ESL Podcast 517 - Watching Competitive Sports
remote - remote control; a small device with many buttons, held in one's hands to operate a television or stereo from a distance, changing channels or the volume
Before people had remotes, they had to walk to the television set to change the channel.
Do you mind? - an informal way to ask someone to stop what he or she is doing, usually because it is bothering oneself
I can't study when you're playing such loud music. Do you mind?
playoffs - games played toward the end of a competition among the best teams, used to determine which two teams are the very best and will play in the final championship game
They were disappointed that they couldn't play in the final championship game, but they were also pleased that they had made it to the national playoffs.
to root for - to cheer for a particular team or player; to hope that a particular team or player will win, usually shouting and clapping during the competition
Are you rooting for Indiana State University or the University of Indiana?
underdog - the team that is not expected to win; the team that will probably lose
Everyone was surprised when the underdog won the game.
victorious - the winning person or team; the person or team that wins
The team was victorious because it has a lot of good players who know how to work well together.
to get pounded - to be beaten badly; to lose by a large number of points
We were pounded at the game and lost 74-1.
champion - the winner
Who is the world champion in long-distance running?
in peace - quietly and calmly, without interruptions or distractions
I need to concentrate on this project. Can you please leave me in peace for a few hours?
season - the time of year when a sport is played
When does the hockey season begin?
testy - irritable; easily angered or frustrated
Lee becomes very testy when he's under a lot of stress.
to back - to support; to root for
Which candidate are you backing in the election?
to run scared - to be frightened or worried about something, especially while doing one's job or daily activities
Everyone is running scared at work, worried about whether the company will be able to stay in business.
to choke - to not perform well because one is nervous, stressed, and under too much pressure
Alberto is very intelligent, but he always chokes on exams.
to get choked - to not be able to breathe because another person's hands are held tightly around one's necks, trying to kill oneself
She almost got choked when her necklace became caught in the fax machine.