The myESLQs's Podcast: Recent Episodes
myeslqs
ESLQs is a new podcast about learning English as a second language. Whether you’re just starting to learn English or you’re a very high-level speaker, or even a teacher, we’ve got something for you! Stay tuned for more English language learning!
Hi, I'm Teresa and today I'm going to share an expression I like with you. Today’s animal expression is take someone under one’s wing. It means help, teach, or take care of someone who is younger or more inexperienced than you.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
Hi, I'm Teresa and today I'm going to share an expression I like with you. Today’s animal expression is hold your horses. This expression means wait or even stop and wait.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
n this episode Teresa discusses a joke with Elin.
The joke is:
“If you haven’t tried blindfolded archery, you don’t know what you’re missing.”
This episode was recorded June 9, 2021.
Hi, I'm Teresa and today I'm going to share an expression I like with you. Today’s animal expression is ruffle someone’s feathers. It means cause someone to become annoyed or upset.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
In this episode Teresa discusses a couple of jokes with Elin.
The first joke is:
“I accidentally swallowed a lot of scrabble tiles. My next trip to the bathroom could spell disaster!”
The second joke is:
“My friend writes songs about sewing machines. He’s a Singer songwriter or sew it seams.”
This episode was recorded June 2, 2021.
Hi, I'm Teresa and today I'm going to share an expression I like with you. Today’s animal expression is kill two birds with one stone, but we often shorten it to two birds one bird. It means to achieve two goals with one action.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
n this episode Teresa discusses a joke with Elin.
“What do you call someone with a sweet tooth who can’t stick to a diet?
A desserter!”
This episode was recorded May 17, 2021.
Hi, I'm Teresa and today I'm going to share an expression I like with you. Today’s animal expression is the early bird gets the worm, which is also a proverb and can be shortened to just early bird. It means being first or doing something really improves your chances of success.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
In this episode Teresa discusses a joke with Elin.
The joke is:
“I was going to tell a time traveling joke, but you guys didn’t like it.”
This episode was recorded May 31, 2021.
Hi, I'm Teresa and today I'm going to share an expression I like with you. Today’s animal expression is crow. Like ape, we use this word as a verb. It means to brag probably loudly.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
In this episode Teresa discusses a joke and a comic strip with Elin.
The joke is:
“Sometimes I use big words that I don’t really understand to sound more photosynthesis.”
The comic strip is a Calvin and Hobbes strip where Calvin and Hobbes talk.
“Calvin: I’m a misunderstood genius.
Hobbes: What’s misunderstood about you?
Calvin: Nobody thinks I’m a genius.”
This episode was recorded May 26, 2021.
Hi, I'm Teresa and today I'm going to share an expression I like with you. Today’s animal expression is birds of a feather flock together. This is actually a proverb but it often gets shortened to just birds of a feather. It means that people or any creature will naturally want to be with people or creatures that share interests with them.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
In this episode Teresa discusses a joke with Elin.
“Everyone knows that inside a fire hydrant is H2O, but do you know what is on the outside?
K9P.”
This episode was recorded May 24, 2021.
Hi, I'm Teresa and today I'm going to share an expression I like with you. Today’s animal expression is make a beeline for. It means go quickly and directly to (something or someone).
Remember, share your attempts to use make a beeline with us! You can share them with us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
n this episode Teresa discusses two jokes with Elin.
The first one is:
“Where did the Terminator find toilet paper?
Aisle B, back.”
The second one is:
“You can turn a regular sofa into a sofa bed by simply forgetting your wife’s birthday.”
This episode was recorded May 19, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the animal expression eager beaver. This animal expression means an enthusiastic person who works very hard.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
n this episode Teresa discusses a couple of valentine’s related puns or jokes with Elin.
The first one is a picture of three otters, one of which is holding a sign that reads:
“You otter be my valentide.”
The second one is:
“I hate Russian dolls. They are so full of themselves.”
The third one is:
“A: I hate Russian dolls. They are so full of themselves.
B: Is this an inside joke?
C: Russian dolls. Look them up if you don’t get it.
D: Pun! Look it up if you don’t get it.”
Teresa and Elin also talk about the difference between literal and figurative meanings. This is important when trying to understand English language jokes.
This episode was recorded February 15, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the animal expression ape. This animal expression means copy or imitate.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
In this episode Elin explains two jokes to Teresa!!!
