Accent Reduction Tips

One of the greatest challenges even a well educated person faces when trying to sound more American is the use of the confusing American idioms in the workplace. When these terms cause a an awkward pause in conversation or draw attention to an obvious inaccurate syllable stress pattern, you can still end up feeling inadequate even if you’re currently working on your own accent reduction. Along with the other accent reduction techniques taught at Accent Pros, we also strive to help you understand the meaning and usage of common American idioms.

Accent Reduction Idiom 1: Back of the Envelope Calculations

Definition: A calculation or estimate done very quickly.

Example: I’ll have to look at the data, but for now my back of the envelope calculations point toward this partnership working.

Origin: This idiom comes from an old American practice of using envelopes as scrap paper to do quick math problems or other work . Later these were used as notes when the problem was looked at more thoroughly. While this practice fell from use as paper became less expensive, the idiom is still popular in business and elsewhere.

Accent Reduction Idiom 2: Busting Your Chops

Definition: To good-naturedly harass or joke with someone.

Example: Diana was just busting your chops about forgetting to bring a tie to work today. She wasn’t seriously trying to make you angry.

Origin: At different times in the past long and wide sideburns were a popular way for men to groom their facial hair. These were often called “mutton chops” or just “chops” for short. To get your “chops busted” was to be hit in the face. While this type of facial hair is no longer very popular the idiom stuck and is still widely used as a figure of speech.

Accent Reduction Idiom 3: Belt Tightening

Definition: Cutting expenses as low as possible.

Example: To avoid having to lay off employees the company went through serious belt tightening to lower their operating costs.

Origin: This idiom originates in the American Great Depression era when great numbers of people were forced to live conservatively on both a financial and personal level, as they didn’t have enough money for nearly anything beyond those items essential for survival. 

Accent Reduction idioms series

Accent Pros has a continuing series on accent reduction tips, including common English phrases and American idioms.  Be sure to check out other blog posts to find your favorites.  Ready for a complimentary accent reduction tutorial or a free accent screening?  Check out our on-line accent reduction courses  available to students with accent reduction goals all over the world. For consistent access to our idioms series and other accent reduction tips Like us on Facebook or Follow us on Twitter.