Language & Communication

Gifts, Presents, and a Brief History on the English Language

Have you ever wondered why the words “gift” and “present” are so different yet mean the same thing? Sure, they’re sometimes used in different contexts (people say “the gift of life” but never “the present of life” and a present (object) shouldn’t be confused with the present (time)), but generally, both mean the same thing: […]

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English Idioms Decoded: What Are Crocodile Tears?

After writing my last article explaining “rooting for the underdog,” I’ve since started watching analysis videos on the show Black Mirror by YouTuber Bryce Dallas Brown. In one of my favorite episodes, “Crocodile,” Brown gives a really good explanation why it was given that title. It symbolizes the crocodile-like grip of the consequences of the

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American Slang Decoded: Kill Them with Kindness – What Does It Mean?

In my last article, I discussed the American slang “How ‘bout them apples?” and how, contrary to what it says literally, the phrase actually has nothing to do with apples and more about showing off. But there are still a lot of American English idioms that exist in our vocabulary that can confound people whose

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“How ‘Bout Them Apples?”

American Slang: Decoding “How ‘Bout Them Apples?”

Featured Image from: Letterboxd In Good Will Hunting (1997), Will Hunting (played by Matt Damon) is a self-taught genius whose past trauma and emotional turmoil prevents him from advancing in life and making new connections. In this scene, a male student tries to impress a girl at a bar while humiliating Will’s friend Chuckie by

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