipulated by others because he is very weak or lazy.
*The supine administration refused to take action against the teachers.
The word ‘prone can also be used to refer to the manner in which a person lies down. When you lie prone on the sofa, you lie face down; in other words, you are on your stomach and not on your back.
*The body of the murdered woman was lying prone on the floor.
How is the word ‘verbiage pronounced?
(S. David, Hyderabad)
The word consists of three syllables, and not two. The first syllable is pronounced like the word ‘verb, and the following ‘i is like the ‘i in ‘pit, ‘kit and ‘bit. The final ‘age is pronounced like the ‘idge in ‘fridge, ‘bridge and ‘ridge. This rather formal word is pronounced ‘VERB-i-ij with the stress on the first syllable. It is mostly used to refer to the manner in which someone writes or speaks. When someone uses too many words in order to say something, he can be accused of verbiage.
In addition to the number of words used, often the language tends to be very complicated making it rather difficult for the listener/reader to understand. The word comes from the French ‘verbier meaning ‘to chatter.
*The chapter needs to be edited. Spend some time removing the verbiage.
*Madhav’s talk contained too much technical verbiage.
******
“Since my last report, your child has reached rock bottom and has started to dig.”  Teacher

. UPENDRAN
SHARE  ·   COMMENT   ·   PRINT   ·   T+  
TOPICS

What is the meaning and origin of ‘hang fire?
(PV Jagannathan, Chennai)
This is an expression that has been part of the English language since the 17th century. It is mostly used to mean to keep something pending; when something ‘hangs fire, you delay taking action on it even though it is rather important. In other words, you procrastinate. In 1981, thanks to the song ‘Hang Fire by the British rock group, the Rolling Stones, the expression acquired a slightly different meaning to relax or chill. Here are a few lines from the song from their album ‘Tattoo You: “In the sweet old country where I come from/ Nobody ever works/ Yeah, nothing gets done/ We hang fire, we hang fire.”
*Don’t be in a hurry. Let’s hang fire till the court gives its verdict.
*What do you want to do this evening? Study for next week’s test or hang fire?
In the past, the gunpowder that was used in canons and guns was rather unpredictable. When it was wet, it would not ignite at all. Even when it was dry, sometimes the powder inside the gun, instead of exploding, only smouldered — it burned slowly, resulting in a lot of smoke coming out of the gun. This made the weapon dangerous for one didn’t really know when the remaining portion of the powder would catch fire leading to an explosion. This delay in the explosion when the powder was smouldering was referred to as ‘hang fire. Sir Walter Scott popularised the use of this expression in everyday contexts.
How is the word ‘soporific pronounced?
(KP George, Cochin)
The first syllable ‘sop rhymes with ‘hop, ‘top and ‘pop, while the ‘o in the second, sounds like the ‘a in ‘china. The ‘I in the third syllable is pronounced like the ‘I in ‘hit, ‘pit and ‘bit, and the final ‘fic rhymes with ‘pick, ‘sick and ‘kick. The word is pronounced ‘sop-e-RIF-ic with the stress on the third syllable. It is ultimately derived from the Latin ‘sopor meaning ‘deep sleep or lethargy. Nowadays, the word is mostly used to refer to things that induce sleep or drowsiness in people it could be a medicine or drug, the motion of a train, etc.
*The summer heat was making Sunita feel soporific.
The word can also be used to mean ‘tediously boring or monotonous.
*Pity the officials who have to listen to the Minister’s soporific speeches.
What is the difference between ‘The Principal gave a pen to each student and ‘The Principal gave a pen to every student’?
(S. Mythili, Coimbatore)
In most contexts, people generally use ‘each and ‘every interchangeably. Careful users of the language, however, maintain a distinction between the two. The word ‘each is normally used when you are thinking of the students as individuals; the focus here is on the individual members of the group. The word ‘every, on the other hand, suggests that you are thinking of the students as a group; you are not thinking of them individually, but collectively. ‘Every, in certain contexts, has the same meaning as ‘all.
******
“When I buy a book, I read the last page first. That way, in case I die before I finish, I know how it ends.” Harry Burns
upendrankye@gmail.com

Know your English — How is the word ‘kowtow pronounced?
Hindi Grammar Dictionary - Interactive Grammer Learning CDs. For All Age Groups. Try Now.edurite.com
S. UPENDRAN
SHARE  ·   COMMENT   ·   PRINT   ·   T+  
TOPICS

