The A to Z English Podcast

Become friends with The A to Z English Podcast on WeChat!Account ID: atozenglishpodcastHere are three unusual Christmas traditions from different parts of the world:Krampusnacht in Austria and Germany:In some Alpine regions, including Austria and Germany, there's a tradition called Krampusnacht (Krampus Night) on December 5th. Krampus is a horned, anthropomorphic figure who, according to folklore, punishes misbehaving children during the Christmas season. On Krampusnacht, people dress up as Krampus and participate in parades, scaring children and adults alike. It's a unique blend of the festive and the eerie.Catalonia's "Caga Tió" Tradition in Spain:In Catalonia, Spain, there's a Christmas tradition involving a character named "Caga Tió," which translates to "pooping log." A hollow log with a smiling face is propped up on sticks and "fed" by children with sweets in the days leading up to Christmas. On Christmas Eve, the log is beaten with sticks while a traditional song is sung, encouraging it to "poop" small gifts and candies. It's a lighthearted and quirky tradition.Japan's KFC Christmas Feast:In Japan, it's a popular tradition to have a Christmas meal from KFC. This unique custom began in the 1970s after a successful marketing campaign by KFC Japan, associating the fast-food chain with Christmas. Many Japanese families pre-order their KFC Christmas meals, complete with special holiday-themed buckets. The tradition has become so ingrained that ordering KFC for Christmas is a widespread practice in Japan.These traditions showcase the diversity of how people celebrate Christmas around the world, with each culture adding its own distinctive touch to the holiday season.Podcast Website:https://atozenglishpodcast.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-unusual-christmas-traditions-from-around-the-world/Social Media:Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok:@atozenglish1Instagram:@atozenglish22Twitter:@atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ADonate to the show: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/donationsRobin and Jack started a new You Tube channel called English Word Master. You can check it out here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2aXaXaMY4P2VhVaEre5w7ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Daybird by Broke for Freehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Directionless_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Directionless_EP_-_03_Day_Bird/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Become friends with The A to Z English Podcast on WeChat!Account ID: atozenglishpodcastHere are some major historical events that occurred on December 2:1852: The French author Victor Hugo published his classic novel "Les Misérables."1942: The first controlled nuclear chain reaction was successfully conducted at the University of Chicago as part of the Manhattan Project, a significant development in the development of nuclear weapons.1954: The United States Senate voted to censure Senator Joseph McCarthy for his conduct during investigations of alleged Communist activities in the U.S. government, bringing an end to McCarthyism.1971: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was formed as a federation of six emirates, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai.1982: At the University of Utah, Barney Clark became the first human to receive a permanent artificial heart.1993: Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar was killed in a shootout with police in Medellín.2001: Enron Corporation, one of the world's largest energy trading companies, filed for bankruptcy amid a massive accounting scandal.2001: The United States and Russia agreed to reduce their nuclear weapons stockpiles under the Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty (SORT).2015: A terrorist attack in San Bernardino, California, left 14 people dead and 22 injured.These are just a few examples, and there are undoubtedly many more events that have occurred on December 2 throughout history.Podcast Website:https://atozenglishpodcast.com/a-to-z-this-day-in-world-history-december-2nd/Social Media:Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok:@atozenglish1Instagram:@atozenglish22Twitter:@atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ADonate to the show: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/donationsRobin and Jack started a new You Tube channel called English Word Master. You can check it out here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2aXaXaMY4P2VhVaEre5w7ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Daybird by Broke for Freehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Directionless_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Directionless_EP_-_03_Day_Bird/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Joplin/Piano_Rolls_from_archiveorg/ScottJoplin-RagtimeDance1906/https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Become friends with The A to Z English Podcast on WeChat!Account ID: atozenglishpodcastHere are some historical events that occurred on December 1:1955: Rosa Parks refuses to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, leading to the Montgomery Bus Boycott.1988: Benazir Bhutto is sworn in as Prime Minister of Pakistan, becoming the first woman to head the government of an Islamic state.1913: The first drive-in automobile service station opens in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.1958: The Central African Republic achieves independence from France.1990: Channel Tunnel sections from the United Kingdom and France meet beneath the English Channel.1959: Antarctic Treaty System is signed by 12 countries, preserving the continent for scientific research.1973: Papua New Guinea gains self-governance from Australia.1989: Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev and U.S. President George H.W. Bush declare the end of the Cold War during a summit in Malta.1919: Lady Astor becomes the first female Member of Parliament to take her seat in the House of Commons of the United Kingdom.These are just a few examples, and many more events have taken place on December 1 throughout history.Podcast Website:https://atozenglishpodcast.com/a-to-z-this-day-in-world-history-december-1st/Social