What is the meaning and origin of 'fall guy'? (Meena Nair, Kochi)
When people in power commit a blunder, they usually look for a sacapegoat — someone to put the blame on. This individual who is falsely blamed for the mistakes or crimes committed by others is called a 'fall guy'. Nowadays, the word is also used to refer to someone who can be easily cheated.
If you want the scandal to go away, you need to find a fall guy.
The politician is now arguing that he was set up as the fall guy.
The only thing that scholars are sure about is that 'fall guy' was coined in America; nobody is quite sure of its origin. One theory is that it comes from the world of professional wrestling. In the early days when most fights were fixed, every fight had a fall guy. This was the wrestler who was willing to lose the fight for a price. He was willing to 'fall' and get pinned.
What is the correct pronunciation of 'moustache'? (Vasudev, Chennai)
The English pronounce the vowels in the first syllable like the 'u' in 'pull', 'bull' and 'full', and the 'a' in the second like the 'a' in 'bath', 'calf' and 'fast'. The 'ch' is like the 'sh' in 'sheep' and 'ship', and the final 'e' is silent. One way of pronouncing the word is 'mus-TAASH' with the stress on the second syllable. The Americans, on the other hand, spell and pronounce the word differently. They spell the word 'mustache'. The first syllable rhymes with the words 'bus', 'plus' and 'us', while the 'a' in the second sounds like the 'a' in 'apple', 'ant' and 'pants'. They pronounce the word 'MUS-tash' with the stress on the first syllable.
What is the difference between 'gaze' and 'peer'? (L Uma, Kazipet)
In both cases, you are looking at something or someone intently. When you 'gaze' at someone, you look at the individual for a long time. Your eyes are usually wide open and the look that you have on your face is one of wonder or amazement. You are spellbound by the person. It is also possible to gaze at someone or something absent mindedly.
The young couple held hands while they gazed at the beautiful view.
The children stopped in front of Rahul and Sachin and kept gazing at them.
Unlike 'gaze', the word 'peer' suggests that you are having problems seeing the object clearly. It may be because of insufficient light or perhaps the object is partially hidden by something. Therefore when you 'peer', you tend to squint — try to see the object by partly closing your eyes. The word can also be used to mean to look at someone very carefully.
Sneha kept peering at me because she'd misplaced her glasses.
The watchman looked at my ID card and then peered at me rather suspiciously.
Why is the term 'retiring room' not found in any dictionary? (Peter Varghese, Kannur)
It is wrong to say that the word is not listed in any dictionary. A few standard dictionaries, like the 'Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary' and the 'Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary', list it. Both dictionaries, however, label the term 'Indian English'.
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“I moustache you a question, but I'll shave for it later.” Unknown
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