English, baby!

Screwed!

Date: May 31 2007

Lesson

In English, the use of phrasal verbs, idioms, and slang is VERY COMMON. A phrasal verb is a verb + a preposition or adverb which creates a meaning different from the original verb. Idioms are expressions or phrases in a language thats meaning is different from the meaning of the individual words which are used (EX: "I have butterflies in my stomach" = I am very nervous/anxious, "I feel blue" = I feel sad.). And of course, slang is the language we use in casual or informal conversation.

NOW, Using the word "screw", we are going to look at the different meanings one word can have when the same root word is used as a phrasal verb, an idiom, and as slang.

Let's look at the definition of "screw" (n.) : a screw itself is a metal rod, similar to a nail, but a screw has a spiral form (see lesson photo).

Below are 3 examples that all have "screw" in them, but have completely different meanings!

1 (Phrasal Verb): TO SCREW UP. to "screw up" is to fail or ruin something. EX: "He screwed up the directions and we were lost for hours!" "I studied for hours because I didn't want to screw up on the exam."

2. (Idiom): TO HAVE A SCREW LOOSE. if someone has a "screw loose", they are considered insane or crazy. EX: "She talks to herself a lot! I think she has a screw loose." "You are going to climb Mt. Everest alone??? You have a screw loose!!"

3. (slang): SCREW OVER. to "screw over" is to deceive or trick using dishonesty; to take advantage of. EX: "The car salesman screwed me over! He sold me a car that doesn't work!" "My boyfriend cancelled our plans again! He is always screwing me over like this."

Isn't it amazing how many meanings one word can have?!

****For additional practice, see if you can figure out what these mean: "(to) screw it!" to "screw around (with something)", and to "screw off".****

EXAMPLE CONVERSATION:

Matt: "I completely screwed up on the calculus test today!"

Julia: "Maybe if you didn't screw around in class everyday, you would have done better."

Matt: "No! That teacher totally has a screw loose! If I fail this class, I'm screwed. My parents will kill me!"

Julia: "The semester isn't over. Study for the next test, and you won't be screwed over."

Matt: "No...there's no hope for me. Screw it."

Comments

< Previous
21 through 40 of 42
Next >
1 2 3

rameez

Pakistan

I must Say … Super lesson…! really

vimars

Philippines

yes SCREW has many meanings and it depends how a person use this term. like all things in this world it has good side and bad side the only difference is how it is used. glad that i entered in this site i learn many things here. goodluck to all of you.

toheed

Pakistan

hi how r u and where from . i would like to share some thing wd u

toheed

Pakistan

hi how r u. and where from u .

toheed

Pakistan

i didnt know about this word . actully englishbaby web site is realy a sea of knowlege espaciallly about english . and i would like to make firendship around the world so any body can contact me . we would be feel more then happy. thank ebaby