10 Colloquial Terms and Their Meanings

10 Colloquial Terms and Their Meanings 10 Colloquial Terms and Their Meanings 10 Colloquial Terms and Their Meanings By Mark Nichol Why is there a taint surrounding ain’t? Why do editors get ornery or riled, or have conniptions or raise a ruckus, if writers try to use these and other words? The ebb and flow of the English language’s vocabulary is caused by competing crosscurrents. Neologisms come in with each tide, some of them washing ashore and others drifting back out to sea. But pronouncements from self-appointed experts and tacit disapproval by the self-selected better classes can also result in the relegation of certain terms and idioms to the realm of substandard or nonstandard usage. Here are ten words that, at least in terms of one sense, have been demoted by an association with rural dialect. 1. Ain’t: Once a fully legitimate contraction of â€Å"am not† employed at least in familiar conversation by speakers of all social classes, ain’t came to be identified with less well-educated people, and in the United States specifically with poor rural dwellers. It’s unfortunate that in writing, its use is restricted to humorous emphasis or idiomatic expressions (â€Å"Say it ain’t so!†). 2. Allow: The sense of allow meaning â€Å"concede† or â€Å"recognize† has been relegated to obscurity; seldom is this usage employed except in faux-rural contexts. 3. Conniption: This word for an emotional fit, usually appearing in plural form (â€Å"having conniptions†), is still employed occasionally in a jocular sense. It was first attested almost two hundred years ago, but its origin is obscure, though it’s possibly a corruption of corruption, which once had a connotation of anger, or might be derived from a dialectal form of captious (â€Å"fallacious†). 4. Fetch: Fetch has a colloquial air about it, and it’s unfortunate that the word lacks respectability, because it is more vivid and thorough a term than get (â€Å"Could you fetch that for me?†), and more compact than, for example, â€Å"Could you go over there and bring that back for me?† It survives in one formal sense, however: far-fetched (originally, â€Å"brought from afar,† but used figuratively for most of its centuries-long life span). 5. Ornery: This contraction of ordinary, influenced by the latter word’s less common senses of â€Å"coarse† and â€Å"ugly,† developed a connotation of cantankerous or mean behavior. Today, it’s used only in a humorous or scornful sense. 6. Reckon: The sense of reckon that means â€Å"suppose† (â€Å"I reckon I ought to get home†) is one of the most high-profile examples of stereotypical rural dialect, but it’s absent from formal usage. 7. Rile: This dialectal variant of roil, in the sense of â€Å"stir up,† is used informally to describe irritation or anger. 8. Ruckus: Ruckus, probably a mash-up of ruction (â€Å"disturbance†) and rumpus (â€Å"boisterous activity†) themselves both dialectal terms is now used only light-heartedly. 9. Spell: The sense of spell that means â€Å"an indefinite period of time,† related to the use of the word to mean â€Å"substitute,† is confined to rural dialect or affectation of such usage. 10. Yonder: This formerly standard term meaning â€Å"over there† is now known only in rural dialect (or spoofing of it) or in a poetic sense. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Expressions category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Wether, Weather, Whether"Certified" and "Certificated"When to use "an"

Meterology essays

Meterology essays Humankinds ability to predict the weather has come a long way over the past century. It doesnt seem like to long ago that the only way we could forecast weather events as to look at nature. Farmers would look at things such as when the birds migrated, and if there were a ring around the moon to determine if the winter would arrive early, or if it would rain. Today meteorologists have sophisticated radar, computers, and satellites that help them analyze weather patterns and events. With this high-tech equipment, mankinds ability to predict the weather has greatly improved. Oklahoma has one of the best weather forecasting systems in the world. The University of Oklahoma (OU) has one of the best meteorology schools in the entire nation, if not the world. Here young meteorologist wannabes can take part in some of the most cutting edge research. OU has the most powerful weather radar in the entire world, and is home to the NEXRAD. (Nexrad) It also played a rather integral part in demonstrating that Doppler weather radar can be a useful tool in the detection of tornadoes, hail, and other severe weather events. (Weather Center) Its really no surprise that Oklahoma is home to such a prestigious meteorology school. Where else in the world is there a better location for the study of weather than here? Oklahomas weather system is unique. We get more tornadoes per square mile, per year, than any other part of the globe. Hot fronts from the south, cold fronts from the north, and weather systems from across the continent all converge in Oklahoma, making the weather rather volatile. What Meteorologist could resist the lure of studyin g the weather here? With the tornados we constantly receive, theres a constant need for the populace to be warned when bad weather is headed their way. (The Weather Center) Meteorology has helped to shape the technology that we use. ...

