Andrew Gill Show: Slang and Cultural Expressions

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Approx. time Expression Explanation
1:18 vaguely in a way that is uncertain or unclear
1:45 ironic when words are used the opposite of their meaning in order to be funny
1:55 English reserve ... kick in British tendency to be quiet will come out
2:45 “perform” demonstrate (by speaking)
3:02 do a double take look at something surprising/unusual for a second time after looking at it a moment earlier
3:05 chaps guys, fellows (informal: people, usually males)
4:03 doubled up in laughter laughed so hard they were bent over at the waist
4:36 United Kingdom, U.K., England, Britain, Great Britain, Britannia England, Wales, Scotland = Great Britain
Great Britain + N. Ireland = United Kingdom
4:50 topical appropriate or current to the topic under discussion
4:55 England, Wales, Scotland = Great Britain http://maban.co.uk/53/
  Great Britain + N. Ireland = United Kingdom http://maban.co.uk/53/
5:58 dispensation accommodation, allowance, special treatment
7:01 wind the clock back go back in time
8:04 dawned on me occurred to me, suddenly realized
8:44 mongrel mixing informal (or slightly negative) way of saying that Americans come from a rich (or complicated) mix of races and ethnicities
9:47 don’t knock don’t criticize
10:05 put up against compare (favorably) with
11:26 fly the Union Jack to display the British flag
12:08 Stars & Stripes another name for the American flag
12:35 akin to similar to, related to
13:18 Name That Americanism a quiz to match British expressions with American ones
13:50 1. the letter “zed” American English = the letter “zee” (Z)
14:02 2. trainers American English = tennis shoes, sneakers
14:17 3. ticket tout American English = scalper
14:28 4. solicitor American English = attorney, lawyer
14:48 5. biscuit American English = cookie
14:55 6. agony aunt American English = advice columnist
15:25 7. braces American English = suspenders
15:37 8. candy floss American English = cotton candy
15:43 tip of my tongue ready to speak the word but can’t remember it
5:48 9. the loo American English = bathroom, restroom
16:02 euphemistic polite, diplomatic, trying not to offend
16:19 10. Joe Bloggs American English = Joe Blow
17:46 right it to make it right, to fix it
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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.

Maria Erazo Show: Slang and Cultural Expressions

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Approx. time Expression Explanation
1:10 Michoacán, Mexico in southwestern Mexico, the state between Mexico City and the Pacific Ocean
1:30 a good little trek  A trek is a long, difficult journey, usually done on foot.  Speakers of English often use understatement to make a point.  In fact, a driving trip of 40 hours is not “little” at all.  This comment was Alan’s equivalent of saying, “Wow, that’s a long way to go.”
1:55 Your father drank.  Alan said that Maria’s father drank and also physically abused her mother. The question, “Do you drink?” does not refer to all liquids; it means “Do you drink alcohol?”  To say that someone drinks is sometimes a polite way of saying this person drinks too much alcohol.
3:50 the “adult” world around us  Alan raised two fingers on each hand and moved them up and down twice on the word “adult.”  
These “air quotes” are a visual way of putting a spoken word into quotation marks to show this word has a special meaning.  In writing, the quotation marks can be translated as “so-called,” meaning that the word may not have the real meaning they are supposed to.
5:13 make it or die to succeed or die
5:20 wasn’t an option There was only one choice.
6:27 deport to send out of the country
6:40 be on the look-out  Maria said her family had to be on the look-out for U.S. immigration police.  This is another way of saying “to look out for.”  It means to remain watchful, always looking around to see if you can detect I.C.E. agents who will deport you.
6:55 a white Suburban  Maria said I.C.E. agents wear green uniforms and drive white Suburbans.  The largest sport utility vehicle (SUV) built by Chevrolet is a model called the Suburban.  It has the size and frame of a large pick-up truck but is designed like a multi-passenger station wagon.
8:58 fast-forward to jump ahead in the story
9:46 I got mine. I have everything that I need. I’m satisfied.
10:15 mentoring young women Maria said she mentors female students in the local high schools in her free time.  In the U.S., the culture of volunteerism is very strong.  The belief is that people have an obligation to help others in the community and make it a better place to live.  Because of its Christian heritage, Americans are often reminded of the line from the Bible that says, "For everyone to whom much is given, of him shall much be required." (Luke 12:48)
11:00 invest in me contribute teaching and resources for my improvement
11:17 youth groups organizations for young people’s activities, support, and learning
12:05 persistent not giving up
12:20 strong self-identity have a strong sense of your values and qualities
13:56 acculturated trained in the rules of the culture
13:58 dominate women have power over women without letting them decide
14:01 affirmation giving positive messages about a person’s value
14:06 high accolades  praising very strongly in public
15:43 take it for granted own and use something without fully appreciating it
16:20 “In Search of My Father” http://www.mariaerazo.com/#!books/cnec 

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, , , , , , , , ,

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.