Talk with Seth

What do you think this emoji story is trying to tell us? 🤔 A vacation gone wrong? A fear of the sea? Or maybe something completely different?

Let your imagination run wild and share your most creative interpretations in the comments below! 💬 Let's see who can come up with the most interesting story! 🏆🥇

🧩 Have you ever heard the word "piecemeal"? 🤔 It may sound a bit strange, but it's a useful and versatile word in English!

"Piecemeal" describes something done, made, or accomplished gradually or in stages, often without a clear overall plan. 🧐

But did you know that this word has a fascinating history? It dates back to Middle English, where "meal" meant "a fixed time" or "an occasion," often associated with eating. So, "piecemeal" literally meant "a bit at a time" or "one piece at a time."

Let's see how we can use "piecemeal" in a sentence:

🏚️ As an adjective: "The piecemeal renovations left the house looking mismatched and unfinished."
😟 As an adjective: "The team's piecemeal strategy resulted in a chaotic project launch."

🤨 As an adverb: "The information was released piecemeal, creating confusion and speculation."
🧹 As an adverb: "They tackled the massive cleanup project piecemeal, focusing on one area each weekend."

Other ways to say "piecemeal"
Gradually
In stages
Bit by bit
Incrementally
Step by step
Tell me in the comments 👇 Do you tackle big projects all at once, or do you prefer a piecemeal approach? Share your experiences!

What's the story behind these emojis? 🤔 Is it a medical mystery? A financial miracle? Or just a funny story about a doctor's visit?

Tell me your interpretation in the comments below! The most creative answer wins bragging rights! 😎🏆

"Hinder" 🚧 - this seemingly fancy word is actually quite common in English! It means "to create obstacles or difficulties that prevent something from happening or progressing smoothly."

Think of it like this:

Heavy traffic hindering your commute 🚗😠
Lack of confidence hindering your ability to speak in public 🎤😰
Technical difficulties hindering your Zoom meeting 💻😡
So, what hinders YOUR English language learning progress? Share your experiences in the comments below! 👇

But first, here are a few more synonyms for "hinder":

Hold back
Set back
Impede
Obstruct
Want to learn more English vocabulary? Like and follow for more tips and tricks! 😉

💥 Ever noticed how a simple pose can say so much? Well, there's a word for that classic hands-on-hips, elbows-out stance: "akimbo"! 💃

🤔 What's It All About?
"Akimbo" is an adjective (or sometimes an adverb) that describes this specific posture. It's a word that adds a touch of attitude and personality to your descriptions.

📜 Word Origins: A Journey Through Time
"Akimbo" has a fascinating history, dating back to Middle English. It could have evolved from a phrase meaning "at a sharp angle" or even old words for pots and jugs, hinting at a teapot-like shape. It's definitely a word with a story to tell!

📸 Show Us Your Akimbo!
I want to see YOU striking a pose! Share a photo of yourself or someone else in the "akimbo" position in the comments. 📸 Be sure to use the word "akimbo" in your caption to show off your newfound vocabulary skills!

✨ Hey friends! 🎧 I recently spilled the beans on a podcast about my journey to becoming an English teacher. 👩‍🏫 We chatted about everything from living in China 🇨🇳 and studying in seminary 🙏 to the unexpected ways music 🎶 and dance 💃 helped me find my path.

It was a surprisingly emotional experience to reflect on the past decade and see how far I've come. 🥹❤️

If you're curious to hear more about my story and teaching experiences, click the link in my bio to listen to the full episode! 👇
https://www.tefl.org/podcast/seth-knight/

👉 Have any questions for me? Ask away in the comments! 😊

🤔 Two Sides to "Tarnish"

Literal: It can refer to the dulling or discoloration of a metal.
Figurative: It can mean to damage or diminish the reputation or good image of something or someone.
📜 Word Origins: A Glimmer of the Past

"Tarnish" comes from the Old French word "ternir," meaning to dull or dim. It's fascinating that by the 17th century, "tarnish" also took on the metaphorical meaning we still use today - damaging a reputation or good image.

Let's Get Chatting! 💬
Think of a time when something was tarnished, either literally or figuratively. Share your story or example in the comments!

