The Week in Vocab
Review the Biggest Buzzwords of the Week!
When you follow national and worldwide affairs, you get access to championship celebrations, fights for the presidency, protests, international incidents, toxic food and scandalous allegations. Each week, we’ll highlight the top buzzwords or terms that your students might not have known or even heard until now. All these words are featured in the most recent edition of The Week in Rap. And once they beef up their vocab, the news will make a lot more sense.
THIS WEEK
stranded (adjective) — left behind or cut off
Why it matters: Over 100 dolphins have been stranded on the beaches of Cape Cod in the past month. This number is highly unusual for this time of year. When asked why dolphins were washing up on the beaches of Cape Cod at an alarming and unprecedented rate, marine biologist Misty Niemeyer suggested that the dolphins may being swimming closer to shore, and as dolphins are social animals, they tend to stick close together.
travesty (noun) — an absurd imitation, to ridicule, a mockery, sham
Why it matters: After hearing the decision by Russia and China to veto a UN resolution to resolve the issues in Syria, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called it a travesty, suggesting that it was such an absurd decision that she couldn’t believe it was real. She believes that due to this veto, stronger efforts will need to be put into effect outside the United Nations to remove the Syrian President.
Free Syrian Army — The Free Syrian Army is comprised of defectors who have come together to join the Syrian uprisings.
Why it matters: The Free Syrian Army protects protesters from attacks and has escalated its efforts to include attacking regime troops, establishing control in pro-opposition areas and bringing heavier government response.
embassy (noun)– a permanent diplomatic mission from one state to another, led by an ambassador. Figurative language lesson alert! Embassy often refers to the building or compound where the ambassador of the embassy lives and works. This is an example of metonymy. Learn more about figurative language with Flocabulary’s newest song!
Why it matters: The United States has chosen to close its embassy in Syria in an effort to pressure Syrian President Bashar Assad to leave power. Britain has recalled their ambassador for the same reasons.
US Secretary of State — The US Secretary of State leads the US Department of State in foreign affairs. In addition to supervising the US Department of State, the Secretary of State also advises the president on foreign policy, participates in negotiations with other countries, and provides information and services to US citizens living and traveling abroad and more.
Why it matters: Our current US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, has been featured heavily in the news stories surrounding Syria and Egypt this week. Clinton was appointed by President Barack Obama in January of 2009.
regulate (verb) — to control or supervise by rules and regulations
Why it matters: Since reports of the dangers and toxicity of sugar have been circulating, there has been much debate about whether or not sugar should be regulated like alcohol and tobacco.