Learn idiomatic expressions for describing comedy and laughter, explore the meaning and usage of 'in stitches', discuss hilarious and entertaining brother-in-law, learn about 'a real character' and 'to crack someone up', and recall a humorous incident on a bus ride.
The expression 'in stitches' is used to describe something that is incredibly funny and makes someone laugh uncontrollably.
The expression 'to crack someone up' means to make someone laugh a lot or find something extremely funny.
Deep dives
Expression: 'In Stitches'
The expression 'in stitches' is used to describe something that is incredibly funny and makes someone laugh uncontrollably. It refers to the feeling of laughing so hard that it almost becomes painful, causing a person to be unable to catch their breath or speak properly. This expression can be used to describe people, situations, or things that are hilariously funny and elicit a strong laughing reaction. For example, someone can say, 'You had me in stitches' to convey that they found someone's jokes or actions extremely amusing.
Expression: 'To Crack Someone Up'
The expression 'to crack someone up' means to make someone laugh a lot or find something extremely funny. It implies that something is so hilarious that it elicits an uncontrollable and intense laughter reaction. This expression is commonly used to describe the effect someone or something has on another person's sense of humor. For instance, if someone says, 'You really crack me up,' it means that the person finds them incredibly funny and consistently brings laughter into their life.
Examples of Usage
In one example, a person shares an embarrassing story of laughing uncontrollably on the bus while listening to a funny podcast that 'had them in stitches.' The second example features a conversation where one person invites their friend to a comedy show, but the friend declines, stating that she doesn't find the comedian funny, while the person inviting responds by saying that the comedian 'cracks him up' and finds him hilarious. These examples highlight the usage and impact of the expressions in different contexts.
Who doesn’t like to have a good laugh? In this Catch Word episode, Kassy and Andrew teach you some useful expressions that help you to talk about comedy and things in your life that make you laugh a lot.
Catch Word is the Culips vocabulary series for intermediate and advanced English language learners that will help you improve your listening and speaking skills. At the same time, you’ll be able to increase your vocabulary by learning some useful and important expressions that English speakers use in their everyday lives.
Fun facts
Most laughter is not about humor, but rather about relationships between people. We are 30 times more likely to laugh in a social situation than when we are alone (with no books, TV, or other gadgets around to make us laugh).
Expressions included in the study guide
In stitches
To crack [someone] up
To overexert oneself
To catch one’s breath
To take [something] to heart
A real character
Copyright: Culips.com
For more information about this episode, visit culips.com.
Music Credit: Something Elated by Broke For Free, Step On by Jahzzar
Image: Priscilla Du Preez (Unsplash.com)
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