Did a friend just say 'domo arigato' to you after you offered them a beverage? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'domo arigato' is Japanese, translating to 'thank you' in English. However, 'domo arigato' is not a formalized greeting. It's more commonly used in informal conversations. People may […]
Category: Phrases
Coping – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did a friend say you look stressed and ask if you're 'coping' at work? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of the expression. Meaning The expression 'coping' means that you're dealing with a stressful situation, but you're not in over your head. A coping mechanism is a self-delusion a person clings to that helps […]
M.O. – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did your girlfriend tell you she knows your 'm.o' when you get ready to go to the bar with friends? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this acronymic expression. Meaning The acronym 'm.o' stands for 'modus operandi.' A modus operandi is a Latin phrase describing a set of actions defining a person's behavior […]
Metro Station Shake It – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did you just watch a TikTok video on the 'Metro Station Shake It' trend? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'Metro Station Shake It' refers to a viral video meme on the social media platform TikTok. It's a video of a middle-aged white woman suddenly realizing she is […]
Headstrong – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did a manager at work tell you you're 'headstrong' and need to consider other people's input in projects? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'headstrong' refers to a state of consciousness where a person has a high degree of confidence and conviction in their beliefs and decisions. They […]
Saudade – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Have you ever tasted something that reminds you so desperately of a person or place from your childhood? Maybe certain scents bring to mind thoughts of home or happiness? Did you know there is a term for this longing? This feeling of longing is what is referred to as saudade. This post unpacks the meaning […]
Shabbat Shalom – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Did a Jewish friend invite you to their home on a Friday? Remember to say ‘Shabbat Shalom’ to everyone you meet. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression ‘Shabbat Shalom’ means ‘peaceful sabbath.’ It derives from the Hebrew word ‘shevet,’ which means ‘to dwell.’ It also relates to ‘sheva,’ […]
Shana Tova – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Jewish people living in predominantly Christian countries have long been used to wishing their friends a merry Christmas. If you would like to return the favor, you can wish a Jewish person in your life "shana tova" on Rosh Hashanah. Read on to discover what it means and when to say it. Meaning The Hebrew […]
Slainte – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Is St Patrick's Day coming up? Do you want to be able to make a toast in the appropriate language? "Slainte" is the phrase you are looking for. This post takes a closer look at the history, meaning, and pronunciation of this important Irish custom. Meaning The Irish-language (Gaeilge, or Gaelic) word slainte means "health". […]
Supplanter – Meaning, Origin and Usage
Are you about to overthrow someone’s leadership? If so, you could say you’re a ‘supplanter.’ This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning A ‘supplanter’ refers to a person that takes the place of another, usually in a position of power. It’s similar to the word ‘usurper’ but doesn’t always refer to […]