영어 Slang of the Day #18: "Speak for yourself," I think otherwise. What?

You can say "Speak for yourself" when you have a different opinion
Sometimes, another person states an opinion, and you do not agree.  When that occurs, you can use the phrase, "Speak for yourself."  My guess is that the full sentence would be, "You are speaking for yourself only."  It means that you are telling someone that the opinion that he stated is his, and not yours.  It is, in a way, a relatively neutral way of saying that you think/feel differently.

Examples
A.  Everyone knows that actors on Boys Over Flowers are all cute.
B.  Speak for yourself.  I think they all look too feminine, even though they are male.

A.  Jazz music is the most soothing for the soul.
B.  Speak for yourself.  I think that the Wonder Girls have the most meaningful songs. (?!?)

Notes
The point of using "speak for yourself" is that it is a more subtle, and maybe polite, way of saying that you do not agree.  However, the language is still slang, and therefore, informal by nature.  The examples above wouldn't be used in a business setting or a debate in a formal setting.  Of course, if the tone used was more harsh, then "speak for yourself" could be seen as an insult.

영어 Slang of the Day #17: Well, "that's on you." What does "that's on you" mean?

The phrase "that's on you" is used to say that the responsibility is yours, and yours alone.

This is a relatively new phrase, i.e. it didn't really exist 10 years ago.  It is used when one person decides something by his/herself, or chooses an action by his/herself.  When that occurs, the results, or the effects of the choice or decision are the responsibility of the person that made the choice or decision.

Examples:
A.  I chose rock music as the theme of the dance.
B.  Well, the dance isn't going well.  That's on you.

A.  I've decided on a new strategy for the company.
B.  The strategy isn't working.  That's on you.

Notes:
Generally speaking, the phrase "that's on you" isn't used in a complimentary fashion.  Instead, it is usually the case that it is used when the consequences are negative.  It is possible that the phrase is used when the outcome remains to be seen, but the person using the phrase "that's on you" is usually expressing skepticism, and not optimism.

You can also say "that's on you."

This phrase would definitely not be used in formal settings.  It is a phrase to be used in casual settings only.

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영어 Slang of the Day #16: "This just in:" Is it really news?

"This just in:" What does that supposed to mean?

If you watch a news broadcast in America, the broadcaster may use the phrase, "This just in" when there is new, or "breaking" news.  However, these days, the phrase "This just in" is used when someone knowingly is repeating something that is already well-known.

It is used differently than the phrase "command of the obvious."  The phrase "This just in" is used at the beginning of a spoken or written sentence and is not meant as an insult.

Examples:
1.  This just in:  Rain (비) is a popular singer.
2.  This just in:  Lebron James is good at basketball.

Notes:  
1.  After the phrase "this just in," the phrase is usually understated.  In the examples above, Rain is more than just "popular."  In fact, you may state that he is VERY popular.  In addition, Lebron James is more than just "good at basketball."  He may be the best in the world.
2.  The phrase "this just in" is relatively new, and while there is nothing wrong with its use, it is generally not used in formal settings.  In addition, it is a phrase which is somewhat sarcastic, and should be said to an audience that will understand sarcasm.

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영어 Slang of the Day #15: "Big ups" to @IAmNorthKorea on Twitter. What's "Big ups?"

Now, This is Funny and Instructive

I just saw this on Twitter, from a user called @IAmNorthKorea, who posts ironic tweets about North Korea.

@IAmNorthKorea North Korea

North Korea delighted the troubled people of Egypt today with its kind donation of SEVERAL EXTRA PYRAMIDS.

As many people know, humor in a foreign language is difficult to understand.  Native speakers, and especially those that know anything about Korea and Egypt separately, will find this especially funny.  

Why is this funny?

There is still debate about the origin of the pyramids in the first place.  The question has been raised:  did Egyptians even build the great pyramids?  If you want to really create a riot, just go to Egypt and yell this through a megaphone somewhere in a crowded place.  This will offend almost all Egyptians.  It would be like asking whether there were really Korean "comfort women" held captive by Japanese during WWII.  Maybe, you would get a more violent reaction from the Egyptians.

Kim Jong-Il has achieved a great many things, impossible to conceive.  Here is a funny list.  Michelle Wie (my favorite) better look out:  apparently, Kim Jong-Il can beat her very easily in golf.