Media:Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok:@atozenglish1Instagram:@atozenglish22Twitter:@atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ADonate to the show: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/donationsRobin and Jack started a new You Tube channel called English Word Master. You can check it out here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2aXaXaMY4P2VhVaEre5w7ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Daybird by Broke for Freehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Directionless_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Directionless_EP_-_03_Day_Bird/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Joplin/Piano_Rolls_from_archiveorg/ScottJoplin-RagtimeDance1906/https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Become friends with The A to Z English Podcast on WeChat!Account ID: atozenglishpodcast"Home for the Holidays": This idiom is often used to express the idea of returning home to be with family and loved ones during holiday celebrations. It encapsulates the warmth and joy associated with being in one's familiar and comforting environment during festive times."In the Spirit of the Season": This idiom signifies embracing the positive and festive attitudes associated with a particular holiday. For example, being "in the spirit of the season" during Christmas might involve spreading cheer, generosity, and goodwill toward others."Tis the Season to be Jolly": This classic idiom, often associated with Christmas carols, suggests that the holiday season is a time for happiness and joy. It reflects the idea that during this time of year, people should focus on positive emotions and celebrate the festive spirit.Podcast Website:https://atozenglishpodcast.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-holiday-idioms/Social Media:Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok:@atozenglish1Instagram:@atozenglish22Twitter:@atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ADonate to the show: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/donationsRobin and Jack started a new You Tube channel called English Word Master. You can check it out here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2aXaXaMY4P2VhVaEre5w7ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Daybird by Broke for Freehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Directionless_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Directionless_EP_-_03_Day_Bird/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/eaters/simian-samba/audrey-horne/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Become friends with The A to Z English Podcast on WeChat!Account ID: atozenglishpodcastDear Jack,I am a student from [Country] studying in an English-speaking country. I find it challenging to make friends because I am not confident in my English skills. I often worry about making mistakes and being misunderstood. Do you have any advice on how I can improve my language skills and feel more comfortable interacting with native speakers?Sincerely,Feeling Lost in LanguageThe phrase "fake it till you make it" is often used to convey the idea of acting with confidence and assurance, even if you may not feel entirely competent or confident in a given situation. It suggests that by outwardly portraying confidence and competence, you may eventually gain the skills or confidence you initially lacked."Peas and carrots" is a phrase that is often used together to describe things that go well together, much like the two foods in a classic culinary combination. The term has found its way into popular culture, often used to represent harmony or compatibility.Podcast Website:https://atozenglishpodcast.com/a-to-z-dear-jack-18-feeling-lost-in-language/Social Media:Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok:@atozenglish1Instagram:@atozenglish22Twitter:@atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ADonate to the show: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/donationsRobin and Jack started a new You Tube channel called English Word Master. You can check it out here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2aXaXaMY4P2VhVaEre5w7ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Daybird by Broke for Freehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Directionless_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Directionless_EP_-_03_Day_Bird/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Here are some historical world events that took place on November 30:1872: The first-ever international football match took place between Scotland and England at Hamilton Crescent in Glasgow.1939: The Winter War began as the Soviet Union invaded Finland.1954: The first successful kidney transplant was performed by Dr. Joseph E. Murray and Dr. David Hume at Brigham Hospital in Boston, USA.1966: Barbados gained independence from the United Kingdom.1993: The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act was signed into law in the United States, imposing federal background checks on firearm purchasers.1999: In Seattle, the anti-globalization protests against the World Trade Organization (WTO) reached their peak, leading to widespread chaos and clashes with law enforcement.2004: Longtime Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma stepped down, marking the end of his term in office.2013: China successfully launched its Chang'e-3 lunar rover, marking the first time China had landed a spacecraft on the Moon.2015: The Paris Agreement, a global climate change accord, was adopted by 195 countries during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21).2020: Prominent Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was assassinated near Tehran.These are just a few examples, and many more events have occurred on November 30th throughout history.Podcast Website:https://atozenglishpodcast.com/a-to-z-this-day-in-world-history-november-30th/Social Media:Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok:@atozenglish1Instagram:@atozenglish22Twitter:@atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ADonate to the show: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/donationsRobin and Jack started a new You Tube channel called English Word Master. You can check it out