All Ears English Podcast – Episode 2476

"Out of Juice? How to Connect Over Dead Batteries"
Published: September 10, 2025
Hosts: Lindsay McMahon (Boston/NYC) & Aubrey Carter (Arizona/Colorado)

Episode Overview

In this engaging episode, Lindsay and Aubrey dive into everyday English expressions that Americans use to talk about dead batteries—especially on phones and other devices. Tailored for intermediate to advanced ESL learners, the episode walks listeners through current slang, textbook phrases, and cultural nuances around tech troubles. The ultimate goal? To help listeners confidently connect with English speakers over a frustrating but universal experience.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why Talking About Dead Batteries Is a "Connection Moment"

• Relatability: Both hosts emphasize that discussing your phone dying is an authentic, natural way to bond with others because it's a common inconvenience.
• Learning Target: Listeners are encouraged to "connect, not perfect," using real, up-to-date English—especially in scenarios everyone shares.

"Believe it or not, this can be a connection moment if you have the right vocabulary."
— Aubrey, 00:57

2. Essential Vocabulary & Idioms

a. Out of Juice

• Definition: Slang/metaphor for a battery that's out of power.
• Usage: Primarily for smaller tech devices (phones, laptops, smartwatches).

"It's out of juice. It's a little more trendy... right now, if you say something's out of juice, you mean the battery died."
— Aubrey, 03:14

• Example:
  "My phone is out of juice. I need to plug it in." (03:29)
  Aubrey notes it's the most common casual way to talk about a phone with no power.

b. Dead / Died

• Definition: Direct, simple, ultra-common way to say a device has no battery.
• Use for: Devices; also car batteries—but not "out of juice" for cars.

"My laptop is dead. I forgot to charge it."
— Aubrey, 04:18

"My car battery died. Do you have jumper cables?"
— Aubrey, 04:26

c. About to Die

• Definition: Something is nearly out of battery.
• Colloquial: Much more common than formal alternatives.

"My phone is about to die almost every time...this is how we say it: My phone's about to die."
— Aubrey, 06:01

• They rarely hear:
  • "My phone is about to be out of battery"
  • "My phone is low on battery"

d. Ran Out of Battery (Textbook English)

• Definition: More formal, less conversational.
• Use: Possibly in professional settings or with people you don't know well; mostly replaced by "out of juice" or "died".

"That's the textbook way to say it. For me, it takes too long to say."
— Lindsay, 07:08

3. Phrases for Specific Situations

Car Batteries

• Use "died" or "dead", never "out of juice".
• Requesting help:
  • "Can you give me a jump?"
  • "Do you have jumper cables?"

"When we talk about car batteries, we do say they died or they're dead...But we don't say they're out of juice."
— Aubrey, 04:26

Portable Chargers

• Recommended for avoiding these situations, especially while traveling.
• These devices spark stories and further connection:
  Aubrey shares her experience about buying a portable jump-start kit for her car due to battery issues in the Arizona heat (05:17).

4. Role Play: Connecting Over Dead Batteries

[10:00–11:44]

Scenario: Lindsay and Aubrey try to meet in Central Park, but tech glitches (dead phones) cause communication issues.

• Common expressions in context:
  • "My phone ran out of battery."
  • "Mine was about to die too, so I just sent a pin and hoped you'd get it."
  • "When my phone's out of juice, I don't know how to get anywhere."
• Reflection on pre-smartphone days (MapQuest, written directions)—shares nostalgia and points out how technology has altered social and navigation behaviors.

"It's crazy how much we rely on technology. When my phone's out of juice, I don't know how to get anywhere."
— Aubrey, 10:15

5. Cultural & Social Commentary

a. Casual Language Creates Connection

• Using slang like "out of juice" and "about to die" makes you sound friendlier and closer to native speakers.

"There's something about using the more colloquial phrases...creates the bond between whoever you're talking about."
— Lindsay, 07:40

b. How Technology Changes Interaction

• Less need to ask strangers for directions or a jump, but also fewer spontaneous social interactions.
• Listeners are encouraged to find new conversation points and connection moments.

6. Language Learning Takeaways & Listener Advice

• Key Chunks to Memorize for Connection:
  • "My phone's out of juice."
  • "It's about to die."
  • "Do you have a charger?"
• Be Aware of Register:
  Choose textbook English in formal settings, but go colloquial for warmth and authenticity.
• Practice with Role Plays:
  Useful to get comfortable with real-life phrasing.

"Connection lives in the places that everyone experiences daily...focusing on learning the language for those situations, it really punches above its weight."
— Lindsay, 13:50

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "I need to start carrying a portable charger so I'm not stuck when my phone's dead. I don't know how anyone ever met anyone before phones."
  — Lindsay, 10:21

• "Before that, you would have, like, written directions, right? And we would get lost all the time, pulling over to ask people where...how to get somewhere."
  — Aubrey, 10:30

• Why it Matters:
  Sharing these phrases and stories not only helps with English fluency but also with fostering connection in real-life situations.

Important Timestamps

• [03:14] – Introduction and practical slang: "Out of juice"
• [04:18] – "Dead / Died" for batteries
• [05:46] – Car batteries: when do you need a "jump"?
• [06:01] – The chunk: "About to die"
• [07:08] – Textbook English comparison ("ran out of battery")
• [10:00–11:44] – Role play: phone trouble & real-world connection
• [13:50] – Takeaway: Everyday situations fuel real connection

Closing Takeaway

Learning and using up-to-date, conversational English about dead devices is a powerful way to participate naturally in daily interactions. Simple phrases can lead to memorable connections, help you bond over shared frustrations, and show cultural fluency.

Recommended next step: Listen to Episode 2471 for more on "out of energy vs. out of power" and stay tuned for more practical American English tips!

Remember: Connection, not perfection!