Kick in the Guts

Shady Abuyusuf

Sun, 19 May 2024

169

Conversation 1:

Shady: Good morning, class. Today, we're going to explore some American slang terms related to the word "kick." Let's start with "kick the shit out of someone." It means to beat someone very hard. It's quite strong language and usually objectionable.

Student: Uh, isn't that a bit violent?

Shady: Yes, it is. This is an example of slang that's not appropriate for polite conversation. Moving on, "for kicks" means doing something for fun or for a thrill. It's like saying, "We just did it for kicks, we didn't mean to hurt anyone."

Student: Oh, so it's like doing something just for the fun of it?

Shady: Exactly. Now, "get a kick out of someone or something" means to get a thrill or enjoyment from someone or something. For instance, "She gets a kick out of her grandchildren" means she enjoys spending time with them.

Student: Got it. So it's about finding pleasure or enjoyment in something.

Shady: Yes, exactly. Now, "get one’s kicks from someone or something" is similar but emphasizes deriving pleasure from someone or something specific. For example, "I get my kicks from Billy Simpson. What a great entertainer!"

Student: Ah, so it's more about finding pleasure in a particular person or thing.

Shady: That's right. Finally, "kick-ass" and "bust-ass" are slang terms used to describe something powerful, vigorous, excellent, or cool. Like saying, "That was a real kick-ass party you had the other night!"

Student: So it's like saying something is really awesome or impressive?

Shady: Exactly. These terms are often used informally in casual conversations among friends. Remember, slang can vary in appropriateness depending on the context and audience.

Student: Thanks for clarifying, Shady. I'll keep that in mind.

Shady: You're welcome. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.

Conversation 2:

Shady: Good afternoon, class. Today, we'll continue our exploration of American slang, focusing on terms related to "kick." Let's begin with "kick-ass on someone." It means to give someone a hard time, to try to dominate or overwhelm them.

Student: So it's like trying to intimidate or bully someone?

Shady: Exactly. It's not a pleasant experience to be on the receiving end of someone kicking-ass on you.

Student: I see. It's about exerting power over someone.

Shady: Yes, that's one way to put it. Moving on, "kick back" has a few meanings. Firstly, it means to relax and enjoy something. For example, "Now you just kick back and enjoy this."

Student: So it's about taking it easy and enjoying yourself.

Shady: Precisely. Additionally, "kick back" can also refer to money received in return for a favour, usually in the form of a kickback. Like when someone receives money for doing a favour, often in a dishonest or illegal way.

Student: Oh, like bribery or corruption?

Shady: Yes, exactly. Now, "kick cold (turkey)" means to stop taking drugs suddenly without tapering off. It's a difficult process, and not everyone can successfully kick cold turkey.

Student: So it's about quitting something abruptly, especially drugs.

Shady: That's correct. Lastly, "kick down with something" means to give forth with something, to share or distribute it. Like saying, "Hey, man, kick down with my share of the brewsters!"

Student: So it's about sharing or giving someone their fair portion of something.

Shady: Yes, you've got it. Lastly, "kicker" refers to a clever but stinging remark, a sharp criticism, or a zinger.

Student: So it's like a witty or cutting remark?

Shady: Exactly. It's often used in situations where someone delivers a surprising or impactful verbal blow.

Student: Thanks for explaining, Shady. These slang terms are really interesting.

Shady: You're welcome. Remember, slang can add color and depth to language, but it's important to use it appropriately and understand its nuances. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.

Conversation 3:

Shady: Alright, class, it's time for a little test to see how well you've grasped the slang terms we've been discussing. I'll give you the term, and I want you to tell me what it means.

Let's start with "kick freak."

Student 1: Um, isn't that someone who really likes something?

Shady: Close, but not quite. "Kick freak" actually refers to a nonaddicted drug user.

Student 2: So, like someone who used drugs occasionally but isn't addicted?

Shady: Exactly. Now, how about "kickin' and kicken"?

Student 3: Is it like when something is really cool or awesome?

Shady: Spot on! "Kickin' and kicken" means wild, super, or excellent. Now, moving on to "kick in the teeth, kick in the ass, kick in the butt, kick in the rear, kick in the pants."

Student 4: Is it like giving someone a strong message of encouragement or a demand?

