Two Ticks

William: Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, I'm William Kremer.

Wang Fei: And I'm Wang Fei. So how are you today?

William: Two ticks...

Wang Fei: What?

William: Give me two shakes, Wang Fei, I just need to...

Wang Fei: Eh? What's that?

William: I'll be with you in a jiffy...

Wang Fei: In a jiffy. What's a jiffy? William, what are you talking about?

William: There, done now. I just needed to send a text.

Wang Fei: But what were all those ticks and jiffys?

William: Ahh, and shakes?

Wang Fei: Yes.

William: Well they're all expressions of time, Wang Fei. So they're ways of saying 'just a moment', or 'just a minute'.

Wang Fei: I see.

• Can you come and help me lift this sofa?
• Yeah, I'll be with you in two ticks.

William: Two ticks. In English, we say clocks make this noise: tick tock, tick tock. So two ticks is just like saying two seconds.

• I said, can you come and help me here? It's too heavy for me.
• Yes, yes. I'll be there in two shakes(搖晃).

Wang Fei: Hmm. Two shakes?

William: Yeah, the full phrase here is 'two shakes of a lamb's tail', but we shorten this to 'two shakes'.

Wang Fei: Oh I see. Two shakes of a lamb's tail. English can be a very weird language!

William: Yes, it can be! I guess that this is because lambs' tails shake very fast, so two shakes is a short time! And finally...

• Look Neil, this sofa isn't going to lift itself. Get a move on!
• I know, I know. I said I'll be with you in a jiffy(瞬間).

Wang Fei: In a jiffy. So in a jiffy also means 'in a short space of time'. But what's a jiffy?

William: Well, you know what, Wang Fei? Nobody is completely sure of the origin of this word. But it has been in use for over 200 years!

Wang Fei: 200 years! That's quite a long time. More than a jiffy!

William: Yes, and that's several billion shakes of a lamb's tail.

Wang Fei: Yes and all those ticks of a clock! Bye for now.

William: Bye bye.

• Are you going to help me with sofa or not?!
• What sofa? You need help with a sofa?

this report is from bbc learning english

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/theenglishwespeak/2011/04/110322_tews_14_two_ticks_page.shtml

Development in autism diagnosis

It is thought that one in every hundred children is born with autism. The first signs are behavioural(行為) problems between the first and second birthdays, but scientists think they may be able to spot(阻止,停止) the disorder(毛病,障礙) even sooner.

Older children with autism can show a lack of eye contact. So researchers showed six-to-ten month-old babies images of faces looking either towards or away from the baby while brain activity was being recorded.

In those that did not go on to develop autism there was a large difference in the brainwaves when looking at each image. However, infants who did develop autism showed little difference in brain activity.

Doctors say they hope that if they can diagnose the condition(狀態) earlier, they'll be able to begin specialist education and training programmes sooner and alleviate(減輕) some of the symptoms.

this report is from bbc learning english

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2012/01/120130_witn_autism_story.shtml

Swizz

William: Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. I'm William.

Yang Li: And I'm Yang Li.

William: You look very pleased today Li.

Yang Li: Well, I should be. I've just won a prize(獎)!

William: Wow, great! What did you win?

Yang Li: I don't know yet. I ate this bar of chocolate and it told me to phone a number to find out my prize.

William: Oh wow, cool. Let's call them.

Yang Li: OK.

Welcome to the Choccy Choc Chocolate prize hotline. Please hold to find what amazing prize you've won.

Yang Li: Wow, this is exciting!

Welcome to the Choccy Choc Chocolate prize hotline. Please hold to find what amazing prize you've won.

William: Hmmm.

Welcome to the Choccy Choc Chocolate prize hotline. Please hold to find what amazing prize you've won.

Yang Li: It can't be long now...

William: Li, can I see that chocolate wrapper(包裝)?

Yang Li: OK. What does it say?

William: It says "Calls to this line are charged at £20 a minute"!

Yang Li: What?! No way! Well, shall we hang up?

William: I should think so! What a swizz(上當).

Hangs up

Yang Li: A swizz?

William: Yes, a swizz. A swizz is a scheme that tricks people to make money. Like this company is making you call an expensive phone line – it's a swizz.

Yang Li: I see.

William: We might say "What a swizz", or "That's a bit of a swizz".

Yang Li: So, how do we spell this word, swizz?

William: Well you know, I'm not too sure. I've seen it spelled S.W.I.Z.Z. but I've also seen S.W.I.Z.