Inclusive leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Inclusive leadership - Essay Example This leadership will need to be found not only in the organization's management but also among employees, customers, investors, suppliers and the community. As an inclusive leader, one must adopt - and live - a set of values, which places human relationships centre stage and which defines the purpose of your enterprise in other than purely financial or commercial terms. For leadership to be meaningfully inclusive, it must find a way to include everyone in governance processes and be organized to pursue inclusive principles. Inclusive leaders perceive the organization as a complex system of mutually interdependent relationships, understand the links between the organization and the wider socio-economic environment and see organizational change in the context of social and technological change. "It is this deep understanding of the nature of the interdependence that exists between the organization and its dynamic environment that provides the basis for the ability of leaders to contribute to the development of an inspiring yet achievable vision of the organization's future." Such vision should meet the needs of the key stakeholders and at the same time provide the basis for an enterprise strategy to develop and sustain a competitive advantage. It attracts young managers with recognized leadership potential working in the voluntary, public and private sectors.

Evaluate critically the historical development of the interventions of Essay

Evaluate critically the historical development of the interventions of the UK government in sports policy; do political ideologies impact modern sport - Essay Example sports which entailed the creation of rules and regulations in the play of the sports and that this element of sports started only during the 19th century (Guttmen, 2008). Another factor that contributed to this shift is the direct governmental intervention in sports during the early part of the twentieth century, which has been made more manifest after World War 1 and at the onset of globalisation (Houlihan, 2002). One of the earliest governmental interventions in sports is the passage of policies prohibiting blood sports. Great Britain and United States are the first two countries who have implemented this policy (Houlihan, 2008). In fact until now, boxing is still banned in Sweden (Houlihan, 2008) What is significant and distinct about the direct involvement of the government in sports is the idea that the state has started to intervene on what sports is to be promoted and what is to be outlawed. In fact, after World War I, the state has found more reasons to become directly invol ved in sports because sports have been valued as a good way for the military to be physically fit (Houlihan, 2002). Although this is no longer a popular reason for state involvement in sports, it cannot be denied that the military reason for physical fitness and training has become an important policy in sports development from 1920s until 1980s (Houlihan, 2002). In the more recent years, the state involvement in sports has been motivated by the concept of social integration and cohesion (Houlihan, 2002). Social integration has been claimed to be a loose term that covers diverse policies which ranges from â€Å"combating juvenile delinquency, establishing a sense of community during rapid periods of urbanization the integration of diverse ethnic groups† (Houlihan, 2002: 215). While others have maintained that the social integration of sports is not just a means to attain social stability in the face of rapid developments and changes but that it is â€Å" defined as integrati on in the work

Cyber crime and identify theft #7 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

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Comparison of CAPM Model and APM

