Onomatopoeic word: Boo

What sound does a ghost make when it's trying to talk? Well, when we're discussing onomatopoeia, the sound and the word is boo.

Onomatopoeia is the formation of a word from a sound associated with it (like crunchy or sizzle, for example).

You'll be hearing the exclamation boo often if you are out on Halloween night and, since it is used to startle or frighten someone, what is the appropriate response? If you don't know, see my previous blog post on
what to say when something scares you. You'll be glad you did.

Fright Night

It's October and Halloween is coming soon, October 31. It's the season of jack-o-lanterns, trick or treat, costume parties, watching horror films and fright!
There are many ways to express fear in the English language so let's prepare ourselves for a Halloween full of terror.

I was:

- terrified, spooked, petrified
- afraid of, scared of, frightened of
- scared/frightened to death, scared stiff, paralyzed with fear

It:

- scared the hell out of me.
- sent shivers/chills down my spine.
- gave me goosebumps.
- struck terror into me.
- scared/frightened the life out of me.

I:

- jumped out of my skin.
- shook with fear; shook like a leaf.
- turned as white as a ghost.
- got spooked.

It was a:

- a horrifying ordeal.
- a frightening experience.
- spooky.

Everyone can expect a fright on Halloween, and now you are prepared with the perfect response!

Big American Breakfasts

It is often assumed by non-Americans that we here in the USA eat large, bountiful breakfasts before we begin our day: eggs, bacon, sausages, pancakes, waffles, hash brown potatoes, juice, coffee, tea, toast, muffins, croissant, fruit, oatmeal, quiche, cinnamon rolls. Not true.

Although large morning meals are recommended to start the day in a good way, it's almost impossible to sit down and eat leisurely when you're in a hurry to get out of the house to be at work or school on time. I've tried and all I usually manage to eat is a bowl of cereal because it's fast and easy.

So don't believe it if you hear that Americans eat large breakfasts. It's great if you have a breakfast meeting with a client or are on holiday but the norm is usually one of the following: a piece of toast, a cup of coffee, a bowl of cereal, a glass of juice, some yogurt. If you're lucky, you might have time to sit down while you eat.