🤔 Time for an emoji challenge! How would you say this in English?

Don't worry about being right, let's just have fun and think outside the box! 😆 The funnier the interpretation, the better! We're all about playful practice and new ways to express ourselves in English.

Share your ideas in the comments!

Who's up for an art adventure? 🏛️🎨

Come with us on a monthly meetup for English speakers in Rome who love art and want to practice their language skills in a fun, relaxed setting. 😊 This month, we explored the mind-bending world of contemporary art at MACRO! 🤯 It was a wild ride, full of unexpected discoveries and thought-provoking discussions.

Looking for a unique way to experience Rome's vibrant art scene and meet new people? Join us for our next adventure! Just comment "Museum" below and I'll give you all the details.

💥 Word Power! From Disaster Zones to Your Junk Drawer: Let's Talk "Debris" 💥

Ever wondered what to call that pile of clutter in the park? 🏡 Or maybe you've seen images of destruction after a natural disaster?🌪️ "Debris" is the word for all those scattered remains! 🔍

🤔 What Does It Mean? 🤔
"Debris" simply means the broken or scattered pieces of something that has been damaged or destroyed. 💔 It can be anything from fallen branches 🍂 to shattered glass.

🤯 It's Not Just for Disasters! 🤯
We often hear "debris" used in the context of natural disasters or accidents, but it can also be used figuratively. For example, "debris" can describe the emotional wreckage left after a fight or a breakup. 😔 It's a powerful word to describe the scattered feelings and memories we have to sort through after a difficult experience.

📸 Time for a Challenge! 📸
Where have YOU seen debris lately? Snap a photo 📸 and share it in the comments with a sentence using the word "debris." Let's see how this word comes to life in your world!

P.S. Italian learners, "debris" might not have a direct translation, but it's similar to the word "detriti" (waste). 🇮🇹

🇮🇹 Fidanzato/a? 🤔 In English, there are SO many ways to say it – and each one reveals a different level of commitment and affection! 💕

In Italian, you have the classic "fidanzato" or "fidanzata," but English has a whole spectrum of words to describe your special someone. From casual flings to lifelong commitments, we've got you covered! 😉 With this post, we're just scratching the surface...

Let's break it down!

Official & Committed:
Boyfriend ❤️
Girlfriend 💕
Partner 🥰
Significant other 😊
Fiancé(e) 💍 (Ready to tie the knot! 💒)

Lovey-Dovey & Casual:
Beau 🌹 (A classic with a touch of romance)
Better half 😉 (Your perfect complement)
Main squeeze 🤝 (Like a favorite fruit, but cuter!)
My person ✨ (That special someone you just get)
Love of my life 🥰 (The ultimate declaration!)

Cute & Silly (for those who like it playful):
Boo thang 👻 (fun slang!)
Bae 😍 (Short, sweet, and modern)
Sweetie pie 🥧 (As sweet as your love!)
Snuggle buddy 🧸 (Cozy and affectionate)
Cuddle monster 😈 (For those who love a good hug!)..and the list goes on and on! 🤯

Tell us in the comments! 👇 What's your favorite way to refer to your partner? Do you use a classic term or a more unique nickname? Let's hear your love language! 🥰

Is this vampire's English a little too... thirsty? 🧛😂 "Can I come in?" isn't exactly polite, is it?

🤔 How would YOU rephrase this to sound more respectful and less demanding? Share your best suggestions in the comments!

P.S. This is a great opportunity to brush up on your modal verbs! 😉

🇮🇹🇬🇧

🤔 Can you guess the English phrase hidden in these emojis? 😂 Every answer is welcome! Leave a comment with your funniest idea, or try saying it in another other language! Don't worry about being wrong, we're here to play and learn together! 😉

✨ Word Power Wednesday! Let's Talk About "Peruse" ✨

Tired of just saying "read"? Let's level up your vocabulary game! 🚀

"Peruse" is your new go-to word for describing those moments when you're:

📖 Cozying up with a good book on a rainy day.
🔍 Carefully examining a contract before signing.
🗺️ Flipping through a travel magazine, dreaming of your next vacation.
In short, it means to read or examine something thoughtfully.

But wait, there's more!