Shady: That's correct! It's about giving someone a strong push or motivation. Next up, "kick in the guts."

Student 5: Is it like receiving a severe blow, either physically or emotionally?

Shady: Absolutely right. "Kick in the guts" refers to a severe blow to one's body or spirit. Lastly, "kick in the wrist."

Student 6: Is it a drink of liquor?

Shady: Correct again! "Kick in the wrist" refers to a drink of liquor.

Student 7: Wait, isn't that "kick in the teeth"?

Shady: Ah, good catch. "Kick in the teeth" is actually a strong message of encouragement or a demand, not a drink of liquor. Thank you for pointing that out.

Student 8: So, "kick in the wrist" and "kick in the teeth" are different?

Shady: Yes, they are. "Kick in the wrist" is about drinking liquor, while "kick in the teeth" is about giving a strong message.

Student 9: Got it. Thanks for clarifying, Shady.

Shady: You're welcome. Remember, understanding slang can be tricky, but with practice, you'll get the hang of it. Keep up the good work, everyone.

Conversation 4:

Shady: Good morning, class. Today, we're going to delve into some more American slang terms related to the word "kick." Let's start with "kick it."

Student 1: Isn't that about playing soccer or something?

Shady: Not quite. "Kick it" actually means to relax or take it easy. For example, "I need a few minutes to kick it, then I'll get back in the game."

Student 2: Oh, so it's about chilling out or taking a break?

Shady: Exactly. Now, let's move on to "kick (off)."

Student 3: Is that like starting a game or an event?

Shady: Not quite. "Kick (off)" in slang terms means to die. It's a bit morbid, but it's a common slang expression. For example, "We've been waiting for years for that cat to kick off."

Student 4: Oh, so it's about someone passing away.

Shady: Yes, that's correct. Now, let's talk about "kick party."

Student 5: Is it like a party with a specific theme or activity?

Shady: Close, but not quite. "Kick party" refers to a party where some drug is used. It's usually associated with drug culture. For example, "There was a kick party at one of the crack houses, and even little children went in."

Student 6: Oh, so it's a party where drugs are involved.

Shady: Exactly. Moving on, "kicks" is another term.

Student 7: Are those like shoes or something?

Shady: Yes, you're on the right track. "Kicks" refer to cleats or shoes, particularly gym shoes or sneakers. For example, "Don't you dare wear those kicks in here!"

Student 8: So it's about shoes or sneakers.

Shady: That's correct. Lastly, let's discuss "kick some ass (around)."

Student 9: Is that about fighting or something?

Shady: Not quite. "Kick some ass (around)" means to take over and start giving orders or to raise hell. It's a bit strong and usually objectionable. For example, "Do I have to come over there and kick some ass around?"

Student 10: So it's about taking charge or causing trouble.

Shady: Yes, exactly. That wraps up our discussion on these slang terms related to "kick." If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Conversation 5:

Shady: Alright, class, before we wrap up our discussion on slang terms related to "kick," let's touch on a few more expressions. First up, "kick the bucket."

Student 1: Isn't that like a container or something?

Shady: In this context, "kick the bucket" is actually a slang term for dying. For example, "The cat kicked the bucket last night."

Student 2: Oh, so it's about someone passing away.

Shady: Exactly. Now, let's talk about "kick the habit."

Student 3: Is that about kicking something with your foot?

Shady: Not quite. "Kick the habit" means to voluntarily end any habit or custom, especially a drug habit. For example, "She tried to kick the habit, but it was difficult."

Student 4: So it's about quitting a habit, like smoking or drinking?

Shady: Yes, that's correct. Next, we have "kick up a storm."

Student 5: Is that like causing a commotion or something?

Shady: Exactly. "Kick up a storm" means to create a disturbance or to put on an angry display. For example, "My dad will just kick up a storm when he finds out."

Student 6: So it's about making a big fuss or causing trouble.

Shady: Yes, you've got it. Lastly, let's discuss "kicky."

Student 7: Is that like being energetic or lively?

Shady: Spot on! "Kicky" means exciting and energetic. For example, "Man, what a kicky idea!"

Student 8: So it's about something being lively or full of energy.

Shady: Exactly. Alright, class, that concludes our discussion on slang terms related to "kick." I hope you found it informative and fun. Remember to keep exploring the rich and colourful world of language. Have a great day, everyone!