AEE: Give This New English Vocabulary a Whirl

Summary

All Ears English Podcast: “Give This New English Vocabulary a Whirl” – Detailed Summary

Release Date: January 18, 2025

In the January 18, 2025 episode of the All Ears English Podcast, hosts Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan delve into the versatile English verb “christen”, exploring its contemporary usage beyond its traditional religious context. This episode offers intermediate to advanced English learners valuable insights into incorporating “christen” and similar expressions into everyday conversation, enhancing both vocabulary and cultural understanding.

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1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode kicks off with Lindsay and Michelle greeting their listeners and expressing gratitude to their reviewers. They emphasize the podcast's commitment to fostering connection over perfection in learning English, setting a welcoming tone for the episode's exploration of new vocabulary.

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2. Listener Question: Understanding “Christen”

A significant portion of the episode centers around a listener question submitted by Louise Zambra from Wall Drop 2437. Louise inquires:

“Could I use the word ‘christen’ for conveying the fact of using any item for the first time? And how common is this term?” (03:36)

Lindsay confirms that native English speakers do indeed use “christen” in the context of using something for the first time, beyond its religious roots:

“Native speakers of English do use this word ‘christen’ to talk about using something for the first time 100%.” (04:13)

Michelle adds that while “christen” retains its original association with baptism, in modern usage, it often overlooks this religious connotation, focusing instead on the novelty and excitement of using a new item.

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3. Exploring “Christen” with Examples

To illustrate the usage of “christen”, Lindsay and Michelle provide several practical examples:

• Social Events and Celebrations:

  “Let’s christen the new outdoor fireplace.” (07:08)
  This implies organizing an event to celebrate the first use of the fireplace, highlighting a communal and festive approach.

• Personal Excitement:

  “I just bought a new computer, and I will be doing that tonight to give it a whirl.” (13:48)
  Here, “give it a whirl” is used interchangeably with “christen” to express enthusiasm about trying something new.

The hosts emphasize that “christen” is best reserved for items or experiences that hold special significance or warrant a ceremonial first use, rather than mundane items like dental floss.

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4. Alternative Expressions to “Christen”

The podcast further broadens the learners' toolkit by introducing alternative phrases that convey similar meanings:

• “Break something in”
  Commonly used for items that require a period of adjustment, such as shoes or leather jackets.

  “The seats in my new car are a bit stiff, but I think I just have to break them in more.” (11:59)

• “Give it a whirl”
  A playful and informal way to suggest trying something out for the first time.

  “Mind if I give it a whirl?” (15:15)

• “Take it for a spin”
  Often associated with vehicles but can be creatively applied to other contexts.

  “Take it for a spin.” (16:10)

These alternatives allow learners to vary their expressions, adding nuance and flexibility to their English usage.

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5. Role-Play Demonstration

To cement understanding, Lindsay and Michelle engage in a role-play scenario demonstrating the practical application of “christen” and the alternative expressions:

Scenario: Lindsay visits Michelle’s new office, leading to a natural conversation incorporating the vocabulary.

Lindsay: “This place looks great.” (15:01)
Michelle: “Thanks. I haven't christened all the tech in here, so I hope everything works.” (15:05)
Lindsay: “This new chair looks so comfy. Mind if I give it a whirl?” (15:15)
Michelle: “Sure. Take it for a spin.” (15:17)

This dialogue showcases how “christen”, “give it a whirl”, and “take it for a spin” seamlessly integrate into casual conversation, enhancing both naturalness and expressiveness.

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6. Practical Tips and Final Thoughts

In concluding the episode, Lindsay and Michelle encourage listeners to experiment with these expressions in appropriate contexts, particularly during times of new purchases or social gatherings:

Lindsay: “Getting something new and trying it out is very exciting... give these a try.” (17:44)

Michelle: “You can use it to spice up your invitations, especially around the holiday season.” (18:18)

They also recommend checking out Episode 2328, which focuses on teaching new phrases, for continued learning and practice.

