Blog #18

 Does any one ever wonder where common English idioms originated from? 

               Amidst learning a different language, I wonder about this quite often.  

(if you just googled "idiom", good for you for having the curiosity to learn!)

 For those of you who didn't do anything here are a few common idioms to freshen your memory:

• A piece of cake.
•  Have an axe to grind. 
•  Give him the slip.
• Like a chicken with it's head cut off.
•  Pass the buck.
• Sick as a dog.
•  When pigs fly.
•  The apple does not fall far from the tree.
• Let the cat out of the bag.
•  Kick the bucket.
• Hold your horses. 
• Get on his last nerve.
• Smoke the peace pipe.

These idiomatic expressions somewhat make sense, however how did these next examples originate?

• Fit as a fiddle- Maybe because a fiddle has an hourglass shape? A sought after appearance for a majority of women.
• Right as rain- Maybe the person who made this up really enjoyed rain?
• Something nasty in the woodshed- No idea.
• By the skin of your teeth- No idea.
• Beat around the bush -The groundskeeper wouldn't do his job?
• As rare as a hen's teeth- What? No idea.
• Save someone's bacon- Bacon could have been a valuable meat back in the day?
• Seven sheets to the wind- It took seven sheets to clean up after a drunkard?
• Teach your grandmother to suck eggs - Clueless
• Slowly, slowly catchy monkey
• Throw the baby out with the bath water-Mom had had enough?

It's curious. How do phrases like the examples above catch on? Is that just it, does a phrase just have to "catch-on"? Can a person make his or her own idiom now days? 

Learning to translate one language to another is hard let alone having these different phrases that covertly coverup what is being said.  Any guesses as to what "something nasty in the woodshed"  metaphorically means?

I hope some people are curious about his or her native language.  Language is a complex thing but don't be afraid to tackle a new one. 

Who's bilingual? 

fist pump.

Blog #17

The position of co-pilot is highly underrated....

Does anyone understand the undertaking when a person yells "Shotgun!"? It doesn't only mean you are able to ride on the front passenger side. Oh no. 


Expectations for Co-Pilot Position:


1) Co-pilot is in charge of directions. Have a map, smartphone ready when driver says "Wait, I'm looking for Spartan Ave right?".


2) Co-pilot is to be ready for any command from the driver. For example: Driver," I'm kind of getting hungry."  Co-pilot either a) has a granola bar at the ready or b) has a list of near-by restaurants and which will take the shortest amount of time in alphabetical order. OR Driver, " Uh oh, I think I'm going to sna...sna..." Co-pilot: At the ready with tissue in time for the sneeze with a great smelling anti-bacterial gel for clean hands afterward.


3) Keen ears are a must for any co-pilot. When the driver receives a text message, you are to text the texter back via whatever the driver says. Improv is not recommended.


4) Co-pilot is a supporter. "What an idiot! He totally did cut you off! What Jerk-wad." (insert appropriate foul names as severity of driving offense by other car),  "Don't worry we are making great time!", "I know you're tired but we're almost there!"




Things A Person Can Do to Never Be a Co-pilot Again:


1) Fall asleep while in the co-pilot seat.
2) Mess with the driver's radio/critique driver's station choice.
3) Ask the driver if he or she thinks you both are heading in the right direction.
4) Become lost due to co-pilots 'directions'
5) The person in the back seat is more helpful than the co-pilot.


It's a big responsibility.  Think before yelling shotgun.