Kerfuffle

Kerfuffle Grandma from the 1960’s. “Hold the ……” is an American phrase. To explain: This phrase is said when someone in the USA orders a pizza which has anchovies on it. Some people do not like anchovies and so they do not want them on...

Thingamabob (Thing-a-ma-Bob)

Thingamabob (Thing-a-ma-Bob) Thingamabob is used to refer to or address a person or thing whose name one has forgotten, does not know, or does not wish to mention. NOTE: Business English etc. can be found below the translation exercises. Translate the Text:...

To be an Indian Giver

To be an Indian Giver The English slang expression to be an Indian giver is a pejorative (abwertend) expression used to describe a person who gives a “gift” and later wants it back or who expects something of equivalent worth in return for the item.  ...

Malarkey

Malarkey noun: malarkey This English slang word means meaningless talk; nonsense. Sample Sentence: “Politicians give the public a lot of malarkey.” Business English Word of the Week: Geschäftsenglisch Wort der Woche: ‘To pull strings’ What...

Lollygag

Lollygag Lollygag informal•North American verb: spend time aimlessly; idle. Zeit ziellos verbringen; Leerlauf. Sample Sentence: “They go to California every summer holiday to lollygag in the sun.” Also means to dawdle. (trödeln / bummeln). Sample Sentence:...

Cattywampus

Cattywampus See below for a definition of Cattywampus. Business English Word of the Week: Geschäftsenglisch Wort der Woche: “To get the ball rolling” This idiom means to start something, usually a project or process. sentence example: “Come on guys...