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7. Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Listener Question Introduction:

  Louise Zambra: “Could I use the word ‘christen’ for conveying the fact of using any item for the first time? And how common is this term?” (03:36)

• On Modern Usage of “Christen”:

  Lindsay: “Native speakers of English do use this word ‘christen’ to talk about using something for the first time 100%.” (04:13)

• Example of Using “Christen” in an Event:

  Michelle: “Let’s christen these wine glasses.” (06:59)

• Role-Play Highlight:

  Michelle: “I haven't christened all the tech in here, so I hope everything works.” (15:05)
  Lindsay: “Mind if I give it a whirl?” (15:15)

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8. Additional Resources and Encouragement

The hosts wrap up by directing listeners to further episodes for continued learning and encourage active participation through reviews and episode suggestions. They underscore the importance of using varied and context-appropriate vocabulary to enhance fluency and connection in American English.

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Conclusion

This episode of All Ears English Podcast provides a comprehensive exploration of the verb “christen”, demonstrating its versatility and contextual appropriateness in modern English. Through practical examples, alternative expressions, and engaging role-play, Lindsay and Michelle equip learners with the tools to enrich their conversational skills and embrace the connection over perfection philosophy.

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For more insightful episodes and to continue your journey towards speaking American English like a native, subscribe to the All Ears English Podcast and join the vibrant community of learners worldwide!

Transcript

[A]

This is an All Ears English Podcast. Give this new English vocabulary a whirl.

[B]

Welcome to the All Ears English Podcast, downloaded more than 200 million times. Are you feeling stuck with your English? We'll show you how to become fearless and fluent by focusing on connection, not perfection, with your American hosts, Lindsay McMahon, the English adventurer, and Michelle Kaplan, the New York radio girl, coming to you from Colorado and New York City, usa. And to get your transcripts delivered by email every week, go to allearsenglish.com subscribe in today's episode, we answer a listener question about the phrase christen. How do native speakers use it to talk about doing something for the first time? Plus, what are other ways to express this idea and connect? Find out. Today.

[C]

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[B]

Hey there Michelle. How's it going today?

[A]

Hey Lindsay. Good. Lindsay, what's the most recent purchase you made?

[B]

Oh my gosh, the most recent purchase I made. I just recently bought a Christmas gift for my partner and that was something. So. Yeah.

[A]

Okay, so it's not something that you've tried yet. Whatever.

[B]

I had to order it and it's coming today, I think. Yeah. Yeah. Oh, okay.

[A]

Well, that sounds exciting. So my parents got my son a basketball hoop for his birthday.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

He hasn't used it yet because it needs to be put together a little bit more, but I'm sure he's going to be excited to use it for the first time.

[B]

Oh yeah.

[A]

Yeah. So today we are. We have a great question from a listener, but before we get into that, we want to say thank you so much to those who have reviewed us.

[B]

Oh my gosh, we love our reviewers. We love our listeners. Guys, if you love Ahler's English, go ahead and write us a review whether you're in the iOS Android app or Apple podcast or Spotify. I do want to announce a special thank you to Anonymous on December 13 to San St one from Croatia on Apple Podcasts on December 10 and Hill GZ from Mexico and Apple Podcasts. Amazing reviewers, amazing reviews. Michelle, by the way, Fantastic. Yeah.

[A]

Thank you very much, everyone. It really does mean a lot to us.

[B]

It really does. So if you'd like to hear your name announced on the show, then go ahead and leave us a review. Wherever you listen, guys, let us know what you think and give us your. Give us your episode idea.

[A]

Right?

[B]

We love your ideas. Oh, this episode today is based on a. Is it based on a question? It is, actually.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

From YouTube. Guys, if you aren't watching over on YouTube, you. And you want to see us, here we are over on YouTube. I'm waving hello.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So, yeah, and sometimes people submit their questions there. So that's really great. Lindsay, would you like to read the question?

[B]

Absolutely. So again, this is from Louise zambra Now, wall drop 2437. Long name, but good question.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

All right. He says hello, guys. Great podcast. I have an interesting question. Could I use the word Christen for conveying the fact of using any item for the first time? And how common is this term? What's a good question, Michelle?