What is the meaning and origin of ‘fine kettle of fish?
(S. Venkatesh, Madurai)
This expression is mostly used in everyday contexts to mean a ‘difficult or ‘troublesome situation. When you say ‘this is a fine/pretty kettle of fish, you mean you have got yourself into an annoying or a messy situation.
Nobody is really sure about the origin of this rather peculiar idiom. The only thing that scholars are sure about is that the ‘kettle in the expression has nothing to do with the container that we use to boil water. Some believe that it refers to the ‘fish kettle, an oval pan used to cook a whole fish. In fact, till about the 18th century, any large vessel that was used to boil things in, was called a ‘kettle. In the past, it was standard practice for Scottish aristocrats to entertain their neighbours during the summer by inviting them over for a picnic. Tents were put up by the riverbank, and while their master entertained his guests, the servants prepared food for them by catching fresh fish from the river and throwing them into a boiling ‘kettle. Soon, the picnic itself began to be called ‘kettle of fish. Some scholars however believe that the ‘kettle is actually a corruption of the word ‘kiddle the net that was thrown into the river to catch fish. Since the captured fish splashed around quite a bit causing a lot of commotion, the expression began to mean ‘confusing state of affairs.
Which is correct: ‘I have toothache or ‘I have a toothache?
(CV Dinesh, Delhi)
In terms of grammar, both are correct; which sentence you use will depend on which side of the Atlantic you are from. In British English, words ending in ‘ache ‘toothache, ‘earache, stomach ache, etc. can be treated as countable or uncountable nouns. It is therefore, possible to say, ‘I have earache/toothache or ‘I have an earache/a toothache. Americans, on the other hand, treat these words as countable nouns, and therefore always include ‘a/an before them. ‘Headache is an exception to this general rule. Both the Americans and the British treat this word as a countable noun; therefore, the indefinite article ‘a always precedes it. It is always ‘I have a headache; one cannot say, ‘I have headache.
How is the word ‘kowtow pronounced?
(Hansika, Raichur)
The two syllables rhyme with the words ‘how, ‘now and ‘vow’. The word is pronounced ‘cow-TOW with the stress on the second syllable. It is mostly used to show disapproval. When you ‘kowtow to someone in authority, you do everything you can to please him. You obey the individual unquestioningly; you pander to his every whim. In other words, you ‘suck up to the person.
*Not all bureaucrats in our country kowtow to politicians.
The word comes from the Chinese ‘kotou meaning ‘head knock. In the past, the Chinese showed their respect for someone by kneeling before the individual and then touching the ground with his forehead.
******
“If a dentist makes his money on unhealthy teeth, why should I trust a toothbrush that four out of five recommend.”  Unknown
upendrankye@gmail.com
Know your English — What is the meaning and origin of ‘go against the grain?
Class 1 to Class 12 - Lessons, Animations, Videos & more… Math, EVS, Science, English, SST…www.MeritNation.com
S. UPENDRAN
SHARE  ·   COMMENT (3)   ·   PRINT   ·   T+  
TOPICS

What is the meaning and origin of ‘go against the grain?
(Manoj Das, Cuttack)
This expression was in existence long before Shakespeare started writing his plays. According to scholars, however, it was the dramatist who popularised the use of the idiom. He first used it in his play Coriolanus. When you tell someone that he is ‘going against the grain, you mean that he is doing the exact opposite of what he normally does. He is not doing what is expected of him.
*Shwetha doesn’t like asking people for help. It goes against the grain.
*He is going against the grain by trying to be an honest politician.
According to one theory, the expression comes from the world of carpentry. The fine lines that you find on a piece of wood are called ‘grain. If you wish to smoothen wood, for best results, you should run the tool you are using ‘along the grain, and not ‘against it.
Why is a woman sometimes referred to as ‘black widow?
(K. Sunitha, Bhopal)
In the insect world, a black widow is a poisonous spider that usually consumes or eats its partner after mating with him. In the case of human beings, the term is frequently used to refer to a woman who murders her husband or her significant other. There is a term to refer to a man who murders his wife — ‘bluebeard. It is the name of a character from a literary folktale (‘La Barbe Bleue). In the story, the villain is a vicious French aristocrat with an ugly blue beard. This individual is in the habit of killing the woman he marries. When he marries for the seventh time, his new wife turns the tables on him — with the help of her family, she manages to kill him. Some believe that the story is based on the life of the French aristocrat Giles de Rais; a serial killer who made many women disappear.
How is the word ‘prescient pronounced?
(C.V. Geetha, Ernakulam)
There seem to be different ways of pronouncing this rather formal word. Some people rhyme the first syllable ‘presc with the word ‘fresh, while others pronounce it like the word ‘press. The following ‘i is like the ‘i in ‘bit, ‘kit and ‘sit, and the ‘e is like the ‘a in ‘china. The word can be pronounced PRESH-i-ent or PRESS-i-ent with the stress on the first syllable. It comes from the Latin ‘prae meaning ‘before and ‘scire meaning ‘to know. The word literally means having the ability to foretell or predict what is likely to happen in the future.
*No one was willing to listen to his prescient warnings.
*Rahul predicted the outcome with amazing prescience.
When you call someone ‘calculating are you being complimentary?
(Dinesh Kumar, New Delhi)
No, you are not; you are being the exact opposite. When the word ‘calculating is used with an individual, it suggests that the person is devious or crafty. You are saying he is a scheming individual, always driven by self-interest. Most people disapprove of those who are calculating.
*I don’t like Laxman. He is cold and calculating.
******
“Life was much easier when Apple and Blackberry were just fruits.”  Unknown
upendrankye@gmail.com
Know your English
Class 1-12 Sample Papers - Model Tests, Solved Question Bank, All Subjects. Join for Free Access!www.MeritNation.com/Test-Papers
S. UPENDRAN
SHARE  ·   COMMENT   ·   PRINT   ·   T+  
TOPICS