The first one is:
“If any one of you knows how to fix broken hinges, my door is always open.”
The second one is:
“My son screeched, ‘Dad! Are you even listening to me?’ What an odd way to begin a conversation.”
This episode was recorded May 12, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the expression bigwigs. This idiom is of the type rhymes with words that have meaning. It means very important people, especially in a company or organization. This expression comes from history, when people of power in Europe wore wigs. They often tried to have more amazing wigs than other people's wigs and so they got bigger and bigger!
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on May 26, 2021.
In this episode Elin explains two jokes to Teresa!!!
The first one is:
“My girlfriend complained that I never buy her flowers. I never knew she sold flowers.”
The second one is:
“My wife: You need to do more chores around the house.
Me: Can we change the subject?
My wife: Okay. More chores around the house need to be done by you.”
This episode was recorded May 10, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the expression on the up-and-up. This idiom is of the straight-up repeated type. It means very honest or legal.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on May 26, 2021.
In this episode Teresa discusses a couple of jokes with Elin.
1.
“Q: What do you call Santa Claus when he doesn’t move?
A: Santa Pause.” 2.
“Q: What is a Christmas tree’s favorite candy?
A: Orna-mints!”
3.
“Q: What do you call a greedy elf?
A: Elfish!”
This episode was recorded December 21, 2020.
Today Teresa talks about the expression nitty gritty. This idiom is of the type rhymes with words that have no meaning. It nitty gritty means getting into the details or the most important aspects or practical details of a subject or situation.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on May 26, 2021.
In this episode Teresa discusses a joke with Elin.
“Q: What’s the difference between Santa and a knight?
A: One slays a dragon and the other drags a sleigh.”
This episode was recorded December 16, 2020.
Today Teresa talks about the expression slo-mo. This idiom is of the type rhymes with words that have meaning. It describes a type of film playback. The word slow is pretty easy, and mo isn't too bad if you understand it is the shortened form of motion. So slo-mo is film that has been slowed down so you can see each movement or all of the motion very easily. We also use this idiom for non-film situations.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on May 26, 2021.
n this episode Teresa discusses a joke with Elin.
“Q: What does Santa give to naughty children?
A: Batteries with a note saying ‘Toy Not Included’.”
This episode was recorded December 14, 2020.
Today Teresa talks about the expression win-win. This idiom is of the straight-up repeated type. It is used to describe a situation that benefits two people or two groups of people. I think you can hear the word win in there, so the repetition of good in this way win-win shows that it's good for one side- they win and it's good for the other side- they win. It's a win-win.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on May 26, 2021.
In this episode Elin explains two jokes to Teresa!!!
The first one is:
“Man injured in bizarre peek-a-boo accident. He’s in ICU.”
The second one is:
“Due to the quarantine, I will only do inside jokes.”
This episode was recorded May 3, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the expression willy nilly. This idiom is of the type rhymes with words that have no meaning. It means done without a lot of thought or planning. In this case, neither willy nor nilly really have any meaning.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on May 26, 2021.
In this episode Elin explains a joke to Teresa!!!
“The Black Eyed Peas can sing us a tune, but the chickpeas can only hummus one.”
This episode was recorded April 26, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the expression hustle and bustle. This idiom is of the type rhymes with words that have meaning. Hustle means to move or work quickly and bustle is a lot of activity, so you can see that when you combine these two words you get an expression that is about a lot of movement and activity.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on May 26, 2021.
In this episode Elin explains a couple of jokes to Teresa!!!
The first one is:
“My friend David had his ID stolen. Now he’s just Dav.”
The second one is:
“Someone threw a jar of mayo at me and I was like, ‘What the Hellman!’”
This episode was recorded April 21, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the expression a no-no. This idiom is of the straight-up repeated type. It is used to indicate that something is not okay to do or is a mistake.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on May 26, 2021.
In this episode Elin explains a joke to Teresa!!!
“I went to Noah’s and said I’d like to buy a bagel with cream cheese. The kid behind the counter said we only take cash or credit.”
This episode was recorded April 19, 2021.
It's Thanksgiving and Teresa and Patricia cook one of Teresa's favorite Thanksgiving recipes over Zoom!!
Check out the blog for the recipe and a couple of Thanksgiving pictures! And if you cook with friends over zoom or have a favorite Thanksgiving memory, please share them with us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page!