Yang Li: You mean you don't know how to spell it? But this is BBC Learning English! We should know how to spell it. What a swizz!

William: Ha ha. Yeah, I'm sorry! But that's just the way English is sometimes, it's always changing! At least you know -

Phone rings

Yang Li: Oh! Hello?

Choc Person: Hello is that Yang Li?

Yang Li: Yes.

Choc Person: We have a missed call from you. Just ringing to say you've won a prize!

Yang Li: Wow, what is it?

Choc Person: You need to ring this number to find out. 0800 23 4…

Yang Li: Ha! What a swizz. Bye.

William: Bye.

this report is from bbc learning english 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/theenglishwespeak/2011/04/110330_tews_13_swizz_page.shtml

Sick

William: Hello and welcome to the English We Speak, I'm William Kremer.

Yang Li: And I'm Yang Li.

William: Li, are you wearing make-up?

Yang Li: Yes, do you like it? It's not too much?

William: I think you look sick.

Yang Li: What?

William: Sick!

Yang Li: But I feel fine. I'm perfectly healthy.

William: No, you don't look ill Li, you look sick!

Yang Li: Sorry I just don't get it. I'm not ill!

William: Sorry Li, I should explain. It's our expression for the day. Lots of young people in the UK use the word sick to mean cool or great.

Yang Li: English can be weird can't it? Sick means cool?

William: Yes, it is a bit odd(奇怪的). I know one teacher who was confused by this word when his student used it in a class.

Yang Li: Really? What did they say?

William: Something like this:

• Student: Mr Griffiths!
• Teacher: Yes?
• Student: Sir, are you wearing new shoes?
• Teacher: Yes, I am. Why?
• Student: Because they are sick!
• Teacher: Sick?
• Student: Totally sick, sir.
• Teacher: Well, young man. As you find them so terrible, how about you give me 100 lines saying… saying…
• Student: No, no, I like them! Sick means cool!
• Teacher: First I've heard of it.

Yang Li: Lines. Lines are a form of punishment(懲罰) which teachers used to give students – copying out the same sentence again and again. You never had to write lines, did you William?

William: Erm... Maybe I won't go into that here!

Yang Li: So anyway, what do I say if I really am sick?

William: I'm feeling sick. Or I'm feeling ill.

Yang Li: So we can work it out from the context.

William: Exactly, that's it. Anyway, like I was saying I love the make-up Li. But maybe next time don't wear green eye-shadow(眼影).

Yang Li: Why?

William: It makes you look, erm sick.

Yang Li: Oh, I give up. Bye.

William: Bye.

this report is from bbc learning english 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/theenglishwespeak/2011/03/110315_tews_12_sick_page.shtml

80 years at the top

The statue(雕像) of Christ the Redeemer(救世主) in Rio de Janeiro. One of the world's most iconic(標誌性的) monuments.

The famous Brazilian landmark, which is perched(背依) on top of the 700 metre Corcovado Mountain, is celebrating its 80th birthday.

It took five years to build and was inaugurated(揭碑) in October 1931. Now up to ten thousand visitors flock to(湧向) the 38 metre tall figure every day.

this report is from bbc learning english

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2011/10/111012_vwitn_redeemer.shtml

Internet privacy

Just how much control should people have over their online reputations(聲譽)? Should they be able to demand(索取,查詢) that an unflattering(直言不諱) photo be permanently(永久) deleted from a website like Facebook? Does everything people write online have to stay there? What about bank details, addresses - can websites hold onto this information forever?

These were the kinds of questions being asked by the European Commission as it investigated(調查) the issue(問題) of internet privacy(隱私權). Its guiding(指導) principle(原則) throughout has been what it called "the right to be forgotten". It has now decided on what this mysterious(神祕的) sounding phrase actually means.

It means that a person does have the right to demand their personal information be permanently deleted if it is data that they themselves have put online. But they don't have the right to have things like unflattering blogs or newspaper profiles written by others deleted.

The EU Justice(司法) Commissioner(專員) Viviane Reding said the changes will help build(建立) trust in online services.

The Commission also says that businesses should have to tell their customers within 24 hours if their online accounts have been hacked into(被駭客入侵).

Some internet companies have reacted(反應) with concern(關注) to the proposals(建議), warning that they could become bogged down(深陷) in trying to meet the new requirements and that could affect their ability to grow(成長能力).

this report is from bbc learning english

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2012/01/120127_witn_internet.shtml

Crocodile tears

A lavish(奢華的) funeral(葬禮) for a famous Costa Rican crocodile.

