Relax, Refresh your English knowledge 123
532. What is the meaning of the word "doozy"?
First, let's deal with the pronunciation. The "oo" in the first syllable is like the "oo" in "cool", "fool", and "pool" and the "y" is like the "i" in "pit", "hit", and "fit". The word can also be spelt "doosie"; the pronunciation is the same as "doozy". When you refer to something as being a "doozy" what you mean is that it is extraordinarily good or bad. *The annual day programme was a real doozy this year. *You should see Vikram's black eye. It's a real doozy. "If your baby is `beautiful and perfect, never cries or fusses, sleeps on schedule and burps on demand, an angel all the time,' you're the grandma." — Theresa Bloomingdale
533. What is the difference between "wedding" and "marriage"?
Both words are used to refer to acts — religious or civil — by which a man and a woman become husband and wife. Of the two, "marriage" is more common. It can be used to refer to the actual ceremony that takes place or the spiritual union entered upon by the two individuals. *The two have had a long and happy marriage. *I am sorry to say that I can't be present at your marriage. "Wedding" is used to refer to the ceremony and the festivities which follow it. Unlike "marriage", it cannot be used to talk about the relationship between the married couple. A "wedding" may last only an hour, but you can remain married for 40 years. *Vinita's wedding is today. Unfortunately, I won't be able to make it. *Please don't invite too many people to the wedding.
534. What is the meaning and origin of "jaywalking"?
Jaywalking is something that we Indians specialise in. We cross the road wherever we like; it's a tricky business, but most of the time we manage to negotiate the traffic. The word "jay" is a slang term coined in the U.S. in the early 20th Century to refer to rustics — people living in the country. When "jays" visited cities, they had a tough time crossing streets because of the presence of automobiles. These cars which could run at an incredible speed of 15 miles an hour scared the living daylights out of the "jays". Hence, whenever these individuals crossed the street, they did so very erratically, seldom bothering to look at the traffic signals.
A collection from the Open Page Supplement of The Hindu Newspaper
Courtesy: Sri Upendra, the writer of the above
Post a Comment