Comparison of CAPM Model and APM Title: Is the CAPM model a better asset-pricing model than the APM (arbitrage pricing model)? The following is a brief literature overview and literature review of the economics books and journal articles used in the writing of this dissertation. The dissertation’s objective was to evaluate the relative strengths of the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) as a pricing model, when it is compared to the most viable alternative, the Arbitrage Pricing Theory model. Various factors and influences that impact upon the pricing of certain goods and products, specifically oil -based products, as will be demonstrated in the dissertation is actually or potentially able to affect both these models and their relative effectiveness. The literature mentioned here was used to research and understand the concepts that underpin the CAPM and APT models, such as minimising the risk of loses and maximising the prospects of handsome profits from financial investments. The objective of these models is to be the most effective predictors of risks, changes, success, or failure. This literature review is a summary of the merits and the usefulness of the sources used during the research and completion of my dissertation; all views expressed below are my own. Sharpe, Alexander, and Bailey in their book ‘Investment’ provide useful background information with regard to the economic theories relating to the comparative merits of the CAPM and APT pricing models. The main points that Sharpe, Alexander, and Bailey make that is of relevance to the dissertation was about the origins of the CAPM which economists developed as a variant of the APT price modelling theories. They point out that the main difference between the two models is that the CAPM pricing model considers a single factor (the market portfolio), whilst the APT model considers a few factors such as financial risks, future prospects, and the causes of inflation. The usefulness of each model can depend upon the depth of research needed and the scope of the analysis that is required. If a limited study is all that is needed then CAPM is probably the best option, if a more extensive study is needed then APT is more likely to be a better option. The basic assumption of Shar pe, Alexander, and Bailey is that each model has it own strengths and weaknesses, which means that the effectiveness of each model can vary greatly due to variations within the market portfolio. Fluctuations and market trends are probably the best means of demonstrating that the two models work properly or if they do not (Sharpe et al, 1995). Sharpe, Alexander, and Bailey was a helpful source to use for this dissertation as they put forward the influences that affect pricing decisions, and the perspective profits of any company. Amongst these influences are the industrial growth rate, the rate of price inflation, variations in the short or long time interest rates, and the performance of financial bonds. Pricing models are needed to predict risks due to the variation in all those factors or influences which can make all the difference between a sound financial investment and, a disastrous financial investment. Sharpe, Alexander, and Bailey help to explain how a company’s rate of growth just like that of its competitors can be highly dependent upon price fluctuations in commodities such as crude oil and natural gas, as well as whether those increased costs can be recuperated from the company’s customers. Any worthwhile pricing model such as CAPM and APT needs to take inflation and its causes into account. Thi s book is a highly convenient source of information on many different aspects concerning portfolio investments and the theoretical and practical considerations that students and praticioners of financial investments and bond markets would find very useful (Sharpe et al, 1995). Bower, Bower, and Logue’s journal article from the September 1984 issue of the Journal of Finance provided invaluable background information concerning the APT system, and how its linked up with the measurement of the utility stock returns. The article was entitled ‘Arbitrage Pricing Theory and utility stock returns.’ The journal article by Bower, Bower, and Logue contains the formulas that the APT system utilises to analysis the relevant data relating to issues of pricing theories and, allows economists to check upon their accuracy or relevance. The formula that was cited in this journal article was used to analysis the data from the oil companies that was the main research focus for the dissertation, and its results were invaluable for the formulation of conclusions and arguments. Knowing how the formulas of the modelling theories are formed and how effective those formulas are in predicting events, variants, and success or failure cannot be realistically achiev ed without knowing the exact formula that the respective pricing models are based upon. This article not unsurprisingly concentrates upon the strong points that the APT system has to offer in comparison to the CAPM system. Bower, Bower, and Logue are arguably advocates of investors using the APT system ahead of the CAPM pricing theory due to providing more accurate forecasts. Their article is certainly a useful means to further understand how the APT allows a highly accurate prediction of pricing trends, as well as a sound understanding of the variants that can ruin the accuracy of any pricing model if not predicted or evaluated correctly. This article was available online which made it easier to access and is indeed where it was obtained from (Bower et al, 1984). Brennan and Schwartz’s article from the October 1989 issue of the Journal of Businesses, ‘Portfolio and Financial Equilibrium’ was another useful source of information for carrying out the data analysis using both pricing models to allow an accurate and realistic comparison between the CAPM and APT models. This article gave an improved understanding of how the balance of potential profits, investment risks, and loses that can influence the decisions that potential investors make can be formed, changed, and also how they can operate within any given market portfolio, such as leading oil companies like Royal Dutch Shell. As far as Brennan and Schwartz are concerned the key for any pricing theory to be a successful and effective model is being able to point towards the factors, influences, and behaviours that establish or maintain portfolio and financial equilibrium. There may be variants within any given market portfolio yet the most effective pricing theories are t hose models that take into account the actual or potential variants that will alter the market portfolio from time to time. The article discussed the strong points and the weak points of both the CAPM and APT pricing models that helped develop a personal understanding of the differing criteria for assessing which, of the two pricing models was the most cost effective, or reliable. It also assists developing an understanding how accurate predictions of pricing changes or variations in profitability are going to be (Brennan and Schwartz, 1989). Goetzman’s ‘An Introduction to Investment Theory’, is a sound source of information that was used in the dissertation to assist the comparison between the CAPM and APT pricing models. It is a more recent source of information about pricing models than some of the other sources mentioned in this literature review that were used for researching and writing the dissertation. Therefore it was a means of obtaining more up to date academic opinions, arguments, and practical examples of real life changes of market portfolios, investment variants, and the ability to detect, predict, or even avert risks to investments and profitability. Goetzman provides an invaluable insight into the way that investment theory has developed and its comparative strengths and weakness, or whether the best one to use depends on circumstances (Goetzman, 2007). The main use of Terregrossa’s ‘Accounting for Estimation Risk in CAPM-generated forecasts’ for the dissertation was to assist in the formation of the arguments in favour or against the idea that the CAPM pricing model is more or less useful and accurate than the APT model. Terregrossa’s article provides a relevant and easily understandable guide to the estimating of the financial risks that are a component element of the risk profiles and forecasts that are generated by the CAPM pricing theory. Besides describing the way in which the CAPM pricing model estimates investment and business risks the article discusses the theoretical and practical strengths or weaknesses of the risks that are estimated, and whether those risks are realistically forecast. Terregrossa’s article was a highly relevant one for gaining a stronger grasp of how the CAPM pricing theory can be used to forecast changes to the market portfolio. A model that adapts to those predicted changes to enhance profitability and prevent unnecessary risks being taken that damage company performance and investments (Terregrossa, 2004). Cagnetti’s ‘Capital Asset Pricing Model and Arbitrage Pricing Theory in the Italian Stock Market: An Empirical Study’, was a relevant source of information as it is also a comparison of the two pricing models in operation. Whilst the dissertation is primarily aimed towards using oil companies as the basis for the comparison between the CAPM and the APT pricing models. Whilst Cagnetti’s article was based upon a study of the Italian stock market it still provided a useful guide as to the time period of the data to be analysed. It is guide of how to evaluate and analyse the ways in which the two pricing models succeed or fail in predicting market trends and prices as well as noticing when variants can be detrimental or advantageous to the over all market portfolio, or any company’s profitability (Cagnetti, 2002).