People have lined the streets of Siquirres to bid farewell(告別) to Pocho, who was 60 years old.
For the past eight years he's been drawing tourists to the town to see him and his owner perform hair-raising(精彩, 刺激的) tricks.

Now the four-and-a-half metre long reptile(爬行動物) is to be embalmed(防腐處理) and put in a museum.

this report is from bbc learning english 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2011/10/111019_vwitn_crocodile.shtml

Scottish independence

Alex Salmond's statement(發言) to the Scottish Parliament is the latest stage in the manoeuvring(機動) between Westminster and Edinburgh for control of the referendum(公投) process.

Mr Salmond wants a simple question on independence but he'd also like the possibility of another question about further(進一步地) powers for the Scottish Parliament short of(幾乎, 差) full separation(分離). And he's expected to restate(重申) the SNP's argument that 16 and 17 year-olds should be allowed to vote.

There are signs that the Scottish government may be willing to negotiate(談判) to reach agreement(達成協議) with Westminster to make sure the referendum is legal. The two sides are to hold talks on the details of the ballot(投票,表決).

It looks as if Mr Salmond won't object to the process being supervised(監督) by the UK electoral commission.(選舉委員會)

 this report is from bbc learning english

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2012/01/120126_witn_scotland_story.shtml

Anorak

Train noise

William: Oh, there goes another train!

Wang Fei: What do you mean, another train? It was a D5900 Class diesel-electric locomotive, the last one in operation.

William: Erm, ok.

Wang Fei: And due to arrive at 1203 is the Class 170 "Turbostar" British diesel-multiple-unit train from Edinburgh.

William: Great.

Wang Fei: You don't sound very interested.

William: I'm not. You do realise that you are a complete anorak when it comes to trains, Wang Fei.

Train noise

Wang Fei: An anorak? That's a kind of coat! Yes, I'm wearing an anorak, but I'm not a kind of coat, William, I'm Wang Fei!

William: Yes, well the word anorak is used to describe people who have an obsessive(迷戀的) hobby about something that not many people are interested in.

Wang Fei: I see. You mean a hobby like train spotting(斑點)?! But I thought everyone liked it?

William: What's so interesting about standing in the cold, waiting for rare(罕見的) types of train to arrive? The only trains I'm interested in are the ones which get me from A to B.

Examples

He is a total anorak. He always stays in and watches Star Trek.

My friend is a bit of an anorak when it comes to dance music. He knows every DJ and every track, when they were published, how high they got in the charts. I prefer just to dance to it!

Wang Fei: So you really don't like trains?

William: Oh, I don't mind them, Wang Fei, I just don't find them that interesting. And it's so cold in this country that you need to wear that huge anorak while you wait for them, which is where the phrase came from.

Wang Fei: You mean, people like me, waiting for trains in my big anorak?

William: Yes, exactly - that's it.

Wang Fei: So if this phrase exists, it must mean there are lots of other people like me?

William: Well, you don't see many. Maybe you could try a trainspotting website.

Wang Fei: Hang on. Is that... I think there's someone at the end of the platform in a long coat, with a clipboard… looks like he's waiting for a train!

William: Oh, well go and say hello, then.

Footsteps

Wang Fei: Hello, are you waiting for…

Anorak: The Class 170 "Turbostar"…

Wang Fei: British diesel-multiple-unit …

Anorak: From Edinburgh, due to arrive at 1203…? Yes! And your name is?

Train noise

William: Well, I don't know. Whatever makes you happy! Bye from me.

this report is from bbc learning english

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/theenglishwespeak/2011/03/110311_tews_10_anorak_page.shtml

London's Leaning Tower?(比薩斜塔)

Everyone knows this leaning tower but how about this one?

Experts say the famous London landmark could go the same way as the iconic Italian monument.(紀念碑,紀念塔)

Cracks(裂縫) have been spotted(發現) in the walls of the Parliament building; recent construction(工程) work may have caused(造成) subsidence(下陷).

But time is on its side(好加在時間站在我們這一邊) as the tower won't tilt(傾斜) as much as Pisa's for at least 10,000 years.

this report is from bbc learning english

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2012/01/120124_vwitn_big_ben.shtml

WEE

Finn: Welcome to The English We Speak, I'm Finn.

Wang Fei: And I'm Wang Fei. So, what English word do we have today?

Finn: Well, Wang Fei, today's English word is actually a Scottish one!

Wang Fei: A Scottish phrase on The English We Speak?