When you add the two together, you get an answer to both:  Kim Jong-Il was the creator of the pyramids, and due to the current unrest in Egypt, the Great Leader may graciously add some more.  

What does "Big ups" mean?
"Big ups" is a relatively new phrase which basically means that you support, compliment, or think positively about something or someone.   When someone accomplishes something great, or something of which you approve, then you can use the phrase "big ups."

Examples:
(o)  Big ups to Kim Yuna for winning the gold medal at the Vancouver Winter Olympics.
(o)  Big ups to my 누나 for gaining entry into 서울대학교 (Seoul National University).

Notes:
This is almost "street talk."  It is definitely not appropriate for formal speeches and/or writing academic journals or presentations of any sort.  It is the language that you may hear on something like Korean MTV or Ingki-kayo (인기가요).

Other words can also be used instead of "big ups."   The most popular of these is "props."  That would directly replace "big ups" in both examples.

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영어 Slang of the Day #14 "All bets are off." Wait, when did we bet?

영어 Slang of the Day #14: "All bets are off."  Wait, when did we bet?

All bets are off is used when something dramatically changes a situation, which makes one person/party re-evaluate the situation entirely.  Obviously, the background here is that when you make a bet, the relevant facts are known.  However, when something so dramatic occurs, then the bet is no longer fair, then you want to cancel the bet.  At that time, you could use the phrase "all bets are off."

Examples
(o)  I thought that I was going to marry Chul-Ho, but then I saw him kissing another girl!  All bets are off.
(o)  All bets are off: we need to re-evaluate our entire strategy because popularity of the iPad.

Notes:
Many 영어 Slang of the Day entries are not appropriate for a business/professional setting.  However, this is a phrase which will not offend anyone.  While too casual for writing in a formal report of any kind (business or academic), it would be perfectly acceptable to use this phrase in a casual setting or when speaking with business colleagues.


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영어 Hint of the Day #29 AND 영어 Slang of the Day #13 : "You cannot make this stuff up."

WOOHOO!  Two in one: 영어 Hint of the Day #29 AND 영어 Slang of the Day #13

Today, I searched Twitter for "grammar."  It was probably the funniest Twitter search I have ever conducted (you should search on it if you are feeling discouraged while studying English).  Anyways, here is a tweet (it's not called a twit because a twit means a fool, or 바보)  that I found:

"RT @syfqhpauzi: a guy that is good-looking & talks proper grammar is attractive."

영어 Hint of the Day #29:  "talks proper grammar" is incorrect
Thankfully, this person isn't marketing herself as an English expert or 영어guru or anything like that.  So, she deserves some compassion and doesn't deserve a place in the 영어 선생 Hall of Shame .  However, this tweet is grammatically wrong.

(x)  A guy that is good-looking & talks proper grammar is attractive.
(o)  A guy that is good-looking and uses proper grammar is attractive.
(o)  A guy that is good-looking and speaks properly is attractive.

The point is that her use of "talks proper grammar" is incorrect.  First, the verb "talk" is not used with the noun/direct object "grammar."  Most commonly, "use" is the verb that natives use.  Second, there is another possibility, and it is also wrong.  She may be describing the way in which grammar is used, i.e. she is trying to describe a verb.  Describing a verb requires an...adverb.  "Proper" cannot be the correct word here.  "Properly" would be used.  Either of the two alternatives above would be correct.

Slang of the Day #13:  "You cannot make this stuff up" means this something is so strange/funny/wierd, it must be true.

The fact that the author of this tweet is describing a man who she would find attractive, and the very characteristic she herself doesn't possess that same characteristic, makes the message seem either sad, or funny, or both.  When a message or story or set of facts is ironic to this extent, you can use the phrase  "You cannot make this stuff up." 
There are other ways of saying the same thing.  My favorite:
(o)  Truth is stranger than fiction.

It is a phrase to describe something so odd that it has to have occurred, or has been truthfully told.  In this tweet's case, it is either very funny, or very sad, that the author is looking for a man that speaks properly, and that would make the man attractive.  Does this mean that the author, since she doesn't use grammar properly, is not attractive?  While I have no comment on that, it is strange indeed that she made that comment while making an error in grammar:  you cannot make this stuff up.

영어 Slang of the Day #12: There is "no love lost" between them. Huh?

