This article will introduce 11 that all English learners should know. Let's begin! 

Famous Names That Became Common Words

Einstein

Albert Einstein was a physicist from Germany who became world famous because of his scientific theories. 

Today, an "Einstein" is a genius or very intelligent person. 

You should ask Ron. He's a real Einstein when it comes to programming.

Scrooge

Ebenezer Scrooge is the main character of the 1843 novel A Christmas Carol, written by Charles Dickens. 

Scrooge begins the story as a cold-hearted businessman who only cares about money. That's why a "Scrooge" today is someone who isn't generous or friendly, especially during the Christmas season. 

Ben used to be a real Scrooge, but he offered to pay for everyone's lunch today. He's really changed!

Grinch

The Grinch is the main character in Dr. Seuss' 1957 children's story How the Grinch Stole Christmas. He's a fuzzy green monster who hates Christmas so much that he takes all the toys and decorations away from a town called Whoville.

Grinches are similar to Scrooges, but there's one big difference: A Scrooge might be greedy, hate Christmas or both, but a Grinch simply hates Christmas — there is no connection to money.

Janet is such a Grinch. She never comes to any holiday parties.

Romeo

Shakespeare's famous tragedy Romeo & Juliet is about a couple who fall in love while their families are at war — and it shows how far people will go for love.

Today, a "Romeo" is a man who is in love and perhaps has lost control of himself because of it. It's often used sarcastically, as in the following example:

A

She's the girl of my dreams…

B

Calm down, Romeo. You've only been on one date with her!

This isn't the only way "Romeo" is used, however. Sometimes its meaning is similar to the next name on our list.

Don Juan

The fictional character Don Juan first appeared in written stories in the 1600s. He's famous for being a womanizer, or someone who has casual sexual relationships with many different women.

While "Romeo" sometimes refers to a playboy, that nuance is much stronger with "Don Juan."

Kerry's a bit of a Don Juan. He's with a different woman every time I see him.

Hercules

Hercules is a legendary character from Roman mythology, famous for his amazing strength. Just like some other names on this list, he's appeared in many books and films throughout the years. 

Naturally, calling someone "Hercules" today means they're very strong.

I exercise only to keep healthy; I don't need big muscles like Hercules.

Sherlock Holmes

The brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes is the main character of a series of books by British author Arthur Conan Doyle. 

Holmes is very good at noticing small details that most people miss. This skill helps him solve difficult and mysterious criminal cases around England.

Calling someone "Sherlock" today is like complimenting them on their cleverness or ability to quickly solve problems. But it's often said as a joke when someone does not seem very intelligent.

A

I think we're lost.

B

Great job, Sherlock. We've been lost for the last 30 minutes!

Houdini

Harry Houdini was a famous illusionist, a special kind of magician who tricks the eyes of the audience. In some of his most famous performances, he escaped from locked boxes and underwater containers while being tied with rope or handcuffs.

When we call someone "Houdini" today, it's because they too are good at escaping difficult situations or because they have disappeared suddenly — like magic!

Let's do a Houdini and get out of here before they see us!

Barbie

Barbie is an American fashion doll created by Ruth Handler and first released in 1959. Since then, she has become an icon and a favorite toy for generations of girls.

But although she has many fans, others criticize Barbie; they say she isn't intelligent and has an unrealistic body, which could be harmful to girls who compare themselves to her.

These negative points are what people refer to when they call someone a "Barbie." Typically, it's a woman who is beautiful but shallow.

People treat her like a Barbie, so she works extra hard to prove that she isn't.

Barbie's boyfriend Ken often receives the same criticisms as Barbie. So a Barbie and Ken couple are seen as "perfect" in a fake way.

Ugh, those two are like Barbie and Ken in their Instagram posts. I can't stand it.

Rambo

John Rambo is the main character in a series of action films that started in the 1980s. He is a tough, deadly soldier who can complete extremely dangerous missions by himself.

A strong, violent person might be called "Rambo," but you may also hear it used sarcastically, so listen carefully to understand the nuance. 

Mark tries to act like he's Rambo, but he's not so tough.

Frankenstein

In Mary Shelley's 1818 novel Frankenstein, Dr. Victor Frankenstein builds a man from the parts of dead bodies. When his creation comes alive, it begins a horrible series of events that affect everyone around him.

Although the monster doesn't have a name in the story, it's often called "Frankenstein's monster" or simply "Frankenstein." 

We use this name today in two different ways. 

1. (noun) • a creation that becomes dangerous to its creator

Some people are worried that AI will become a Frankenstein's monster that we can't control. 

2. (verb) • to make something from the parts of other things

I Frankenstein'd this radio out of some old equipment I found in my garage.

You may also hear "Franken-" as a prefix referring to something created from other things, as in the example below.

I had lots of different ingredients in my refrigerator, so I put them all into the pot and made a Franken-stew! Want to try it?

Wrap-up

Most people in English-speaking countries will know these names even if they don't know details about the people behind them.

For English learners, using them will add color to your conversations and make you sound much more like a native speaker, so be sure to give them a try!

The post 11 Names That Became Common English Words appeared first on Engoo Blog.

Dungeons & Dragons (or “D&D” for short) began as a game before expanding into films, cartoons and more.

This article will introduce the basics of D&D and look at why it’s a great game for English learners. We’ll also explain some common vocabulary that you can use while playing. Let’s begin!

What Is Dungeons & Dragons?

A dungeon is an underground cave, usually under a castle. In fiction stories, they're often used as prisons and are filled with dangerous people or even dangerous creatures!

So a game called "Dungeons & Dragons" should make you think of fantasy worlds with heroic characters and magical beings like you would find in a storybook.

Dungeons & Dragons is considered the first modern fantasy role-playing game. It was created by American game designers Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, and was first released in 1974. 

Unlike video games and board games that use images, D&D players must use their imaginations. Players create their own characters and use them to fight monsters and find treasure. Because there is a lot of freedom in how to play, no two games are the same!

How Do You Play It?

All you need to play D&D is a book of the rules, a sheet of paper, and special dice players roll to decide various points of the game. However, you can also use additional items, such as figures to represent your characters. 

Once you have these, you need a group to play with. One person in the group will be the Dungeon Master (or "DM"), who guides the general flow of the game. 