Finn: That’s right.

Wang Fei: Finn, I know you're from Scotland, but this is The English We Speak, not the Scottish!

Finn: Not the Scottish I know, but actually, Wang Fei, this is a word that is very widely(廣泛地) used.

Wang Fei: Ok, what's the word, then?

Finn: Today's word is wee.

Wang Fei: Wii – oh, I know! Isn't that a kind of Japanese game console? Surely that's The Japanese We Speak?!

Finn: No, not that Wii! That Wii is spelt(拼寫) W-I-I, and the word I mean is spelt W-E-E. And it means… small or little.

Wang Fei: Ok – so that's very nice and easy to remember!

Finn: It is. Quite often, you'll hear it together with the word 'bit'. A wee bit. Listen to these examples.

Examples

I might be a wee bit late, please just wait for me.

You're looking a wee bit tired, are you ok?

I'm a wee bit hungry, fancy(想像, 意願) getting a sandwich?

Wang Fei: So a wee bit is just like a little bit. How else can we use this word, Finn?

Finn: Well a wee bit is probably what you'll hear most often. What do you think it means in this sentence?


Example

When I was wee, I used to eat to love climbing trees!

Wang Fei: When I was wee… is that when I was young?

Finn: That's right – when I was young, when I was wee - though you'll more likely hear Scottish people say this! And there is another phrase using wee which I'm going to tell you in a moment, but first – tell me, what is the most famous Scottish drink, Wang Fei?

Wang Fei: That’s easy – whisky!

Finn: Whisky – yes it is! Do you like whisky?

Wang Fei: Oh, yes, but it’s a bit strong, isn’t it! Maybe I would just have a small glass.

Finn: Well, we have a word for a glass of whisky, which is a dram.

Wang Fei: A dram.

Finn: That’s right, D-R-A-M, a dram.

Wang Fei: Mm, a dram.

Finn: So if you want a small dram, what do you say?

Wang Fei: Can I have a wee dram?

Finn: Can I have a wee dram – that’s it! Really? Would you like a wee dram, Wang Fei?

Wang Fei: OK, great, yeah!

Finn: We're in the studio!

Wang Fei: Yes, maybe later!

Finn: Maybe later!

Wang Fei: Well, that's the word for today, wee, W-E-E.

Finn: If you have time, why not have a wee look at our website!

Wang Fei: Mm – and it's bbclearningenglish.com!

Finn: That’s right, bye for now!

Wang Fei: Bye.

this report is from bbc learning english

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/theenglishwespeak/2011/03/110301_tews_6_wee_page.shtml

Vietnam land repossessions(收回)

It was like a scene(現場) from an action movie. More than one hundred police officers with firearms(槍枝) and sniffer dogs(警犬) took part in a four-hour stand-off(對峙) with villagers(村民) armed(武裝) with homemade bombs and shotguns.(獵槍)

The result - six officers injured(受傷) and four farmers(農民) arrested(被捕) on attempted(企圖) murder charges(謀殺罪). This was a case of a land eviction(驅逐) that went horribly wrong.

The lease(租債) on the farmer's land was coming to an end, and the local government wanted it back. But Doan Van Vuon's family refused(拒絕) to leave, saying that they had to borrow money and work hard for twenty years to develop the farm and are yet to receive any income from it.

According to(根據) Vietnam's Land Law(土地法), individuals are given the right to work any piece of land for 20 years. After that, the local government decides whether their lease will be extended (延長)or the land given to someone else.

This, some say, gives officials at the district(區) level too much power in deciding people's livelihoods(生計) and creates a fertile(沃土) environment for corruption(腐敗). There are calls to privatise(私有的) farmland(耕地) in order to manage it better and more fairly.

To do so, the constitution(憲法) which says that all land belongs to the state, needs to be changed. Top communist party(共產黨) leaders are reluctant(不願意) to discuss this as they consider(認為) it anti-socialist(反社會主意). But without a solution, the land problem will continue ticking away(滴滴嗒嗒走), possibly with more violent(暴力) confrontations(對抗) in the future.

this report is from bbc learning english http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2012/01/120124_witn_vietnam.shtml

Green

Wang Fei: Welcome to The English We Speak. I'm Wang Fei!

Finn: And I'm Finn!

Wang Fei: Finn has decided to take us out for a ride on his new motorbike today and he's very proud of it.

Finn: I am, very proud of it. I thought it would be good to get out of the studio. Look at all the beautiful, green fields around us, Wang Fei.