What is the meaning and origin of ‘hang fire?
(PV Jagannathan, Chennai)
This is an expression that has been part of the English language since the 17th century. It is mostly used to mean to keep something pending; when something ‘hangs fire, you delay taking action on it even though it is rather important. In other words, you procrastinate. In 1981, thanks to the song ‘Hang Fire by the British rock group, the Rolling Stones, the expression acquired a slightly different meaning to relax or chill. Here are a few lines from the song from their album ‘Tattoo You: “In the sweet old country where I come from/ Nobody ever works/ Yeah, nothing gets done/ We hang fire, we hang fire.”
*Don’t be in a hurry. Let’s hang fire till the court gives its verdict.
*What do you want to do this evening? Study for next week’s test or hang fire?
In the past, the gunpowder that was used in canons and guns was rather unpredictable. When it was wet, it would not ignite at all. Even when it was dry, sometimes the powder inside the gun, instead of exploding, only smouldered — it burned slowly, resulting in a lot of smoke coming out of the gun. This made the weapon dangerous for one didn’t really know when the remaining portion of the powder would catch fire leading to an explosion. This delay in the explosion when the powder was smouldering was referred to as ‘hang fire’. Sir Walter Scott popularised the use of this expression in everyday contexts.
How is the word ‘soporific pronounced?
(KP George, Cochin)
The first syllable ‘sop rhymes with ‘hop, ‘top and ‘pop, while the ‘o in the second, sounds like the ‘a in ‘china. The ‘I in the third syllable is pronounced like the ‘I in ‘hit, ‘pit and ‘bit, and the final ‘fic rhymes with ‘pick, ‘sick and ‘kick. The word is pronounced ‘sop-e-RIF-ic with the stress on the third syllable. It is ultimately derived from the Latin ‘sopor meaning ‘deep sleep or lethargy. Nowadays, the word is mostly used to refer to things that induce sleep or drowsiness in people it could be a medicine or drug, the motion of a train, etc.
*The summer heat was making Sunita feel soporific.
The word can also be used to mean ‘tediously boring or monotonous.
*Pity the officials who have to listen to the Minister’s soporific speeches.
What is the difference between ‘The Principal gave a pen to each student and ‘The Principal gave a pen to every student’?
(S. Mythili, Coimbatore)
In most contexts, people generally use ‘each and ‘every interchangeably. Careful users of the language, however, maintain a distinction between the two. The word ‘each is normally used when you are thinking of the students as individuals; the focus here is on the individual members of the group. The word ‘every, on the other hand, suggests that you are thinking of the students as a group; you are not thinking of them individually, but collectively. ‘Every, in certain contexts, has the same meaning as ‘all.
******
“When I buy a book, I read the last page first. That way, in case I die before I finish, I know how it ends.” Harry Burns
upendrankye@gmail.com
Know your English: What is the meaning and origin of ‘plain sailing?
Sikkim Manipal University - Ranked No.1 for Distance Education. Admissions are Open. Enquire Now!Smude.Edu.in/Apply_Now
S. UPENDRAN
SHARE  ·   COMMENT   ·   PRINT   ·   T+  
TOPICS

