Last Name Origins

Today's episode explores last names, otherwise known as family names or surnames. We'll mix a little bit of history about the origin of names with some rules about capitalization and other issues. 

It's hard to say when last names were first used, but it's easy to group many last names into certain categories. For example, we have last names based on location, based on occupation, and based on the name of our father. 

I don't drive recklessly though.

You've had a lot of car accidents. You're talking with a friend about all of the accidents that you've gotten into. You explain why they happened.

I don't drive recklessly though. I'm just accident-prone.

English Words Originating in Foreign Languages

1. karaoke (Japanese)

Karaoke is when a recording of a popular song plays, and everyday people sing the song by accompanying the lyrics displayed on a screen. From Japanese kara + ōke.

2. pajamas (Hindi)

Pajamas are loose, comfortable clothes worn for sleeping. From Hindi/Urdu pāyjāmā, loose-fitting trousers.

Clichéd English expressions

A cliché (pronounced "clee-shay") is an expression or idea that has been used over and over again. It was once clever, but now it's been used so many times that now it doesn't seem interesting or intelligent any more.

split a dessert

You bought an enormous sandwich for lunch, but you're not very hungry. You ask your classmates if someone would like a half of the sandwich. Does anyone want to split this with me?

Are you seeing anyone?

You're having coffee with a good friend, who you haven't seen in a long time. You want to ask if he has been going on dates or been romantically involved with anyone.  Are you seeing anyone?

Hold on...

Your friend calls you and asks if you want to go to a movie. It's a Tuesday afternoon, and you remember that your friend has an office job. You ask him why he isn't there.

Hold on, aren't you supposed to be at work right now?