And if you like the podcast, please tell a friend! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on November 8, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the expression mishmash. This idiom is of the type rhymes with words that have no meaning. It means a confused mixture, a hodge-podge of things.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on May 18, 2021.
In this episode Elin explains a joke to Teresa!!!
“Have you heard of corduroy pillowcases?
They’re making headlines!”
This episode was recorded April 14, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the expression doom and gloom. This idiom is of the type rhymes with words that have meaning. This expression is used to convey a general feeling of pessimism or despondency. Gloom is when a place is very dark and hard to see but in a sad or depressing way. Doom is a terrible fate like death. So when you combine these it's very not positive.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on May 18, 2021.
In this episode Elin explains a joke to Teresa!!!
“Just spent $300 on renting a limousine and discovered the fee doesn’t include a driver. Can’t believe I spent all that money and have nothing to chauffer it!”
This episode was recorded April 12, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the expression frou-frou. This idiom is of the straight-up repeated type. It is used to describe things as showy or dressy with lots of details. This expression is often used when someone doesn’t like a particular thing.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on May 26, 2021.
In this episode Elin explains a joke to Teresa!!!
“What do you call two octopuses that look exactly the same?
Itenticle!”
This episode was recorded April 7, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the expression itty-bitty. This idiom is of the type rhymes with words that have no meaning. It means tiny, extremely small, very little. You know the word bit, well, this comes from the word bit.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on May 18, 2021.
In this episode Elin explains a joke to Teresa!!!
“Ghosts like to ride in elevators because it lifts their spirits.”
This episode was recorded April 5, 2021.
In this episode Elin explains a joke to Teresa!!!
“Ghosts like to ride in elevators because it lifts their spirits.”
This episode was recorded April 5, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the expression wheel and deal. This idiom is of the type rhymes with words that have meaning. It means engage in commercial or political scheming, especially in an unscrupulous or unethical way. You might also hear this as wheeler and dealer which means a person who engages in commercial or political scheming.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on May 18, 2021.
In this episode Teresa discusses a joke with Elin.
“I hate it when you offer someone a sincere compliment about their mustache and suddenly she isn’t your friend anymore.”
This episode was recorded March 29, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the expression same old same old. This idiom is of the straight-up repeated type, but it's a little different because it's a two-word expression that gets repeated instead of a single word getting repeated. It is used to talk about a situation that hasn't changed, perhaps boring or uninteresting.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on May 18, 2021.
n this episode Teresa discusses a joke with Elin.
“Why shouldn’t you iron a four-leaf clover? You don’t want to press your luck.”
This episode was recorded March 17, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the expression humdrum This idiom is of the type rhymes with words that have no meaning. It means boring, lacking excitement or variety; dull; monotonous.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on May 18, 2021.
In this episode Teresa discusses a joke with Elin.
“Catholic Meeting Today
Five minutes in Colin realized he had misread the sign.”
This episode was recorded March 8, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the expression wear and tear. This idiom is of the type rhymes with words that have meaning. Wear has the meaning of being used and tear has the meaning of damage, so when you put them together, wear and tear, means the damage that happens to an object in ordinary use during a period of time.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on May 18, 2021.
In this episode Teresa discusses a joke with Elin.
“Wait! Albert Einstein was real? I thought he was a theoretical physicist.”
This episode was recorded March 3, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the expression pooh-pooh. This idiom is of the straight-up repeated type. It is used to dismiss an idea or suggestion as being foolish or impractical. A long, long time ago it was really common for people to say, "Oh, pooh!" as a way to express disappointment. Now you can when it is repeated it is a way of saying you don't think something is good. A course pooh is also another way to say poop so you might think that's what they're say but it doesn't feel that strong to me.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on May 18, 2021.
In this episode Teresa discusses a joke with Elin.
“Yesterday I saw a guy spill all his Scrabble letters on the road. I asked him what’s the word on the street.”
This episode was recorded March 3, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the expression handy dandy. This idiom is of the type rhymes with words that have no meaning. I love today's expression. It's one I use a lot. It means convenient and useful. In this case handy by itself means convenient and useful so the repeating of the sound in the word dandy just makes it stronger.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on May 18, 2021.
In this episode Teresa discusses a joke with Elin.
“Why are frogs always happy? Because they eat what bugs them.”
