Vocabulary

Author

Davinder Kaur Saxena

WORD                   MEANING                                                           EXAMPLE SENTENCE

cat nap

a short sleep

I'm going to have a cat nap while you're cooking dinner.

cat's got one's tongue

said about someone who doesn't speak (usually due to shyness)

It looks like the cat's got your tongue, Lucy. Are you always this quiet?

chicken out

to decide not to do something out of fear (usually just before)

I was going to take a ride on Geoff's motorcycle, but I chickened out when he gave me a helmet to wear.

clam up

become quiet suddenly

Arthur clammed up when I asked him about his family.

copy cat

a person who does the same thing as someone else

My sister is such a copycat. First she bought the same car as me, and now she's applying to my school.

dog days

very hot days

I sleep in the basement during the dog days of August.

dropping like flies

dying/giving up quickly

My roses are dropping like flies in this early frost.

eager beaver

a person who is excited about doing certain work

Ever since he got his new drill set my husband has been an eager beaver around the house.

fishy

odd, suspicious

I knew something fishy was going on when I saw all of my friends' cars in my mom's driveway.

have a cow

get extremely upset (often over something minor)

My teacher had a cow when she realized nobody had done the homework.

hold your horses

wait and be patient

Hold your horses! I'll be done in the washroom in a minute.

holy cow!

Wow, I'm surprised!

Holy cow! I can't believe you ate everything on your plate.

horse around

play roughly

If you're going to horse around, please go outside.

get the lion's share

get the greatest percentage

My aunt got the lion's share of the inheritance.

in the dog house

in trouble with another person

I don't think Marsha is coming out tonight. She's still in the dog house for forgetting Aaron's birthday.

kill two birds with one stone

get two things done at once

If you pick the groceries up when you drop George off for his shift, you will kill two birds with one stone.

kitty corner

diagonal direction

The gas station is kitty corner to the library.

let the cat out of the bag

reveal a secret

Who let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party?

(a) little bird told me

I heard something (usually secretive or unknown) from someone (not named)

A little bird told me that you are thinking of quitting your job.

make a beeline

go straight for something

My grandma made a beeline for the smoking room as soon as she got off the airplane.

monkey see, monkey do

silly/unintelligent people tend to copy each other's actions

Our one-year-old is saying bad words now. I told my husband, "Monkey see, monkey do!"

nest egg

money saved for the future

We have a nest egg that we might have to use if Jim goes on sick leave.

pig out

eat a lot of something

pigged out on pancakes so I don't have room for lunch.

raining cats and dogs

raining heavily

I forgot my umbrella, and it was raining cats and dogs.

rat race

fierce, competitive struggle for power, position etc

I'm ready to leave this rat race and retire in Mexico.

smell a rat

begin to suspect trickery etc

I asked my brothers not to tell my parents that I went out, but I could smell a rat as soon as I opened the door.

straight from the horse's mouth

directly from the original source

I know Jenny is pregnant, because I heard it straight from the horse's mouth.

take the bull by the horns

face a challenge or danger boldly

If you really think you deserve a promotion, you'll have to take the bull by the horns.

until the cows come home

for a very long time

I could eat pizza and ice-cream until the cows come home.

 

 

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Celebrate in Style: Essential Party Words

Party Vocabulary

General Terms

  • Celebration: A joyful event to mark a special occasion.

  • Festivity: Events or activities that are enjoyable and celebratory.

  • Event: A planned public or social occasion.

  • Gathering: A meeting of people for a specific purpose.

  • Occasion: A particular event or happening.

Types of Parties

  • Birthday Party: A celebration of someone's birth anniversary.

  • Surprise Party: A secretly planned party to surprise someone.

  • Farewell Party: A party held to say goodbye to someone who is leaving.

  • Wedding Reception: A celebration held after a marriage ceremony.

  • Housewarming Party: A party to celebrate moving into a new home.

  • Anniversary Party: A celebration of a significant anniversary, such as a wedding or a company founding.

Party Activities

  • Dancing: Moving rhythmically to music.

  • Games: Activities or competitions for fun.

  • Toasts: Raising a glass to honor someone or something.

  • Socializing: Interacting with others in a friendly manner.

  • Eating: Consuming food and snacks.

  • Drinking: Consuming beverages, often alcoholic.

Party Decorations

  • Balloons: Inflatable decorations often used for parties.

  • Streamers: Long, narrow strips of paper used as decorations.

  • Banners: Large signs or flags with messages or designs.

  • Confetti: Small pieces of colored paper thrown during celebrations.

  • Fairy Lights: Small, decorative lights used for ambiance.

Party Supplies

  • Cups: Containers for beverages.

  • Plates: Dishes for serving food.

  • Napkins: Paper or cloth used to clean hands and mouths.

  • Utensils: Tools like forks, knives, and spoons for eating.

  • Party Favors: Small gifts given to guests as a token of appreciation.

People at a Party

  • Host/Hostess: The person who organizes and invites guests to the party.

