Wednesday 22 May 2024

[Book Review] Oxford Dictionary of Word Origins

Combining both accessibility and authority, The Oxford Dictionary of Word Origins describes the origins and development of over 3,000 words and phrases in the English language. The book draws on Oxford's unrivalled dictionary research program and language monitoring and relates the fascinating stories behind many of our most curious terms and expressions in order to offer the reader a much more detailed explanation than can be found in a general English dictionary.
Organized A-Z, the entries include the first known use along with examples that illustrate the many faces of the particular word or phrase, from 'handsome' to 'bachelor' and 'cute' to 'baby', from 'pagan' to 'palaver' and 'toff' to 'torpedo'. Also featured are almost 20 special panels that cover expressions common in English but drawn from other languages, such as 'coffee', 'sugar', and 'candy' from Arabic or 'booze', 'brandy', and 'gin' (Dutch).
This absorbing volume is useful for language students and enthusiasts, but also an intriguing read for any person interested in the development of the English language and of language development in general. It also includes an extended introduction on the history of the English language.

Sunday 12 May 2024

Strainer colander and drain basket

Colander: cái rổ

Strainer: cái rổ để rút nước, có cán cầm

Drain basket: cái rổ để rút nước

Kitchen sink waste strainer:

Saturday 11 May 2024

Northern Lights - aurora borealis

aurora borealis >< aurora australis

The charged particles from the sun are drawn by the Earth's magnetic field, so if you're in the northern hemisphere, you're going to want to look north. (Additionally, if you're in the southern hemisphere, you can see the Southern Lights - known as the aurora australis - by looking south.)

Source:

[1] https://vt.co/news/world/experts-best-tips-for-seeing-the-northern-lights-as-theyre-expected-to-return-on-saturday-night

[2] https://www.tf1info.fr/sciences-et-innovation/tempete-solaire-comment-observer-les-nouvelles-aurores-boreales-ce-samedi-en-france-mai-2024-2299044.html

[3] https://vt.co/news/world/experts-best-tips-for-seeing-the-northern-lights-as-theyre-expected-to-return-on-saturday-night

[4] https://news.sky.com/story/northern-lights-glow-up-skies-across-uk-and-around-the-world-see-best-pictures-here-13133267

[5] https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/northern-lights-uk-exact-time-9279222

Phân biệt travel trip tour journey

Xem hình bên dưới

travel (n, v) du lịch xa

tour (n) du lịch tham quan

trip (n) du lịch ngắn ngày, còn đi với business trip, camping trip. Ví dụ: a day trip: chuyến đi 1 ngày, chuyến đi chơi trong ngày về

journey (n) chuyến đi dài, cuộc hành trình

adventure (n) là chuyến phiêu lưu nhé, kiểu hành trình dài ngày khám phá gì đó mới nè. Hơi khác các từ bên trên

Monday 25 March 2024

Prince William talks about Kate Middleton’s health with a sad face

At the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTAs), Prince William, the future King of England, appeared somber while addressing his wife Kate Middleton’s recent abdominal surgery. The surgery, shrouded in secrecy, raised questions among the public.

Prince William, mentioning his limited movie watching due to his wife’s condition, hinted at their struggles. The couple’s desire for privacy parallels King Charles III’s openness about his health issues.

While speculation swirls, Middleton’s wish for privacy is evident. Despite rumours, Kensington Palace clarified it’s not cancer, leaving the exact nature of the surgery undisclosed.

Amidst this uncertainty, Middleton’s recovery requires support from her immediate family, including Prince William, who briefly scaled back his royal duties. Her return to normalcy is anticipated after Easter.

the exact nature (collocation):