Since D&D was created in the 1970s, it was originally designed to be played by people sitting together around a table — that's why games like these are sometimes called "tabletop games." But these days, you can also find and play with others online.

Why Should You Play It?

English learners can benefit from D&D because playing tests many different language skills. Storytelling is a big part of the game, so you'll need to listen to the Dungeon Master and discuss strategies with your partners. 

Additionally, you'll often need to check the rule book and the notes you've made about your characters and your adventure. That means you'll be doing lots of reading and writing as well as listening.

So if you're studying English, this is a great way to practice several skills while also having some fun with friends. 

Useful Words and Expressions for D&D

To play D&D, you'll need to learn some special vocabulary. Some of these terms are used in other games, and some are even useful in daily conversations. Here is a list of just a few of them:

Class - A type of character. Each class, such as Fighters, Wizards or Monks, has its own strengths and weaknesses.

Campaign - A series of connected adventures that are part of a larger story. Outside of D&D, "campaign" can refer to a major operation that will take time to complete, such as a political campaign or a military campaign.

NPC - Non-Player Character. NPCs are characters played by the Dungeon Master. This is also a common term in video games.

HP - Hit Points. These measure the amount of health characters have. When a character loses all of their HP, they die.

XP - Experience Points. You gain these as you complete adventures and defeat enemies.

Module - A book with a complete story or adventure that has been prepared for players in advance.

LFG - Looking For a Group. This abbreviation is used when looking for others to play with online.

OP - Overpowered. "OP" describes someone or something that is so strong that it's unfair to other players.

Encounter - "Encounters" are situations in which players must fight enemies, talk to other characters or solve a problem. This is a common word that is both a verb ("to meet") and a noun ("meeting").

Ruling - A decision by the Dungeon Master about what is allowed and what is not. This word is also used in law for a judge's decision in a legal battle.

Backstory - A character's history. In other words, this is what a character has done or what has happened to them before the start of the game. People also use this word to talk about characters in films, books and other kinds of games.

Fluff - Unnecessary details, or things that do not affect the actual game. "Fluff" has a similar use in everyday English, though the nuance is a bit more negative.

Downtime - The time between adventures. Outside of D&D, it refers to a rest period between activities.

Wrap-up

We hope this article has helped to introduce you to the interesting fantasy world of Dungeons & Dragons. It may seem challenging at first, but it's a fun and unique way to improve many of your English skills in a casual environment. 

If you'd like to see a real-world example, check out this article from Engoo's Daily News service about students at a university in Chicago who learn through play.

The post Dungeons & Dragons: An Adventurous Way to Improve Your English [Updated] appeared first on Engoo Blog.

But before you play, remember that there is a lot of gamer slang that might be confusing at first. We're here to help! This article will explain some common casual English vocabulary people use when playing and talking about video games.

Common English Video Game Vocabulary

Co-op

"Co-op" is short for "cooperation," and it's used to talk about games that allow more than one person play at the same time.

This game has both single-player and co-op modes, so you can play alone or with friends.

"Couch co-op" means playing together with someone in the same physical place, instead of playing with others online.

I don't like playing with strangers on the internet; I prefer couch co-op with my buddies.

Campaign

Campaigns often refer to a series of activities politicians use to try to win elections. But in games, a "campaign" is the main portion of a game that usually includes a story for players to experience.

A

How long is the main campaign?

B

It took me about 20 hours to finish it.

DLC

"DLC" is short for "downloadable content," which players can download after buying the main game. DLC might include things like new items, characters or stages.

The game's developers said players can look forward to DLC before the end of the year.

MTX

Many modern games are very cheap or even free to play. These games make money from players who purchase items and upgrades within the game itself.

These purchases are called “microtransactions” ("micro" meaning "small" and "transaction" meaning "trade" or "deal").

Many modern games encourage players to spend lots of money on microtransactions.

"Microtransaction" is often shortened to "MTX" in written English. In this case, the X represents an exchange.

Rage quit

"Rage" is another word for extreme anger. 

In competitive online games, some players get very angry and immediately end the match when they lose — sometimes before the match is even finished!

Rage quitting is considered very rude and disrespectful to other players.

I got too emotional and rage quit when I lost the match.

Players who do this are called "rage quitters."

Rage quitters will lose points on their online profile. 

Related article: Flipping Out: 13 Ways to Express Anger in English

Tier

“Tier” is another word for "level" or "rank" and is often used by gamers to talk about how strong or weak a character, item, etc. is.

I like to challenge myself by trying to win with low-tier characters.

It can also be used to talk about things other than games.

That movie has a top-tier soundtrack. I listen to it almost every day.

OP

OP is short for “overpowered,” and it refers to a character, item or technique that is too strong and makes a game unbalanced.

That magic item is OP; it’s too easy to win if you have it.

Nerf

When a character or item's power is reduced in order to keep a game fair and balanced, we say it's been "nerfed."

The game's developers decided to nerf one character because he was OP compared to the others.

This term comes from Nerf, an American toy brand. Nerf makes toy weapons that shoot foam and other soft materials that don't cause pain. Now, game players use “nerf” as a verb meaning "to become softer or weaker."

Buff

What happens when a character or item is too weak compared to others? In that case, they'll need a “buff,” or an increase in strength.

Completing this challenge will give your character some useful buffs.

Aside from video games, this word can be used as an adjective to describe someone very strong and muscular.

I want to get buff, so I started weightlifting at my local gym.

Related article: 16 Words for Describing Different Body Types

NPC

NPC is short for “non-player character.”

NPCs are people or creatures in game worlds controlled by the game's AI. You may be able to interact with NPCs, but you cannot control them yourself.

Talk to NPCs in the town to get helpful information for your next mission.

Grind

One meaning of this word is “to sharpen or produce something by rubbing or crushing.” In video games, "grinding" is repeating a task in order to gain items and become stronger. 

Grinding has a negative nuance since most players don't enjoy repeating the same tasks over and over.

Is there a way to make my character stronger without grinding?

I spent all afternoon grinding in order to level up my abilities.

Spam

To many English speakers, Spam is a kind of canned meat, but it means something different to gamers.

