Joe Lurie: Slang and Cultural Expressions

Approx. time Expression Explanation
1:27 drowning in academia being overwhelmed by books, theory, and research
2:19 lift the veil look at something directly, remove visual barriers
2:27 prism lens, filter
2:57 narrative story telling
3:53 colonial experience having lived with domination of an outside country
4:46 being lubricated being a little bit drunk [slang]
5:05 temerity excessive boldness, impudence, nerve
8:46 cognizant knowing, recognizing, aware
10:25 Sikh religion from India with approx. 20 million followers
11:43 not contagious not able to pass on illness to other people
14:07 saving face keeping one’s dignity, not losing public respect

Alan Headbloom

Alan advises Americans how to be global citizens and expats how to fit in to Michigan culture without annoying their native coworkers and clients. He also tweets and blogs at the intersection of language and culture. Over decades, he's traveled, studied, or lived on six continents, putting strange foods into his mouth and emitting strange sounds from it. His use of English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Swedish, Hausa, and Japanese all improve with alcohol use. He gives invited public presentations on culture and unsolicited private advice on English grammar and usage; the latter isn't always appreciated. Visit his website for information on consulting, coaching, or speaking engagements.