To be of critical or integral importance to the ordinary operation of life or the world at large. (Sometimes used hyperbolically.) Watch the video
Month: September 2021
"The Real McCoy"
“The real McCoy” is an idiom used to mean “the real thing” or “the genuine article,” but who—or what—was McCoy? The origins of the phrase are hazy. It may have originated as a corruption of the Scottish phrase “the real MacKay.” Alternately, it may have been inspired by the infamous Hatfield and McCoy family feud in the late 19th-century US. Still others trace it back to William McCoy, a Prohibition-era rumrunner who reputedly never watered down his liquor. What are other possible explanations? Discuss
lassitude
Definition: (noun) A state or feeling of weariness, diminished energy, or listlessness.
Synonyms: lethargy, sluggishness.
Usage: Her rapid footsteps shook her own floors, and she routed lassitude and indifference wherever she came.
Discuss
thrust
9/11 Terrorist Attacks (2001)
On September 11, 2001, 19 Al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes. They crashed two planes into the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers in New York City and flew a third into the Pentagon building in Virginia. Passengers on the fourth flight attempted to retake control of the aircraft, but it crashed in a Pennsylvania field. The devastating terrorist attacks of 9/11 were responsible for 2,996 deaths and countless more injuries. What were the environmental consequences of 9/11? Discuss
make the welkin ring
To make a very loud, reverberating sound or noise. (“Welkin” is an archaic or literary word for the skies or the heavens, only used in contemporary English as a part of this phrase.) Watch the video
Prince Rupert's Drops
Prince Rupert’s Drops are formed when molten glass is dripped into cold water. The glass forms a tadpole-shaped droplet with a long, thin tail, and when the inside cools, it contracts, pressing against the already-solid outer part. Due to the residual stress, the extremely hard bulbous part can withstand a blow from a hammer, but if the tail is damaged even slightly, the entire drop shatters explosively into a fine powder. Prince Rupert did not invent the drops, so why are they named for him? Discuss
pedantic
teacher
fescue – A pointer, such as that used by a teacher, having originally meant “a straw or twig.” More…
docent, docible, docile – Docent comes from Latin docere, “to teach”; docible is “capable of learning” and docile first meant “teachable.” More…
Socratic method – A teaching technique in which a teacher does not give information directly but instead asks a series of questions, with the result that the student comes either to the desired knowledge by answering the questions or to a deeper awareness of the limits of knowledge. More…
tuition – First meant taking care of something, then teaching or instruction, especially for a fee. More…
Gibraltar National Day
On September 10, 1967, the people of Gibraltar participated in a national referendum and rejected the option to pass under Spanish Control. Since 1967, Gibraltarians have commemorated the referendum date. In recent years, events leading up to the momentous day have included dance performances, military band concerts, and a governor’s parade. On National Day, people typically dress in the national colors of red and white. A popular tradition is the ceremonial release of 30,000 red and white balloons, each representing an individual living on the rock. Discuss