All articles by Tim Bowen – Page 23

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    Word of the week: Camp

    Would you set up camp in a field or a forest? Perhaps you've found yourself wavering between opposing political camps whilst strolling through your University campus? Tim Bowen explains why there's more to this word than simply choosing where to pitch your tent.

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    Word of the week: Flagrant

    Do your students ever show a flagrant disregard for school rules? Perhaps you think that England were denied a blatant try in the rugby world cup? Tim Bowen looks at the fiery origins of this word of the week.

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    Word of the week: Bargain

    Ever bartered and bargained you way to a steal of the century? Or perhaps you ended up with a little more than you bargained for? Tim Bowen drives a hard bargain with this competitively-priced word of the week.

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    Word of the week: Freak

    Ever encountered something unnatural or out of the ordinary? Well you may just have witnessed a freak show! Let our resident language freak, Tim Bowen, freak you out with this Word of the week!

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    Word of the week: Sophisticated

    Ever been to a dinner party where the conversation was so terribly sophisticated that you found yourself wishing you had a sophisticated teleportation device? Tim Bowen looks at how this Word of the week has gradually changed in meaning.

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    Word of the week: Geezer

    Do you know someone who's a bit of a blinding geezer? Bumped into an old geezer in the street? Tim Bowen explains the meanings and origins of this word of the week.

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    Word of the week: Bogey

    Are you part of a losing team, bad at golf or suffering from a blocked nose? Well, according to Tim Bowen, you could have a triple case of the bogies. Take note of this unpleasant Word of the week or the bogeyman  might get you!

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    Word of the week: Ludicrous

    Ever witnessed a ludicrous illusion or colluded as part of an international political conspiracy? Confused? Tim Bowen explains the connection with this diverting word of the week.

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    Word of the week: Dodgy

    Are you sporting a dodgy haircut or living in a dodgy neighbourhood? Tim Bowen throws us an illuminating dodgeball with this Word of the week.

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    Word of the week: Gross

    Try not to let Tim Bowen gross you out with his explanation of the varied meanings and origins of this disgusting word of the week.

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    Word of the week: Lush

    Got a lush garden or, better still, a lush gardener? Tim Bowen takes a look at this simply luscious Word of the week.

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    Word of the week: Wag

    Do you often find yourself wagging a finger at students whilst daydreaming about living the life of a WAG? Tim Bowen explains the multiple meanings and origins of this Word of the week.

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    Word of the week: Weird

    Ever wondered about weird noises in the middle of the night or encountered a bit of a weirdo on the bus? Tim Bowen explains the history of this wonderfully weird Word of the week.

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    Word of the week: Crap

    Having a crap day? Let Tim Bowen cheer you up with his explanation of the origin and varied meanings of this impolite word.

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    Word of the week: Frugal

    Feeling frugal? Got a tight grip on the purse strings? Tim Bowen explains how this word derives from another which is quite opposite in meaning.

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    Word of the week: Wimp

    Know any wimps? Ever let out a little whimper before an unplanned lesson? Tim Bowen takes a look at this flexible word which even has an application in astrophysics!

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    Word of the week: Jaunty

    Heard a jaunty tune lately? Tim Bowen follows this lively adjective all the way from its noble beginnings in France.

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    Word of the week: Hectic

    Having a hectic week? Well, at least you're unlikely to be suffering from a recurrent fever. Tim Bowen explains the Greek origins of this Word of the week.

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    Word of the week: Henchman

    Ever encountered any burly henchmen? Tim Bowen explains how the meaning of this word has come a long way from its original association with horses.

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    Word of the week: Booze

    Know any good boozers? Been to any lively booze-ups recently? Tim Bowen explains how this informal word can be traced back as far as the 13th century.