This episode was recorded March 1, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the expression meet-and-greet. This idiom is of the type rhymes with words that have meaning. A meet-and-greet is an organized event during which a celebrity, politician, or other well-known figure meets and talks to the public. Although sometimes we use meet-and-greet to talk about an organized event where you meet someone important but not a famous person. Meet is a word I am sure you're familiar with but you might not be as familiar with the word greet. Maybe you've heard the word greeting. A greeting is something you say to someone when you first see them. A good example of this is hello. So if I see you and I say hello, I greeted you.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on May 18, 2021.
In this episode Teresa discusses a couple of jokes with Elin.
The first joke is:
“I asked the librarian if books about paranoia were available. She looked up and whispered, ‘They’re right behind you.’”
The second joke is:
“First picture taken by the Perseverance Rover.”
You can click this link to see the picture.
This episode was recorded February 17, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the expression hush-hush. This idiom is of the straight-up repeated type. I love this expression. It means confidential, very secret. It's useful to know that the word hush by itself means be quiet, so when you say be quiet twice it has this meaning of secret or confidential. So let's look at a couple of examples. The first one is "My wife works for the government and her work is very hush-hush. Even I don't know what she actually does." In this case the work is secret and can't be revealed even to a spouse. This could be because the work is dangerous or would give one country or business an advantage over others.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on May 18, 2021.
In this episode Teresa discusses a couple of jokes with Elin.
The first one is a Far Side comic strip. Listen for Elin’s description. You can also see a picture here!
“Early vegetarians returning from the kill.”
The second one is:
“People say icy is the easiest word to spell. I see why.”
This episode was recorded February 8, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the expression dillydally. This idiom is of the type rhymes with words that have no meaning. I love the sound of dillydally and like to say it just because of the sound! It means waste time by loitering or delaying, which is another way to say dawdle, which also might be a new word for you but I like it too!
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on May 18, 2021.
In this episode Teresa discusses a joke with Elin.
“Q: How do you tell if a vampire is sick?
A: By how much he’s coffin!”
This episode was recorded February 4, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the expression flip-flop. This idiom is of the type rhymes with words that have meaning. It is flip flop, which actually has a couple of meanings but the meaning I'll talk about today is completely change one's mind, make an abrupt reversal of policy.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on May 18, 2021.
In this episode Teresa teaches Elin about Knock Knock jokes.
In America knock knock jokes are very popular with children. They have a formula to follow. Here is the formula:
A: Knock, knock!
B: Who’s there?
A: (…)
B: (repeats A) + who?
A: (punchline)
This episode was recorded February 4, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the expression goody-goody. This idiom is of the straight-up repeated type. It is used to describe a person who behaves extremely well in order to please a superior, a toady or lackey, a person who tries to please someone in order to gain a personal advantage. I think you can hear the word good in there, so the repetition of good in this way goody-goody is really make it seem like the person is too good.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on May 18, 2021.
n this episode Teresa and Elin do two jokes. The first joke is a knock knock joke.
In America knock knockjokes are very popular with children. They have a formula to follow. Here is the formula:
A: Knock, knock!
B: Who’s there?
A: (…)
B: (repeats A) + who?
A: (punchline)
The second joke is a sign that reads:
Today’s Work from Home Tip:
Blowing in the wine on the mug will help convince your Zoom meeting that your tea is hot.
This episode was recorded February 2, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the expression chitchat. Chitchat can be both a noun or a verb though it's more commonly a noun and it means an inconsequential conversation or small talk. Let's look at a couple of examples.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on May 18, 2021.
In this episode Teresa and Elin do two jokes. The first joke is a knock knock joke.
In America knock knockjokes are very popular with children. They have a formula to follow. Here is the formula:
A: Knock, knock!
B: Who’s there?
A: (…)
B: (repeats A) + who?
The second joke is a sign that reads:
Due to Covid-19 Sweet Caroline is banned. There will be no hands touching hands, reaching out, touching me, touching you.
This episode was recorded January 27, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the expression fair and square. This idiom is of the type rhymes with words that have meaning. Fair and square means done honestly and straightforwardly. This is often something when people are playing games.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on May 18, 2021.
In this episode Teresa teaches Elin about Knock Knock jokes.
In America knock knockjokes are very popular with children. They have a formula to follow. Here is the formula:
A: Knock, knock!
B: Who’s there?
A: (…)
B: (repeats A) + who?
