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Sunday, March 26, 2017

English lexis can be really specific

Hiya ! 
Today I feel like writing a freak post that I have wanted to write for long. In fact, I don't know what to call it, so I tried to explain myself. Well, the English language has some generic terms that can refer to a lot of things. However, it also has specific words to distinguish. Yeah, it seems very difficult to understand, but let's try with examples : 

1. Bag : Bag in English in quite an open term that can refer to a wide range of different objects. Saying 'I lost my bag' may not be informative in English, given that the English have a lot of different types of bag :
   1a. Schoolbag 
From : http://freedesignfile.com/69006-colored-school-bag-vector-05/

   1b. Handbag
From : https://ak1.ostkcdn.com/images/products/10614321/P17685300.jpg
   1c. Carrier bag
From : https://mycarrierbag.co.uk/blue-recycled-plastic-carrier-bag-13x19x23-25-micron-heavy-strength-x-1000pcs.html
   1d. Paper bag 
From : http://www.psdgraphics.com/file/paper-shopping-bag.jpg
   1e. Bumbag : 
From : https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/ucb/Quadra-bum-bag-hip-pouch-Black/B0013Z7L1C
   1f. Clutch bag
From : https://es.pinterest.com/pin/323133341991080966/

   1g. Toilet bag / sponge bag
From : http://www.susiesbags.co.nz/product_info.php?products_id=8
  1h. Shoulder bag
From : http://www.lightinthebox.com/
   1i.  Carpetbag
From : http://www.just4leather.co.uk/leather-holdalls-leather-holdall
    1j. Kit bag 
From : http://medicalsupplies.iqarus.com/product/5-11-small-kit-bag-black/
   1k. Dilly bag
From : http://www.maningrida.com/about-mac/common-artwork-stories/dilly-bag-kun-madj
   1l. Duffel bag
From : https://rapala.fishing/products/duffel-bag
   1m. Tote bag
From : https://andrewneyer.com/product/tote-bag/
   1n. Bug out bag
From : http://gearmoose.com/category/bug-out-bags/
2. Mate : In English, 'mate' is a synonym for friend. However, in English they can be really specific when it comes to friendship : 
   2a. Classmate :
From : https://clipartfest.com/categories/view/c36c7c2a174af433b789e92bfa63f0c5dcac75b5/my-classmate-clipart.html

   2b. Roommate :
From : http://www.playbuzz.com/justrenttoown10/how-good-of-a-roommate-are-you

   2c. Flatmate : 
From : http://www.stuff.co.nz/technology/digital-living/4815375/Online-service-to-keep-the-mate-in-flatmate

   2d. Workmate : I prefer the synonym 'colleague' .
From : https://completewellbeing.com/article/how-close-should-you-get-to-your-colleague/
   2e. Inmate / cellmate


From : http://www.nationofchange.org/2015/06/02/deputies-plead-guilty-to-covering-up-assault-against-inmates-brother/


3. Board : In English, a board is a flat piece of wood or other material used for a purpose. This concept is really open, so you may sometimes need to specify the kind of board you are referring to : 


   3a. Blackboard :
From : http://clipartix.com/chalkboard-clipart/
   3b. Whiteboard : 
From : http://www.clipartkid.com/whiteboard-cliparts/

   3c. Digital board /Smart board : 
From : https://smarttech.com/

   3d. Billboard :
Image result for billboard
From : https://forum.wordreference.com/threads/billboard-sign-advertisement.3271489/

   3e. Notice board /  Bulletin board : 
From : https://www.walmart.com/

   3f. Plasterboard : 
From : http://www.buildingmaterials.co.uk/plasterboard.html

   3g. Cardboard : 
From : http://www.packaginginnovation.com/packaging-materials/cardboard-packaging-2/3-benefits-corrugated-cardboard-packaging/

   3h. Skateboard : 
From : http://www.momjunction.com/articles/skateboards-for-kids_00398931/#gref
   3i. Surfboard : 
From : http://www.koabeachservice.com/surfboard/


   3j. Ironing board : 
From : https://www.goodhousekeeping.co.uk/institute/product-reviews/ironing-boards/minky-aerial-plus-ironing-board

   3k. Chess board : 
From : Wikipedia

   3l. Switchboard : 
From : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telephone_switchboard


   3m. Snowboard : 
From : http://www.evo.com/outlet/snowboards/burton-hero-mid-wide-rocker-snowboard.aspx


4. Band : In English, a band is a thin strip of material. There are different types : 
   4a. Hairband : 
From : http://www.lacoquetakids.com/small-bow-hairband-dusty-pink
   4b. Headband : 
From : https://es.aliexpress.com

   4c. Neckband : 
From : http://www.udreamycostumes.com/black-thick-with-red-imitation-jewelry-neck-band-product-6025.html

   4d. Armband : 
From : https://www.aliexpress.com/cheap/cheap-basketball-armband.html
   4e. Wristband : 
From : https://10centwristbands.com/order-online.html
   4f. Watchband : 
From : http://www.watch-band-center.com/watchstrap-h123-For-PANERAI.html
5. Case : In English, a case is a container to keep things. There are different types of cases:

   5a. Suitcase :
From : http://www.argos.co.uk
   5b. Briefcase :
From : https://www.briefcase.com/briefcases/briefcases-for-women/
   5c. Pencil case : 
From : https://clipartfest.com/categories/view/18fafa6af2567af893764a052f3ecf29c04f3891/pencil-case-clipart-free.html
   5d. Instrument case
From : http://www.giantstepsmusic.com/accessories-instrument-cases-c-5_20
   5e. Knife case
From : http://www.chefdepot.net/specialproducts.htm
   5f. Eyeglass case :
From : http://www.perfect-eyeglasses-guide.com/eyeglass-case.html
   5g. Vanity case : 
From : https://es.aliexpress.com

   5h. Attaché case : 
From : https://www.briefcase.com/briefcases/attache-cases/
   5i. Flight case : 
From : http://www.theflightcasecompany.com/

Well, as you can see, English is awesome since it can use one word to refer to similar but very different objects, but then it can be really specific by adding just one word before the noun. That's another English quirk that makes me love English even more  !

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