"No love lost" is another way of saying that there exists long-standing animosity

When two people, or groups of people, have many, long-standing reasons for disliking one another, then you can say that there is no love lost between them.  The phrase is frequently used when describing a rivalry of some sort, for example between two sports teams, who have played against each other in many important games/matches.

Examples:
1.  There is no love lost between New York Yankees fans and Boston Red Sox fans.
2.  Jill and Mindy are again competing for the top prize;  there is no love lost between them after Jill insulted Mindy the last time.

Notes:
There is a nuance to the phrase "no love lost."  In addition to the competitive aspect, there is also an emotional aspect to the rivalry between the two people/groups.  In other words, if the two people are merely competing against each other in a game during a tournament, then that does not necessarily mean that there is "no love lost."  However, if there is some special reason that both teams want to win due to prior events, then you can use the phrase "no love lost."

The phrase "no love lost" is slang, and would be considered unprofessional in a business setting, and too casual for use in an academic setting.

영어 Slang of the Day #11: Q: 너 죽을래? A: "Bring it."

Use the phrase "bring it" when you are not backing down from a challenge

When you are being challenged by a person, or in an argument, many times the opposing person may attempt to intimidate you by using a personal or physical challenge.  Sometimes, you may want to retreat.  Sometimes, you may not want to retreat, but show to the other person that you have no intent of backing down.  When you have no intent of backing down, you can use the phrase "bring it."

Simple examples.
A.  I am going to crush you this time (at paduk).
B.  Bring it.

A.  I am going to show everyone that I am prettier than you.
B.  Bring it.

Notes:
It is uncertain, but bring it most likely is short for "bring it on," and so instead of "bring it on," you get "bring it."  This is common, in that the origination of slang can be unknown, but the meaning is not in question.

Other, related phrases exist, such as "bring my A game," which means bring your best abilities forward.  A quick example would be "Chul-ho is a good golfer, so I better bring my A game if I want to win." 

"Bring it" is a very diverse phrase.  For example, in both examples above, you can use the phrase "bring it."  A similar phrase is "hit me with with your best shot."  It has a very similar meaning.  However, it doesn't really fit the second example above.  "Bring it" can be used in both situations.  Since The Lost Seoul wants native Korean speakers to discard unnecessary vocabulary, there is no need to remember "him me with your best shot," and instead, use "bring it."

Given that it is slang, "bring it" should not be used in a professional setting.  It can be used with friends when you are playing or joking.  Using this phrase in a real, confrontational situation can create real animosity.  So be careful.

영어 Slang of the Day #10: We need to have a "level playing field." I agree!

The concept of "level playing field" is not difficult, and useful.
 A "level playing field" exists when there is a competition, or comparison, that is fair, without an undue advantage in some aspect.  As a result, you can use the phrase "level playing field" to describe a fair situation.

(o)  There are now three players on each team.  We have a level playing field.  
(o)  The new team leader is a woman.  Maybe now we women will have a more level playing field. 
(o)  Let's use English when conducting business with the Chinese, in order to level the playing field.

Notes:
You can use both a "level playing field," and "to level the playing field."  However, the grammar of the two phrases is different.
In the first example, a "level playing field" is a noun, which describes a fair situation.
In the third example, "to level the playing field" is a verb + direct object.  This is used when you actually do something that results in a more fair situation.

영어 Slang of the Day #9: "Don't get me started." Indeed.

If you have a strong opinion about something, and someone asks you about it, you may respond by using the phrase, "don't get me started."  The reason that you would say "don't get me started" is because if you started, then the full explanation could take a very long time, because you have many, many reasons.

Frequently, this situation occurs when a person unintentionally introduces a new topic.  The listener may have a very strong opinion on that topic, but the original speaker may not have known that this was the case.

Example.
Jae Ho:  Sometimes, I think that Korean society can be unfair.
Young-Ah:  Don't get me started.  I am a woman that works in a chaebol.

In the above example, Jae Ho has introduced the topic of Korean society being unfair.  Young-Ah, a woman, has a very strong opinion on the topic, and if she fully explained herself, it would take a very long time, because she has many reasons.  So, she said "don't get me started."

Note:  this language is very casual.  It is usually used among people that you know quite well.  Therefore, it is not appropriate in formal speaking or writing.