here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2aXaXaMY4P2VhVaEre5w7ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Daybird by Broke for Freehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Directionless_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Directionless_EP_-_03_Day_Bird/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Joplin/Piano_Rolls_from_archiveorg/ScottJoplin-RagtimeDance1906/https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dear Xochitl and Jack,I trust this letter finds you in the warmth and joy of the holiday season. I'm reaching out to you seeking your guidance on a matter that tends to intensify during this festive time.As the holidays approach, the pressure to meet family expectations and create a perfect celebration seems to escalate. My partner and I often find ourselves torn between multiple family obligations, each vying for our time and attention.How can we strike a balance between our families' desires and create a harmonious holiday experience for everyone involved? I want to ensure the season is filled with joy rather than stress, and your insights into managing family expectations during this time would be greatly appreciated.Thank you for your time and wisdom.Warm regards,Juggling Christmas ExpectationsPodcast Website:https://atozenglishpodcast.com/a-to-z-dear-jack-juggling-christmas-expectations/Social Media:Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok:@atozenglish1Instagram:@atozenglish22Twitter:@atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ADonate to the show: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/donationsRobin and Jack started a new You Tube channel called English Word Master. You can check it out here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2aXaXaMY4P2VhVaEre5w7ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Daybird by Broke for Freehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Directionless_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Directionless_EP_-_03_Day_Bird/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/eaters/simian-samba/audrey-horne/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The A to Z English Podcast, Xochitl and Jack discuss whether it's better to say "Happy Holidays" or "Merry Christmas." Transcript:00:00:00JackYou're listening to the A-Z English podcast.00:00:13JackWelcome to the A-Z English podcast. My name is Jack and I'm here with my co-host social. And today we're going to have a conversation or a debate social. Happy holidays or Merry Christmas.00:00:28JackWhat do you say? What do you?00:00:30JackSay to people.00:00:33XochitlI think you can say whatever you want, but I like to say happy holidays because not everyone celebrates Christmas and I don't think it's taking anything away. A lot of people who say Merry Christmas are like, oh, they're they're taking Christmas away from us and it's like they're not. We're just adding to the holidays that everyone's celebrating and taking them into account because not everyone's a Christian.00:00:53XochitlAnd not everyone's an American like.00:00:56XochitlUS born Christian whatever, which follows the same religion, does the same holidays. There's a lot of diversity in this country and all over the world, so I prefer happy holidays, even myself. I don't only celebrate Christmas, we have very snuggles too, and a bunch of other holidays in between so.00:01:16JackRight.00:01:18JackI'm I'm I'm in total agreement with you. I think I'm. I'm older, so my habit is just to say Merry Christmas to people. I'll say it to anyone you know mistake. Just without thinking. Kind of. You know whether they're Muslim, Jewish.00:01:38JackAtheist. Whatever. I'll my my kind of default is to just say ohh Merry Christmas, you know and.00:01:44JackI I'm trying.00:01:45JackTo catch myself this holiday season because, like you said, happy Holidays is just adding on. It's more inclusive, right, so it's like.00:01:55발표자And I don't understand.00:01:56JackPeople that feel like, oh, that's the war. There's, like, a expression in America, the war on Christmas. Like, there's like, they're trying to kill Christmas.00:02:06JackAnd I'm like.00:02:08JackIf secularizing like sorry, I'm using big words here for our listeners, secular means non religious and Christmas is already pretty secular because we.00:02:21JackYou know when.00:02:21JackWe think of Christmas we think of.00:02:23JackSanta Claus and.00:02:25JackRudolph the Red Nosed reindeer and frosty the snowman.00:02:28JackAnd you know all these, these things that have.00:02:30JackNothing to do with religion.00:02:34JackBut they're not work. They don't care about that stuff. They're only they only get angry when you say happy holidays instead of Merry Christmas. And I don't know why they're so upset or triggered by the expression. Happy holidays because you know, like Jewish people celebrate the Hanukkah.00:02:54JackAround the same time of year that we celebrate Christmas so.00:03:00JackIf I say Merry Christmas, it might be offensive to, you know, a a Jewish person. So in that case I might want to say happy holidays and make them feel more a.00:03:11JackPart of the.00:03:11JackCommunity. So I that's is that was what you were.00:03:14JackSaying and I I think.00:03:15JackI agree with you 100%.00:03:18XochitlYeah. And let us know what holidays you celebrate in your home country and whether we should say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays. Which one do you think leave a comment down below on our website at AZ englishpodcast.com shoot us an e-mail at AZ englishpodcast@gmail.com.00:03:36XochitlAnd join our WhatsApp group to join the conversation and we will see you next time.00:03:39XochitlBye bye and holidays.00:03:40발표자Alright, bye bye.00:03:43JackHappy holidays.Podcast Website:https://atozenglishpodcast.