EnglishPod Lecture Notes on Gossip and Strange Descriptions

Introduction

• Hosts: Marco and Erica
• Theme: Upper-intermediate lesson focusing on gossip and strange descriptions.

Vocabulary Preview

Key Vocabulary

1. Weird

   • Meaning: Strange.
   • Common usage among young people, especially under the age of 35.
   • American English: "weird"; British English: "odd".

2. Housewarming Gift

   • Cultural significance in North America.
   • Examples: photo frames, plants, baskets of pastries.

Dialogue Summary

• Two housewives gossiping about a new neighbor, Armand.
• Descriptions of Armand:
  • Strange behaviors and dark house.
  • A delivery truck drops off a box that resembles a coffin, raising suspicion.

Language Takeaway

Important Phrases

1. A Bad Feeling

   • Meaning: A sense that something bad is going to happen.
   • Examples:
     • "I've got a bad feeling about him."
     • "It's so dark, we shouldn't be out here."

2. Kicked Me Out

   • Meaning: Forced to leave against one's will.
   • Examples:
     • "He kicked me out of the house."
     • "You can be kicked out of class for misbehavior."

3. Creeped Me Out

   • Meaning: Made me feel uncomfortable or scared.
   • Examples:
     • "This place creeps me out."
     • "Clowns creep me out."

4. Scared the Heck Out of Me

   • Meaning: To frighten someone a lot.
   • Examples:
     • "You scared the heck out of me with that noise."

Fluency Builder

Natural Phrases for Gossiping

1. Did you know that? / Did you hear?

   • Alternative: I don't know if you've heard...

2. Tell me about it. / Give me the details.

   • Alternative: You have to fill me in.

3. Well, you'll never guess what I saw...

   • Variations including: You'll never guess who I saw.

Conclusion

• Encouragement for listeners to share their own creepy or gossip stories on the EnglishPod website.
• Reminder to listen to EnglishPod for more lessons.