"Peruse" has a surprising history! It comes from the Middle English word "perusen," which meant "to use up." Imagine being SO engrossed in a book that you're "using up" all your attention! 🤯

Now it's YOUR turn! Can you use "peruse" in a sentence? Share your examples below! 👇 Bonus points if you can think of a famous piece of art or literature where someone is perusing something. Let's see your creativity! 🎨✍️

🤔 How do you interpret this? Let's have some fun – share your best guesses in the comments, even if they're a little silly! ... can't find the words in English, say it in Italian! 🇮🇹 😉

😂

Buongiorno amici! 👋☀️🇮🇹 Let's talk May flavors!

Spring is turning into early summer, and Italy's markets are exploding with deliciousness. 😋 Here's what's hot this month:

☀️ Summer's First Fruits:
🍒 Sweet Cherries (Ciliegie): Juicy and perfect for snacking or desserts!
🍋 Lemons (Limoni): Still zesty for lemonade, dressings, or desserts.
🍑 Peaches (Pesche): The first sweet, fuzzy peaches are here.
🍈 Melon (Melone): Refresh yourself on warmer days.
🔸Loquat (Nespole): This unique fruit, not common outside Italy, tastes like a sweet-tart mix of apricot and citrus. Have you tried it?

🌱 Spring Veg, Still Going Strong!:
🍆 Eggplant (Melanzane): The first tender ones are perfect for grilling or parmigiana.
🥬 Asparagus (Asparagi): Roast it, grill it, add it to pasta - don't miss out!
💚 Fava Beans (Fave): In season now! Enjoy in salads, soups, or as a side.
🥒 Zucchini (Zucchine): So versatile - grill, roast, or turn them into "pasta"!

🐟 Fresh Mediterranean Seafood:
🐟 Flavorful Tuna (Tonno): Grill or sear fresh tuna for a delicious meal.
🦐 Sweet Shrimp (Gamberi): Simply grilled with herbs is perfection.
🐙 Flavorful Octopus (Polpo): Keep enjoying this classic boiled, grilled, or in salads.
🐠 Remember: Fish names change a lot! Focus on what's fresh and local to you.

😋 What are YOU craving?
What's YOUR go-to ingredient for May?
Any special early summer recipes you love?
Share your cooking tips & pics below! 👇

👉 Love learning English with an Italian twist? Follow me for more foodie fun!

Ready to Power Up Your Descriptions? "Depict" is the Word for You! ✨

"Depict" is all about showing and representing something vividly! Think of a scene in a book, a breathtaking painting, or even a situation you observed that captures a specific feeling.

🤔 Think You Know This Word? 🤔
"Depict" might sound similar to the Italian word "dipingere" (to paint), but watch out! While they share a common origin, the English meaning has become a bit broader.

Your Turn! Can you use "depict" in a sentence? Share it in the comments! 👇 Even better, think of a famous piece of art or a poem that powerfully "depicts" something. Let's see your insights! 🎨 ✍️

🤔 Did you know the simple verb "blow" can mean SO many different things when paired with prepositions? Check out the pictures for some examples!

Blow out (style hair): "I got a blowout for the party."
Blow out (flat tire): "My car had a blowout on the highway."
Blow over (pass without trouble): "The argument blew over quickly."
Blow up (explode): "The fireworks blew up in the sky."
Blow up (get angry): "She blew up when she heard the news."
Blow off (ignore): "I blew off my chores to go to the beach."

🤯 These "blow" phrasal verbs have even MORE meanings than the ones you see here! With practice, you'll get the hang of them. Can you think of other ways to use them? Let me know in the comments!

✨💫 Emoji Challenge! ✨💫 Can you figure out the meaning behind this emoji sentence? 🤔

➡️ 🌆🛋️🍕📺😍 ⬅️

This one's a bit of a brain teaser! Here's how to play:

🤔 Crack the code! What's your best guess?
🤣 Feeling silly? We LOVE funny answers!
💡 Think outside the box! Could there be a hidden message?
🌎 Know another language? Share how this translates!
Let's see who has the most imaginative mind! Bonus points if you can guess what the CORRECT answer might be! 😉

🤔 Did you know America has many different accents? This video highlights just a few! 🤯

From the twangy Southern drawl to the fast-paced New York patter, the US is a melting pot of voices! 🗣️ 🇺🇸

Fun fact: The English I speak is called "Inland Northern". I always thought of it as a sort of "neutral" or "standard" American English. Listen to me speaking in the video on my page and listen for yourself... what does my accent sound like to you? 🤔

📺 Check out this video about a few different accents found in the United States. And then practice your English writing by answering one of these questions:

Which accent is the most surprising to you?
Have you heard any of these in movies or TV shows? 🎬
Which one would you LOVE to have? 😏
Let's chat about it in the comments! 👇

7 Difficult American Accents You'll NEVER Guess 🇺🇸 How good are your American English listening skills? Can you figure out where these accents are from? Brag in the comments and let us know! 📺 WATCH NEX...

⛩️ Ukiyo-e Museum Visit in Rome April 20th: Learn, Chat, & Explore Art in English! ⛩️

🌊 Excited to dive into the vibrant world of Ukiyo-e tomorrow! This floating world of Japanese woodblock prints is full of fascinating scenes of everyday life. We'll be visiting a fantastic exhibit in Rome – perfect for both art lovers and anyone curious about Japanese history and culture.

Interested in joining me? Send me a message! 💬

🏛️This is part of my monthly event series, Visit with Seth, where we explore Rome's amazing museums together. It's a fantastic opportunity to learn, make friends, and practice your English in a relaxed and engaging setting. We'll have another adventure next month, so stay tuned! 😊

Here's the link to the Museo di Roma and the exhibit: https://www.museodiroma.it/it/mostra-evento/ukiyoe-il-mondo-fluttuante

UKIYOE. Il Mondo Fluttuante. Visioni dal Giappone | Museo di Roma Il settecentesco Palazzo Braschi, nel cuore della Roma Rinascimentale e Barocca, è la sede del Museo di Roma. La collezione del Museo, all’interno nel palazzo, costituisce il miglior racconto per immagini della città Eterna che si possa vedere, con quadri, opere grafiche e fotografie dal Seicent...

Hi! 👋 I'm Seth, an American English teacher living in Italy 🇮🇹 and I'm all about making English feel natural and easy. My goal isn't just about the grammar – it's about helping you communicate with confidence and making English a part of your everyday life. Imagine flowing seamlessly between Italian and English, feeling at ease with the language, and connecting with the world in new ways! 🌎

Here's what you'll find on my pages:

Facebook: Insights from my teaching, interesting articles on language, and discussions sparked by topics from my lessons.
Instagram: Fun learning content I create, tips to tackle advanced English, playful idioms, and a supportive community. You can find me at [your Instagram handle].
Let's make English less of a chore and more of a part of your life! I'm here as your guide and companion on this journey. 😊

‼️Like what you see? Don't forget to like, follow, and share with anyone you think would enjoy this too! 🙏🏽

Seth: Insegnante di inglese / English Teacher (@talkwithseth) • Instagram photos and videos 1,506 Followers, 160 Following, 174 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Seth: Insegnante di inglese / English Teacher ()

Let's Talk About Working...But Working Differently 💬

This article on the 'soft life' trend definitely sparked some opinions for me. It's got a lot about changing work expectations and what it means to prioritize well-being in our careers. I'm curious about your thoughts after reading it. Did you find points you agreed with or were there parts that just didn't sit right? Let's discuss!

‼️Heads up! From an English learner's perspective, this article is a bit long but it uses some vocabulary that's really current. But that's a good thing! 💪 It can be a great exercise to challenge yourself with these kinds of texts. Think of it as a workout for your brain 🧠.

If you're learning English and feeling a little discouraged by the length or the vocabulary, don't worry! Feel free to chat with me in the comments. I'm always interested in hearing people's opinions and happy to help if you get stuck on anything 😊.

Read the article here: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/apr/02/soft-life-why-millennials-are-quitting-the-rat-race

The soft life: why millennials are quitting the rat race Ambition once came with a promise: a home, a salary, progress and fulfilment. What happens when that promise is broken? Meet the women who are turning their backs on consumerism, materialism and burnout

🤪 If you know me, you know I'm an emoji ADDICT! 😍😅💞 Apparently that means I'm super advanced and totally cultured? 😏

🤓 I've read that historically, the most "advanced" societies often loved minimalism in art and architecture... 🤔 So... does that mean I'm a genius trendsetter? 🤣

❓What minimalist art, design, architecture, or literature comes to mind? Ancient or modern! For me, it's definitely China 🇨🇳 and Japan 🇯🇵... what about you?

✨ Emoji Challenge! Crack the Code! ✨ Can you figure out the meaning behind this emoji sentence? 🤔

➡️ 📱☠️🙏🏽🔌⁉️ ⬅️

Don't be shy! Whether your guess is totally wacky or right on the money, share it in the comments! Here's what makes this challenge extra fun:

🌎 Feel free to interpret it in your own language!
🤣 Get creative! Funny answers are totally welcome.
💡 Think outside the box! Is there a hidden meaning?
Let's see who has the most imaginative mind! Bonus points if you can guess what the CORRECT answer might be! 😉

This short video hit me hard 😥 What about you?

I often use this video with my students to spark discussions about body image and how we can build a more positive, authentic online space. We all know how easy it is to get caught up in filters, perfect poses, and trying to look like someone we're not. But what does all that pressure do to our self-esteem? 🤔 This video shows a girl in reverse, taking away the makeup and the "perfection" to reveal someone so young and vulnerable underneath.

Let's talk! 💬
- How did this video make you feel? 😢
- Can social media be damaging to our self-image? How? 🤔
- What can we do to build a more body-positive online space? 💪 💕

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2T-Rh838GA

Dove | Reverse Selfie | Have #TheSelfieTalk By age 13, 80% of girls distort the way they look online.* Let’s change that.Social media is a big part of young people’s lives -- but retouching apps and th...

Buongiorno amici! 👋🌸🇮🇹 Let's talk April flavors!

Spring is in full swing, and Italy's markets are bursting with vibrant colors and delicious ingredients. 😋 Think juicy strawberries, tender asparagus, and the freshest seafood. Let's see what this month has to offer:

☀️ Sweet & Zesty Fruits:
🍋 Lemons (Limoni): Still perfect for lemonade, dressings, or adding a zing to desserts.
🍓 Strawberries (Fragole): Sweet, juicy, and the first taste of summer!

🌱 Spring Vegetable Delights:
🥦 Artichokes (Carciofi): Don't miss out while they're still in season! Steam, grill, or fry them.
🥬 Tender Asparagus (Asparagi): Roast it, add it to pasta... a truly versatile veggie.
💚 Fava Beans (Fave): A seasonal treat, perfect for salads, soups, or as a side dish.
🥕 Sweet Carrots (Carote): Enjoy the sweetness and vibrant color of fresh carrots.
🌱 Wild Greens (Erbe selvatiche): Foraged goodies like arugula (rucola) or dandelion (tarassaco) – some might be new to you, so try describing their flavors!

🐟 Fresh Seafood Picks:
🐟 Flavorful Sardines (Sardine): Grill, fry, or marinate these little flavor bombs.
🦑 Tender Squid (Calamari): Grilled, stewed, or fried – so many delicious ways to enjoy it!
🐙 Flavorful Octopus (Polpo): A classic salad ingredient or try it grilled for tender perfection.

😋 Now it's YOUR turn!
What's YOUR favorite April ingredient?
Any special spring recipes you love?
Share your cooking tips and pics below! 👇

👉 Love learning English with an Italian twist? Follow me for more on Facebook and join my Instagram for even more foodie fun!

🥰 A simple "Thank You" can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. Whether you're going for the elegance of formality, the comfort of casual speech, or the sparkle of something a bit more idiosyncratic, there are many options!

🤩 And here are even more!:
"Much appreciated."
"Cheers, mate!"
"You're a lifesaver!"
"Thanks ever so much."
"You rock!"

🌈 Which of these expressions resonates with you? Or got any snazzy ones to add to the collection? Drop a comment! 📣

Time for an emoji challenge! How do you read this emoji sentence? 🤔 Don't be afraid to get creative! Whether your guess is spot-on or totally out there, share it below! Share it with us in your own language if you want! 😊