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-merry-christmas-or-happy-holidays/Social Media:Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok:@atozenglish1Instagram:@atozenglish22Twitter:@atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ADonate to the show: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/donationsRobin and Jack started a new You Tube channel called English Word Master. You can check it out here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2aXaXaMY4P2VhVaEre5w7ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Daybird by Broke for Freehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Directionless_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Directionless_EP_-_03_Day_Bird/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/eaters/simian-samba/audrey-horne/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Here are some historical events that occurred on November 29th:1864: The Sand Creek Massacre took place in Colorado, USA, where a group of Colorado Territory militia attacked and killed about 70 Cheyenne and Arapaho people, mostly women and children.1947: The United Nations General Assembly voted to partition Palestine into Jewish and Arab states, leading to the creation of the state of Israel.1963: U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson established the Warren Commission to investigate the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.1972: Atari released Pong, the first commercially successful video game.2001: George Harrison, the lead guitarist of The Beatles, passed away in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 58.These are just a few examples, and many more events have occurred on November 29th throughout history.Podcast Website:https://atozenglishpodcast.com/a-to-z-this-day-in-world-history-november-29th/Social Media:Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok:@atozenglish1Instagram:@atozenglish22Twitter:@atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ADonate to the show: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/donationsRobin and Jack started a new You Tube channel called English Word Master. You can check it out here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2aXaXaMY4P2VhVaEre5w7ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Daybird by Broke for Freehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Directionless_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Directionless_EP_-_03_Day_Bird/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Joplin/Piano_Rolls_from_archiveorg/ScottJoplin-RagtimeDance1906/https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dear Jack,I've recently discovered that my best friend has been spreading rumors about me behind my back. I never thought they would betray me like this. When I confronted them, they denied everything and accused me of being paranoid. I value our friendship, but I can't shake off the feeling of betrayal. How do I handle this situation and rebuild trust with someone I thought was my closest confidant?Sincerely,"Betrayed and Baffled"The phrase "behind my back" is an idiomatic expression that means doing something secretly or without someone's knowledge, typically in a deceptive or sneaky manner. In the context of the Dear Abby question, it suggests that the friend was spreading rumors about the person without their awareness, and the individual only found out about it later. Essentially, it implies a sense of betrayal or dishonesty because the actions were concealed from the person involved.To "shake off" is a phrasal verb that means to get rid of or eliminate something, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. In a physical sense, it might mean to remove something by shaking it, as in shaking off water after a swim. In a metaphorical sense, it refers to the act of overcoming or dispelling something, such as feelings, thoughts, or a situation.For example, in the context of the Dear Abby question, "How do I handle this situation and 'shake off' this feeling of betrayal?" means how can the person overcome or dispel the sense of betrayal that they are experiencing.A "confidant" is a person to whom one can confide or share private and personal matters with a high degree of trust and confidentiality. A confidant is someone you feel comfortable discussing your thoughts, feelings, and secrets with, knowing that they will keep the information confidential and offer support or advice. The term is often used to describe a close and trusted friend or advisor with whom you share a deep level of trust and intimacy."Gaslight" is a term that originated from a play called "Gas Light" and its film adaptations. It is now commonly used as a verb to describe a form of psychological manipulation where one person seeks to sow seeds of doubt in a targeted individual, making them question their own memory, perception, or sanity. This manipulative behavior is often carried out through subtle and persistent tactics, such as denying facts, trivializing concerns, or presenting false information, with the goal of making the victim doubt their own reality.The term comes from the idea of gaslighting as a way to describe the dimming of gas lights in the original play, which the manipulator does to convince the victim that they are imagining the change in light, even though the manipulator is the one responsible for it.Being aware of gaslighting is important in interpersonal relationships, as it can have a significant impact on a person's mental well-being and self-esteem. Recognizing the signs of gaslighting is crucial for individuals to protect themselves from such manipulative tactics.Podcast Website:https://atozenglishpodcast.com/a-to-z-dear-jack-16-betrayed-and-baffled/Social Media:Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/671098974684413/Tik Tok:@atozenglish1Instagram:@atozenglish22Twitter:@atozenglish22A to Z Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/theatozenglishpodcastCheck out our You Tube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCds7JR-5dbarBfas4Ve4h8ADonate to the show: https://app.redcircle.com/shows/9472af5c-8580-45e1-b0dd-ff211db08a90/donationsRobin and Jack started a new You Tube channel called English Word Master. You can check it out here:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2aXaXaMY4P2VhVaEre5w7ABecome a member of Podchaser and leave a positive review!https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-a-to-z-english-podcast-4779670Join our Whatsapp group: https://forms.gle/zKCS8y1t9jwv2KTn7Intro/Outro Music: Daybird by Broke for Freehttps://freemusicarchive.org/music/Broke_For_Free/Directionless_EP/Broke_For_Free_-_Directionless_EP_-_03_Day_Bird/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcodeSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-a-to-z-english-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy