Archive for June, 2017
That’s a Real Word? Posted by Gary Locke on Jun 29, 2017
It is easy to mangle the English language. I hear native speakers do it all the time. But when I learn that a word, which I assume is either mispronounced or made up, is a real word then I’m gobsmacked. Gobsmacked Let’s start there. Gobsmacked is common British slang for being surprised and, to my…
ESL Lesson: My Neighborhood Posted by sasha on Jun 27, 2017
A great way for beginners to practice speaking more English is to introduce people and places that are familiar. You probably know how to introduce yourself and your family members. Can you introduce the places in your neighborhood? We’ll teach you how in this ESL lesson: My Neighborhood. Watch the video and practice saying the…
Hat’s Off to English Speakers! Posted by Gary Locke on Jun 22, 2017
English speakers wear several unique hats, all created within a few years of each other in the 19th century. You can tell a lot about a person by the hat they wear. In many cases, a hat will tell you where someone is from, what team they root for, their hobbies, interests, and even how…
Summer in the USA Posted by sasha on Jun 21, 2017
Summer is officially upon us. Final exams are finished, and students are now off on their long summer holiday. Adults are still stuck at work, but the nice weather means more chances for fun outdoors in the evenings and on weekends. There’s a lot going on during this season. Let’s learn more by taking a…
Berry, Berry Good! Posted by Gary Locke on Jun 15, 2017
If you need a reason to celebrate summer, look no further than the four objects in this picture. Last week I made a delicious and refreshing strawberry dessert and, as I hulled and sliced up the fruit, I began to wonder…Why do we call a strawberry a strawberry? This, in turn, led me to wonder…
Top English Abbreviations from Latin Posted by Gary Locke on Jun 7, 2017
We rarely speak in Latin today, although a few fragments and quotes have made their way into everyday English usage. Many of us will invoke carpe diem when setting out to seize our day, or at least have a second dessert. There are occasions, however, when an abbreviation, taken from Latin, is commonly used when…
The American Barbecue Posted by Gary Locke on Jun 1, 2017
It is smoke and sizzle. It is wood and fire and meat. It may be a pit or a drum or a homemade kettle, but it is where the magic happens. Carolina, Kansas City, Texas, or beyond, it’s barbecue American-style. Let’s get something out of the way immediately. I am not talking about grilling. I…