Wang Fei: Yes, beautiful green fields. That's the word for the day isn't it: green?

Finn: Green, yes!

Wang Fei: A bit easy, isn't it? Everyone knows the colour green!

Finn: The colour green? No, not that meaning, Wang Fei!

Wang Fei: So, what do you mean? Green as in good for the environment?

Finn: No, not that green either!

Wang Fei: Oh, ok, maybe another green? Oh ok, maybe, green with envy(羨慕)? I know that phrase, that means to envy somebody, doesn't it?

Finn: Yes, that's right. But what are you envious about, Wang Fei? That's not what we're… oh! ... ahhh!

FX - CRASH

Both: Ow!

Wang Fei: Finn, you are a terrible, terrible driver!

Finn: I know.

Wang Fei: Will you tell me what this green means?!

Finn: I'm sorry Wang Fei. What I mean is I'm very green at(生疏) riding motorbikes, that's what I wanted to say. Green means inexperienced or new to something.

Wang Fei: Oh, I see. So when do we use it?

Finn: Well, normally we use it to describe someone who is new to a particular job or skill.

Wang Fei: Ooh, I see. But I'm not feeling good. So why don't we listen to some examples for a moment?

• I'm a bit green at video editing, so it takes me a long time to edit things.

• He's a bit green in this job so he's bound(勢必) to need some help.

• My uncle's very green at searching the internet. He prefers to go to the library.

Finn: Ok, time to go again, Wang Fei!

Wang Fei: (To himself) Hmm. But I'm still not feeling that great to be honest…

FX - BIKE STARTS 

this report is from bbc learning english

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/theenglishwespeak/2011/02/110221_tews_5_green_page.shtml

Loved Up

Finn: Welcome to The English We Speak. I'm Finn.

Li: (Very happy) And I'm Yang Li…

Finn: How are you today, Li?

Li:(Dreamy, romantic voice) Oh fantastic. Just great. Amazing…

Finn: Really? Great… ok. Are you ready to start the programme?

Li: (Dreamy, romantic voice) Any time… Isn't life wonderful?

Finn: Are you sure you're alright?

Li: Perfect. He's lovely, isn't he? He's perfect!

Finn: Oh, I see! You're talking about your new boyfriend. You're so loved up right now, Li!

Li: But he has the most beautiful eyes and smile. And when he dances…

Finn: Li! (To audience) Well, I think Li is completely loved up - which is our phrase for the day. When you're loved up, it means you are really happy because you're in love.

Li: He dances like a dream, especially salsa…

Finn: You know, I think I'm going to have to present the rest of this programme on my own. As you can see, when you're loved up, sometimes you don't pay a lot of attention to things around you.

• She's so loved up at the moment. She even forgets to eat lunch.

Finn: It can also be used to describe a couple who are very much in love, and who openly show their affection(感情) in public.

• They're always together; holding hands, laughing. They seem so happy. They're really loved up!

Finn: Li, Li… Li, how long have you been in love? Hello?!

Li: Ooh, I'm going salsa dancing tonight with him, and I can't wait. Oh, he's so gorgeous. Don't you think, Finn?

Finn: Yes, sure, he's so gorgeous. Anyway, I'm getting a bit lonely here. Maybe I should take up salsa dancing too? Ok, bye for now everyone! Li, time to say goodbye.

Li: Oh yeah, goodbye, bye, bye!

this report is from bbc learning english 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/theenglishwespeak/2011/02/110124_tews_8_loved_up_story.shtml

To jump the gun

William: Watch out, he is going to jump the gun again…

Yang Li: You don't know that yet, so don't you jump the gun.

Gun shot

William: Look, what did I say? He did jump the gun. It will have to start all over again now.

Yang Li: Yes, you are right. But could you just switch off the TV for two minutes please? It's time for The English We Speak.

William: Oh yes. The English We Speak from bbclearningenglish.com. Hi, I am William Kremer.

Yang Li: And I'm Yang Li. Today's phrase, as you heard at the beginning of the programme is 'jump the gun'.

William: Yes. It's a phrase that people may use when talking about a race, like a swimming race. What do you think it means?

Woman 1: The 100-metre freestyle was exciting. However, nearly every time someone jumped the gun.
Woman 2: Oh, that's a bit disappointing. But you enjoyed it, did you?
Woman 1: Oh yes, it's my favourite sport.

William: If someone jumps the gun, it means they start too soon, before the starting pistol.(手槍)

Yang Li: Which can be quite frustrating(沮喪) for everyone including the audience.(觀眾)

William: More often nowadays, people use this phrase when someone says something or does something too soon, especially without thinking carefully about it.

