Know your english

What is the meaning of ‘buzz-kill’? (K Vijaylakshmi, Madurai)

The expression is mostly used in informal contexts in American English. When you refer to someone as being ‘buzz-kill’, you are implying that the person dampens other people’s enthusiasm. He is someone who prevents others from enjoying themselves. The expressions ‘killjoy’, ‘party pooper’ and ‘wet blanket’ have more or less the same meaning as ‘buzz-kill’. The word can be used with things as well.

Please don’t invite our boss to the party. He is a definite buzz-kill.

Running a marathon in this weather? Sounds like a definite buzz-kill.

What is the meaning and origin of ‘icing on the cake’? (Ramakrishna Rao, Ramachandrapuram)

Children love cakes; they are partial to ones that have icing on them. Some children take great delight in licking the icing off before they start eating the cake. They think that the icing makes the cake even more delicious. The expression ‘icing on the cake’ is mostly used when you are happy about the situation you are in. Then, something happens which makes your situation even better. It’s also possible to say, ‘frosting on the cake’.

I was thrilled after winning my first title. When the person from Nike told me the company was going to sponsor me, it was icing on the cake.

How is the word ‘feisty’ pronounced? (L Devika, Delhi)

The ‘ei’ in the first syllable is pronounced like the ‘y’ in ‘my’ and ‘by’, and the final ‘y’ is like the ‘i’ in ‘bit’, ‘kit’ and ‘sit’. The word is pronounced ‘FY-sti’ with the stress on the first syllable. It comes from the word ‘feist’ meaning ‘small dog’. When you say that someone is ‘feisty’, what you are suggesting is that the individual is very courageous and determined. The word is usually used with someone who is physically small, but is willing to take on others who are much bigger. Feisty has a negative connotation as well. It can be used to describe someone who is ‘thin-skinned’ — someone who gets upset or angry very quickly.

Don’t be fooled by her looks. She’s a feisty old lady.

He said something, and my brother got a bit feisty and slapped him.

What is the difference between ‘reticent’ and ‘reluctant’? (R Arunachalam, Chennai)

Though there is a tendency among people to use these two words interchangeably, there is a distinct difference in meaning between them. The word ‘reluctant’ suggests that the person is unwilling to do something — he may choose not to do it or he may delay doing it. ‘Reticent’, on the other hand, has nothing to do with unwillingness. When you say that a person is ‘reticent’, what you are suggesting is that the person is very reserved. He is someone who doesn’t interact with people freely; he is a very shy individual. During the course of a conversation, he doesn’t reveal too much about himself. Reticence is an inherent quality of an individual; reluctance is not. A person may be reluctant to talk about certain things; he may not be a reluctant conversationalist.

Rakesh was reluctant to tell his boss what happened at the party.

I don’t think Hari is conceited. He doesn’t say much because he’s reticent.

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“A compromise is the art of dividing a cake in such a way that everyone believes he has the biggest piece.” Ludwig Erhard