Relax, Refresh your English knowledge 128
547. What is the difference between `avocation' and `vocation'?
Some people refer to their job as their `vocation'. What they mean by this is that they have found the job that they are particularly suited for. They believe it is their calling, and they take it up because they wish to help other people. *I am told that his vocation is banking. An `avocation' is a hobby. It is an activity that you enjoy doing, but it's not the thing that puts bread on the table. The word is considered formal. *Shailaja told me that her avocation is painting. *You'd better decide whether you want to make golf your vocation or avocation.
548. What is the meaning of `pink press'?
When Hitler came to power in Germany, he set up a special division in the dreaded Gestapo; its job was to investigate suspected gays. If you were thought to be gay, your name was put on the infamous `pink list', and then you were sent off to a concentration camp. In most western countries, the colour pink is associated with people who are gay. So the `pink press' refers to newspapers and magazines which deal with themes and stories that gay people would be interested in.
549. Is it OK to say, `Boarding and lodging'?
In India it is because most hotels inform us that they have both `boarding and lodging'. Native speakers of English talk about `board and lodging'. `When I was born, I was so surprised I couldn't talk for a year and a half.' — Gracie Allen
A collection from the Open Page Supplement of The Hindu Newspaper
Courtesy: Sri Upendra, the writer of the above
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