"Spamming" an item or technique means using it repeatedly, usually because it's very effective. 

Spamming this magic spell is a good way to beat the boss of level 2.

Brick

In the gaming world, "brick" doesn't refer to the materials used to build buildings!

Instead, it's a verb referring to a gaming device losing its functionality, usually because important features have been restricted.

If Nintendo suspects that you're doing something illegal, they may brick your device and make it unable to play games online. 

Why a brick? Because bricks are heavy objects that don't do anything — just like a game device that can't play games!

Wrap-up

As video games become more popular in global culture, you may begin to hear gamer slang more often in daily conversations and online.

If you want to give your English skills a big buff, book a private lesson on Engoo and practice using these terms in a real conversation! Engoo tutors are available 24 hours a day, and each lesson is just 25 minutes. Give it a try!

The post Essential English Vocabulary for Video Games [Updated] appeared first on Engoo Blog.

This time, we'll share 10 quotes from films throughout the series. Each of them can be a source of motivation as well as a way to help you practice your English. We hope you find something here that will inspire you!

What Is the MCU?

"MCU" is the short name for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a series of films and TV shows based on comic books made by Marvel Comics.

Beginning with Iron Man in 2008, the MCU has expanded with more characters and events that form one connected story. Today, it consists of more than 30 movies featuring world-famous heroes like the Avengers, Spider-Man and Black Panther.

Related article: English Expressions That Come From Comics

10 Quotes From the MCU

Although they're known for big action and funny dialogue, some of the MCU's best scenes are quiet moments far from a battlefield. Many of the quotes below are about things like identity, sacrifice and finding the strength to overcome challenges — ideas we can all understand.

(Note: This article contains spoilers, so be careful!)

1. "... Stay who you are, not a perfect soldier, but a good man."

Film: Captain America: The First Avenger / Spoken by: Dr. Erskine

Steve Rogers was originally too small and weak to join the army. However, his desire to help his country was strong enough to impress the brilliant scientist Dr. Erskine.

Dr. Erskine performs a unique procedure on Steve that changes him into a soldier with amazing strength and speed. But with this quote, he reminds Steve that what makes him special is not his new abilities, but his courage and passion for helping others. This compassion is a true superpower that everyone is capable of using.

2. "I choose to run towards my problems and not away from them."

Film: Thor: Ragnarok / Spoken by: Thor

In this film, a character named Valkyrie tells Thor firmly that she isn't interested in dealing with painful memories from her past. Thor then challenges her with this quote.

These words express the idea that being a hero isn't about having physical strength or special abilities. Instead, what's important is being brave enough to face challenges and deal with problems directly and without fear.

3. "Just because something works doesn't mean it can't be improved."

Film: Black Panther / Spoken by: Shuri

Shuri is the younger sister of T'Challa, the Black Panther. She is also a talented scientist and one of the most intelligent characters in the MCU.

When showing her brother new equipment she's developed, T'Challa responds by saying the older versions work fine. As a scientist, Shuri rejects this idea and instead believes that improvements can always be made. 

Even if things are already "good enough," if we don't work to do better, we can never make progress. This quote should be very inspirational for English learners!

4. "He may have been your father ... but he wasn't your daddy."

Film: Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2 / Spoken by: Yondu

Many English learners may think that "father" and "dad" (or "daddy") are the same. But this quote shows that one word includes much more meaning than the other.

The hero of this film, Peter Quill, struggles with his feelings about two important men in his life. One is his biological father, meaning the two share the same blood. However, this man was gone for most of Peter's life, so the two don't have a close relationship. 

On the other hand, Yondu is the man who raised Peter and helped him to grow. Although he isn't related to Peter by blood, he's had a much bigger impact on Peter's life. 

This quote, therefore, shows that "dad" includes a feeling of closeness that "father" often does not. It also demonstrates that it's the experiences we share with others that determine who our true "family" is.

(By the way, the differences between "father" and "dad" also apply to "mother" and "mom.")

5. "Vengeance has consumed you ... I'm done letting it consume me."

Film: Captain America: Civil War / Spoken by: T'Challa

One of the themes of this film is the power of revenge to motivate people, but also to destroy them.

In this movie, T'Challa searches for the person responsible for the death of someone close to him. But when he finds them, he has seen the negative effects revenge, or vengeance, has had on himself and on others around him. As he says, it has "consumed" them, or covered them completely.

Negative emotions like anger and the desire for revenge will eventually hurt us and result in even more trouble. To live the best lives we can, we need to free ourselves from these unhealthy feelings and replace them with positive ones.

Related article: Flipping Out: 13 Ways to Express Anger in English

6. "I can't control their fear, only my own."

Film: Captain America: Civil War / Spoken by: Wanda Maximoff

The third Captain America film begins with a tragedy that many in the public blame on the character of Wanda Maximoff. Their anger is mixed with fear of her strange abilities.

After entering a depression, Wanda eventually decides that she can no longer let others' feelings about her control her life.

There will always be people who have negative opinions about us. But instead of worrying about things we can't change, it would be better to focus on accepting ourselves and trying to be the best people we can be.

7. "Don't waste it. Don't waste your life."

Film: Iron Man / Spoken by: Ho Yinsen

Early in this film, Yinsen sacrifices himself to help a businessman named Tony Stark escape a dangerous situation. When he says this line, he inspires Stark to become Iron Man, the most famous hero in the MCU.

This simple, powerful quote tells us that life is a gift that should be treated with care. No one lives forever, so we all have limited time to live the most positive life we can for ourselves and for others.

8. "If you're nothing without the suit, then you don't deserve it."

Film: Spider-Man: Homecoming / Spoken by: Tony Stark

Teenager Peter Parker becomes the hero called Spider-Man with the help of a special suit given to him by Tony Stark. But when Peter begins to rely on this suit too much, Tony decides to take it back, challenging Peter to succeed with his own strength.

This quote expresses the idea that our choices and actions are what defines us. Fancy items, money and status cannot be a replacement for who we truly are inside.

9. "What is grief if not love persevering?"

TV series: WandaVision / Spoken by: Vision

(This quote comes from WandaVision, a television series that is also part of the MCU.) 

When someone "perseveres," they continue doing something even though it's difficult and there is little chance of success.

