Words November 2025 Week 2

The popsicle was invented in 1905 by accident. (A boy mixed some soda powder with water and left it outside where it froze overnight. This is how popsicles were invented.)

They thought she caught the corona virus. (But it turned out that she didn’t have the virus.)

She had no flu symptoms. (She was quarantined for the virus but was not sick.)

By chance, I will talk about the same topic. (Two classmates talked about the same subject.)

Mosquitoes have been found in Iceland for the first time because of global warming. (Nicknames for mosquitoes in the US is “skeeter” and in Australia “mossie.”)

Iceland has been ranked number one in countries with the highest gender equality. (Most of the top ten gender equality countries are in northern Europe.)

The event was held the day before yesterday. (It was held two days ago, or in this story’s case, it was held on this past Sunday.)

Native American flatbread, a.k.a. frybread, is typically deep-fried and is a leavened or unleavened dough. (Naan is a leavened flatbread traditionally baked in a clay oven, making it fluffy and chewy.)

Yakitori is cooked on a skewer. (A skewer is a small stick with a sharp point.)

The knife blade is dull. (It was not sharp.)

He is as stubborn as a mule. (He is hard-headed.)

After a week or so, the problem disappeared. (It suddenly went away on its own.)

I put all my food in the fridge or cupboards instead of on the counter. (She worries about having a mouse in her house.)

He was my uncle on my mother’s side. (Don’t say “in” my mother’s side.)

Preventive medicine includes immunizations, cancer screenings, blood tests, counseling for healthy diets, smoking cessation, reducing alcohol, etc. (These procedures help to not get sick.)

Destiny, a.k.a. fate, is a predetermined course of events. (Reminds me of the song “You are my destiny…”)

He was dead on arrival (DOA). (He was already dead when he arrived at the hospital in an ambulance.)

YOLO stands for “you only live once.” (The phrase emphasizes enjoying the present moment and not worrying about the future.)

“Drunkard" is considered offensive and outdated; it is better to say “alcoholic.” (Someone once told me that her father is a drunkard. I know her father, he is neither a drunkard nor alcoholic, but he enjoys drinking.)

Being euphoric means feeling intense excitement and happiness. (Dodgers fans were euphoric after winning the World Series.)

The buffet had a large variety of foods. (There were many dishes to choose from.)

An auditorium focuses more on sound for speeches, whereas a theater prioritizes the visual experience for plays and other staged productions.  (We use “auditorium” for speeches, concerts, stage plays, recitals, etc.  We use “theater” mostly for movies and stage plays.)

I got some updated information on using your “my number” card for discount taxi fares. (You can prepay your “my number” card at three thousand yen per month up to thirty-six thousand yen per year but there is no limit on how much you spend per month. This is for Ome residents and can only be used in Keio taxis in Ome and Fussa.)  

The sumo ring is sacred. (According to sumo tradition, women cannot enter the ring.)

The Japanese Sumo Association (JSA) has avoided making a clear decision on how they will proceed if Prime Minister Takaichi wishes to personally present the Prime Minister’s Cup. (JSA only stated that it is their mission to "pass down the traditional culture of sumo".)

I used sign language to interpret a seminar about abusing the elderly and disabled. (She often volunteers to interpret for people who are hearing impaired.)