Who taught: Alex

This week flied by. Starting with the final day of the IO days competition, there were the presentation on Wednesday and playing basketball on Thursday. Finally, it is TGIF. But, most importantly, tomorrow is Saturday. It is not just any other Saturdays for me because my brother and sister-in-law are coming to the U.S. from South Korea. It has been almost 4 years. Jessy and I are so excited about it. There is a real nice expression you can use when you are so excited like me. “Chomping at the bit!” For example, today, I can say like, “I am chomping at the bit because I will get to see my brother and sister-in-law for the first time in four years.” You know what I really like about this expression? Its origin! You know what the bit is in this context?

A bit is a a type of horse tack used in equestrian activities, usually made of metal or a synthetic material, and is placed in the mouth of a horse or other equid and assists a rider in communicating with the animal. It rests on the bars of the mouth in an interdental region where there are no teeth. It is held on a horse’s head by means of a bridle and has reins attached for use by a rider. (source: wikipedia)

horse bit

That is right! It is a bit used for horse (재갈). When horses get really excited, they started to chomp at the bit. That is why people started to use this expression to describe the state of excitement. I think that is really cool because it reminds me of the feeling of the horse when I use this one so that I can even feel the same feeling. You can also use “chomp” to describe someone eating something noisily. Important thing is I think you should hear chewing noise. For example, “he is chomping away on a bagel!”

Korean equivalent: I do not think we have anything similar to this. But, we have another interesting expression related with the bit. “조용히 해라! 재갈을 물려버리기 전에. (Jo yong hi hae ra! Jae Gal Mul Li Gi Jeon e)” This one is pretty offensive. So, use it when you are really angry and cannot bear with someone really noisy. English translation is “Shut up! Or I will put the bit in your mouth!” Pretty strong, isn’t it?

Today’s injury in English taught by Andrew : runner’s knee

Definition : A softening or wearing away and cracking of the cartilage under the kneecap, resulting in pain and inflammation. The cartilage becomes like sandpaper because the kneecap is not riding smoothly over the knee.

I think this could happen to anybody with any other activities. But, I kind of figured out why it has to be a runner. Well, one thing I was surprised when I first got to the U.S. is that so many people run on the street. Even more, guys are running topless. (Jessy loves this! I need to watch her.) If you run topless on the street in Korea, I am pretty sure you will get caught by police, ending up paying fine. Maybe not for women, though 🙂 The police might run together with you.