  • Guest: Someone who is invited to attend the party.

  • DJ (Disc Jockey): A person who plays recorded music for an audience.

  • Caterer: A person or company that provides food and drinks for the party.

Describing a Party

  • Lively: Full of life and energy.

  • Festive: Having a happy and celebratory atmosphere.

  • Elegant: Stylish and sophisticated.

  • Casual: Relaxed and informal.

  • Fun: Enjoyable and entertaining.

Use these terms to enrich your conversations and descriptions about parties! 🎉

Coffee Talk: Must-Know Words for Coffee Enthusiasts

Coffee Vocabulary

Types of Coffee

  • Espresso: A strong coffee brewed by forcing hot water under pressure through finely-ground coffee beans.

  • Americano: Espresso with added hot water, creating a coffee similar in strength to drip coffee but with a different flavor.

  • Latte: Espresso with steamed milk and a small amount of milk foam.

  • Cappuccino: Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.

  • Macchiato: Espresso "stained" with a small amount of milk or milk foam.

  • Mocha: Espresso with chocolate syrup, steamed milk, and whipped cream.

  • Flat White: Similar to a latte, but with a higher ratio of coffee to milk.

  • Ristretto: A "short" shot of espresso, using less water for a more concentrated flavor.

  • Affogato: A shot of espresso poured over a scoop of ice cream.

Coffee Brewing Methods

  • Drip Coffee: Coffee brewed by dripping boiling water over ground coffee, typically using a coffee maker.

  • French Press: A method where ground coffee is steeped in hot water and then separated by pressing down a plunger.

  • Pour Over: Coffee made by pouring hot water over coffee grounds in a filter, often using a special dripper.

  • Aeropress: A device that uses air pressure to force hot water through coffee grounds for a quick brew.

  • Cold Brew: Coffee brewed slowly in cold water for an extended period, resulting in a smooth, less acidic flavor.

  • Siphon: A vacuum coffee maker that brews using two chambers where vapor pressure and vacuum produce the coffee.

Coffee Terms

  • Barista: A person who prepares and serves coffee, particularly in a coffeehouse.

  • Crema: The golden, creamy layer on top of a well-pulled espresso shot.

  • Grind: The size of the coffee particles after the beans have been ground, which affects the flavor and brewing process.

  • Roast: The process of heating coffee beans to develop flavor. Types include light, medium, and dark roast.

  • Single Origin: Coffee sourced from a single geographic location, often offering unique flavor profiles.

  • Blend: Coffee made from a mix of beans from different origins to create a balanced flavor.

  • Tamping: The process of pressing down coffee grounds in the portafilter before brewing espresso.

  • Extraction: The process of dissolving flavors from coffee grounds during brewing.

Coffee Add-Ons

  • Milk: Commonly added to coffee to create drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.

  • Foam/Froth: Milk that's been steamed and aerated to create a light, airy texture.

  • Syrup: Flavored liquids added to coffee for extra taste (e.g., vanilla, caramel, hazelnut).

  • Whipped Cream: Cream whipped to a fluffy consistency, often used to top drinks like mochas and hot chocolate.

  • Sugar: Sweetener added to coffee to enhance flavor.

Describing Coffee

  • Bold: Strong and intense flavor.

  • Smooth: Balanced flavor with little bitterness.

  • Rich: Full and strong flavor, often associated with dark roasts.

  • Acidic: A bright, tangy flavor often found in lighter roasts.

  • Aromatic: Having a strong and pleasant smell.

  • Complex: Having multiple layers of flavor that develop over time.

  • Earthy: Having flavors reminiscent of soil or natural elements, often found in certain single-origin coffees.

  • Fruity: Notes of fruit flavors, common in some light roasts and single-origin coffees.

Feel free to use these words to enhance your knowledge and conversations about coffee! ☕️

Deliciously Essential Food Vocabulary

General Food Terms

  • Cuisine: A style of cooking associated with a particular region or culture.

  • Dish: A specific food preparation, usually part of a meal.

  • Recipe: Instructions for preparing a particular dish, including ingredients and steps.

  • Ingredient: A food item used in the preparation of a dish.

  • Meal: Food eaten at a particular time of day, such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Types of Food

  • Appetizer: A small dish served before the main course.

  • Entrée: The main course of a meal.

  • Dessert: A sweet course served at the end of a meal.

  • Snack: A small amount of food eaten between meals.

  • Side Dish: A food item that accompanies the main course.

Cooking Methods

  • Bake: To cook food using dry heat in an oven.

  • Boil: To cook food by submerging it in boiling water.

  • Grill: To cook food on a grill over direct heat.

  • Fry: To cook food in hot oil or fat.

  • Roast: To cook food using dry heat in an oven or over an open flame.

  • Steam: To cook food using the steam from boiling water.

  • Sauté: To cook food quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over medium-high heat.

  • Simmer: To cook food gently in liquid at a temperature just below boiling.

