Relax, Refresh your English knowledge 74
361. What is the meaning of ‘dog-eared’?
Not everyone makes use of a bookmark when they read. In order to remember which page they have to return to, many people choose to fold the top corner of the page instead. The page that is folded in this manner is said to be ‘dog-eared’. The expression can also be used to mean ‘shabby from overuse’. *The old trunk in the garage contained many of my sister’s dog-eared notebooks. *** “Asking politicians to give up a source of money is like asking Dracula to forsake blood.” — Cal Thomas
362. "Surprise!"
"Not a very good one, I’m afraid. I was hoping to get some shut-eye." "Shut-eye? What’s that?" "When do you normally shut or close your eyes?" "When I don’t want to see something horrible, or when...." "Really? Does this mean you never look at yourself in the mirror?" "Not very funny, you know. So tell me,...." "Trying to needle you, that’s all." "In other words, trying to irritate me?" "That’s right! When you needle someone, you try to annoy the person. People think I just love needling Ananya." "Do you?" "It’s fun to needle people once in a while, you know." "That may be true, but stop needling me. Now tell me, what does ‘shut-eye’ mean?" "It means ‘sleep’. It’s mostly used in informal contexts. It’s getting late; you’d better get some shut-eye." "How about this example? I’m really tired. I need to get some shut-eye." "Sounds good. I could use another hour of shut-eye." "Well, you’re not going to get it. I’ve come here to...." "What are you doing here anyway? Aren’t you supposed to be in school? You’d better come clean. What...." "What do you mean ‘come clean’? I had a bath before coming here. Doesn’t it...." "When you ‘come clean’ with someone, you tell him everything. You unburden yourself." "In other words, if you’ve done something wrong, you admit it to the person." "Exactly! Sujatha refused to come clean with her problems." "I’m sure she’ll come clean eventually." "Let’s hope so. So tell me, what are you doing here?" "Haven’t you been reading the papers?" "No, ever since I got my ‘no-motion’, I’ve been extremely busy."
363. "No-motion? What are you talking about?" "It’s an expression that is being used in the corporate world these days. A ‘nomotion’ is a promotion, but without monetary benefits." "Your pay doesn’t increase, but your responsibilities do." "Exactly! More work for the same pay." "When did you get this no-motion?" "Last week. Fifteen people were fired, and six of us were given a no-motion." "I guess congratulations are in order." "No need. I’d rather have my old job back. Now, there’s too much work and too much...." "Why don’t you do what we students are doing? Go on strike." "The students are on strike! Why?" "About ten days ago, our principal died, and someone else was appointed in her place. The students want the principal’s daughter to become the principal." "Your principal’s daughter? How is she qualified? She’s still in school, isn’t she?" "Hey, when a politician dies, they see to it that his son, daughter or wife takes his place. Nobody talks about qualifications, then." "Listen, I’m in no mood to argue. I need my shut-eye. Now, please leave." "Do you have anything to eat?" "LEAVE!" *** "Anybody who thinks talk is cheap should get some legal advice." Franklin P. Jones
364. What is the meaning and origin of `Comstockery'?
Anthony Comstock was the U.S Postal Inspector in the late 19th century. He was a firm believer in the principles of Victorian morality. In 1875, he succeeded in getting the `Comstock Law' passed by Congress. This law made it illegal for people to send obscene materials through post. Anyone sending or receiving such material through mail was promptly put in prison. Comstock's definition of obscene material included pamphlets related to birth control, and medical books on human anatomy. These things were banned as well. According to some scholars, it was this ridiculous censorship which made George Bernard Shaw coin the word `Comstockery' to mean, `censorship because of perceived obscenity or immorality'. The Irish dramatist said, "Comstockery is the world's standing joke at the expense of the United States." This angered Comstock, and he called Shaw, "the Irish smut dealer".
365. Can the word `guys' be used to refer to a group of girls?
Yes, it can. When used in the singular, the word always refers to a man. One can never say, `She is a nice guy'. It is always, `He is a nice guy'. The word `guys' can be used to refer to a group of people. The people in question could be a group of boys, a group of girls, or a group consisting of boys and girls. *Come on you guys. Let's think of something interesting to do.
A collection from the Open Page Supplement of The Hindu Newspaper
Courtesy: Sri Upendra, the writer of the above
Post a Comment