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Conversation 1
Shady: Good morning, class! Today, we're going to explore some interesting slang expressions involving the word "say." Are you ready?
Students: Yes, Shady!
Shady: Excellent! Let's start
with "I say!"
This expression is used to attract attention or register surprise or pleasure.
For example, "I say!
Look at that beautiful sunset!"
Student 1: So, it's like saying
"Hey!" or "Wow!"
Shady: Exactly! Now, onto "I say, I say, I say!"
This is used as a catchphrase introduction to a corny joke. It's often repeated
three times for comedic effect. For instance, "I say, I say, I say! Why did the tomato
turn red? Because it saw the salad dressing!"
Student 2: So, it's like a cue
for a joke.
Shady: Precisely! Next up, "before you can say Jack
Robinson." This expression means "instantly" or
"very quickly." For example, "He fixed the problem before you could say Jack
Robinson."
Student 3: So, it's like saying
something happened really fast.
Shady: That's correct! Moving
on, "now it’s time to
say goodbye." This is used as a humorous farewell. It's a reference
to the television sign-off on The Mickey Mouse Club. For instance, "Well,
folks, now it’s time to
say goodbye!"
Student 4: Like saying goodbye in
a fun way!
Shady: Exactly! Now, "saying hello to Mr.
Armitage." This is an adjective meaning drunk, possibly to the
point of being sick. It's a humorous reference to a lavatory manufacturer,
Armitage Shanks. For example, "After one too many drinks, he was saying hello to Mr.
Armitage."
Student 5: So, it's like saying
someone is really drunk.
Shady: Precisely! And
finally, "say
what?" This can be used in two ways. First, as a request to repeat
what has just been said. For example, "Sorry, I didn't catch that. Say what?" Second,
it can be used to express disbelief at what has just been said. For instance,
"You won the lottery?
Say what?"
Student 6: So, it's like asking
someone to repeat themselves or expressing surprise.
Shady: That's correct! These
expressions add color and variety to our language. Keep practicing, and you'll
sound like a native speaker in no time!
Conversation 2
Shady: Good morning, class! Today, we're continuing our exploration of slang expressions using the word "say." Are you ready for more?
Students: Yes, Shady!
Shady: Fantastic! Let's start
with "say what and so
what?" These expressions cleverly dismiss what has just been said.
For example, "You think you're better than me? Say what and so what?"
Student 1: So, it's like brushing
off someone's comment.
Shady: Exactly! Now, onto "say when!"
This is used to ask when enough food has been served or drink poured. For
instance, "Pouring me a drink? Say when!"
Student 2: So, it's like asking
someone to tell you when to stop.
Shady: Precisely! Next up, "does what it says on the
tin." This expression assures that something will behave as
expected. For example, "This software does what it says on the tin – it's user-friendly
and efficient."
Student 3: Like a guarantee that
something will work as promised.
Shady: That's correct! Moving
on, "say uncle."
This means to admit defeat or beg for mercy. For instance, "He wouldn't say uncle even after
hours of playing chess."
Student 4: So, it's like
surrendering or asking for mercy.
Shady: Precisely! Now, "wouldn’t say no."
This is used to register acceptance of something or suggest openness to an
offer. For example, "I
wouldn't say no to a slice of cake right now."
Student 5: Like expressing
willingness to accept something.
Shady: Exactly! Next, "you can say that again."
This expression is used to express heartfelt agreement. For instance,
"This movie is amazing!" "You can say that again!"
Student 6: So, it's like agreeing
strongly with someone.
Shady: Precisely! And
finally, "you don’t
say!" This expression is used to express astonishment at a
statement. For example, "Did you know John won the lottery?" "You don't say!"
Student 7: Like expressing
surprise at something unexpected.
Shady: Exactly! These
expressions add richness and depth to our language. Keep practicing, and you'll
master them in no time!
Conversation 3
Shady: Good afternoon, class! Today, we're delving into more slang expressions using the word "say." Let's dive right in!
Students: Yes, Shady!
Shady: Wonderful! First up, "you don’t say so!" This is used to express astonishment at a statement. For example, "You won the lottery? You don’t say so!"
Student 1: So, it's like expressing surprise at something unexpected.
Shady: Exactly! Now, "as my pappy would say..." This is a humorous introduction or segue, often used before sharing a piece of wisdom or anecdote. For instance, "As my pappy would say, 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it.'"
Student 2: So, it's like introducing something with a bit of humor.
Shady: Precisely! Next, "as the feller says." This is used for introducing a statement that the speaker doesn't necessarily agree with. For example, "As the feller says, 'You win some, you lose some.'"
Student 3: So, it's like acknowledging someone else's perspective.
Shady: Exactly! Now, "Confucius he say." This is an introduction to either a genuine or cynical philosophical proposition or a stylized joke. For example, "Confucius he say, 'Man who stands on toilet is high on pot."
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