Eduard ALIA (LL.B., LL.M.)’s Post

My experience learning English started only when I was 14 years old. Grammatically the language is simple. But after you learn basic expressions, almost like in DuoLingo, there are higher levels of hidden meaning to unlock, with career rewards attached to them 😁 Below, in a rule of threes: the three 'higher' levels of English I have learned, with three examples each. Firstly, it's just 'plain English' to use certain expressions of nautical / sailing origins, all countries of Anglo-Saxon origins do it and most people don't realise. Picking up on it early helps your success: > "show you the ropes" - learn the way how something is done. > "shot across the bows" - a cannon shot aimed between the bows of a ship but not causing harm, a clear sign something has started and it's serious (e.g. a pre-action letter). > "not enough room to swing a cat" - nothing to do with cats 😾, the cat is a whip which was used to punish sailors and it was hard to do below deck. Secondly, less plain English: typically British say something but they mean something different. I call this "British". > "interesting" - lamest idea ever! > "with all due respect" - you have failed at something. > "as per my first email" - cannot you not read? Thirdly, the new lingo I call "Linkedinese English": > "I am proud and humbled to announce" - an oxymoron for quite the opposite of humbleness, meaning "I am bragging". > "I am beyond thrilled" - my work day today was not depressing like everyday, something that gave slight joy did happen. > "I indulged in a transformative energy investment reset" - I took a nap on company time! 🥱 #english #linkedinese #sailorEnglish #plainEnglish #British #bitOfHumourAsItsXmasAfterAll