영어 Slang of the Day #8: It is "The elephant in the room." Huh?

When you are trying to describe something which is the most important factor but that factor is being openly avoided by the parties involved, then you can call it "the elephant in the room." 

As you can see in the image above, the elephant is obvious to the man and the woman.  Despite the fact that both of them know that the elephant is there, they are ignoring it.  The obvious fact?  There is an elephant in the room.

There can be many reasons that there is an "elephant in the room."  For example, the important fact may be difficult to discuss.  In the picture above, the man and woman may be avoiding the most important topic.

Example:
Man:  "I think that we need a new carpet.  That will make the room seem nicer."
Woman:  "I think the curtains are too old.  We bought them twenty years ago."

In the dialogue above, the man and the woman are not discussing the fact that the two people think the room would be better if there was not an elephant sitting on the sofa.  Both the man and the woman may be thinking the same thing, but are unwilling to say that to each other.  The fact that there is a large zoo animal on the living couch is the "elephant in the room."

영어 Slang of the Day #7: "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth." Good idea.

"Don't look a gift horse in the mouth" is a phrase that is used when talking about someone/people that look for the negative when he/she/they receive an unexpected positive.

To the people that normally over-examine the motivation of the person/party that is providing the surprise, or to the people that look for the flaws when receiving an unexpected surprise, you can say "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth."  The analogy is that the receiver, who has received a horse as a present, starts examining the small details, like the condition of the horse's gums and teeth, instead of being grateful for receiving the horse in the first place.

When something good occurs, and you did not expect it, then you may wonder why this has happened, or suspect that there was something wrong in some way.  If you receive a present from someone, you may suspect that the person who gave you the present has a sinister motive.

In addition, you could have been lucky, and due to circumstance, you may have been in the right place at the right time.  That may have resulted in good fortune for you, or your company.  Again, "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth" may be used.  Japan is having difficulty, and the Korean economy is benefiting.  Perhaps, Korea shouldn't look a "gift horse in the mouth."

So this holiday season, if you receive an unexpected present, then The Lost Seoul advises that you not look for ulterior motives. "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth." 

Merry Christmas...or is it Happy Christmas?

영어 Slang of the Day #6: Merry Chirstmas or Happy Christmas? Which one is right?

Both "Merry Christmas" and "Happy Christmas" are used.

In the United States, "Merry Christmas" is common, but in England, "Happy Christmas" is by far the dominant phrase.  Why is this the case?  The reason is that in England, the word "merry" implies being drunk on alcohol (술에 취해있다).  Therefore, if you say "Merry Christmas" in England, then you are basically wishing someone a...Drunken Christmas.

Merry Christmas to all, or maybe I should say Happy Christmas....  (if you are legally allowed to drink alcohol, that is).

영어 Slang of the Day #5: "Bigger fish to fry" is a VERY useful phrase

When there are more important matters to consider, then you can use the phrase "Bigger fish to fry."

The phrase "Bigger fish to fry" is one of the most useful, most simple to use, and most easily understood slang phrases in English.  When there is something that is more important, but when time is being used to think, discuss, or debate other less important matters, you can use the phrase "bigger fish to fry."

The analogy being used is to the preparation of the fish for eating.  When you fry fish, there may be many fish, and not just one.  When there are many fish, and you are frying the small ones, without frying the largest one, then you may be using your time unwisely by focusing your attention on the small fish. 

For example,
A.  "I think that we should use the steel chopsticks, not the wood ones."
B.  "We have bigger fish to fry.  We don't even know where we are serving."

Notes:
The phrase "bigger fish to fry" is slang and would not be appropriate in formal settings.

Subtle point:
The meaning of "bigger fish to fry" is quite simple.  However, it must be understood that this is very casual language, and that it may contain a very subtle insult.  The implication of the phrase is that someone else is using time and/or attention incorrectly.  In the example above, person B is subtly criticizing person A.  Person B is gently telling Person A that he is wasting time.

Another example:
A.  "Let's focus on this.  We have bigger fish to fry."
B.  "Are you saying that I have been wasting our time?"
A.  "Well, yes." 

If you are not close to the listener, then you can see that the listener can misunderstand the speaker.  For that reason, the phrase "we have bigger fish to fry" should be used carefully.