Athenian Women’s Acquisition of Power through Relationships with Men :: Greek Women Females Power Papers

Athenian Women’s Acquisition of Power through Relationships with Men Greek society held the belief that women had little common sense or logic; they had the natural tendency to move toward chaos and destruction. Women were thought to have the ability to destroy a man’s honor through their actions. Because of this, women were given no influence in the government of the polis or in their lives; they had no power. Instead, they were kept inside where they could be closely monitored by their husbands, fathers, lovers or protectors. Yet, as seen in Kathleen Freeman’s translations of Athenian court trials The Murder of Herodes, women were able to acquire power in the household, the government, and for their own betterment through sexual relationships, marriage, and family ties. Greek mythology painted a poor picture of women. This, in turn, created a society where the men believed that these myths were an accurate interpretation of the nature of women (or, possibly, vice-versa). Zeus created women as a punishment, and to this end, he made them so tempting that men could not resist them. But, he also made them a bane to men’s existence, where men had to marry them and constantly have to try to balance the good and the evil that inherently existed in their wives, or die alone. As a consequence of this bleak picture of women, Athenian men believed they had to keep a close eye on women and not allow them too much freedom; they had to keep them behind closed doors as much as possible so they could balance the good and evil and control their deceitful nature. So how is it that women are supposed to acquire any power in their lives if all they have is their households? In fact, the first area in which a woman could gain power was the household. In a trial concerning the killing of an adulterer, the defendant Euphiletus gives an account as to what happens when a man and a woman marry: "†¦ When I decided to marry and had brought a wife home, at first my attitude was this: I did not wish to annoy her, but neither was she to have too much of her own way. I watched her as well as I could, as kept and eye on her as was proper. But later, after my child had been born, I came to trust her, and I handed all my possessions over to her, believing that this was the greatest possible proof of affection.