Job Discussion Forums

Teacher in Rome · Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Posts: 1286

Sasha, I didn't really get your point, but just to add, Italians pronounce V as "voo". So W is pronounced (doppia voo) (or double v). On the other hand, there's very little "w" in Italian words. I'm not 100% on this, but I'd say most of the time you see a "w" it's a foreign word, like "water" (for loo, and pronounced "vater") and so on.

Not sure if that contributes to the discussion or not...

Sashadroogie · Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2012 9:21 pm Post subject:

The point is that the Latin letter 'V' was pronounced as an /u:/ sound. So a 'W' is perfectly logical, a double 'V', i.e. a double /U:/ giving us the form 'W' and the name double-u.

How can Italian students not know this? It must be SO annoying!

artemisia · Joined: 04 Nov 2008 Posts: 875 Location: the world

johnslat · Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2012 9:56 pm Post subject:

Dear artemisia,

Etymology
Appearing at the end of the 19th century, as a blend of java and mocha. By the 1920's, it became slang for someone who lacked mental abilities beyond that of a cup of coffee, probably influenced by moke.

Pronunciation
IPA: /ʤəˈməʊk/
Noun
jamoke (countable and uncountable; plural jamokes)

(uncountable, slang) coffee [quotations ▼]
(countable, slang) stupid person, fool [quotations ▼]

Yup, but it may be familiar only to those who are aficionados of the hard-boiled detective genre (e.g. Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett, etc.)

Regards,
John

artemisia · Joined: 04 Nov 2008 Posts: 875 Location: the world

Most interesting, thanks. Jamoke is a word that sounds like it's my cup of char!

bulgogiboy · Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 803

Sashadroogie · Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2012 8:53 am Post subject:

Cheating in tests. And not even having the manners to do so craftily... grrr!

smithrn1983 · Joined: 23 Jul 2010 Posts: 320 Location: Moscow

sharter · Joined: 25 Jun 2008 Posts: 878 Location: All over the place

Teachers who are meant to be part of a team and talk teamwork but who secretly have sneaky meetings with the boss to avoid difficult remedial classes and absolute beginners. Also, teachers who quite happily watch the rest of the team bailing water while they throw their bucket away and sit there doing relatively sweet fa. Can't stand 'em. They should be paid less or fired.

bulgogiboy · Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 803

johnslat · Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2012 3:38 pm Post subject:

Dear bulgogiboy,

Tsk, tsk - it's not "cheating" in the Middle East; it's "helping my friend." Surely, you can't be opposed to assisting a friend in dire need Very Happy

.

Regards,
Siddiq John

lou_la · Joined: 04 Oct 2005 Posts: 140 Location: Bristol

Writing in pencil. So when you've marked 20 assignments your hand is covered in silvery gunk. Pencils are for young children who lack fine motor control! Get a pen!

Sashadroogie · Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:36 am Post subject:

Scribbley spider writing from students which teachers are somehow expected to be able to decode. True, it is even worse when done in pencil smudge.

bulgogiboy · Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 803

Students who smile to your face and then openly say nasty things about you in their L1, assuming you can't understand.

Jbhughes · Joined: 01 Jul 2010 Posts: 254

Sts that leave early without saying anything.

Sts that leave early and will politely tell the admin but not say anything to the teacher.

Sts that leave early with some kind of utterly pathetic excuse that can be picked apart in moments. "I'm going to a meeting" "You're going to a meeting at 9pm at night?" "What about you?" *at friend who is also leaving early* "I'm hungry and tired" Rolling Eyes

at least the second one was honest!