Yang Li: You mean they are too eager(急於) to say something?

William: Yes, kind of. Let's hear some more examples.

Man: He shouted at me before I had time to explain, but later he apologised for jumping the gun.

Man: You know what happened to Dan, my friend?
Woman: Yes how did he do in his job interview?
Man: What happened was that he was so sure that he would get the job that he quit his old job. Unfortunately, he really jumped the gun. He just found out yesterday that he didn't get the job after all.

Yang Li: As you heard when you say or do something too soon then you are jumping the gun.

William: It can be very embarrassing if you jump the gun. I did it once before but hopefully never again.

Yang Li: Well, I am too slow to jump the gun, so that's not a problem for me. Is there a phrase for that in English, Will?

William: Well, yes there is but I don't think I'm going to tell you.

Yang Li: Please tell me.

William: No. No.

Yang Li: Oh, please.

William: No. Maybe next time?

Yang Li: Are you not going to tell me?

William: No I'm not going to tell you.

Yang Li: Oh, I've this gun and I'm going to gun you down if you don't.

William: No, no, er…

Yang Li: Are you going to or not?

William: No, no.

Yang Li: Yes or no?

William: No…Er…

Gun Shot

this report is from bbc learning english

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/theenglishwespeak/2011/09/110906_tews_35_to_jump_the_gun_page.shtml

Popcorn older than cinema!

Maize was first domesticated(喜歡家庭生活的, 被訓養的) in Mexico nearly nine-thousand years ago from a wild grass.

It was assumed(假設的) it took a good few thousand of years to reach South America, where it is an important part of today's diet(飲食).

But corn cobs(玉米棒) found at ancient(古代) archaeological(考古) sites (遺址)in northern Peru indicate(說明, 表示, 意味著) it was being eaten by people living there as long as 6,700 years ago.

And, tests carried out on the ancient cobs suggest it was being used in more varied(多樣) ways than previously(之前) believed(相信的): namely(即使) for making flour(麵粉) and popcorn!

This would mean that in some areas people were making popcorn even before they had pottery(陶器). How exactly they went about making it, especially if they lacked(缺乏) pottery, is not clear.

Even less clear is just when they would have eaten it, in an age before movies.

this report is from bbc learning english

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2012/01/120123_witn_popcorn.shtml

Dancing into history

An historic leap!(飛躍) American David Hallberg will soon be in the limelight (注目的中心)as the first foreign principal dancer of Russia's Bolshoi ballet company.

At the height of the Cold War, 50 years ago, when Russian dancer Rudolf Nureyev defected(背叛,脫離,缺失) to the West, an American dancer in Moscow would have been unimaginable.

But now Hallberg has the opportunity to wow(驚艷) the Bolshoi's fans.

this report is from bbc learning english

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2011/10/111026_vwitn_bolshoi.shtml

Dragon

Neil: Hello and welcome to The English We Speak from BBC Learning English. I'm Neil. Presenting the programme with me today is Li. She hasn't arrived at the studio yet and I must say that I'm a bit nervous about her arrival. Something's happened to her recently... she's so unfriendly and even frightening. A real dragon!

Li: (Bursts into the studio) What are you saying? Why Neil, why are you not waiting for me? This guy, honestly... right, come on. I haven't got all day. Give me the script... (reads a bit out) Ahh hello, I'm Li... blah, blah, blah... this is rubbish as usual.

Neil: Li, what's the matter with you?

Li: What do you mean? Can we get on with this please?

Neil: What a dragon!

Li: What did you say?

Neil: I said that you're a dragon, Li.

Li: No I'm not, I'm a rooster(生肖-公雞).

Neil: No, I'm not talking about your Chinese zodiac sign, I mean your personality.

Li: Oh! Oh, thanks!

Neil: What?

Li: I said thank you.

Neil: Li, I called you a dragon. That's not a compliment(稱讚).

Li: Neil called me a dragon. To us Chinese this is a great compliment, but he says it's not. I wonder what he means...

Neil: Listen to these examples and see if you can get the meaning.

A: I'm never going to make my deadline with this report.

B: You should speak to Kate to get an extension(延期,擴充).

A: But I'm too scared of Kate – she's such a dragon.

B: That's true. She's so unfriendly and scary. She'll probably shout at you.

A: (coughing)

B: Oh that doesn't sound good. You should go to the Doctor's.