What is the meaning and origin of ‘plain sailing?
(L Shravanthi, Pune)
The expression is mostly used in informal contexts to mean ‘smooth and easy progress. When you say that something was plain sailing, you mean things went off without a hitch; there were no problems or obstructions of any kind along the way. 'Clear sailing' and 'smooth sailing' mean the same thing.
*Your first few months on the job will not be plain sailing.
This relatively old idiom comes from the world of navigation. In the past, in order to determine distance, calculations were made based on the assumption that the earth was flat and not spherical. To make calculations simple, sailors assumed that the ship was sailing on a flat or a ‘plane surface.
The original expression was, in fact, ‘plane sailing. Since spelling had not been standardised, the two words ‘plain and ‘plane were used interchangeably. When the expression made its first appearance in print in the 17th century, the word was spelt ‘plain instead of ‘plane and everyone followed suit.
The idiom acquired its figurative meaning — slow and easy progress — over a period of time.
How is the word ‘finesse pronounced?
(J Baskar, Trichy)
The first syllable ‘fi is like the ‘fi in ‘fit, ‘fill and ‘fist, and the following ‘nesse is like the ‘nes in ‘nest’. The word is pronounced ‘fi-NES with the stress on the second syllable.
Someone who has ‘finesse displays grace under pressure; the individual exhibits a lot of skill in handling people in delicate or difficult situations. It can also be used to refer to someone’s graceful or elegant movements. The word can be used as a verb to mean to slyly or delicately manage to do something — for example avoid getting blamed. In Old French, ‘fin meant ‘subtle or ‘delicate.
*We must try to finesse our way out of this boring party.
What is the difference between ‘crowd in and ‘crowd around?
(S Jayanthi, Chennai)
When people ‘crowd around someone or something, they surround the person or thing; they may not actually touch the individual, but they are all around him. The person being surrounded gets the feeling that there are just too many people around him.
*When the children spotted Tendulkar, they immediately crowded around him.
‘Crowd in, on the other hand, suggests there is some amount of pushing and pulling. There are too many people, and as a result, the space becomes so cramped that people actually press against each other. They have the feeling that they are being smothered.
*The star told his fans that he didn’t like being crowded in.
Is there a word to refer to people of the same age?
(Mohan Rao, Hubli)
Yes, there is. The word that is sometimes used to refer to people of the same age or about the same age is ‘agemate.
*Vasantha had no agemate in the colony she was living in.
******
“Overpopulation: when people take leave of their census.”  Malcom K Jeffrey
upendrankye@gmail.com
Know your English — What is the meaning and origin of 'heads up'?
Class 1-12 Sample Papers - Model Tests, Solved Question Bank, All Subjects. Join for Free Access!www.MeritNation.com/Test-Papers
S. UPENDRAN
SHARE  ·   COMMENT   ·   PRINT   ·   T+  
TOPICS



What is the meaning and origin of 'heads up'?
(Geetha Durairajan, Hyderabad)
This American expression has several different meanings. One is to warn someone that something is going to happen, and that he needs to be prepared for whatever may come his way. The expression is also frequently used in everyday contexts to refer to someone who is wide-awake and alert.
*We got the heads up about the Chairman's proposed visit.
*Surprisingly, our team played a very heads up game.
Nobody is really sure about the origin of the expression. According to one theory, a person who is wide awake and alert usually keeps his head up to ensure that he is able to see what is happening around him. Someone who feels sleepy or drowsy, on the other hand, always keeps dropping his head. According to another theory, the expression ‘heads upwas used in the 19th century to mean ‘straighten up or ‘keep your head up. Some believe that the modern use of the expression comes from the ‘heads-up display screen’ that gives pilots vital information about their aircraft. In the past, since the screen was installed close to the windshield, the pilot was able to monitor the readings without taking his eyes off the flight path. He was able to do both provided he had his head up.
Is it okay to say, ‘She bought an expensive pair of cooling glasses?
(N. Naresh, Chennai)
Indians frequently refer to the dark-lensed glasses that they wear in order to protect their eyes from the bright sun as ‘cooling glasses. Native speakers of English do not use this term, and will probably have a problem figuring out what we mean by it. ‘Shades, ‘dark glasses, ‘sunglasses, and ‘sun specs are some of the terms that they use instead of ‘cooling glasses.
*Sathvika, as usual, looked cool in her shades/sun glasses.
*The villain in the film was always wearing a baseball cap and dark glasses.
How is the word ‘nonchalant pronounced?
(J Vivek, Bangalore)
The first syllable is pronounced like the word ‘non and the following ‘ch is like the ‘sh in ‘ship, ‘shoot and ‘sheet. The ‘a in the second and third syllables is pronounced like the ‘a in ‘china. One way of pronouncing this French word is ‘NON-she-lent with the stress on the first syllable. It comes from the Latin ‘non being ‘not and ‘calere meaning ‘be hot. Someone who is nonchalant looks calm and relaxed; he is a ‘cool person. The word can be used to show disapproval as well; it can be used to suggest that the person shows no interest or enthusiasm about things happening around him.
*The star got out of his car, and gave a nonchalant wave to his adoring fans.
*Hema gave her resignation letter, and walked out of the room nonchalantly.
Is it okay to say, ‘The cardboards you bought yesterday are no good?
(C. Kavita, Kanpur)
Being an uncountable noun, the word ‘cardboard is always followed by a singular verb. The plural of cardboard is ‘cardboard.
*The cardboard you bought is not particularly good.
*We won't be able to use the cardboard. It is damp.
******
Know your English — What is the meaning of ‘ultracrepidarian?
Class 1-12 Sample Papers - Model Tests, Solved Question Bank, All Subjects. Join for Free Access!www.MeritNation.com/Test-Papers
S. UPENDRAN
SHARE  ·   COMMENT   ·   PRINT   ·   T+  
TOPICS