Wanda, whom we mentioned earlier, experiences many difficulties throughout the MCU. One of the biggest relates to a character named Vision, who she has a very close relationship with. As Wanda deals with her grief, Vision encourages her with these words.

It can be easy to give up when we face tough situations, but grief doesn't have to stop us from continuing to live well. It also expresses that our love for the people close to us can live on even if those people are gone.

10. "With great power comes great responsibility." - Uncle Ben

This is perhaps the most famous quote in Marvel's history. Although it isn't spoken in the MCU, it's closely connected to Spider-Man, who does appear in the films.

When Peter Parker first receives his amazing abilities, he uses them selfishly. But this selfishness results in the death of Uncle Ben, the most important person in Peter's life.

From this moment, Peter accepts that having his special power comes with a price: He must use it to protect and help the people he can. 

The choices we make can have very big effects — and the more power we have, the bigger the effects can be. So we must always be careful to act with care and compassion for the people our actions influence.

Assemble!

Beyond the fights and big explosions, many films in the MCU have strong characters and themes that can entertain us while also giving us interesting things to think about.

If you've never seen an MCU film, why not give one a try? And if you have seen one, try rewatching it in English to help improve your listening and vocabulary skills. It's a fun way to learn!

For more great English quotes, check out the following articles:

• Popular Movie Quotes Used in Daily Conversation
• 20 Short English Quotes for Quick Motivation

The post 10 Inspirational MCU Quotes for English Learners appeared first on Engoo Blog.

So this time, we've collected some of our previous articles on different types of activities; if you enjoy any of them, these posts are for you. Read the articles, then practice what you've learned in a lesson with an Engoo tutor!

Words and Expressions Related to Singing

Can you "carry a tune"?

There are many different ways to sing, so naturally, there are many different words to talk about it too. This article introduces both vocabulary and several idioms related to singing.

> Read the article

More Than 'Friends': Recommended TV for English Learners

Many English learners use TV as a study tool. If you need recommendations for television programs to help you improve, this article is full of great examples.

It doesn't matter if you like comedy, romance or sci-fi, there's something for you on this list.

> Read the article

Essential English Vocabulary for Video Games

Video games have become so popular that some people even play them as a professional sport.

But even if you play just for fun, online games can help you to improve your English and maybe even make friends. Use this list of important words to play and talk about your favorite games more naturally.

> Read the article

Essential English Vocabulary for Cooking

Cooking your own meals isn't just a great way to save money, it can also be a creative and rewarding hobby. Read to learn about the English words you'll see in almost any recipe you can find. 

> Read the article

Bottoms Up! English Expressions for Drinking

Great meals also need great drinks! In this article, you'll not only learn different words for the act of drinking, you'll also learn the vocabulary for different levels of intoxication, as well as some other useful terms. 

> Read the article

English Vocabulary for Vinyl Record Collectors

What's your favorite way to listen to music? For many people, vinyl records are their first choice — even if they're not as convenient as streaming.

If you're interested in starting a collection of your own, this article will introduce you to the basic vocabulary you need to know.

> Read the article

Dungeons & Dragons: An Adventurous Way to Improve Your English

Dungeons & Dragons is a "tabletop role-playing game" that requires creativity, imagination and lots of special vocabulary. This article introduces the game as well as some important terms all players should know. Check it out!

> Read the article

Wrap-up

We hope these articles can help you to learn more about your favorite hobbies — or maybe help you discover a new one. Once you've learned some new words and expressions, find an Engoo tutor with a similar interest and have a chat about it!

The post Topic Focus: English Vocabulary for Hobbies appeared first on Engoo Blog.

However, one of the movie's biggest songs is by the film's villains — a group called the Saja Boys. Although they look normal at first, the Saja Boys eventually reveal their true identities while performing a song called "Your Idol."

This time, we'll look at some of the English expressions and idioms you can find in the lyrics to this popular song.

What's an Idol?

First, let's explain what an "idol" is. Although it's common when talking about entertainers, especially from places like Korea and Japan, an idol is anyone (or anything) that is greatly loved and admired.

• My dad was my idol growing up.

You can also say "idolize," which is the verb form.

• My little sister idolizes Naomi Osaka.

But this word originally had a more negative meaning: "false god," or something that is worshipped or praised that shouldn't be.

This meaning often referred to things like statues or other objects that people believed to have supernatural power. Which meaning do you think fits for this song?

What Do the Lyrics Mean?

Let's take a look at some lyrics that contain useful English for learners. Note that we're only looking at the English lyrics, not the words in Korean!

Keeping you in check

Keeping you obsessed

If you have someone or something "in check," you have control over them or it.

• Sarah was having trouble keeping her energetic kids in check.
• I'm on a tight budget, so I'm keeping my spending in check.

Someone who is "obsessed" is interested in something so much that it's unusual — and often unhealthy. Although it's often used casually, the original meaning has a serious nuance.

• Since my last doctor's visit, I've been obsessed with only eating healthy foods.
• Jake is obsessed with visiting France; he talks about it all the time.

We've written about "obsessed" before here.

Anytime it hurts

Play another verse

I can be your sanctuary

A "sanctuary" is a safe place. Sometimes it refers to religious places like churches, but you might also hear "animal sanctuary," where animals can be protected. 

And in the US, there are "sanctuary cities," places where people who are in the country illegally can be safe from punishment. However, in 2025, these cities have been threatened by the policies of President Donald Trump.

Sanctuaries aren't always physical places, though. In the song, the Saja Boys say that they are sanctuaries for their fans. Here are some more examples of it being used figuratively:

• Music is my sanctuary. No matter what's happening in my life, listening to my favorite songs relaxes me.
• Her childhood was difficult, but writing was her sanctuary. That's why she became an author.

Know I'm the only one right now

I will love you more when it all burns down

"All burns down" is a casual idiom that refers to losing everything, like a house destroyed by fire.

• That one major mistake is what caused everything to burn down.

More than power

More than gold

Yeah, you gave me your heart

Now I'm here for your soul

When you "give someone your heart," you're giving them your love, attention and admiration. This phrase often appears in love songs, but it's not common in daily conversations. 

