英语新词：外来语

随着各国家和文化间的紧密交流，不同的语言之间通过“借词”来补充并丰富本国语言所欠缺的或无法表达的含义。英语向来具有包容性，不断吸收其它语言中的精髓，你了解哪些最近流行的外来词汇？

 

1. English has borrowed the word 'hygge' from Danish. What does it mean? Here is an example: The hygge of the room was caused by the warm fire and comfy sofas.

 

a) The danger of a fire hazard

 

b) A smothering¹ feeling of no air

 

c) A feeling of great laziness

 

d) A feeling of cosiness² and warmth

 

2. The expression 'status quo' comes from Latin, but what does it mean? Here is an example: Since he didn't know what to do, he decided³ to go with the status quo.

 

a) The existing condition or situation 

 

b) A radical⁴ change

 

c) An impulsive⁵ decision

 

d) The option requiring the least amount of energy

 

3. The expression 'mumbo jumbo' came to English from Africa, but what does it mean? Here is an example: They say that if you break a mirror, you will have seven years bad luck. I think that's just mumbo jumbo.

 

a) Verified fact – scientifically proven with mathematics

 

b) Nonsense – especially in the context of meaningless speech and false religious ritual

 

c) Superstition⁶ – usually passed down from generation to generation

 

d) Rumour⁷ – especially one people find interesting or shocking

 

4. 'Schadenfreude' is a German word which came over into English. What does it mean? Here is an example: Watching him fall over was pure Schadenfreude.

 

a) Embarrassment⁸ that something bad happened to a friend 

 

b) Joy at someone's pain or misery⁹

 

c) Satisfaction after taking revenge for something

 

d) An uncontrollable laugh which makes you cry

 

5. 'Laissez-faire' came to English from French and is often used in the context of business, but what does it mean? Here is an example: I'm not sure about the new manager. I'm used to a strict management style. He's much more laissez-faire.

 

a) Autocratic – being like a dictator and commanding subordinates

 

b) Consultative – listening to others, but making the final decision alone

 

c) Persuasive¹⁰ – convincing others that theirs is the best idea

 

d) Relaxed – allowing others to do things freely and only offering guidance when asked

 

6. English borrowed the word 'macho' from Spanish, but what does it mean? Here is an example: My last boyfriend was very sensitive. I think I'd prefer someone more macho.

 

a) Overly melodramatic

 

b) Somewhat stoic¹¹

 

c) Assertively¹² masculine

 

d) Having a tendency to brood

 

答案

1) d, 2) a, 3) b, 4) b, 5) d, 6) c.

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