Category: Phrases

Are you looking for a way to express joy in life? You could use ‘viva la vida’ to voice your satisfaction. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression ‘viva la vida’ translates from Spanish to ‘long live life’ in English. The Spanish word ‘viva’ is acclaim to something or […]

Are you looking for a way to describe a situation in which someone illegally took control over a property that did not belong to them, or in which a country occupied another territory? The word "usurpation" will fit. Read on to dive into its meaning and usage. Meaning The English noun "usurpation" means the taking […]

Did your boss just ask you to review the accounts for submittal to a client? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The word ‘submittal’ means that you yield to someone else. If you offer your submittal to an authority, you’re allowing them to control your life. It’s common for alcoholics […]

You’re watching your favorite anime series and you hear it, “Sugoi!”. You’re scrolling through Instagram and see that your friends won their soccer match and read one of the comments, “Sugoi!”. The Japanese foreign exchange student uses it constantly with her girlfriends. You notice it in the caption of a tweet someone posts about a […]

Are you listening to someone play the piano that clearly doesn’t know what they’re doing with the instrument? You could say they’re ‘tone deaf.’ This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression ‘tone deaf’ means someone with no musical talent or ear for music. It generally describes people with poor […]

Are you looking for words that can describe a gay man in Spanish? You could say mariposa, a term that can also be woven into English if you're in a Spanish-speaking community in the United States. Keep reading to learn more. Meaning Mariposa is the Spanish word for for butterfly. It can also be a […]

Did your partner just call you 'mon cheri' in a text? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression 'mon cheri' translates from French to 'my love' in English. 'Cheri' means 'cherished' in French or something you hold dear to your heart, like your partner. While the French have two […]

Any Harry Potter fan will tell you without hesitation the term “lumos” means light. They may also quote a classic scene from the book in which Ron forgets that he is a wizard until Hermione makes a snide comment to him so Ron quickly realizes he can say “lumos” which emits a light straight out […]

Are you trying to describe a fictional character — or even a real person — who has a cold, emotionless, exterior but who may be hiding a sea of love and caring behind that facade? The anime term "kuudere" could be the exact word you are looking for. Discover what kuudere means and how it […]

Did your friend pull up to pick you up from work in their old, beaten-up car? You could say it’s ‘janky’ and they should get a new model. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression. Meaning The expression ‘janky’ means an inanimate item in poor condition. It’s an adjective referring to an […]