Accent Reduction Tips
Many of our clients at Accent Pros, who come in for accent reduction sessions, have advanced degrees and have excellent command of the English language. Given the evolving state of the English language; however, they may not understand informal slang and phrases that are regularly used in the workplace, and on various popular social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Occasionally our clients will understand the meaning of an idiom, but use it in an improper context, which could potentially have embarrassing consequences. In our continuing efforts to feature only the most relevant and practical terms when helping you on your goals, here are three idioms that have become standard shorthand in the workplace.
Accent reduction idiom 1
Kickback
Definition: a bribe or incentive given to a person of a higher position for helping a deal that is worth lots of money to go through the political system. 
Example: The corrupt congressman got a massive kickback from the resident drug syndicate.
Origin: The idiom “kickback” is an Americanism that stems from colloquial English language. The term was first used way back in 1930-35. Usually, the “kickback” is the amount of money agreed upon that is to be given to a person of power at the very start of the deal.
Accent reduction idiom 2
Bummed Out
Definition: this idiom is used to express a person’s feeling of depression. It can also be used to convey other negative emotions like disappointment and sadness.
Example: The guys were so bummed out when their beach trip got cancelled at the very last moment.
Origin: This is a slang term that came out around the 60’s. It probably came from the German word “bummler.” While it could mean a number of things such as: a loafer or an irresponsible person, the slang term is used mostly to denote a feeling of disappointment. To “bum someone out” is to disappoint a person. 
Accent reduction idiom 3
Burned Out
Definition: The past tense of “burn out” and refers to the feeling of intense physical emotional and mental exhaustion. Burn out may be caused by fatigue, stress, and overwork.
Example: You better lay off the overtime work or else, you could get burned out.
Origin: In the literal sense, it is used to refer to engines or motors dying and no longer working. However, in 1972 it turned into slang to refer to drug-users. In 1975 though, it took a turn to mean the mental exhaustion from continuous efforts.
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 accent reduction 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.