[A]

This is a good one. Yep.

[B]

Yeah. This listener clearly has been absorbed in English. Native English heard something and is coming to us with that question.

[A]

Yeah, I love it. So, Lindsay, do you hear Kristen being used like this? Used for the first time?

[B]

Yeah. I absolutely think that native speakers, not just religious, native speakers. Not at all. Just native speakers of English, do use this word Christen to christen something. 100.

[A]

Yes. Yes, exactly. I mean, it does have also a religious context dealing with baptism. Baptism, I believe. And I think, you know, getting someone started on the religion when they're. When they're baby.

[B]

Right, right. Yeah, exactly. I believe it's related to that. But I think when people say this, they don't really think about that meaning.

[A]

No.

[B]

Right.

[A]

It's interesting because. Right. Like, sometimes you have these words that are used in multiple ways, and it seems like you would think of that first thing. Right. Like, oh, religious. But you don't say it and think of religion. I don't think.

[B]

I really don't think so either, Michelle. I think we use it in a more modern context, and we're going to show our listeners how to do it today. Yeah. So where do we start?

[A]

Yeah, so it can definitely be used to talk about using something for the first time. And I think it's pretty common. I mean, not every day would you use it. Yeah, I don't know that it's used all the time, but it's. It's fine to use. Do you feel comfortable using this? You don't. So you said you don't think about the religious aspect?

[B]

Not really. I think when I use it, it's something that I'm doing for the first time. I'm usually. It's using something like unboxing it. You know, it's fresh and it's new and you're. You're starting. You're using it for the first time. So. No, I don't think about church when I. When I say this word. So.

[A]

So, yeah. Well, today we're going to give you some examples and also other ways to talk about using something for the. Yeah. Lindsay, can it be used about anything?

[B]

Anything. Good question. What do you think? What I mean, I think something.

[A]

I mean, I don't know that I would just. First of all, it's. It's one of those terms that, you know, we say to our listeners, don't use this all the time, over and over. I wouldn't say that this is something to mix it up a little bit. It almost has kind of a spunky, humorous sound to me, like, oh, we're gonna christen the Blah, blah, blah. Right. It' not. That's how I hear it with. With a little bit of intonation. Yeah. A little bit of personality behind it. I don't know. What do you think?

[B]

Yeah, I agree. There's a little bit of. We're excited about this new thing and we're gonna christen it.

[A]

Right.

[B]

We're gonna use it for the first time. It's fresh, it's new. We're excited that it is the first time, for sure.

[A]

Yeah. Yes, exactly. So let's, you know, it can be used for a lot of things. Let's give some examples. So here we go. Come on. Let's christen the new wine glasses red or white.

[B]

Yeah. And this example. Because the other piece of this meaning is maybe you're making it an event with people.

[A]

That's a very good point.

[B]

Yeah. And I. And I think your example is perfect. Let's christen these wine glasses. Let's christen our new outdoor fireplace. Right. And that means we're coming together as a group. We're going to create an event. And it's somewhat connected to socializing sometimes, I think. Not always, but sometimes. Don't you.

[A]

I think that's. Yeah, I think that that's a really good point. Is about making something more of an event. Like, I don't know that I would say, oh, I'm going to christen my new book Light.

[B]

Right, right.

[A]

And read by the, you know, like, I don't know, it just Doesn't. Yeah. I think it is more of an event, which is why it might not be used as frequently.

[B]

Or you. You wouldn't say this for everyday items like, you just ordered. Like I just ordered dental floss on Amazon. Right. You wouldn't be like, I'm going to christen this new, new pack of dental floss.

[A]

That's hilarious.

[B]

That's not right. So there is something of. There's some specialness here. There's an event. There might be other people involved helping you celebrate in a way. Yeah. Yeah.

[A]

That's good. I'm sorry. I'm still, like, laughing. That is funny. All right. Or you could say, oh, I just got a new bike. I'm excited to christen, but it's been too snowy to go out. Yeah.