Since the Saja Boys are a popular K-pop group, they have many fans who've given them their hearts. But as the singer says, he also wants their souls — and this is a clue into the group's true nature.

Related article: More Than Romance: 14 English Idioms Related to the Heart

I'm the only one who'll love your sins

Feel the way my voice gets underneath your skin

Something that "gets under your skin" has a big effect on you, either positively or negatively.

When used positively, it means you develop an appreciation for — or obsession with — something.

• We've only just met, but Jane has really gotten under my skin. I'm going to ask her out.
• I didn't like it at first, but that song has gotten under my skin. I hum it all the time now.

When used negatively, it means something annoys you or makes you feel uncomfortable.

• Her high-pitched voice really gets under my skin. I hate it!

Listen 'cause I'm

Preaching to the choir

Can I get the mic a little higher?

"Preaching" is giving a religious speech, usually in order to change people's thinking or convince them to do something. 

A choir is a group of people who sing, often at religious events in support of a preacher.

So if you're "preaching to the choir," you're trying to convince someone who already believes what you have to say.

A

Chicago-style pizza is the best kind of pizza!

B

You're preaching to the choir!

[= I already think so too!]

Since the Saja Boys are singing to their biggest fans (people who know and love them) they're "preaching to the choir."

Now we running wild

Yeah, I'm all you need

I'mma be your idol

"Running wild" means acting uncontrollably or without restrictions.

• I let my kids run wild in the big park.
• You can do whatever you want, so let your imagination run wild.

"I'mma" is simply a shorter, very casual way to say "I'm gonna" or "I'm going to."

I'm your idol

Thank you for the pain

'Cause it got me going viral

Something "goes viral" when it spreads or becomes popular very quickly, especially on social media.

• In 2024, a baby hippo from Thailand named Moo Deng went viral.

Wrap-up

As you can see, music can introduce you to lots of useful English you may not have learned in class or in your textbooks.

If you'd like to learn more English used in popular music, read our post on 10 great summer songs for English learners. When you're finished, book a lesson with a private tutor on Engoo and talk about your favorite tunes!

The post Learn English Through Music: 'Your Idol' by Saja Boys appeared first on Engoo Blog.

Everybody loves the sunshine, and over the years, musicians have been inspired by the sun and the feeling of freedom that summer brings. This article will highlight 10 great examples of summer songs for you to listen to and study with.

10 Great Summer Songs

"Summertime" - Sam Cooke

Sam Cooke is a legendary soul singer from the southern US state of Mississippi. This song has a slow pace and the feeling of a lazy summer day. We think Sam Cooke's smooth voice and clear pronunciation make his English very easy to understand.

Summertime

And the living is easy

Fish are jumping

And the cotton is high

"Island in the Sun" - Weezer

Weezer is a rock band that formed in 1992 in Los Angeles, USA. The lyrics of this song are about the fun and freedom of a great holiday vacation.

When you're on a golden sea

You don't need no memory

Just a place to call your own

As we drift into the zone

If you're "in the zone," you feel great and everything you do is successful. This phrase is popular in sports, but it can be used in a variety of situations.

Jordan hasn't missed his last seven shots. He's in the zone!

I've really been in the zone at work lately. I've already met my sales target for this month.

"In Summer" - Josh Gad

Josh Gad is the voice of Olaf, the snowman from the movie Frozen. Because he's a snowman, Olaf has only experienced winter weather. In this song, he wonders what life would be like in the summer. However, he doesn't realize what the heat will do to him!

Winter's a good time

To stay in an cuddle

But put me in summer

And I'll be a…

Happy snowman!

When you "cuddle" with someone, you hold them in your arms as a way to show love and affection.

However, cuddle rhymes with another word that describes what Olaf would actually be in the summer. Do you know what it is? You can find the answer at the end of the article!

"In the Summertime" - Mungo Jerry

Although it may sound like one person, Mungo Jerry is actually the name of a band from the UK. They started in 1970 and had their biggest hit with "In the Summertime," which was released in the same year.

This is a relaxed song that expresses the carefree attitude that many people associate with the season.

We're always happy

Life's for livin'

Yeah, that's our philosophy

"Summertime Sadness" - Lana Del Rey

Lana Dey Rey is a singer and songwriter from New York City. She's well known for music with themes of romance and melancholy.

Just like Valentine's Day songs aren't always about the happy side of love, summer isn't always perfect. In this song, Lana is realizing and accepting that the relationship with her partner is ending.

Think I'll miss you forever

Like the stars miss

The sun in the mornin' sky

"Hot Fun in the Summertime" - Sly and The Family Stone

Sly and The Family Stone was an American band that made rock, funk, R&B and soul music in the 1960s and 70s. In addition to making many classic songs, they were also special for being one of the first rock groups in America to have members of different genders and races.

"Hot Fun in the Summertime" is one of their most famous songs, and the lyrics mention a variety of fun and positive things that people associate with the summer.

I cloud nine when I want to

Out of school, yeah

County fair in the country sun

And everything is true

Being "on cloud nine" means being extremely happy. In the song, this idiom is used as a verb, but that's uncommon in regular usage.

I've been on cloud nine since summer vacation started.

Related article: 14 English Idioms Based on Numbers

"School's Out" - Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper is a rock musician from Detroit, Michigan. Along with music, he became famous for his wild behavior and live concerts designed to shock audiences.

"School's Out" is about the feelings of rebellion and excitement that many kids experience when the summer approaches.

Well, we got no class
And we got no principles

And we got no innocence

We can't even think of a word that rhymes!

The lyrics here have a double meaning. While "class" can refer to a room for lessons, it can also refer to sophistication and good manners.

Mr. Smith is very respected for his class and intelligence.

Also, a "principal" is the highest member of a school's staff. This word has the same pronunciation as "principle," even though the spelling is different. "Principles" are rules that people live by in order to be good citizens. 

We built our company on the principles of honesty and fairness.

With no class and no principles, it's easy to see that Alice Cooper probably wasn't a great student when he was in school!

"Surfin' USA" - The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys are a pop and rock group from California that made many classic songs about things like beaches, warm weather and, of course, surfing.

"Surfin' USA" is about the excitement and anticipation of surfers preparing for a trip to the beach, looking for the perfect wave.

