Well, it certainly has been a long year, hasn't it?  The world has changed in a BIG way.

But I'm still going, still teaching, in spite of everything.  Working virtually via ZOOM, WhatsApp, Skype, Google Meet--whatever you like.  And wherever you are  on Earth, if you want help with speaking, writing, and understanding American English or reducing your accent so Americans understand you better and you can do business in America, I am here to help, here to work with you.

In any case.  Just a quick lesson for today.  A couple of slang terms related to coronavirus.

1)  Covidiot:  general term used for someone who believes coronavirus is a hoax, or its no more serious than the seasonal flu, or it has a fatality rate no higher than the seasonal flu, someone who believes people are dying of all kinds of things but "they"--whoever "they" is--claim it was coronavirus that killed them as part of a conspiracy to pump up fatality numbers.  Someone who believes that coronavirus is being used by the government to "force people to give up their freedoms".

2)  The 'rona/the virus:  Short term for coronavirus.  For instance, on the commuter train, a conductor who was in a good mood might get on the PA and announce, "everybody, please wear your masks over your NOSE and MOUTH.  NOT JUST YOUR MOUTH and NOT as a chin strap.  Please also remember to social distance.  Let's keep everybody healthy and not go catching the 'rona."

There's other slang terms in general use, including a vulgar one used to describe people who take pride in refusing to wear masks...but I won't go into that here.  

In any case if  you are interested in ESL/accent reduction lessons so you can more easily do business in America with Americans give me a call (or shoot me a text if you are uncomfortable calling) at (732) 807-5424.  or hit me up on Skype at david.berlin.esl is my Skype ID.  I look forward to hearing from you.  And remember to check out my David Berlin ESL YouTube channel or my American Idiom of the Day Twitter Feed.  For general info on me and my services and rates, check out my ESL and Accent Reduction Training Webpage.

All right?  All right.  'til next time...