history of English

You’re Unfriended, Amigo!

Niall O'Donnell 4 Comments

Or perhaps enemigo would be more appropriate!

I’m not an expert in Spanish by any means. But recently I found myself watching a brief clip from Toy Story 3 (I can’t for the life of me remember the context, but it was a YouTube video of some sorts). The clip was from when Buzz Lightyear’s accidentally had his voice (and personality: I have seen Toy Story 3) changed to Spanish. From this very brief clip, and memory of watching the film, I recognised that he was saying Are you a friend or an enemy!? Which was very interesting. Continue reading →

Trump’s Big Letter

Niall O'Donnell 7 Comments

Look at him there. Look at his face. Look at how happy he is to have his big, important letter. The North Koreans really understand him perfectly: give him a really big letter, in a really big envelope, flatter him, make him feel important.

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Bohemian Rhapsody

Niall O'Donnell 3 Comments

Why do we call a free-spirited artistic type a bohemian? Continue reading →

Engrossed

Niall O'Donnell 9 Comments

Maybe you’re engrossed in a good book, or a film, or perhaps simply an interesting conversation.

Whatever it is, it’s something that’s got our full attention.

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Home

Niall O'Donnell 4 Comments

What makes a house a home?

I’m sure you all have very different and interesting answers to that question.

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Try, Try, and Try Again

Niall O'Donnell 8 Comments

I seem to be thinking a lot recently about words that can have two meanings.

Spell. Mind. Cry. Fast. Inclined. And today: try.

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Make Up

Niall O'Donnell 5 Comments

I’ll have to make up some excuse for why I’m late.

They often argue, but they always make up soon afterwards.

Let me just finish putting on my make-up and then we can go.

I’m often impressed by the economy of the English language.

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