We'll all be planning that route

We're gonna take real soon

We're waxing down our surfboards

We can't wait for June

"Everybody Loves the Sunshine" - Roy Ayers Ubiquity

This is a classic soul song from 1976 by Roy Ayers, who was famous for playing an instrument called the vibraphone.

This song has very simple lyrics about the feeling of the sun and its effect on people. Listening to this, it's easy to imagine lying in a park on a sunny day.

Sunshine

Folks get down in the sunshine

Sunshine

Folks get brown in the sunshine

RIP to Roy Ayers!

"Summertime" - DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince

Did you know that the Hollywood actor Will Smith began his career as a musician? As a rapper, his name was The Fresh Prince, and he and his partner DJ Jazzy Jeff were the first hip-hop artists to win a Grammy award.

"Summertime" is one of their most famous songs; it has a slow pace and a smooth, relaxed feeling.

The temperature's about 88

Hop in the water plug

Just for old time's sake

Break to ya crib

Change your clothes once more

'Cause you're invited to a barbecue that's starting at 4

"Water plug" is another name for a fire hydrant, which many children in the city use like a fountain on hot summer days. Also, "crib" is a slang word common in hip-hop that means "house" or "home."

Bonus! "Summer Madness" - Kool & The Gang

Kool & The Gang is an R&B, soul and funk band from New Jersey that formed in 1964. This song, however, sounds closer to jazz than those other genres. "Summer Madness" actually has no lyrics, but that didn't stop it from becoming a classic. 

Just like "Summertime" by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, "Summer Madness" has a very peaceful feeling, like a calm summer night. In fact, if you listen closely to "Summertime," you can hear a small piece of this song in the background.

You may wonder why such a smooth song has "madness" in the title. This madness does not mean anger; instead, it refers to intense passion or interest.

Wrap-up

It doesn't matter if you like R&B, hard rock or hip-hop, there's a song about summer for you!  While you study the lyrics to these songs, we hope you'll discover some artists or genres you didn't know before.

If you'd like to practice your English in a real conversation, book a 25-minute lesson with an Engoo tutor and talk about your personal favorite summer songs!

(By the way, the answer to the question above is "puddle." We didn't forget!)

The post 10 Great Summer Songs for English Learners ☀️🎶 appeared first on Engoo Blog.

These terms are called "oxymorons" — expressions that combine words with opposite meanings for impact and originality.

This article will explain why oxymorons are used and introduce some common examples of them. You may have even used some yourself without realizing it!

What Are Oxymorons and Why Do We Use Them?

The Oxford dictionary describes oxymorons as “a phrase that combines two words that seem to be the opposite of each other.”

But what’s the purpose of combining opposites?

Well, one big reason is because it's memorable. If you hear or read a combination of opposite ideas, it gets your attention and makes you want to learn more.

Another reason is that oxymorons often express deeper meanings. For example, look at the word “bittersweet” (bitter + sweet). We understand the individual meanings, but when we put them together, we have a new word that expresses a very unique feeling or situation in which happiness is mixed with sadness. 

There are other ways to describe this feeling, but an oxymoron can do it powerfully with only one word.

Common Oxymorons in Everyday Use

Here are a few oxymorons you might hear in daily conversations.

Small crowd

“Crowded” is an adjective that refers to a large number of people in one area. As a noun, it becomes “crowd.” If you're wondering how many people are included in a "small crowd," the answer depends on the situation you're describing.

The performer stood in the center of a small crowd on the street.

Old news

“News” usually refers to recent information about current events. However, “old” is the complete opposite of “current.” 

We use "old news" to talk about information that someone is learning late or after everyone else has already heard it.

A

Did you hear that Mark is moving overseas?

B

That’s old news. I’ve known for weeks already.

Awfully good

“Awful” is a strong adjective that means “terrible” or “very bad.” But in the adverb form “awfully,” it's used to emphasize things. So “awfully good” is another way to say “extremely good.”

That documentary is awfully good. I recommend you watch it.

Good grief

“Grief” expresses sorrow, but this combination of words doesn't mean “grief that is good.” Instead, it expresses surprise or annoyance.

"Good grief!" is actually a famous line often said by Charlie Brown from the Peanuts comics.

Related article: 10 Great Quotes from the Peanuts Comics

Upside down

We use this oxymoron to describe anything that has its top and bottom in opposite positions.

The roller coaster took us upside down several times.

Passive aggressive

Someone who is aggressive is forceful, direct or even violent. A passive person is the opposite. So what happens when we combine these traits?

Being "passive aggressive" means being silent, disrespectful or lazy as a way to show negative feelings toward another person or situation. It has a negative nuance.

His passive-aggressive behavior frustrates his colleagues and creates an uncomfortable work environment. 

Open secret

"Open secrets" refer to information that is supposed to be secret even though everyone already knows.

The CEO's plan to resign at the end of the year is an open secret in the industry.

Agree to disagree

When people "agree to disagree," they are peacefully ending a discussion by accepting that neither person will change their original opinion.

After arguing for hours about who the best footballer in history was, Lars and Sergio finally agreed to disagree.

Concrete jungle

A "concrete jungle" is a large city. This is because just like real jungles, cities are often crowded, full of activity and sometimes danger as well.

After 15 years in the concrete jungle, I decided to return to my rural hometown.

Related article: Big Apples and Big Shoulders: Nicknames for 8 US Cities

Oxymorons in Popular Media

Movies

As we explained earlier, oxymorons can be very memorable. This is why they're often used as titles in film and television. Let's take a look at a few examples.

True Lies (1994)

This film is about a man who pretends to be a salesman with a boring desk job. In reality, however, he's a spy with a dangerous, exciting life. 

His family knows nothing about his real work, so the lies he tells them every day aren't small, innocent lies — they are deep and very serious.

Back to the Future (1985)

This is the first film in a very popular series of science-fiction adventure movies.

Naturally, the future is ahead of us, so going "back" to the future is a perfect example of an oxymoron. It's also a great title for a movie about traveling through time.

Night of the Living Dead (1968)

When it was first released, people must have been confused by the title's strange combination of words. But "living dead" is actually a clever way to describe a zombie — and this film is known as the original zombie movie.

