Learn English with this nicknames English lesson

Intro

1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.

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• demanding
• minority
• live it down
• spare

• affectionate
• shunned
• pick on
• make fun of

• barnacle
• bully

2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.

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People have been getting and giving nicknames for as long as people have had names. Nicknames are sometimes used because a person’s name is long or hard to say, so we call them something shorter. We might use Alex for Alexander, or Liz instead of Elizabeth. Nicknames can be used in an affectionate way, to show a person that we love them. Those nicknames are often common within a family or between a couple.

Nicknames can be used to shun people as well. If you were picked on or made fun of as a child, you might have had a nickname that made you feel terrible. Children and adults will bully each other by using rude nicknames, and unfortunately, it can be hard to get people to stop using them.

Is Marni giving Amanda an affectionate or a mean nickname? Read more in this English lesson about friendship.

Dialog

1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.

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2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.

Marni

Amanda

Marni:  You know what? I’ve got a special nickname for you.

Amanda:  I’ve been waiting all day. What?

Marni:  Demanda, because you’re so demanding and your name’s Amanda. Get it?

Amanda:  I actually think that’s pretty hurtful, Marni.

Marni:  Really? I thought you loved inside jokes, and you could really take it. I thought it was funny!

Amanda:  You know, my whole life I was a minority and I felt like I was picked on. And apparently that never changes.

Marni:  I’m sorry. I just like to give everyone nicknames, you know? Like Shorty, and Scooter, and High Five!

Amanda:  I just want to feel accepted, I guess, and not be made fun of and given a label. The name’s Amanda.

Marni:  I certainly didn’t mean to shun you. I just thought it was kind of fun and funny.

Amanda:  I remember someone gave me that nickname when I was five, and I just haven’t been able to live it down.

Marni:  Well, I’m sorry about that. I guess I should have asked you if there was any history, you know?

Amanda:  And I guess you don’t realize how good you have it by being popular.

Marni:  I guess I should think about that. I certainly didn’t mean to pick on you. I’ll certainly spare your feelings, you know? Can I come up with another one, though, and run it by you?

Amanda:  Sure, Barney. Barnacle.

Marni:  Ooh. Ouch!

Grammar Point

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Quizzes

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Lesson MP3

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