ESL Podcast 995 - Proper Behavior at a Formal Event

to behave (oneself) - to act in such a way that is socially acceptable, not doing anything that would offend or bother other people

Although Christina is only two-years-old, she always behaves herself at church.

solemn - formal and with the proper level of seriousness and respect

The funeral was solemn, with many people attending to show their respect for Uncle Luis.

levity - humor; treating a serious matter in a humorous way, without showing the proper respect

It's not appropriate to attempt levity in the middle of an important business negotiation.

to loosen up - to become relaxed; to become less serious and anxious

Try to loosen up before your job interview so you won't sweat so much.

to endure - to tolerate something that is unpleasant or painful; to suffer with patience

Josephina endured a bad marriage for 15 years so that her children could grow up with both parents in the home.

indecent - not proper; action or behavior that is not socially acceptable and that causes offense and shock in other people

Wearing a dress that shows that much skin is indecent, even if you're going to a party.

decorum - behavior that is considered good taste and socially acceptable, especially during formal or serious occasions

We welcomed the new company president at a reception with decorum and good taste.

to lighten up - to stop being sad or serious; to become more cheerful

Global warming is a serious issue, but let's lighten up and talk about something else while we're at lunch.

stick-in-the-mud - dull and not adventurous, not liking or wanting change

Bob is such a stick-in-the-mud. He only wants to go see movies on the weekend and never wants to go to a dance club.

unseemly - behavior that is not proper or appropriate in a specific situation or setting

That couple hasn't stopped kissing since they arrived, and it's unseemly in the middle of a fancy restaurant.

to crack a joke - to say something humorous to make others laugh; to make a funny statement

The speaker cracked a few jokes during his speech to make it more interesting to the audience.

to take (oneself) too seriously - to worry too much about oneself and how one appears to other people, believing that one's opinions and actions are very important

Sean takes himself too seriously, writing down every idea he has and presenting them to others as though they're the best ideas in the world.

dignity - with a serious manner or style, causing others to view one with respect

When Sally heard about the new budget cuts, she didn't wait to be fired, but resigned her job with dignity.

to cheapen - to lower the character or quality of something; to cause something to be seen as worse than it is

That is a nice suit. Don't cheapen it by wearing those worn out shoes.

disgrace - having done something bad or unacceptable that causes others to lose respect for one

Nicola was caught stealing from the school and left her job in disgrace.

huffy - annoyed; bothered; irritated

Don't get huffy just because I finished the milk and forgot to buy more.

seriously - very much; greatly

The music is too loud and I have a headache. I would seriously like to leave now.

bartender - a person whose job is to mix and serve drinks, especially alcoholic drinks, at a bar

We ordered two beers and a glass of white wine from the bartender.