What is the meaning of ‘ultracrepidarian?
(L Kamesh, Bangalore)
First, let us deal with the pronunciation of the word. The first two syllables are pronounced like the word ‘ultra, and the following ‘crep rhymes with ‘prep and ‘rep. The ‘I is like the ‘I in ‘bit, ‘hit, and ‘sit, and the ‘dar is pronounced like the word ‘dare. The word is pronounced ‘ul-tra-krep-i-DARE-ien with the stress on the fifth syllable. An ultracrepidarian is someone who is in the habit of giving advice on matters he himself knows nothing about — like a politician! This Latin word literally means ‘beyond the shoe.
*My ultracrepidarian uncle will be spending two weeks with us.
The story goes that when the Greek painter Apellis displayed his beautiful painting of Alexander the Great, a shoemaker pointed out that the sandals in the painting did not have the required number of loops. The artist thanked him, and immediately set about making the required changes. Once they had been carried out, the emboldened shoemaker began to comment on other aspects of the painting — the shape of Alexander's legs, his robes, etc.
Apellis put an end to it by saying, “Sutor, ne ultra crepidam”, meaning “shoemaker, not above the sandal”. The wise painter was trying to tell the shoemaker that he should limit his comments to his area of expertise shoes and avoid passing judgment on things he knows nothing about. William Hazlitt, the well-known essayist, coined the word ‘ultracrepidarin’ in 1819.
What is the difference between ‘as if and ‘as though?
(V Sundaramoorthi, Chennai)
In terms of meaning, there is no difference between the two expressions. They can be used interchangeably when you are referring to how someone looks or behaves. In formal contexts, the verb that follows these expressions is usually in the plural. In everyday conversation, however, people generally make use of the singular verb.
*Arthi looked as if/as though she were going to throw up.
How is the word ‘resuscitate’ pronounced?
(BS Mathew, Thiruvananthapuram)
The ‘e in the first syllable and the ‘i in the third are pronounced like the ‘i in ‘hit, ‘bit and ‘fit. The second syllable ‘sus rhymes with ‘bus, ‘us and ‘fuss, while the final syllable rhymes with ‘fate, ‘date and ‘late. The ‘c is silent. The word is pronounced ‘ri-SUS-i-tate with the stress on the second syllable. It comes from the Latin ‘resuscitatus meaning to revive or raise. Nowadays, the word is mostly used to mean to revive someone who is unconscious or is very close to death.
*While he was in hospital, he had a heart attack. The doctors were unable to resuscitate him.
Resuscitate has a figurative meaning as well; it is used very often nowadays to mean to make something active and vigorous again.
*The government is trying to resuscitate the country’s economy.
Is it okay to say, ‘She is a nice car?
(S. Nalini, Madurai)
Although most people would say ‘It is a nice car, English allows the pronoun ‘she to be used with ships, cars and countries. Also, with hurricanes!
******
“I love mankind. Its the people I cant stand.”  Charles Schultz
upendrankye@gmail.com
Know your English — meaning and origin of ‘make the grade’
English Grammar Websites - Get Interactive Grammar CDs. For All Age Groups. Try Now. edurite.com
S. UPENDRAN
SHARE  ·   COMMENT (1)   ·   PRINT   ·   T+  
TOPICS