Food Descriptions

  • Savory: A pleasant taste that is not sweet.

  • Spicy: Flavored with or containing strong spices.

  • Sweet: Having a taste similar to sugar.

  • Bitter: Having a sharp, pungent taste or smell.

  • Sour: Having an acidic taste like lemon or vinegar.

  • Tangy: A strong, sharp taste or flavor.

  • Crispy: Pleasantly thin, dry, and easily breakable texture.

  • Tender: Easy to cut or chew, typically referring to meat.

Food Categories

  • Vegetables: Edible plants or parts of plants, like carrots, spinach, and potatoes.

  • Fruits: Edible, sweet, and fleshy products of plants, like apples, bananas, and strawberries.

  • Meat: Edible flesh from animals, like beef, pork, and chicken.

  • Seafood: Edible fish and shellfish from the sea, like salmon, shrimp, and clams.

  • Dairy: Products made from milk, like cheese, yogurt, and butter.

  • Grains: Edible seeds from cereal plants, like wheat, rice, and oats.

  • Legumes: Edible seeds or pods from plants, like beans, lentils, and peas.

  • Nuts: Hard-shelled fruits from trees, like almonds, walnuts, and peanuts.

Cooking Ingredients

  • Herbs: Aromatic plants used to flavor food, like basil, parsley, and thyme.

  • Spices: Seeds, fruits, roots, or bark used for flavoring, like cinnamon, pepper, and cumin.

  • Oil: Liquid fat used in cooking, like olive oil, vegetable oil, and coconut oil.

  • Vinegar: An acidic liquid used for flavoring or preserving, like apple cider vinegar and balsamic vinegar.

  • Salt: A mineral used for seasoning and preserving food.

  • Sugar: A sweet substance used in cooking and baking, like granulated sugar, brown sugar, and powdered sugar.

These terms cover a wide range of food-related vocabulary, perfect for enhancing your culinary conversations and understanding. Enjoy exploring the delicious world of food! 🍽️

Classroom Lingo: Key Terms for Educators and Students

Advanced Classroom Vocabulary

Classroom Items

  • Smartboard: An interactive whiteboard that responds to touch and can display digital content from a computer.

  • Document Camera: A device used to display documents and objects onto a screen for the whole class to see.

  • Interactive Tablet: A device used by teachers to control the digital whiteboard and interact with digital content.

  • Lab Equipment: Tools and instruments used in scientific experiments, such as beakers, microscopes, and test tubes.

  • Workstation: A student's personal area equipped with necessary tools and resources for learning activities.

Classroom Roles

  • Class Representative: A student elected to represent the class in school matters and meetings.

  • Lab Technician: A person who supports the scientific activities in a school by maintaining lab equipment and supplies.

  • Librarian: A person who manages the library and assists students and staff in finding information and resources.

  • School Counselor: A professional who provides psychological and academic support to students.

  • PTA (Parent-Teacher Association): A group of parents and teachers that collaborates to support the school and its students.

Learning Approaches

  • Blended Learning: An educational approach that combines online digital media with traditional classroom methods.

  • Differentiated Instruction: Tailoring teaching environments and practices to create different pathways for students to learn.

  • Flipped Classroom: A teaching model where students review new content at home and practice skills in class.

  • Project-Based Learning: A teaching method in which students learn by actively engaging in real-world and personally meaningful projects.

  • Montessori Method: An educational approach based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play.

Educational Technology

  • Learning Management System (LMS): Software used to manage, deliver, and track educational courses and training programs.

  • EdTech Tools: Technology applications and platforms used to enhance learning, such as Google Classroom, Kahoot!, and Quizlet.

  • Virtual Reality (VR): Technology that creates immersive digital environments for educational simulations and experiences.

  • Augmented Reality (AR): An interactive experience where digital information is overlaid on the real world.

  • E-Learning: Learning conducted via electronic media, typically on the Internet.

Classroom Strategies

  • Scaffolding: Providing temporary support to students to help them achieve learning goals, gradually removing the support as they become more proficient.

  • Formative Assessment: Informal assessments conducted during the learning process to monitor student progress and guide instruction.

  • Summative Assessment: Formal evaluations at the end of an instructional period to measure student learning against standards.

  • Peer Review: A process where students evaluate each other's work to provide constructive feedback.

  • Classroom Management: Techniques used by teachers to maintain a productive and orderly learning environment.

Describing Classroom Environments

  • Inclusive: A classroom that accommodates all students, regardless of their background or learning needs.

  • Collaborative: An environment that promotes teamwork and shared learning experiences.

  • Engaging: A classroom that captures students' interest and motivates them to participate actively.

  • Supportive: An environment that provides emotional and academic support to all students.

  • Stimulating: A classroom rich in resources and activities that challenge and inspire students.

These advanced terms can provide a deeper understanding of educational settings and enhance communication in academic environments. Better to explore these concepts further and apply them in your educational endeavors! 📚🏫