This post is sponsored by FX Networks but the content & opinions expressed here are my own.
Inspired by the dark & gritty trailers for Taboo, a new show produced by Ridley Scott that premiers January 10 & stars Tom Hardy, I came up with a more historical Vocabulary Time! theme. I literally got goosebumps as I watched the trailer. Taboo looks dark, deep, & mysterious.
"Set in 1814, Taboo follows James Keziah Delaney, a man who has been to the ends of the earth & comes back irrevocably changed. Believed to be long dead, he returns home to London from Africa to inherit what is left of his father's shipping empire & rebuild a life for himself.
But his father's legacy is a poisoned chalice, & with enemies lurking in every dark corner, James must navigate increasingly complex territories to avoid his own death sentence. Encircled by conspiracy, murder & betrayal, a dark family mystery unfolds in a combustible tale of love & treachery."
Words & phrases are so rich with history, something we rarely think about. But what about those words & phrases we never hear anymore? It's time to bring them back. Now that the mood is set, take a look at these vocabulary phrases from 19th century London.
1. Beer & skittles
Definition: pleasure, contentment
Example: Working from home isn't all beer & skittles. People tend to think you do nothing all day, which couldn't be further from the truth.
2. Postman's sister
Definition: secret informant
Example: The detectives wouldn't have found out the truth about the murder had it not been for the an anonymous letter written by the postman's sister.
3. Translate the truth
Definition: to lie evasively or in a misleading manner
Example: When asked if she had stolen the spyglass, Edith translated the truth & said she'd never seen it before in her life. The spyglass was later found in her possession.
FX Networks sent over a spyglass for me to play around with. Let me tell you, it's not easy & definitely comes with a learning curve. Walking around with it, I felt like the postman's sister or an adventurer myself. Ready to take on the world!
I bet James Keziah Delaney was a natural at using a spyglass, so I'll just have to tune in to FX Networks on January 10 to see Taboo (& Tom Hardy) in action! You also have the chance to enter to win a series of diamonds valued at over $3,000. Enter to win!
Will you tune in to watch Taboo? Which of these 19th century phrases do you like best?
I think "beer and skittles" is my favourite of all of them. Sounds so fun. I can't wait till Taboo starts
ReplyDeleteDora
http://www.adropofindigo.com/
that sounds like a really rad show! I wanna check it out!
ReplyDeletewww.prettyinleather.net
This sounds like an intriguing movie even though I am mostly for comedies, I wouldn't want to miss seeing Tom Hardy. I learned from you a new phrase that I can use around when people don't understand my job which involves working from home. Isn't all ''BEER & SKITTLES''.Great post, Carmen!
ReplyDeletehttp://mihabalan.com
This sounds really interesting! I love hearing stories from my Grandfather who grew up in London and says all these weird phrases. I remember that one of his british friends called everyone "Pet." as like a nickname! I don't have Cable, but I'm sure I'll find this show somewhere - especially if it comes to Netflix!
ReplyDeletewww.lindseyginge.com
It sounds very interesting, I definitely check it out. :)
ReplyDeletehttp://beseenbepopular.com
Aww this is such a great post love! I've always been so interested in British slang and phrases :) Thanks so much for sharing.. I hope you have an amazing New Year's Eve celebration with all your loved ones!
ReplyDeleteXO Jessi,
http://www.mywhitet.com/the-best-outfits-of-2016/
These are are so good! I would love to watch this!
ReplyDeleteAnnessa
www.seekingsunshine.com
Great post! Happy new year✨❤️
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard of Taboo before. It looks super interesting! What a good premise for a show. Translate the truth is such a cool saying. I've never heard it said before, but I sorta want to start using it and tell me anyone who asks that I came up with it. Ha!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an interesting movie. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteLaToya
www.toyastales.blogspot.com
So interesting post!! Have a nice day!
ReplyDeleteSteal4Style.com
It's so weird because I just saw the trailer for that on TV and then I read this post! (Coincidence? I think not!) It does look really awesome but possibly a bit too violent for me, but we'll see.
ReplyDeleteGosh I haven't heard of these phrases before but I'd love to use them, especially the "beer and skittles" one, it sounds so quirky!
Lizzie Bee // mysticthorn.com
This is an amazing idea for a blog post, love it! x
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Your photos are #goals and I'm #jealous ^_^
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Great post and i love your photos!
ReplyDeleteHAPPY NEW YEAR
& Much love,
HER FASTEST FASHION
I love these phrases. My favourite is Beer and Skittles! Thanks for sharing a really fun post!
ReplyDeleteDeepti xx | www.mademoisellemeetsmaquillageandmacaroons.com
Loved this blog post, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletePatricia Stelmach // Patricia
Definitely not a coincidence. Lots of promotions going on right now. :]
ReplyDeleteHaha, thank you!
ReplyDeleteOooh, thanks so much. :]
ReplyDeleteI love beer & skittles. So want to use that in every day life. :]
ReplyDeleteThanks Terri!
ReplyDeleteI love that one too. :]
ReplyDeleteI watched the first two episodes so far & it's really interesting. :]
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Tom Hardy. He's so good. :]
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy. :]
ReplyDeleteAw, that sounds fun, definitely a history lesson. It's probably available to stream online. :]
ReplyDeleteI want to use it too. Go for it! I won't tell them you translated the truth. :]
ReplyDeleteIt was fun to scour the old dictionary. There are so many cool words & phrases! :]
ReplyDeleteThanks!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
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