A: (punchline)
This episode was recorded January 25, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the expression buddy-buddy. Buddy-buddy means very friendly and might even be too friendly. Buddy by itself means friend so you can see that this idiom is an adjective meaning friendly.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on May 18, 2021.
In this episode Teresa and Elin do two jokes.
The first joke is:
There are plenty of appropriate terms for a president like Trump. A second term is not one of them, thankfully.
The second joke is a knock knock joke, which follows a formula. Here is the formula:
A: Knock, knock!
B: Who’s there?
A: (…)
B: (repeats A) + who?
A: (punchline)
This episode was recorded January 20, 2021.
Today Teresa introduces a theme to the New Word Monday segment. This season idioms with repetition.
An idiom a group of words that is difficult to understand by the words alone. Native speakers of English love idioms and rhymes. So we lots of idioms and expressions that rhyme. Expressions like easy peasy, super duper, and okey dokey? So fasten your seatbelts because we're gonna get serious with idioms with repetition this season!
If you like the show, please share it with a friend and subscribe to the show. And remember, we'd love to hear from you! You can contact us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on May 18, 2021.
In this episode Teresa teaches Elin about Knock Knock jokes.
In America knock knock jokes are very popular with children. They have a formula to follow. Here is the formula:
A: Knock, knock!
B: Who’s there?
A: (…)
B: (repeats A) + who?
A: (punchline)
This episode was recorded January 18, 2021.
In this episode Teresa teaches Elin about Knock Knock jokes.
In America knock knock jokes are very popular with children. They have a formula to follow. Here is the formula:
A: Knock, knock!
B: Who’s there?
A: (…)
B: (repeats A) + who?
A: (punchline)
This episode was recorded January 13, 2021.
In this episode Teresa teaches Elin about Knock Knock jokes.
In America knock knock jokes are very popular with children. They have a formula to follow. Here is the formula:
A: Knock, knock!
B: Who’s there?
A: (…)
B: (repeats A) + who?
A: (punchline)
This episode was recorded January 6, 2021 before Teresa had learned about Donald Trump inciting sedition in the form of storming the Capitol.
In this episode Teresa teaches Elin about Knock Knock jokes.
In America knock knock jokes are very popular with children. They have a formula to follow. Here is the formula:
A: Knock, knock!
B: Who’s there?
A: (…)
B: (repeats A) + who?
A: (punchline)
This episode was recorded January 4, 2021.
In this episode Teresa teaches Elin about Knock Knock jokes.
In America knock knock jokes are very popular with children. They have a formula to follow. Here is the formula:
A: Knock, knock!
B: Who’s there?
A: (…)
B: (repeats A) + who?
A: (punchline)
This episode was recorded December 30, 2020.
In this episode Teresa teaches Elin about Knock Knock jokes.
In America knock knock jokes are very popular with children. They have a formula to follow. Here is the formula:
A: Knock, knock!
B: Who’s there?
A: (…)
B: (repeats A) + who?
A: (punchline)
This episode was recorded December 23, 2020
In this episode Teresa discusses a cartoon with Elin.
Here is a link to the cartoon Teresa and Elin discuss in this episode.
This episode was recorded March 1, 2021.
n this episode Teresa discusses a joke with Elin.
“We can have gatherings of up to eight people without issues. I don’t even know eight people without issues.”
This episode was recorded March 10, 2021.
In this episode Teresa discusses a joke with Elin.
“I won’t vaccinate my kids. I’ll leave that to a professional.”
This episode was recorded March 3, 2021.
In this final episode of season 2 Teresa and Patricia talk about the pandemic one year later and especially about vaccines in the US.
The three vaccines that are available in the US are:
Pfizer
Moderna
Johnson and Johnson (Janssen) which was put on pause at the time of the recording.
The Astrazeneca vaccine is not available in the US at this time.
This episode was recorded on April 13, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the word reckon.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend. Remember, share your attempts to use reckon with us! You can share them with us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on March 31, 2021.
In this episode Teresa discusses a joke with Elin.
“Why are Christmas trees so bad at sewing? Because they always drop their needles.”
This episode was recorded December 9, 2020.
In this episode Patricia and Teresa discuss the future of standardized testing in the US. In particular Teresa and Patricia talk about how the pandemic has impacted the use of standardized testing. They talk specifically about the SAT, ACT, and the TOEFL. They talk about how they view testing and education and some of the ways that standardized testing has been used in the US.