A: I can't face dealing with that dragon at reception. She's always so rude and aggressive(侵略性).

B: Yeah, she's the last thing you want to deal with when you're ill.

Li: Ah, now I see that to call someone a dragon in English means something very different to Chinese. In those examples we have just heard they were using it to describe unfriendly and frightening (可怕)women. Can this be right? Neil, are you calling me unfriendly and scary?

Neil: Erm... yes. Recently.

Li: Not strong, courageous and determined(決心)? This is what we mean in Chinese when we call someone a dragon.

Neil: No, I'm afraid not. We use 'dragon' to describe a woman who is unfriendly and frightening.

Li: Oh, that's very interesting.

Neil: Yes it is, isn't it?

Li: Hang on, hang on. What do you mean I'm unfriendly? How dare(敢) you call me unfriendly!

Neil: Well, not usually but recently you have been.

Li: You just wait. I will get my revenge(抱復) on you for this, you little upstart. Who do you think you are?

Neil: Now you're getting scary!

Li: I'll show you what a dragon can do!

Neil: OK, Li I think I'm going to leave now before you start breathing(噴) fire.

Li: Breathing fire!? I'll burn you till you're toast!()

this report is from bbc learning english

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/theenglishwespeak/2012/01/120124_tews_55_dragon_page.shtml

YOB

Callum: Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. My name is Callum Robertson.

Li: And I'm Yang Li.

Men: Come 'ere then! Oi! Come on then! Want a fight? Who are ya?!

Li: Oh Callum! Who are all those horrible men that I can hear on my headphones(耳機)?

Callum: Well, Li, they are yobs.

Li: Yobs?

Callum: Yes, yobs. Yob is our phrase for today. It's an informal word that refers to a man who is loud and rude and possibly rather violent.

Li: Oh, that sounds like you!

Callum: What are you talking about, sounds like me?! What do you mean? Are you asking for a fight?!

Li: No, no, no! But do you see what I mean? You sound like a yob.

Callum: Erm... yes, OK. Sorry about that. Hmm. Anyway, I chose this word because as many people will know the UK recently experienced some violence on the streets of London and other cities. 'Yob' is a word that the British press used to describe the rioters(暴徒). Let's hear some real headlines from some British newspapers:

• UK riots: 11 councils to evict 'riot yobs'.
• Ken Clarke blames 'feral' yobs.
• 600 riot yobs left DNA on windows.
• Riot yobs filmed attacking cop cars.
• Riot yobs can't hide.
• UK riots: young yobs back on streets despite David Cameron's pledge.

Li: Ah, I'm not sure I remember seeing this word yob on the BBC news site.

Callum: Well no. It's a very negative and judgemental word. The BBC tends to avoid this kind of language in its news stories. But this is a piece of British slang that is very common in the UK. And we also sometimes use the word yobbo.

Li: Yobbo. Hmm. But where do all these words come from?

Callum: Well, interestingly, what we have here is an example of backslang. If you read the word yob backwards, what do you get?

Li: Erm... B.O.Y., boy.

Callum: Exactly. And that's what the word used to mean, but now it refers to a rude and violent man, often a young man but not always.

Li: Listen Callum, I'm sorry about earlier. I don't really think you are a yob. You are a gentleman.

Callum: Oh, thanks Li.

Li: But in any case you know if we were to get in a fight I would beat you. So don't you try that again!

Callum: OK.

this report is from bbc learning english

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/theenglishwespeak/2011/09/110913_tews_36_yob_page.shtml

New York snow chaos

Freak(奇怪的, 反常的) snowstorms have hit America's East coast.

Some say Mother Nature played a Halloween trick on 60 million people. Only four times in the last 135 years has New York's Central Park seen snow this early.

The blizzards(暴風雪) caused power cuts and some deaths as roads became treacherous(奸詐的, 變化莫測的).

More than a thousand flights were cancelled with some passengers trapped on(被困) grounded(地面) planes for hours.

this report is from bbc learning english

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2011/11/111102_vwitn_snow.shtml

Rejecting Oxford

Nineteen-year old Elly Nowell from Winchester in the south of England applied to the Oxford college of Magdalen to read law, but when she was invited for interview she decided she didn't like what she saw.

Elly, who is finishing her A-levels, told the BBC that Oxford resembled(像) the British Monarchy(英國君主) in that it was what she called ridiculous(可笑的) and elitist(精英), but unlike the Royal Family, was rarely(很少) mocked(嘲笑).

