“So, are you excited about tomorrow's party? I know that Rahul is really looking forward to it. He is thinking of....”
“That's because Rahul is a party animal. He loves to....”
“Party animal? Does it mean someone who loves going to parties?”
“You could say that! A 'party animal' is someone who loves any social activity where people get together and have fun. This individual makes sure that he is seen and heard at these events.”
“In other words, he is usually loud?”
“That's right! The new club near my house is attracting quite a few party animals.”
“I know. My dad keeps complaining about the noise. I don't think anyone in my family is a party animal. What do you call someone who goes to parties, but spoils the mood of....”
“A person who dampens the enthusiasm of others is sometimes referred to as a 'party pooper'. He is a killjoy.”
“I see. Sailaja is seldom invited to parties because she is seen as a party pooper.”
“I don't enjoy parties very much, but I'm no party pooper.”
“That you're not. I'm going to the mall. Do you want to come along?”
“To the mall? At this time of day? What a birdbrained idea!”
“Birdbrained idea? I've never come across that expression before.”
“The expression is mostly used in informal contexts. When you call someone a 'birdbrain', you are suggesting that he is rather stupid or silly. He's scatter brained.”
“How about this example? Harini asked the class birdbrain for advice.”
“I guess that makes her a birdbrain as well! Not surprising, though. Considering the fact she's the daughter of a man who is well-known for his birdbrained schemes.”
“But don't forget. One of his so called 'birdbrained schemes' made him extremely rich.”
“That's true. He's rolling in money now. So, why do you want to go to the mall? It'll be a mad rush there. People will be running....”
“I know it'll be very crowded. But I need to go. I have to buy a full-hand shirt.”
“A full-hand shirt is an .....”
“Yes, a full-hand shirt. You know a shirt where the sleeves reach your wrist. You are....”
“I know what you mean. But what I was trying to say is that the expression 'full-hand shirt' is used mostly in India. Native speakers of English do not use it.”
“Then what do native speakers say?”
“They usually refer to it as 'long sleeved shirt'. My cousin Ganesh wears only long sleeved shirts.”
“My father is not particularly fond of long-sleeved shirts. He prefers the short sleeved ones. So, are you coming to the mall or not?”
“Sorry, no. But could you pick up a pair of white socks for me? I'll give you the money.”
“No need for it right now. I have a new credit card. So, I plan to pay for everything by credit card.”
“I thought you were against credit cards. You kept saying....”
“It was getting difficult to pay for everything by cash. It meant....”
“You can pay for something 'by cheque' or 'by credit card'. But you don't pay for it 'by cash'. You have to say 'I paid in cash' or 'I paid cash.' Do you....”
“Understood. I'll pay by credit card. Later, you can give me cash.”
****
May your troubles be as few and as far apart as my grandmother's teeth.” Irish Toast