This episode was recorded April 5, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the word fast. The word fast has many meanings and in this episode Teresa talks about the meaning of tight, firmly fixed, or stuck.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend. Remember, share your attempts to use fast with us! You can share them with us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on March 31, 2021.
In this episode Teresa discusses a joke with Elin.
“What does Santa use when he goes fishing? His North Pole!”
This episode was recorded December 7, 2020.
In this episode Patricia and Teresa make small talk. Small talk is a normal and even crucial part of everyday life and yet it can be very difficult to do in a second language. In this episode you can hear small talk centered around an important part of Davis culture- the Farmer’s Market.
This episode was recorded March 23, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the expression stand for.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend. Remember, share your attempts to use stand for with us! You can share them with us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on March 31, 2021.
In this episode Teresa discusses a joke with Elin.
“Just came home to find all my doors and windows open. Everything’s gone. Who would do that to another person’s Advent calendar?”
This joke is really hard and so we end up talking about different elements of jokes and why they are hard in a second language.
This episode was recorded December 2, 2020.
In this episode Teresa talks about how to lead your classmates in a discussion in English. She gives you steps and suggestions how on to talk about a challenging topic in English. She starts with picking an article to read and then talks about how to generate discussion questions from that article.
This episode was recorded March 20, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the expression in lieu of which is a synonym for the phrase instead of.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend. Remember, share your attempts to use in lieu of with us! You can share them with us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on March 31, 2021.
In this episode Teresa discusses two jokes with Elin.
- “What did the frog say about the book? Reddit Reddit. And then what did the chicken say? Book! Book! Book! Book!”
- “What is worse than biting an apple and finding a worm? Finding half a worm!”
This episode was recorded November 30, 2020.
In this episode Teresa and Patricia talk about words that can be hard to understand the difference between.
Examples from this episode are:
say vs. tell [say is about the what and tell is about the who]
although vs. in spite of [although + S + V, S + V; in spite of + N S + V]
Note: Tell has some special usages or idiomatic meanings. Tell a lie, tell the truth, tell a secret, tell a story, tell the time, & tell you about the person are correct but not say.
This episode was recorded February 16, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the word said.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend. Remember, share your attempts to use said with us! You can share them with us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on January 5, 2021.
In this episode Teresa discusses some signs at the grocery store and a joke with Elin.
The Signs
- “More Pizza for Less Dough”
- “More Kale for Less Cabbage”
- “More loaves for Less Bread”
The Joke
“Do they allow loud laughing in Hawaii or just a low HA?”
This episode was recorded November 25, 2020.
In this episode Teresa and Patricia talk about words that can be hard to understand the difference between.
Examples from this episode are:
scared vs. scary
died vs. dead
on time vs. in time
Note: The verb die is not used as a passive but it can be used in the progressive form.
This episode was recorded February 16, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the expression save for.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend. Remember, share your attempts to use save for as a verb with us! You can share them with us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on February 3, 2021.
In this episode Teresa discusses two jokes with Elin.
- “What does a 200-pound canary say? Here, kitty-kitty.”
- “My son Luke loves that we named our children after Star Wars characters. My daughter, Chewbacca, not so much.”
This episode was recorded November 23, 2020.
In this episode Teresa and Patricia talk about a student question.
The student received a text that was confusing and wanted some clarification.
Here is the original text:
Half an hour is not enough time, not if you want to converse.
And the student question was:
Can’t you just say: Half an hour is not enough time, if you want to converse.
This episode was recorded February 16, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the verb par for the course.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend. Remember, share your attempts to use par for the course as a verb with us! You can share them with us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on February 3, 2021.
In this episode Teresa shares the following joke with Elin.
“Wife: Did you sit there and watch me fall down with all the laundry. Husband: Yes, I watched it unfold.”
This episode was recorded November 18, 2020.
In this episode Teresa and Patricia talk about clarification. They talk about both informal and formal clarification.
There are some different strategies that are used to ask clarification.
Here’s an example from the episode:
You want me to pass the what? In this example the speaker is establishing what they want clarified.
This episode was recorded February 16, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the verb eye.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend. Remember, share your attempts to use eye as a verb with us! You can share them with us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on January 28, 2021.
In this episode Teresa shares the following joke with Elin.