You Only Live Twice (1967)

This film is part of the popular 007 series. The story involves James Bond traveling to Asia in order to investigate the disappearance of military spacecraft. 

Like usual, Bond encounters many dangerous situations that most people would not survive. The title may be a reference to the fact that Bond seems like he has more than one life.

Music

Oxymorons also appear frequently in the titles of songs. Here are a few examples:

The Sound of Silence - Simon & Garfunkel (1964)

This is a famous song by a folk rock duo from the United States, and has been remade by different artists over the years.

If the mysterious title makes you curious, read the lyrics and use them as a study tool!

The Tears of a Clown - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles (1967)

You may wonder why clowns cry when their only job is making people laugh. But clowns are people just like everyone else, and everyone feels sad sometimes. Why might this clown be crying? 

Cold Fire - Rush (1993)

Rush is a rock band from Canada, and this song is about the difficulties of love and relationships. It ends with the dramatic line "Love can turn to a long, cold burn." 

Even though the lyrics are poetic, the words are simple, so you can also use this song for your English study. 

Definitely Maybe - Oasis (1994)

Rather than a song, this is the name of an album by the UK rock group Oasis.

We use "definitely" when something is certain. On the other hand, we say "maybe" when things are not certain. Is the band 100% sure that something is not clear? Maybe!

Wrap-up

When you have a strong understanding of words, you can begin to play with them in fun and interesting ways. 

As we've shown in this article, combining words with opposite meanings can create unique expressions that catch your eye and stay in your memory. So keep your eyes open for oxymorons and you'll start to appreciate the power of opposites that come together.

The post What Are Oxymorons? [Updated] appeared first on Engoo Blog.

This article will look at some common English terms that were born in popular media like films, music, literature and internet memes. How many of them do you know? 

Bling

“Bling” is an onomatopoeic word for something that shines or sparkles. It's common slang today, but it gained popularity thanks to a song called “Bling Bling” by an American rapper named B.G.

Bling bling

Every time I come around your city

Bling Bling

Pinky ring worth about fifty

Bling bling

Here, the word represents the "sound" of things like jewelry and expensive accessories shining.

• Check out my new diamond ring. Bling bling!

It can also be used as a noun to refer to shiny items.

• Shawn pulled up his sleeve so everyone could see the bling on his wrist.

“You had me at ‘Hello.’”

Warning: This section contains spoilers!

Jerry Maguire is a 1996 film starring Tom Cruise. During the film’s climax, the main character attempts to confess his love to a woman named Dorothy. Before he can finish, however, Dorothy tells him to stop, then says, “You had me at ‘Hello.’”

This means “I fell in love with you the very first time we met.” It’s a very dramatic and romantic moment that movie lovers haven't forgotten. 

These days, this quote is used in funny ways to express excitement and enthusiasm. The “Hello” is changed to something related to the situation, and it means "You only had to say ___."

A

I'm having a party tonight. There'll be free food and drinks. Wanna come?

B

You had me at "free food." I'll be there!

This isn't the only time Jerry Maguire will appear on this list …

Down the rabbit hole

This expression comes from the book Alice in Wonderland by British author Lewis Carrol. The story is about a girl named Alice who falls through a rabbit hole into a strange, fantastical world. 

We use this expression to talk about things like hobbies or activities that are much deeper or more complicated than we first realized. It can sometimes have a slightly negative nuance.

Later, this expression became more common because of its use in the 1999 science-fiction film The Matrix.

• After watching one funny clip, I fell down the rabbit hole of meme videos on TikTok. I spent hours watching them!

Bring a knife to a gunfight

This expression is believed to have come from The Untouchables, a 1987 film about gangsters in Chicago in the 1930s. In one scene, a criminal who only has a knife meets a police officer with a much stronger weapon.

Just like in the film, this expression is used today when someone is very unprepared for a challenge. 

• We can't compete against the company's expensive lawyers. It would be like bringing a knife to a gunfight.

"Show me the money."

This line — another from Jerry Maguire — is spoken by a football player named Rod Tidwell (played by Cuba Gooding Jr). When a sports agent tries to convince Rod to sign a contract with him, Rod replies with this very famous quote. In fact, he says it many times!

"Show me the money" is another way of saying "Pay me!" This quote has been ranked #25 on the list of top 100 quotes by the American Film Institute. It also became the name of a rap competition show in Korea.

You can hear it in casual conversations when people are talking about being paid — or in many cases, being paid more.

• If they're serious about hiring you, tell them to show you the money.

Related article: 3 Tips for Negotiating Your Salary in English

Ride off into the sunset

Many American films have "happy endings" in which it seems like the main characters will have perfect lives when the movie is over. These endings often have dramatic scenes, such as beautiful sunsets. 

These scenes are so common that we have an expression referring to them. "Ride off into the sunset" is usually said with a sarcastic nuance, however.

• Even if you meet a great partner, don't assume you'll ride off into the sunset and have a perfect life. Relationships take a lot of work.

Fairy tale

This is closely related to the previous expression. It's a reference to popular stories like Cinderella and Snow White, in which a prince and princess fall in love and live an ideal life. 

• Their island vacation wasn't the fairy tale they hoped for.

It can also be used as an adjective.

• Grace spent a lot of money to have her fairy tale wedding.

"We're not in Kansas anymore."

The classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz tells the story of Dorothy, a girl who wakes up in a strange land far from her home in Kansas. When she doesn't recognize where she is, she says this famous line to her pet dog, Toto. 

People say this today when they are in unfamiliar places or situations.

• New technology has revolutionized our industry, so we have to think differently. We're not in Kansas anymore, everyone.

(If you didn't know, Wicked, a musical and 2024 movie, tells the story of what happened before the events of The Wizard of Oz.)

Break the internet

We say that something "breaks the internet" when it gets an extreme amount of attention online. The idea is that a website or service gets so many views or visitors that it "breaks."

• News of the celebrity scandal broke the internet.
• When we release the trailer for our next film, it's going to break the internet!

Wrap-Up

Big pop culture moments can continue to have an effect even many years later; even people who've never listened to B.G. or who weren't born when Jerry Maguire was released will know the terms we've introduced here. So if you want to be a fluent English speaker, make sure you know them too!

