Language Café

[Definition]: One who acts affectionately toward another so as to excel, usually because he cannot do so on his own merits.[Origin]: The modern usage dates back to the early 1970s. Also a 'sucker' is someone who is easily deceived.

[Meaning]: A meddling or prying person. [Origin]: An early study of the type was made by the ancient Greek philosopher Theophrastus in his typology, Characters, "In the proffered services of the busybody there is much of the affectation of kind-heartedness, and little efficient aid."

Definition: To be in a situation in which someone is annoyed with you because of something you did. 在英语里，如果你做错事惹了某人生气从而失宠、受冷落、遭排挤，这时我们就可以说 you are in the doghouse. Origin: Based on the idea of being punished like a dog who is forced to stay in a doghouse (a shelter used by a dog), away from people. 1911, J. M. Barrie used a plot device in which the father of the family, Mr. Darling, consigned himself to the dog's kennel as an act of remorse for inadvertently causing his children to be kidnapped. Many consider this to be the source.

[Definition]: To take offense; to become angry, agitated or upset. [Origin]: "To be in shape" dates back to the late 1700s. It meant being in good physical condition, as it does today. To get bent out of shape became a popular idiom in the 1900s and some people speculate that it may have originated from the dreaded, yet unavoidable SCUBA diving condition of "the bends". However this is speculative.

[Definition] An advantage or a resource kept back until the proper opportunity presents itself. [Origin] This term comes from the game of stud poker, in which one or more cards are turned face down, or "in the hole," as bets are placed. The ace is the card with the highest value.

Definition: A stupid person.Origin: You've got air in your head , where brains are supposed to be. Dates back to between 1975 and 1980.

[Definition] To attempt or to try something ; To criticize very heavily. [Origin] A mid 17th century origin (as a verb): Could be interpreted as imitative, perhaps a blend of 'bang' and 'smash', 'dash.'The second use of the noun is recent 20th-century usage.

Definition: A state of confusion, disorder or disagreement, not one of risk.Origin: The phrase was originally 'to set (bet) on six and seven' and is thought to have derived in the 14th century from the game of dice. The meaning then was 'to carelessly risk one's entire fortune'.

Meaning: an overzealous or obsessive fan of a particular celebrity.Origin: A famous song by the rapper Eminem, who has a song called 'Stan', where the titular character is an obsessive fan. 该词源于歌曲《Stan》，是美国说唱歌手Eminem(埃米纳姆)与英国女歌手蒂朵演唱的一首说唱歌曲。《Stan》在英国、澳大利亚、芬兰等十一个国家的排行榜中获得冠军位置。埃米纳姆在歌曲讲述了一个为自己而死的歌迷的故事，以此警示歌迷。

Meaning: Experiencing something very difficult or unpleasantOrigin: based on the literal meaning of wringer (a device that presses water from clothing that has been washed)