Vocabulary

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Lesson Transcript

INTRODUCTION
John: How to Describe Something Positively
John: I'm John.
Sydney: And I'm Sydney!
John: In this lesson, you'll learn how to describe something positively.
John: By mastering how to use these expressions, you will impress your American friends.
SLANG EXPRESSIONS
John: The expressions you will be learning in this lesson are:
Sydney: a win-win situation
Sydney: good call
Sydney: make a killing
Sydney: take a shot
John: Sydney, what's our first expression?
Sydney: a win-win situation
John: meaning "a situation both parties benefit from."
Sydney: [SLOW] a win-win situation [NORMAL] a win-win situation
John: Listeners, please repeat.
Sydney: a win-win situation
[pause - 5 sec.]
John: The phrase, "a win-win situation" refers to an event in which both parties will have a positive outcome. This phrase can be used in business when making a deal or negotiating with someone. It can also be used in any situation where there’s no foreseeable negative outcome. For example, if someone cooks food at home instead of going out to eat, they can save time and money. This is considered "a win-win situation."
John: Now let's hear an example sentence.
Sydney: [NORMAL] Both companies will benefit from this merger; it’s a win-win situation! [SLOW] Both companies will benefit from this merger; it’s a win-win situation!
Sydney: [NORMAL] Both companies will benefit from this merger; it’s a win-win situation!
John: Okay, what's the next expression?
Sydney: good call
John: meaning "agreement with one's decision."
Sydney: [SLOW] good call [NORMAL] good call
John: Listeners, please repeat.
Sydney: good call
[pause - 5 sec.]
John: Some people believe the phrase "good call" originated from sports, when the referee would make a judgement during a game. However, nowadays "good call" is used to indicate that you believe the person you're speaking to made a good decision. For example, if you and your friend have a lot of homework to do tonight, he or she might say, "Let's order take out and stay in tonight." If you agree, you could respond with, "Good call."
John: Now let's hear an example sentence.
Sydney: [NORMAL] It was a good call to postpone today's picnic, since it will be raining heavily all day. [SLOW] It was a good call to postpone today's picnic, since it will be raining heavily all day.
Sydney: [NORMAL] It was a good call to postpone today's picnic, since it will be raining heavily all day.
John: Okay, what's our next expression?
Sydney: make a killing
John: meaning "to earn or make a lot of money."
Sydney: [SLOW] make a killing [NORMAL] make a killing
John: Listeners, please repeat.
Sydney: make a killing
[pause - 5 sec.]
John: To make a killing may sound like a threatening phrase, but it means "to make a lot of money or to earn a lot of money." This phrase originates from hunters who would earn money from literally killing animals.
This phrase is used by everyone. It's not vulgar, but should only be used in informal contexts.
John: Now let's hear an example sentence.
Sydney: [NORMAL] "I make a living, but she makes a killing!" [SLOW] "I make a living, but she makes a killing!"
Sydney: [NORMAL] "I make a living, but she makes a killing!"
John: Okay, what's the last expression?
Sydney: take a shot
John: meaning "to try."
Sydney: [SLOW] take a shot [NORMAL] take a shot
John: Listeners, please repeat.
Sydney: take a shot
[pause - 5 sec.]
John: "Take a shot," an expression that also may have originated from sports, means "to try," especially if it's something new. It's usually used for difficult situations or challenging tasks, rather than a new food or drink. If you've never done bungee-jumping before, an adventurous friend might say, "take a shot!"
John: Now let's hear an example sentence.
Sydney: [NORMAL] I don't think I'm qualified for the position, but I'll take a shot anyway. [SLOW] I don't think I'm qualified for the position, but I'll take a shot anyway.
Sydney: [NORMAL] I don't think I'm qualified for the position, but I'll take a shot anyway.
QUIZ
John: Okay listeners, are you ready to be quizzed on the expressions you just learned? I will describe four situations, and you will choose the right expression to use in your reply. Are you ready?
John: Kids watch a good new movie in the movie theatre.
[pause - 5 sec.]
Sydney: good call
John: "agreement with one's decision "
John: Two students decide to work together on a project and get a good grade.
[pause - 5 sec.]
Sydney: a win-win situation
John: "a situation both parties benefit from"
John: A guy asks out a girl he likes.
[pause - 5 sec.]
Sydney: take a shot
John: "to try "
John: A girl babysits during the weekend and makes lots of money.
[pause - 5 sec.]
Sydney: make a killing
John: "to earn or make a lot of money"

Outro
John: There you have it; you have mastered four English Slang Expressions! We have more vocab lists available at EnglishClass101.com so be sure to check them out. Thanks everyone, and see you next time!
Sydney: Goodbye!

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