USE OF ENGLISH: Diverse Expressions
Historical
Keeping up with the Joneses - were a very wealthy family in the late 19th century and early 20th To keep up with the style
Usage: That family is always keeping up with the Joneses- They buy the latest IPHONE anytime it comes out.
To be stuck between a rock and a hard place - you don´t have a great choice to make, both choices are difficult - comes from Miners in the late 19th century - miners who had to chose to work in dangerous conditions or to be unemployed
Usage: I feel or I am stuck between a rock and hard place and don´t know what decision is best to make.
When/If push comes to shove - When you have taken action already, and you need to take another stronger action… even if that´s uncomfortable
Usage: If push comes to shove, I will take my original lawyer to court and make try and fine him.
Most Common Expressions
To fall behind - to procrastinate; to not finish your work, which then creates more work and adds to your level of work.
Usage: I am falling behind on my work this week because my cat is sick and I can´t dedicate as much time to my work.
Piece of Cake - something that´s easy
Usage: Oh that reading activity is easy, it´s a piece of cake!
Break a Leg - to wish someone good luck
Usage: to say it directly to someone: BREAK A LEG
Under the weather- to feel bad in general
Usage: She´s under the weather.
Cost an arm and a leg - something is very expensive
Usage: That´s going to cost an arm and a leg.
Hit the nail on the head- to be precise or accurate
Usage: We use it verbally, to confirm someone has said the accurate information, IN THAT MOMENT
Do something with a lot of success,
Wow, she performed so well - she hit the nail on the head!
Better late than never - It´s better to do something about the action, make a decision, than to not do anything..
Usage: I don´t have a lot of time to get in shape before summer…better late than never.
Not the sharpest tool/pencil in the box - not the smartest person in the world
Not the brightest star in the sky - same meaning
Usage: same in Spanish
Health
Bathroom:
Relieving yourself - (Mostly for kids)
I have to:
- go Potty
- tinkle (pee)
- Numbers 1&2 (#1 - pee, #2 - poop)
Usage: I have to go number 1, or I have to go tinkle..
Bathing:
To go jump in the shower - I am going to take a shower really quickly in this moment.
Usage: I am going to go jump in the shower real quickly…
Rinsing off - to rinse off - shower with water…and no soap
To rinse something off -
Usage: I am going to rinse the sand off of me at the shower, at the beach.
1990´s America:
You da BOMB - (it´s BOMB (nowadays)) – IT´s GREAT
Usage: That Lomo is so bomb!
KEWLLLL - Cool/chulo
Usage: That´s really kewlll.
She´s clueless - someone who has no idea…
2000´s:
I´m down with/for that - I am interested in the plan
Usage: I am down for that plan! (I´m down)
I am feeling down - estas en un bajon, having a bad day…going through a hard time
Usage: *I am feeling down
That´s fair - I understand what you´re saying…not necessarily say, I completely agree/acknowledge that the other person´s point is valid.
To acknowledge - to see someone´s point and to validate
Usage: I acknowledge your point, although I may not agree.
We´re straight - Quedate con el cambio!
Usage: Typically African Americans use this term to say that you don´t owe me any money or any favor.
Current Times
That´s (so) Gucci! – Something is really cool! I am interested in that thing…
Usage: When you like something, find it cool or agree with a plan.
(Yea) that tracks! - Tiene sentido - That makes sense
Usage: When you agree with something someone said
That was a fail - ¨F¨
FAIL!- When you couldn´t finish something, when you lose, or when you do something physically spazzy.
Usage: When someone falls down, others say ¨fail!¨
Mostly kids use it!
She´s a Karen - the UGLIEST (in personality), typically white, female American - A Karen treats someone or others really poorly - especially in public. Someone who acts really privileged.
Usage: When you see some woman in society who treats others poorly
Just give me the important DEETS - Just give me the important details
Usage: I don´t have a lot of time, just give me the important information/deets!
Spoiled Brats - Act like you are the best, you can do no wrong