Slip of The Tongue

An occasional slip of the tongue ... or a slip of the pen is normal and is quickly forgiven by the person listening or reading... that is ... if they even notice it. Even when they do, most people most of the time will recognize a slip of the tongue or pen for what it is and realize that what you meant to say or write ... is not what you did say or write.

Now hear this:

Ashley: Thank you talaga love.

Jeff: Thank you saan love?

Ashley: For loving me AIRCONDITIONALLY ...

Jeff: Thank you, love ...

Ashley: Para saan?

Jeff: Doon sa sinabi mo.  Ang LAMIG ha!  Coming from you ... very UNCONDITIONALLY generous ang vibes at dating.

Idiom Of The Day

 Let's start using idioms or idiomatic expressions when we write. When idioms are used, it add color and texture to language by creating images that convey meanings beyond those of the individual words that make them up. An idiom can be very colorful and make a 'picture' in our minds. It also shows the writer's familiarity with English. When you want to make your writing sound more conversational, including idioms can give your writing a more relaxed tone.

Idioms allow us to say a lot with few words. Idioms amplify your messages in a way that draws your readers in and helps awaken their senses. It adds dynamism and character to otherwise stale writing. They make your writing less monotonous and your readers will think that you are smart and knowledgeable. All the while ... you only clothe your writing with elaborate idioms to create an impact... saying too much with less. 

To perfect your English, you really need to become confident in using idioms and knowing the difference between breaking a leg and pulling someone's leg. So the idiom of the day is:

IDIOM: Spill the beans

MEANING: It means to disclose and divulge a secret prematurely either accidentally or imprudently ... ruining the surprise. It is like giving away details that are personal in nature usually by a slip.

ORIGIN: Its origin dates back to the ancient Greek process of voting where votes were cast by placing two different colored beans in the vase... one color means a YES vote and the other color a NO vote.  The votes are counted and tallied and if someone had "spilled the beans" ... the election results were revealed or outed.

USING IT IN A SENTENCE: Elaine was livid.  Her younger sister accidentally spilled the beans when she told everybody about the surprise birthday party.

Idioms In Tagalog

One of my friends asked:  "Are there idiom equivalents also  in the Tagalog language?" Of course, there are.  Katulad ng idioms sa English, ginagamit ito para tumingkad ang paglalarawan ng mga bagaybagay at para mapaigting  at matalinhaga ang takbo ng usapin o pagsusulat.

And just like in English ... ang kahulugan ng mga "sawikain or idioms" ay magkaiba sa literal meaning ng mga salita. Sa madaling salita ang mga sawikain don't mean exactly what the individual words in it say. Tandaan natin ... ang figurative meaning ng mga sawikain ... is different from its literal meaning.

Bungang tulog's figurative meaning is panaginip or dreams ... and its literal meaning is the fruit of sleep.

Huwag kang katulad ng kaibigan ko ... noong tinanong ko  kung ano ang figurative meaning ng bungang tulog ... ang sagot ba naman ay muta? Too graphic!