All Ears English Podcast: Episode AEE 2422 – "Don’t Be Loath to Speak English"

Release Date: June 9, 2025
Hosts: Lindsey McMahon and Aubrey Carter

Introduction

In Episode 2422 of the All Ears English Podcast, hosts Lindsey McMahon and Aubrey Carter delve into the nuanced usage of the word "loathe" in American English. This episode is particularly beneficial for intermediate to advanced ESL learners aiming to enhance their vocabulary and grasp the subtleties of expressing strong dislikes.

Understanding "Loathe": Adjective vs. Verb

[00:41] Lindsey McMahon:
Lindsey initiates the discussion by posing a personal question to Aubrey: "Is there anything you are loathe to do?" This sets the stage for exploring the word "loathe" and its correct usage.

[01:48] Aubrey Carter:
Aubrey shares a relatable anecdote about being "loathe to swim" in an ice-cold pool with her children, highlighting the natural aversion to extreme discomforts.

[03:10] Lindsey McMahon:
Lindsey emphasizes the distinction between the adjective and verb forms of "loathe," noting its common misspelling and usage even among native speakers. "If you spell this correctly, you're doing better than probably 80% of native English speakers." This underscores the word's advanced nature.

[04:37] Aubrey Carter:
Aubrey breaks down the grammatical usage:

• Adjective: Loathe (without an "e") is used in the phrase "loathe to do something," indicating an intense dislike.

  • Example: "I'm loathe to swim in our pool." [04:37]

• Verb: Loathe (with an "e") functions as a verb, expressing active hatred.

  • Example: "I loathe driving in snowy weather." [06:13]

Key Takeaways:

• Spelling Matters: Ensure the presence or absence of the "e" based on its grammatical role.
• Intensity of Emotion: Both forms convey strong negative feelings, making them suitable for expressing profound dislikes rather than mild aversions.

Expanding Vocabulary: "Abhor" and "Disdain"

[07:56] Aubrey Carter:
Aubrey introduces "abhor", a term denoting an even stronger sentiment than "loathe."

• Example: "I abhor eel." [14:17]

[09:18] Lindsay McMahon:
Lindsey further explores "disdain," explaining its dual role as both a noun and a verb.

• Noun: Represents a feeling that something isn't worthy of respect.
  • Example: "She looked at him with disdain." [09:37]
• Verb: To treat someone or something with contempt or disrespect.
  • Example: "He disdains to answer questions." [09:52]

Notable Quotes:

• "Abhor is a good one and then disdain is good." — Lindsey McMahon [08:11]
• "These words really signify that a passionate dislike. It is strange if you use them." — Aubrey Carter [11:54]

Key Takeaways:

• "Abhor" conveys the highest level of dislike and is suitable for expressing profound aversions.
• "Disdain" implies a lack of respect and is often used in contexts beyond personal dislikes, such as opinions on policies or behaviors.

Practical Applications and Building Connections

[17:59] Lindsey McMahon:
Lindsey encapsulates the episode by highlighting that connections in language aren't solely built on positive shared experiences. Admitting dislikes can foster trust and deeper relationships.

[18:13] Aubrey Carter:
Aubrey agrees, adding that expressing genuine negative feelings can strengthen bonds:

• "I feel like that would even bond you closer with someone if you are sort of willing to admit these more negative things." [18:28]

Key Takeaways:

• Authenticity: Sharing dislikes can lead to more authentic and trusting relationships.
• Balance: While positive connections are valuable, acknowledging negative aspects creates a fuller, more genuine interaction.

Role Play: Expressing Dislikes Through Vocabulary

[14:17] Aubrey Carter:
The hosts engage in a role-play segment discussing foods they dislike, effectively demonstrating the practical use of the vocabulary:

• Aubrey: "I'm not usually picky, but I absolutely abhor eel." [14:17]
• Lindsey: "I've always had disdain for masago." [14:32]

Notable Quotes:

• "Abhor is a little strange when used casually about food." — Aubrey Carter [16:58]
• "You need to emphasize 'loathe' just like the emotion behind it is powerful." — Aubrey Carter [15:43]

Key Takeaways:

• Contextual Usage: Words like "abhor" and "disdain" are best reserved for situations requiring strong emotional expression.
• Emphasis: Proper intonation and emphasis are crucial when using these intense vocabulary terms to convey the appropriate level of emotion.

Conclusion and Key Insights

In this episode, Lindsey McMahon and Aubrey Carter provide a comprehensive exploration of the word "loathe," differentiating its adjective and verb forms, and introducing related terms like "abhor" and "disdain." They emphasize the importance of understanding these nuances to elevate one's English proficiency and enhance expressive capabilities.

Final Thoughts:

• Mastery of such vocabulary not only improves language skills but also enriches interpersonal connections by allowing for more genuine expressions of emotion.
• Being mindful of the intensity and appropriate context for each term ensures effective and accurate communication.

Additional Resources

For listeners eager to further assess their English proficiency, the hosts recommend taking a 2-minute quiz available at allearsenglish.com/fluencyscore.

Connect with Hosts:

• Website: All Ears English
• Social Media: Follow on your preferred podcast platform to stay updated with new episodes five days a week.

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