Ret's Word of the Day

Ret's Word of the Day: Nonce Nonce Meaning: (British prison slang, strongly derogatory) A sex offender, especially one who commits offences against children; a child molester ↔ (argot carcéral britannique, très péjoratif) délinquant sexuel, en particulier agresseur d'enfants. /nɒns/ [ NONSS ] 🔊 Hear it Usage note: This is an extremely offensive, derogatory term primarily used in British prison slang and street language. It carries intense social stigma and is considered hate speech in many contexts. Avoid using it casually; it can provoke strong reactions. The older meaning ("for the nonce" ↔ for the time being) is unrelated and neutral. Example: "That'll work for the nonce, but we'll need a better plan for the long term." Dialogue Inmate 1 : “Stay away from that new guy on the wing.” Inmate 2 : “Why? Wh...

Ret's Word of the Day: Stick Your Neck Out Stick your neck out Meaning: To take a risk by saying or doing something that might be criticized, rejected, or have negative consequences, especially when you defend someone or express a strong opinion ↔ prendre un risque, s’exposer en défendant quelqu’un ou en exprimant une opinion qui peut être mal reçue. /stɪk jɔːr nek aʊt/ [ stik your NEK out ] 🔊 Hear it Usage note: This idiom is informal and common in spoken English. It often implies courage or loyalty, but it can also sound slightly critical if the risk seems unnecessary or unwise. Use it when someone accepts personal risk for an idea, a prediction, or another person. Video Dialogue Manager : “I’m going to stick my neck out and recommend you for the promotion, even though some people think you’re too young ...

Ten Idioms Ten Idioms “Better late than never” ↔ Mieux vaut tard que jamais (bet-er layt than nev-er) ▶ “Call it a day” ↔ S’arrêter là pour aujourd’hui (kawl it uh day) ▶ “Practice makes perfect” ↔ C’est en forgeant qu’on devient forgeron (prak-tis mayks per-fikt) ▶ “Rome wasn't built in a day” ↔ Rome ne s’est pas faite en un jour (rohm woz-nt bild in uh day) ▶ “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” ↔ À Rome, fais comme les Romains (wen in rohm doo az thuh roh-manz doo) ▶ “B...

Ret's Word of the Day: Subvert Subvert Meaning: To undermine or overthrow (something established or existing), especially a system, authority, or institution, often from within or in a secretive manner ↔ renverser, détourner ou affaiblir un ordre, une autorité ou un sens établi, souvent de manière indirecte ou clandestine. /səbˈvɜːrt/ [ sub-VURT ] 🔊 Hear it Usage note: This term can carry strong connotations depending on context; in some settings it implies positive disruption of unjust systems, while in others it suggests dangerous or treasonous activity. Use thoughtfully to match intended nuance. Dialogue Professor : “Great literature doesn’t just entertain—it can subvert expectations and challenge authority.” Student : “Like satire?” Professor : “Precisely. Writers subvert dominant narratives to reveal hidden truths.” Stud...

Idiom List “To be born yesterday” ↔ Être né de la dernière pluie (tuh bee born yes-ter-day) ▶ “Better late than never” ↔ Mieux vaut tard que jamais (bet-er layt than nev-er) ▶ “At the eleventh hour” ↔ À la dernière minute (at thee uh-lev-enth ow-er) ▶ “To beat the clock” ↔ Battre la montre (tuh beet thuh klok) ▶ “It's high time” ↔ Il est grand temps (its hai taim) ▶ “Time flies (when you're having fun)” ↔ Le temps passe vite (quand on s’amuse) ...

Ret's Word of the Day: Paedarchus Paedarchus /ˈpɛdɑːrkəs/ Pronunciation: PED - ark -uhs 'PED' as in PED al, 'ark' as in arc HAIC, 'uhs' as in JES us Hear pronunciation Meaning: A neologism referring to a political leader whose conduct has led to public disgrace involving the exploitation of minors. Not to be confused with Paederus , a genus of beetles in the Staphylinidae family. Used primarily in academic, satirical, or political language discussions. Usage warning: This term addresses sensitive subject matter and is intended for educational, analytical, or satirical discussion of language and power. It should be used with caution and avoided in casual or non-academic contexts. Dialogue Professor : “In political satire, language often evolves to expose abuses of power.” Student : “Through in...