Business Lingo (Part 1)

If you're an adult English User, part of the challenge is getting a grasp of (understanding) the real meaning of business idioms. 

Often, it's difficult to stay up to speed with (keep up with) all the expressions that English speakers use when discussing professional matters.

Today, we'll take look at a few of these:

1. blockbuster

a big success; a huge hit

Example: Eli Lilly made a lot of money with the prescription drug, Prozac. It was a real blockbuster.

Origin: This term comes from the blockbuster bombs used during World War Two by the British Royal Air Force. They were huge and created a large explosive force. Blockbuster ideas similarly create a big impact - and hopefully don't cause destruction like blockbuster bombs!

2. cash cow

a product, service, or business division that generates a lot of cash for the company, without requiring much investment

Example: With strong sales every year and a great brand name, Mercedes is a cash cowfor DaimlerChrysler.

3. dog-eat-dog world

a cruel and aggressive world in which people just look out for themselves

Example: Your company fired you shortly after you had a heart attack? Well, it's certainly a dog-eat-dog world!

Origin: This expression dates back to the 1500's. Wild dogs were observed fighting aggressively over a piece of food. The connection was made that people, like dogs, often compete aggressively to get what they want.

4. (to) generate lots of buzz

to cause many people to start talking about a product or service, usually in a positive way that increases sales

Example: Procter & Gamble generated lots of buzz for its new toothpaste by giving away free samples to people on the streets of New York City.

Note: "Buzz" is a popular word for "attention."

5. mum's the word

let's keep quiet about this; I agree not to tell anyone about this

Example: Please don't tell anybody about our new project. Remember: mum's the word!

Origin: The word "mum" comes from the murmur "mmmmm," the only sound you can make when your mouth is shut firmly. Try making other sounds besides "mmmmm" with your lips and mouth shut firmly, and you will see that it's impossible!

And now, for those of you who like rock and roll, here's a classic song from the world famous heavy metal group AC/DC that will now make a lot more sense. The lyrics are below. It's loud. Enjoy!

"Dog Eat Dog" by AC/DC

Well, it's a dog eat dog,
Eat cat, too
The French eat frog,
And I eat you
Businessman, when you make a deal,
Do you know who you can trust?
Do you sign your life away?
Do you write your name in dust?

[Chorus]
Hey, hey, hey!
Every dog has his day!
It's a dog eat dog!
Dog eat dog!

"Dog Eat Dog"
Read the news
Someone win,
Someone lose
Up's above and down's below,
And Limbo's in between
Up, you win - down, you lose,
It's anybody's game

[Chorus]
Hey, hey, hey!
Every dog has his day!
It's a dog eat dog!
Dog eat dog!
Whoo!

[Solo]

And it's an eye for eye,
Tooth for tooth
It's a lie,
That's the truth
See the blind man on the street,
Lookin' for somethin' free
Hear the kind man ask his friends,
"Hey, what's in it for me?"

[Chorus]
Hey, hey, hey!
Every dog has his day!
It's a dog eat dog!
Dog eat dog!
(Dog eat dog! Dog eat dog!)
(Dog eat dog!) Dog eat dog!
(Dog eat dog!) Hey!
(Dog eat dog!) Whoo! Aaooo...
(Dog eat dog!) Dog eat dog!
(Dog eat dog! Dog eat dog!)
Dog eat dog eat dog eat dog!
(Dog eat dog!) Dog eat dog eat dog eat dog!
(Dog eat dog!) Dog eat dog eat - dog eat dog!
(Dog eat dog! Dog eat dog!)

SITCOM HUMOR - (Part 2)

In our last post, we introduced the language concept of paraprosdokian, which is often used in sitcoms and by stand-up comedians.

In this post, we want to take it to the next level and define the three key elements of humor. And in fact, these are not only things that work in sitcoms or for stand-up comedians, but if applied properly, can be used by any English User trying to break the ice of any situation.

So what are those 3 ingredients of humor?

1. Without a doubt, surprise is a major factor. Most comedians take us in one direction, establishing a narrative context that has a certain logic. Then, they completely change directions and break that logic with the surprise.  And if it works, it's the part that will generate the laughs. In fact, it should be no surprise that the term paraprosdokian comes from the Greek word for "expectation".

2. Another trick that usually works in humor is recognition. Whether it's a paraprosdokian or not, this is the kind of situation that will appeal to those that are familiar with specific jargon, experience or information. A special joke for engineers, scuba divers or Star Wars fans will not only work but resonate with them because in addition to the joke, there is the knowledge that they are laughing at something "others" could never understand. And in a sense, it means they're laughing at themselves. Obviously, in stand-up comedy and sitcoms, recognition is also used a great deal.

3. The last one has to do with making fun of yourself and not of others when making a joke. The obvious reason is that if you make fun of someone else, you may offend that person in doing so. On the other hand, if you show yourself as the one with the flaw that can be laughed at, others might feel identified, but by choice.

To illustrate these 3 strategies in humor, let's take a look at the classic "Soup Nazi" episode of Seinfeld. A recap is provided below, but we recommend watching the entire episode for greater effect. 

• To VIEW the VIDEO RECAP click here.

• To VIEW the COMPLETE EPISODE click here.

• To READ the complete TRANSCRIPT of this episode: click here.

So after watching (and reading), does the "Soup Nazi" meet these three conditions?

1. SURPRISE: Certainly, the surprise is the ending, like in all good drama and comedy. After seeing how the maker of the best soup in New York, known by all as the "Soup Nazi" tortures Jerry, George and Elaine with his harsh and arbitrary rules for ordering soup and his frequent punishment of "No soup for you!", Elaine takes revenge in a clever and unexpected way.

2. RECOGNITION: Once we know what the Soup Nazi is all about, we learn that the key to getting his good soup is to behave very well at his shop. So clearly, we recognize that Elaine is making a "big" mistake by behaving the way she does and that the punishment will be equally big.

3. MAKING FUN OF YOURSELF: For years, Seinfeld was described as "a show about nothing". But it's basically a show about four very crazy friends who live in a crazy world. And in this episode, with the excuse of the "Soup Nazi", we see just how willing to put up with abuse Jerry and George are - in this case, for a taste of good soup. They are making fun of themselves. Yet, we might get an extra laugh when we realize that... maybe we also do such silly things in our life.

SITCOM HUMOR - (Part 1)

Do you like SitComs? Great! Because this blog post begins with a word that is NOT funny: paraprosdokian.

What is it, right? It basically refers to a sentence or phrase in which the second part gives new meaning to the first part.

So what does it have to do with SitComs, you might ask? Well, a paraprosdokian is a language resource that usually causes us to laugh when watching SitComs, or stand up artists. In fact, it's one of the basic ingredients in this type of humor.

In fact, some paraprosdokians not only change the meaning of the first part of a phrase, but they also play on the double meaning of a particular word.

And other times, they actually refer to something many of use feel as true or have wanted to express in a certain situation.


Let's look at some examples...

If I could just say a few words... I'd be a better public speaker. - Homer Simpson

The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still on the list.

Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong.

These are my principles. If you don't like them I have others - Groucho Marx

War does not determine who is right - only who is left.

Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening' and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.

To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.

A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk, I have a work station.

What has four legs and tics?... My dog. - Bart Simpon


So by now you probably have an idea of what this basic ingredient of SitComs is all about.

After reading this post, Google the word paraprosdokian to search for more examples or Images (there are plenty of those). You can also check on YouTube where you will likely be linked to examples from well-known comedies. You could even try to come up with one yourself.

Here's one you're probably familiar with by now. Enjoy!