Is it okay to say, ‘The children are well versed with the rules of English’?
(T. Sushma, Kurnool)
People are usually ‘well-versed in something and not ‘with. When you say that someone is well versed in something, it means that the individual is very knowledgeable about it; it could be a particular subject or an area. This knowledge has been gained through experience, and not necessarily by reading books. In your example, you are saying that the children know the rules of grammar thoroughly.
*Surprisingly, the American was well-versed in Tamil literature.
*The professor was well-versed in Carnatic music.
What is the meaning and origin of ‘make the grade?
(S. Ranjit, Tiruchi)
This is an expression mostly used in American English in informal contexts. When something that you have done makes the grade, it means that you have done it satisfactorily; the required standard has been met. This expression is mostly used in the negative, and can be used with people as well. ‘Measure up, ‘pass muster and ‘make the cut are other expressions that have more or less the same meaning.
*Sarvesh wanted to get into IIT, but he failed to make the grade.
*Sujatha’s chocolate cake didn’t quite make the grade.
There are several theories regarding the origin of the expression. According to one, ‘grade has nothing to do with school — the class a student is in or the marks he has got on a test.
In American English, ‘grade is also used to refer to a gradient or a slope. In the context of the idiom, it refers to the steep incline a train has to climb. A train that makes the grade is one that is successful in climbing a steep incline or slope.
What is the difference between ‘talking terms and ‘speaking terms?
(Sai Ram, Pune)
The expression ‘on talking terms is an Indianism. Native speakers of English would say ‘speaking terms. When two people are not on speaking terms, they are not on friendly terms; they do not talk to each other.
*I’m on speaking terms with everyone in my office.
*I’m told the Vice Chancellor and the Registrar are not on speaking terms.
Is it okay to say, ‘Radha’s daughter is in the family way’?
(L. Nagalakshmi, Chennai)
The expressions ‘in the family way and ‘in a family way are frequently used in India in everyday contexts to mean that a girl/woman is pregnant or is expecting.
Native speakers would consider them to be rather old fashioned and may use them in order to sound humorous. In everyday contexts, native speakers would say: ‘She is expecting/with child/pregnant/going to have a baby.
How is the word ‘cuisine pronounced?
(N. Malavika, Mangalore)
The first syllable of this French word sounds like the ‘qui in ‘quick and ‘quit. The following ‘s is like the ‘z in ‘zip and ‘zoo, and the final ‘ine like the ‘een in ‘teen, ‘keen and ‘seen.
The word is pronounced ‘kwi-ZEEN with the stress on the second syllable. Dictionaries define it as ‘style of cooking.
*The restaurant is well known for its vegetarian cuisine.
******
“I dont eat snails. I prefer fast food.”  Strange de Jim
upendrankye@gmail.com
Know your English -- What is the meaning of ‘pussyfoot?
English Grammar Websites - Interactive Grammer Learning CDs. For All Age Groups. Try Now.edurite.com
S. UPENDRAN
SHARE  ·   COMMENT (5)   ·   PRINT   ·   T+  
TOPICS



What is the meaning of ‘pussyfoot?
(Subhayu Saha, Murshidabad)
This word is mostly used in informal contexts and has several different meanings. One of them is to tread or walk softly like a cat. We all know that cats — including big ones like lions, tigers, leopards, etc. — can sneak up on their prey without making a sound.
*The burglar pussyfooted down the stairs.
In the early 1900s, the word was frequently used in America to refer to a detective. Understandable, I guess, since detectives have to keep an eye on others without being seen or heard. With the passage of time, ‘pussyfoot acquired a negative connotation. Nowadays, when you tell someone to ‘stop pussyfooting around/about, you want the person to stop being indecisive. You would like him to stop being timid, and commit himself to a course of action.
*Das, will you please stop pussyfooting around and tell us what you want done.
*Stop pussyfooting about, and tell me what you think of my painting.
Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, popularised the use of the word.
What is the origin of the idiom ‘to pull someones leg?
(R Gautham, Bangalore)
The expression has been part of the language for several hundred years, and it is mostly used nowadays to mean to tease or play a joke on someone.
*I enjoy pulling Devi’s leg once in a while.
Remember, it is always ‘leg and not ‘legs. No one is really sure about the origin of this idiom. Some believe that in the past, it was common practice among robbers to make use of a wire or a cane to trip unsuspecting passers-by. While the stunned victim was on the ground, the other members of the gang relieved him of his valuables.
How is the expression ‘tete-a-tete pronounced?
(Dhanraj, Kasaragod)
There seem to be several ways of pronouncing this French expression. According to the Cambridge Dictionary the ‘tete rhymes with words like ‘mate, ‘fate and ‘date, while the following ‘a is like the ‘a in ‘china. The expression is pronounced ‘tate-e-TATE with the main stress on the final syllable. It is also possible to make the word ‘tete rhyme with ‘pet, ‘set and ‘bet. In French, the expression literally means ‘head to head. When you have a ‘tete-a-tete with someone, you have a private conversation with the person. The expression suggests that only two persons are involved.
*The young couple had a quiet tete-a-tete over lunch this afternoon.
What is the difference between ‘Please come and ‘Please do come?
(R Simon, Chennai)
In both cases, you are inviting a person to an event. ‘Please come is a straightforward request; it is something that we all say in order to sound polite. The word ‘do is sometimes included to add emphasis to a request; in this case, you genuinely want or very strongly feel that the person to be present at the event. You are urging him to come. Please take/do take another sweet.
*Sneha looks/does look pretty in that dress.
******
“Bachelors should be heavily taxed. Its not fair that some men should be happier than others.” Oscar Wilde
Know your English
English Grammar Websites - Get Interactive Grammar CDs. For All Age Groups. Try Now. edurite.com
S. UPENDRAN
SHARE  ·   COMMENT   ·   PRINT   ·   T+  
TOPICS



