Bookaholic: FRANKENSTEIN

Here's an excerpt from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein or the modern Prometheus, which makes reference to the creator of this so-called beast. The excerpt I'm about to post talks about how Frankenstein Jr feels when he realizes he's different from any other person he's encountered. So he asks his creator to make another being just like him in order to feel comfortable and accompanied.

"For some days I haunted the spot where these scenes had taken place, sometimes wishing to see you, sometimes resolved to quit the world and its miseries forever. At length I wandered towards these mountains, and have ranged through their immense recesses, consumed by a burning passion which you alone can gratify. We may not part until you have promised to comply with my requisition. I am alone and miserable; man will not associate with me; but one as deformed and horrible as myself would not deny herself to me. My companion must be of the same species and have the same defects. This being you must create".

Miscellaneous : Just curiosity

Do you know when the expression "fuck"was used for the first time? and why? Or maybe the real origin of O.K. which might be considered the most used word worldwide and whose meaning has to be with the agreement of something.

FUCK :  Nowadays it's a term used to emphasize a state of rage or discontent. It has its origins in the old British Kingdom, where no one could make love without the consent of the king. When a couple wanted to have a child, an authorization by the king was required. The latter would give to the couple a plaque in order to be hung outside on the door while they were making love. The plaque would read "Fornication Under Consent of the King". So this is the origin of such a well-known word.

O.K : Throughout the American Civil War, when troops would go back to their headquarters without casualties they used to write on a blackboard  "0 killed". Hence the origin of this expression to say everything's all right.

GRINGO : During the war between the USA and Mexico in 1847, the american troops used to wear green uniform and the mexican troops used to shout at them by saying "Green go home".

SANDWICH : John Montagu, forth count of Sandwich (England) was a compulsive player and used to spend a lot of time at the table playing. One day, at lunch time, he was so engrossed in his playing that he ordered his servant to bring him "anything to eat in the open air". So the servant came with a tray full of food.

YOU ARE FIRED! : The members of the clans, many centuries ago, used to get rid of undesirable people by burning down their houses. That's why this expression is used in English for dismissing someone from his job.

SLOGAN : It is an English term that comes from Gaelic and its original form is "slaugh claim" from the old Scottish clans.

Grammar spot: PERFECT TENSES

USES OF PRESENT PERFECT

We use this verb tense to talk about things that took place:

- during a period that includes past and present: They've been waiting for us an hour.

- in the past, but we're not saying exactly when: Don't tell me he's bought another new car!

- in the past with an effect or result in the present: I'm afraid I've forgotten my key

- with the time adverb "just" meaning " a short time ago": She's just gone out.

USES OF PAST PERFECT

- before something else in the past: I took the decision after I had spoken to John.

- during a period before an event in the past: All day I'd been feeling nervous but the feeling vanished.

USES OF FUTURE PERFECT

- something that will be finished before a specified time in the future: I'll have signed nearly 100 letters.

CHECK YOUR GRAMMAR!

Correct these sentences:
1. It's the third time he missed a meeting.
2. As soon as he will finish, he's going home.
3. This is the best lasagne I eve have.
4. Since we've Known each other, he always shows impeccable manners.
5. Since I've met her, I've never seen her lose her temper.

ANSWERS:
1.he has missed
2.he has finished/ he finishes
3.I've ever had
4.he has always shown
5.Since I met her