American English, yo!

I love analyzing my native language, American English, and helping non-native speakers make sense of it. I've been doing this for fun with friends who speak English as a second language for nearly 30 years. I would like to first thank A.D., C.F. and E.A., and now P.G., for inspiring me to finally write this stuff down!

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Take it with a grain of salt.

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If you 'take something with a grain of salt,' it means that you consider the source while deciding if something is true or not. Exam...
Saturday, July 6, 2013

Hit the hay

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To 'hit the hay' means to go to bed.  It recalls a simpler time when people may have slept in a barn. Example: -Okay, kids!  Time to...
Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Holy shit!

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'Holy shit' is a strong exclamation used to express extreme surprise. Example: (Upon receiving $1000 as a gift) -Holy shit!
Friday, November 16, 2012

Cut to the chase

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If you 'cut to the chase,' it means that you just come out and tell someone something, after (possibly) previously stalling. Examp...
Thursday, November 15, 2012

Floored

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If you are 'floored' by something, it means you are shocked and can't believe what you're hearing. Example: -I can't ...
Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Full of shit

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Someone who is 'full of shit,' is someone who is completely lying. Since 'shit' is a bad word, obviously this should only b...

Hemming and hawing

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If someone is 'hemming and hawing,' it means they're stalling on making a (perhaps big) decision. Example: -I wish he'd ...
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About Me

yowordgirl
Linguistics student, Spanish instructor. Currently studying for my comprehensive exams.
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