What is the meaning and origin of ‘down and out?
(Saketh Mohan, Bangalore)
The expression has been part of the language for well over 200 years. When you say that someone is ‘down and out, you are suggesting that the person is in very bad shape he doesn’t have money or a job, and may not even have a home to live in. When you are down and out, you are staring defeat in the face.
*My friend is writing a novel about a down and out hitman in Kolkata.
*Our team was down and out at half time, but we rallied.
The expression comes from the world of boxing. A boxer who is ‘down is lying flat on his back on the canvas. His opponent has probably knocked him down. The ‘out in the expression suggests that the referee has declared that the boxer is ‘out for the count’; in other words, the referee has counted to 10, and the dazed or unconscious fighter on the canvas has been unable to get up in that time. A boxer who is ‘down and out has been knocked out of the competition; he has been defeated.
Which is correct: ‘heart of heart or ‘heart of hearts?
(Syed Aziz, Hyderabad)
Native speakers of English would say ‘heart of hearts, instead of ‘heart of heart. The expression is frequently used in speech to mean ‘deep down. Something that is in your heart of hearts is what you truly believe. For example, if in your heart of hearts you think your best friend is a crook, you are quite certain that he is up to no good. You may not be willing to admit this openly to anyone — you will keep this feeling to yourself.
*Even before the game began, Jai knew in his heart of hearts that India would lose the final.
*In her heart of hearts, Mythreye knew what she was doing was wrong.
The expression was first used by Shakespeare in Hamlet: Give me a man that is not a passion’s slave, and I’ll wear him in my heart’s core, in my heart of heart. So when we say ‘heart of heart as many Indians do we are actually speaking the language of Shakespeare!
Is it okay to say, ‘The Prime Ministers speech was just an eyewash?
(Rahul Gupta, Pune)
No, it is not. In informal contexts, native speakers of English use the word ‘eyewash to mean nonsense or insincere talk.
Some dictionaries list this use of the word as being old fashioned. Indians frequently use the word ‘eyewash, but they treat it as a countable noun. For native speakers of English, ‘eyewash is an uncountable noun, and is therefore not preceded by the indefinite article they would not say ‘an eyewash.
*Rahul says he will quit cricket if he is found guilty. We know that such statements are just eyewash.
*Don’t believe a word that Umesh said. It was eyewash.
******
QUOTABLE QUOTE
“I was not lying. I said things that later on seemed untrue.”  Richard M. Nixon
upendrankye@gmail.com
Know your English — Is it okay to say ‘Im running 75?
English Grammar Websites - Interactive Grammer Learning CDs. For All Age Groups. Try Now.edurite.com
S. UPENDRAN
SHARE  ·   COMMENT   ·   PRINT   ·   T+  
TOPICS