영어 Slang of the Day #4: What is a "Monday Morning Quarterback"

In the U.S., American football is, by far, the dominant sport
Perhaps the fact that Samsung is the official TV of the National Football League (NFL) may the largest single signal of Korea's economic advancement to the world.  The quarterback is the most important position on a football team.  On sports channels, like ESPN, the decisions that the quarterback makes are scrutinized from every angle.  The actual games traditionally occur on Sunday (일요일).  The analysis traditionally occurs on Mondays.

From that background, you can understand what "Monday morning quarterback" means.  It means that people, with the benefit of hindsight, freely criticize decisions, without actually being there at the time.  The term "Monday morning quarterback" is used to describe those people who may or may not have the expertise to criticize, but do so anyway.  You can use the phrase for any topic, not only American football.

Examples:
(o)  That analyst is just being a Monday morning quarterback.  He has never even played golf, and that putt was more difficult than it seemed.
(o)  It is easy for you to say:  you are a Monday morning quarterback.  Everyone is an expert after the result is known.

Notes:
This phrase is usually not used in writing.  It is quite informal.
You can say "Monday morning quarterbacking" as a noun, but it is not strictly correct.  For example, you can say "There is a lot of Monday morning quarterbacking going on in the newspapers this morning after last night's incident."  However, "quarterbacking" isn't really a noun that is widely used in any other ways.

영어 Slang of the Day #3: "Take a pill." 약 먹아야 되? 아니....

영어 Slang of the Day #3: "Take a pill."  약 먹아야 되?  아니....

This phrase means "you need to calm down" when there is some type of misunderstanding, or when the other person is overreacting to a situation.  For example, if you say something, and the other person reacts violently, when your comment wasn't serious, then "Take a pill" can be used.  You can also say "Take a chill pill."

Here are a few examples.
A.  I cannot believe that you just said that!  I am so angry right now!
B.  (o)  Calm down, you need to take a pill.
B.  (o)  Take a chill pill.
B.  (o)  You have misunderstood me.  Take a pill, man.

Given that this is slang, it is not appropriate for use in a business setting. 

영어 Slang of the Day #2: He has "a puncher's chance." What?

영어 Slang of the Day #2:  He has "a puncher's chance."  What?

A "puncher's chance" means that a person (or group), while not probably successful, still has the opportunity to be successful, albeit a slim one.  Perhaps this is best illustrated through example.

(o)  Korea has a puncher's chance against Brazil in football.
This means that while Korea is not likely to defeat Brazil in football (soccer), Korea could still win by taking large risks.

The idea of a "puncher" refers to boxing.  In boxing, a person could swing wildly, and even if less skilled than his opponent, he could still win if he were to hit his opponent with a single, stunning blow to the head.  Thus, the slang term of a "puncher's chance" exists.

Final note:  the correct article used before "puncher's chance" is the word "a."  The word "the" is incorrect.  The correct of use of articles is particularly challenging for native Korean speakers and requires a great deal additional studying.

화이팅!  Pun intended.

영어 Slang of the Day #1: What is an "Ugly American?"

영어 Slang of the Day #1:  What is an "Ugly American?"

The term "ugly American" is meant as an insult.  It is used by Americans and non-Americans alike.  It refers to something that points out that Americans are ignorant regarding the rest of the world.  Some of that may be because Americans are poorly educated, and some of that may be because Americans believe that the U.S. is the only important nation in the world, and is disrespectful of other nations, their habits and their customs. 

Thanks to YouTube, you can easily find examples.
Poorly-educated ugly American:  This is one of YouTube's most famous videos.  It has been watched more than 47,000,000 times!  This is from a Miss Teen USA beauty pageant, and the contestant, Miss South Carolina, barely makes any sense as she used incorrect facts along with incorrect grammar the entire time.

Sarah Palin.   The ex-governor of Alaska, and former vice presidential candidate, has mistakenly referred to North Korea as a U.S. ally.  Now, I would like to make a few excuses on her behalf, but it is difficult.  This occurred a few days ago, during an interview about the most recent military clash.

While it is true that the term "ugly American" may be overdone, there are reasons that the term exists, and thanks to the internet, there is evidence regarding why the term exists for all to see.  Now, remember that there are approximately 310,000,000 people in the U.S., so to choose a couple examples may be a bit unfair.