Her actions may well change that. Following her interview at Magdalen college, Elly wrote a rejection(拒絕的) letter to the University, using the kind of language that officials employ(採用,雇用) when they're trying to let somebody down gently(輕輕地,禮貌地).

Elly admits(承認) that her letter of rejection to the university was not entirely(完全地) serious, but it has raised(提出) some serious points.

Oxford, and Cambridge universities are often accused(被告的) of elitism(精英主義), and of having entrance procedures(手續) that favour students from private schools.

Yet Oxford says it's changing, and that last year, more than half of its academic offers went to pupils(學生) from state schools.

As for Elly, she now hopes to gain(增益, 贏得) a place at University College London. The Admissions staff there may well be watching the mail box very closely.

this report is from learning english

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2012/01/120119_witn_rejecting_oxford.shtml

Hold your horses

William: Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. My name is William Kremer.

Li: And I'm Li. William, what's our phrase today?

William: Well, hold on a second Li, let me just play you -

Li: No, come on, tell me now – what phrase are we looking at today?

William: Well, we'll come onto that in a minute but I've got some very special FX for you...

Li: More special FX?! And special music? That's not what our people want! They want authentic English phrases, and they want them now! So what's our phrase today?

William: Li, hold your horses!

Li: Eh?

William: Hold your horses. It means: be patient.

Li: Oh... where does this phrase come from, William?

William: Well, apparently(顯然) it comes from battles(戰鬥) in times of war:

FX – Battle re-enactment(重新制定) noise

Man: Hold your horses men!

FX – gunfire, horses whinnying

Li: Wow, Will, your FX this week are really special!

William: Hmmm, I know! In that clip(片斷) we heard a soldier telling his men to hold their horses before he started firing weapons.

Li: But nowadays(如今), I am guessing, you don't need to be a soldier to use this phrase, right?

William: Exactly, yes. It means: don't rush, be patient. Let's hear a couple of examples:

Man: I've just gone online to order us some new computers. What's our charge code again?

Woman: Ah, well you're going to have to hold your horses! I haven't agreed a budget yet with the management team.

Man 2: I've just spoken to Mark –

Woman 2: Have you indeed? Well don't listen to a word that man says! He's never liked me...

Man 2: Hey, hey hey! Hold your horses. We didn't discuss you at all, as a matter of fact.

Li: So in that first example, the man couldn't order his computers yet because the company hadn't agreed a budget. He had to wait; he had to hold his horses.

William: Hmm. And in the second example it was slightly different. In that clip we heard a woman interrupt(打斷) the man because she thought she knew what he was going to say.

Li: Ah yes, the man told her to hold her horse and wait for him to finish speaking.

William: Ah, yeah, but Li we never say "Hold your horse" we always say "Hold your horses".

Li: Oh OK, I'll bear it in mind.(我會謹記) But, er, Will...?

William: Yeah?

Li: Can you hold this for me please?

Horse whinnying

this report is from bbc learning english

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/theenglishwespeak/2011/09/110920_tews_37_hold_your_horses_page.shtml

Mind reading crash course

Stopped in the nick of time!

This road safety system uses lasers to detect(檢測) potential(潛在地) hazards(危害). If the driver doesn't brake, the car does.

Now a new Swiss project is looking to take things further by reading drivers' minds.

Researchers are testing its viability(可行性) by monitoring brainwaves to see if they can predict(預測) the driver's next move.

The hope is technology could intervene(干擾,介入) to prevent(防止) accidents.

this report is from bbc learning english

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2011/11/111109_vwitn_driving.shtml

Kim Jung-un birthday

This is a documentary(紀錄片) about the future as much as about the past. Kim Jong-un is still not yet 30: his childhood years too recent for a lingering look(長期注目).

Instead, he's shown in his new role as North Korea's supreme(最高的) military commander(指揮官): inspecting(檢查) troops(部隊), saluting(敬禮), sitting in a tank. Other images, meant to reassure(安撫), show him doing all the things his father used to do: visiting factories, talking to officials, and inspecting their work.

Websites linked to the North Korean government have already begun describing the new young leader as having the wisdom(智慧) of great men, and extraordinary competence(非凡的能力).

Kim Jong-il's sudden death left a dangerous(危險的) vacuum(真空) in a society raised to(提高至) venerate(崇敬) one supreme leader. Less than a month on, North Korea's unique(獨特的) media machine is already working to fill it.

Lucy Williamson

this report is from bbc learning english

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2012/01/120109_witn_kim_jung_un_birthday.shtml