Why not book a lesson with an Engoo tutor and try using them in a real conversation?

The post 9 Common English Expressions from Pop Culture appeared first on Engoo Blog.

At the center of it all are the cute, powerful and weird creatures called Pokémon (short for "pocket monster"). Just like the original Japanese versions, the English names for these monsters are often clever combinations of words or names.

This article will take a close look at 10 Pokémon to understand the meaning behind their unique names. Let's go!

Jigglypuff

Jigglypuff is one of the very first generation of Pokémon. In its first form, it's a pink creature with a ball-shaped body and large eyes. 

"Jiggle" is a verb that means "to shake lightly." Meanwhile, "puffs" can be things like pastries filled with sweet cream, or a small amount of something difficult to touch, such as smoke or steam.

• The toy clown has a big head that jiggles when you move it.
• Simona bought some cream puffs from the bakery around the corner.
• The man with the cigar let out a big puff of smoke that filled the air.

When Jigglypuff evolves — or changes into a stronger form — it becomes Wigglytuff, which is also a fun play on words. "Wiggle" has a meaning very similar to "jiggle." "Tuff," however, is a different spelling of "tough," which means "strong."

• I packed the items tightly so they won't wiggle in the box during shipment.
• These jeans are pretty tough; I've been wearing them for years and they still look great.

Exeggcute

Exeggcute is a Pokémon that looks like a pack of eggs, so part of its name should be easy to understand. 

However, this name has one more secret: "Exeggcute" sounds very similar to the verb "execute," which means "to do or to perform" an action.

• I entered the command for the software to execute the program.

When it evolves, Exeggcute becomes Exeggutor, which is similar to the noun "executor." An executor is a person who performs an action as well as the name for a professional who makes sure a person's property is given to the correct people after they die.

Serperior

Serperior is a grass-type Pokémon with a long, green body, similar to a snake. The names of its attacks include words like "regal" and "noble," which are often used to describe members of a royal family.

Maybe that's why Serperior's name is quite close to "superior," which means "higher in quality or rank." In fact, Serperior often has a very proud expression on its face!

Related article: Are You a "Prima Donna"? English for People with Too Much Pride

Koffing

Koffing is a Pokémon that attacks by releasing poison gas. So it's no mistake that its name sounds like "coughing"!

• Manny's been coughing all day. He should probably see a doctor.

Koffing's evolved form is called Weezing. If you add an H to the name, you get "wheezing," which is breathing with difficulty, usually while making a light whistling sound. 

• Sue is out of shape and can only climb a few stairs before she starts wheezing.

As you can see, "Weezing" is a clever name for a Pokémon that pollutes the air and makes it hard to breathe!

Related article: Caught a Cold or Flu? How to Talk About This in English

Polteageist

A "poltergeist" is a ghost or spirit that can affect the physical world. It is also the title of a famous American horror film from 1982.

When you know this information, you can recognize the joke in Polteageist's name. Polteageist, which first appeared in the game Pokémon Sword and Shield, is a ghost-type Pokémon that looks like a purple creature inside of a teapot!

Alakazam

Another Pokémon from the first generation, each of its forms has a name related to magic and illusions. The first form is called Abra, while its second form is named Kadabra.

The word "abracadabra" was originally taken from the name of a god, and was used as a magical word that gives power and protects from sickness. 

Over time, both abracadabra and "alakazam" became words magicians use when performing tricks. Even in casual conversations, people may use either word before doing something unusual or amazing.

Tentacool

Tentacool is a Pokémon that belongs to both the water and poison categories. It has a mostly blue body with three red circles on its head. It looks similar to jellyfish found in the real world. 

Jellyfish have arms called "tentacles," which has the same pronunciation as "Tentacool." "Cool," of course, can mean "stylish," and is used often in casual English conversations. However, it can also mean "unfriendly."

• Kay may seem cool at first, but she's actually very nice and easy to talk to.

Tentacool's second form is called Tentacruel. "Cruel" is an adjective describing someone who causes harm to others with no care for their feelings.

• The boss is unpopular because of his strict rules and cruel personality.

Perrserker

Perrserker is a Pokémon from the steel category. It looks like a gray cat with sharp teeth. 

Along with "meow," "purr" is an onomatopoeic word for a sound cats make.

• My cat jumped into my lap and started purring. 

"Berserk" is an adjective describing people or situations that are crazy or beyond control.

• The crowd went berserk when the band began playing its most famous song.

When you put the two together, "Perrserker" is the perfect name for a crazy cat!

Related article: English Verbs for Animal Sounds and Activities

Buzzwole

Buzzwole is a Pokémon under the bug and fighting categories. It looks like an insect with a very strong and muscular body, and its name is made up of two parts.

First, "buzz" is the English word for the sound of flying insects like mosquitoes and bees.

• After I opened the window, I could hear a few flies buzzing around the room.

The second part refers to the slang word "swole," which means "extremely muscular." This word comes from "swell," which means "to grow" or "to become larger." For example, someone who exercises regularly will become bigger as their muscles develop! 

Remember that "swell" is a verb, but "swole" is an adjective.

• The mosquito bite on my arm began to swell when I scratched it.
• Janet's gotten really swole ever since she started working out.

Related article: 16 Words for Describing Different Body Types

Mimikyu

Mimikyu is from the eighth generation of Pokémon and is both a fairy- and ghost-type monster. It looks similar to Pikachu, the most famous Pokémon, but something isn't quite right …

Mimikyu's true appearance is unknown because it is hiding underneath a Pikachu disguise! This makes sense because its name sounds very similar to "mimic you." "Mimic" is a verb that means "to copy a person's words or actions."

• Jack is really good at mimicking the voices of celebrities.
• My two-year-old son always tries to mimic what his older brothers do.

Monster Mash-Ups

Now that you know the meanings behind these names, you may never look at a Pokémon the same way again. Test your English skill and see if you can discover the hidden meaning in your favorite monsters' names!

For more English related to games, check out the following articles:

• Essential English Vocabulary for Video Games
• Among Us Vocabulary You Can Use in Real Life
• 7 English Expressions That Come from Sports

The post The Hidden Meanings Behind English Pokémon Names [Updated] appeared first on Engoo Blog.