Is it okay to say ‘Im running 75?
(D. Parthasarathi, Hyderabad)
We Indians are always in a rush. When we are driving, we are in such a tearing hurry to get to our destination that we ignore all traffic rules.
It is not surprising, therefore, that we are always ‘running some particular age. In our country, when you ask someone his age, we usually get a complicated reply: “Ive completed 39 and am now running 40”.
The expression ‘running 40, though common within India, is unheard of in native varieties of English. Instead of ‘running, they tend to say ‘going on. Remember the famous song from ‘Sound of Music: ‘I am sixteen going on seventeen? Is it wrong to say ‘running 40? In India, you can ‘run with the expression!
What is the meaning of ‘puffery?
(VP Bhaskaran, Kochi)
This is a word mostly used in American English to refer false praise.
Whenever a new product is launched, there is usually hype around the event. In order to promote the product, people praise it to the skies — often, making it sound like it is the best thing since sliced bread!
This hype or exaggerated praise that is often resorted to by advertisers and those in the public relations profession is called ‘puffery. In informal contexts, the British refer to it as ‘puff.
*Don’t believe a word Mukund says. It’s just marketing puffery.
*Tell it like it is. There should be no puffery in the ad.
Some people drop the ‘e and pronounce the word ‘PUFF-ri. Otherwise, the word is pronounced ‘PUFF-e-ri.
What is the meaning and origin of ‘a fig leaf?
(PN Ranganathan, Chennai)
According to the Bible, when Adam and Eve tasted the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge, they became aware that they were naked. In order to hide their nudity, they used fig leaves to cover themselves. Nowadays, the expression ‘a fig leaf is used figuratively to mean something that is used to conceal a problem, difficulty or embarrassment.
*Voluntary retirement is just a fig leaf. The man is actually being fired. What is the difference between ‘skulking and ‘sulking? (Ritu, Chennai)When you ‘sulk, you are unhappy about something, and as a result, do not interact with those around you. You make it clear to everyone that you are unhappy; you sit in one corner of the room, and mope. One can be ‘in a sulk or one can have a ‘case of the sulks.
*What’s wrong with Meera? She’s been sulking all morning.
*Don’t go anywhere near Swami. He’s got a serious case of the sulks.
The word ‘skulk comes from the Norwegian ‘skulke meaning ‘to shirk or malinger. In British English, the word is used to refer to someone who pretends to be unwell in order to avoid doing work. It can also be used to mean to lie in wait for someone or move about in a stealthy manner. People usually skulk when they intend to harm another person.
*Get on with the job. I know you are just skulking.
*The girls panicked when they spotted three men skulking behind the building.
“My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance.”  Erma Bombeck
upendrankye@gmail.com
Know your English — Which is correct: ‘drunk driving’ or ‘drunken driving?
English Grammar Websites - Interactive Grammer Learning CDs. For All Age Groups. Try Now.edurite.com
S. UPENDRAN
SHARE  ·   COMMENT (1)   ·   PRINT   ·   T+  
TOPICS



Which is correct: ‘drunk driving or ‘drunken driving?
(Vivek Sharma, New Delhi)
From the point of view of grammar, the noun ‘driving has to be preceded by an adjective. In this case, ‘drunken is the right word.
*A drunken student created quite a commotion in the dining hall.
*The police have arrested Teja for drunken driving.
The word ‘driving, however, can be preceded by either ‘drunken or ‘drunk.
According to the American Heritage Dictionary, ‘drunk driving has become a fixed expression in English, and is therefore an exception to the rule.
Some people maintain there is a subtle distinction between a ‘drunk driver and a ‘drunken driver. The former is someone whose alcohol level is a little over the legal limit. A ‘drunken driver, on the other hand, is someone who is ‘sozzled or intoxicated. In everyday contexts, this distinction is seldom maintained.
What is the meaning and origin of ‘tall order?
(S Narayanan, Chennai)
When you say that the task assigned to you is a ‘tall order', you mean it is a formidable one; something that is going to be difficult to complete in the time given to you.
*Completing the project on time is going to be a tall order.
*You want us to do all this in a day? That’s a pretty tall order!
We know that people can be tall and buildings can be tall. But how can an ‘order be tall?
The word ‘tall has been part of the English language for several centuries; it is not surprising, therefore, that its meaning has changed several times during this period of time. One of the meanings of ‘tall was ‘lofty, grand. Americans took this meaning of the word and created slang expressions like ‘tall tales (grand or exaggerated stories which are hard to believe) and ‘tall order (exaggerated demands which will be difficult to fulfil).
Why don’t dictionaries define 'chit' as something used to copy in examinations?
(Mala, Kochi)
The word ‘chit comes from the Hindi ‘chitti, meaning ‘letter. In schools and colleges in India, ‘chit is used to refer to a small piece of paper containing notes that students use to cheat on an exam or a test. Examinees note down important information on the chits, and they think of innovative ways of keeping them concealed from the ever-alert ‘invigilator. Native speakers of English do not call these hidden pieces of paper, ‘chits. They refer to them as ‘crib notes, ‘crib

No comments:

Post a Comment