Relax, Refresh your English knowledge 40
196. What is the meaning of ‘milksop'?
A milksop is a coward. The word is a pejorative term used to describe a boy or a man who is indecisive; one who is too timid to take decisions on his own. He may also be rather effeminate. The word ‘sop' refers to something that is dipped in a liquid before it is eaten; in the context of this word, it refers to a piece of bread dipped in milk. In the old days, milksop was usually given to infants and to grown-ups that were unwell. These individuals were like the milksop — soft and without a backbone. Charles Dickens was quite fond of this rather old fashioned word. Nowadays, it is seldom used.
*Don't worry, he won't cause any problems. He's a milksop.
197. What is the meaning of ‘Geronimo'?
Thanks to the U.S operation carried out in Abbottabad, Pakistan, a Native American has become a household name the world over. Geronimo is actually the name of an Apache leader who fought against the whites during the 19th century. He was well-known for his bravery and cunning, and earned the respect and admiration of his enemies.
During the Second World War, a film was made about him, and some of the American paratroopers who went to see it, liked it so much that they shouted ‘Geronimo' as they jumped out of the plane the next day. After that, it became standard practice for any soldier jumping off a plane to yell ‘Geronimo'. Later, the expression began to be used in non-military contexts as well — it was used as an exclamation; one of surprise and delight.
198. How is ‘esoteric' pronounced?
The British pronounce the first ‘e' like the ‘ee' in ‘fees', ‘bees', and ‘cheese', and the following ‘so' like the word ‘so'. The second ‘e' is like the ‘e' in ‘set', ‘bet', and ‘pet'. The word is pronounced ee-so-TER-ik with the stress on the third syllable. The Americans, on the other hand, pronounce the ‘es' in the first syllable like the letter ‘s', and the following ‘o' like the ‘a' in ‘china'. They pronounce the word es-e-TER-ik with the stress once again on the third syllable. These are just two ways of pronouncing this rather formal word. It comes from the Greek ‘esoterikos' meaning ‘belonging to an inner circle'. When you say that something is esoteric, you mean that it is difficult to understand; only a selected few who have special knowledge will be able to comprehend it.
*Please don't use any esoteric terminology. Tell me in a language I'll understand.
199. Which is correct: Do well in/on an exam?
Both are acceptable. ‘In' is mostly used by the British, while the Americans seem to prefer ‘on'. American university websites tell us how to do well ‘on' the TOEFL exam, while the British universities give us hints on how to do well ‘in' the IELTS test.
200. What is the origin of the expression ‘Adam's apple'?
The protrusion of the thyroid cartilage in a man's neck is usually referred to as Adam's apple. It is based on the story of Adam and Eve. After tasting the forbidden fruit, Eve asks her partner to take a bite. Adam obliges, and the apple gets stuck in his throat!
A collection from the Open Page Supplement of The Hindu Newspaper
Courtesy: Sri Upendra, the writer of the above
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