“What US state is the smartest? Alabama- it has 4 As and 1 B.”
This episode was recorded November 16, 2020.
In this episode Teresa and Patricia talk about eggcorns. If you want to check out the NPR story, click this link!
Here’s the definition of eggcorn:
eggcorn- a word or phrase that results from mishearing or misinterpreting another word or phrase. An element of the original is being substituted for one that sounds very similar or identical.
Here are some examples from the episode:
toe the line (not tow the line)
for all intents and purposes (not for all intensive purposes)
dog eat dog world (not doggie dog world)
speak your peace (not speak your piece)
bid someone adieu (not bid someone ado)
much ado (not much adieu)
happy as a clam (not happy as a clown)
placemats (not platemats)
claustrophobia (not close-a-phobia)
real go-getter (not real goal-getter)
earbuds (not hearbuds)
wanderlust (not wonderlust)
self-esteem (not self of steam)
It takes two to tango (not It takes two to tangle.)
This episode was recorded on February 9, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the expression on the fritz. If you want to check out the NPR article that she got the example of on the fritz from, click this link.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend. Remember, share your attempts to use on the fritz with us! You can share them with us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on December 29, 2020.
In this episode Teresa shares the following joke with Elin.
“I used to be a trusted member of a totally secret cooking society but they kicked me out for spilling the beans.”
This episode was recorded November 4, 2020.
In this episode Teresa and Patricia talk about English names that have other usages. Here is a list of some of the names mentioned in the episode:
mark
jack
peter out
jimmy
jimmies
the john
a John
fanny
Karen
betty
patty
This episode was recorded on February 9, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the expression crystal clear.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend. Remember, share your attempts to use crystal clear with us! You can share them with us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on January 28, 2021.
In this episode Teresa shares the following joke with Elin.
“What do you say to an angry witch? Ribbit.”
This episode was recorded November 2, 2020.
Today Patricia and Teresa talk about books they are reading!
Some books mentioned in this episode are:
Opium and Absinthe by Lydia Kang
Wild Robot by Peter Brown
The White Mirror by Eliza Hart
The Storied Life of AJ Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
This episode was recorded on January 19, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the expression good riddance.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend. Remember, share your attempts to use good riddance with us! You can share them with us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on December 29, 2020.
In this episode Teresa share the following joke with Elin.
“Why did the teddy bear say no to dessert? Because she was stuffed.”
This episode was recorded October 28, 2020.
Today Patricia and Teresa talk differences between American English and British English.
Some words discussed in the episode are:
bonnet
boot
chemist
chemist's
estate agent
football
kit
lift
pavement
phone box
pitch
queue
rubber
solicitor
underground
This episode was recorded on January 19, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the word telltale.
If you like the show, please share it with a friend. Remember, share your attempts to use telltale with us! You can share them with us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on January 16, 2021.
In this episode Teresa share the following joke with Elin.
“What did the pirate say when he turned 80? Aye matey!”
This episode was recorded October 26, 2020.
Today Patricia and Teresa talk differences between American English and British English with regards to food. The inspiration for today’s episode is the TV show The Great British Bake Off, which is a popular British cooking show.
Some words discussed in the episode are:
aubergine
biscuit
candy floss
chips
courgette
crisps
ice lolly
pudding
sweets
tray bakes
treacle
This episode was recorded on January 19, 2021.
Today Teresa talks about the expression you snooze, you lose.
Remember, share your attempts to use you snooze, you lose with us! You can share them with us via email at MyESLQs@gmail.com or on our Facebook page! Until next time, happy learning!
This episode was recorded on December 29, 2020.
In this episode Teresa share the following joke with Elin, which was a difficult one to understand.
“People say they pick their noses. I feel like I was just born with mine.”
Listen for the techniques Elin uses to understand the joke.
What makes the joke hard for her? What makes the joke hard for you?
This episode was recorded October 21, 2020.
In this episode Teresa talks about the suffix -ly and how it can be used to form adjectives and adverbs. She gives some examples of words that use the -ly suffix, and she discusses the rule for forming adjectives and adverbs with the -ly suffix. She also mentions strategies for identifying if a word is an adjective or an adverb.
The rule for forming adjectives with -ly is:
noun + ly = adjective
The rule for forming adverbs with -ly is:
adjective + ly = adverb
This episode was recorded on January 12, 2021.