[B]

And here, you know, there's not necessarily a bunch of people standing around watching you use the new bike. So this is slightly different, but it still works. Yeah, but, yeah, it's more.

[A]

It's like a little special. Right. It's. It's not, you know, it's not dental floss. Like, it's not. But yes, but I mean, you can think of it. I mean, you could use it in a humorous way that. In that way, like. So, just a little story. My friend came over the other night and they decided to make a key lime pie, which is, like, one of my favorite things in the world. And.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And they didn't have. We didn't have a juicer. And so my friend went out and he got us, like, you know, just like a manual one. And we could have said, oh, let's christen the new juicer, you know, in that kind of way. But again, that was an event. It's kind of funny. And so it can be used about something small, but only in that kind of, I guess in. That would fit into the event column, you know.

[B]

Yeah, I completely agree. That's a good example. It's just something you're excited about for one reason or another. It's not a daily use thing that you just. It's just very. It's not mundane. Okay. It's special. Then an iPhone, if you get a new phone, you know, most of us end up having to buy a new phone every couple years. You just got one. Yeah. Yeah. Because your battery stops working and all these things. Right. It's just how it goes. Yeah. So, for example, I got the new iPhone. I just set it up so I have to christen it and finally make my first phone call. Oh, if you make phone calls anymore. Right. Who makes phone calls anymore. True.

[A]

We don't. Maybe it doesn't even make phone calls. We don't know.

[B]

That's possible, Michelle. It's possible.

[A]

Exactly. Exactly.

[B]

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[A]

Okay, well, let's talk about other ways that we can use this. So the first one is to break something in. So this one is often used about cloth, maybe something you have to put on. Right. But it can be used about other things. So you could say the seats in my new car are a bit stiff, but I think I just have to break them in more. Right.

[B]

I mean, this really works great for anything. Leather. I mean, we know that leather needs to be broken in. It is not always the most comfortable. When you first buy like a leather jacket or leather shoes, a leather couch, maybe it's a little bit stiff. Leather needs to be broken in. But it goes beyond just leather, obviously. Different materials. A pair of jeans, right?

[A]

Yeah. When you. Whenever you wash your jeans, you feel like you have to break them in for the first time. Right?

[B]

A pair of shoes. Yeah, it's true.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I think a lot of times this can happen. Talking about shoes, because some. Somebody might say, oh, These shoes, they're not really that comfortable. Maybe I just need to break them in more. Right, you use them or get them to be a little more flexible.

[B]

Yeah, yeah. That's why when I bought my new ski boots, my father in law, who's a hardcore skier, he's like a nine, you know, eight to four skier. He does like heli skiing and craz things. He said your boots should be painful for the first three years of the life of them.

[A]

Oh, my gosh.

[B]

Three years to break in your boots? More or less two or three years to break it. So they're just painful all the time. And I'm still not sure if I'm breaking them in or if I need to. If I got the wrong size. That's interesting.

[A]

They'll have to let us know.

[B]

Really tight. They're supposed to be really, really tight. Right. So they support you. But yeah, I like things that are broken in. That's why I don't really like buying new things. Because you have to give up the comfy thing, right?

[A]

Yes, exactly. Exactly. For sure. All right, what's the next one, Lindsay?

[B]

Because I. Give it a try. Give it a try. Should we open up the game and give it a try? It's supposed to be so much fun. So maybe you got a new game. Just trying something. Right. You've just bought something. You want to try it out.

[A]

Exactly. Or give it a whirl.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

A little bit different. So let's give the new vacuum a whirlwind.

[B]

Yes. Or test something out. So let's test out the new tv. Right. So I just bought a new computer, a new laptop, and I still haven't turned it on yet. But I will be doing that tonight to give it a whirl. To give it a. Test it out.

[A]

Okay, so that's good. Yeah, that's a. That's a good example. I mean, which one of these do you use the most, would you say?

[B]

Oh, that's a good question. I really like give it a whirl. I think it's cute. It's fun.

[A]

Give it a whirl. It's fun to say give it a whirl.

[B]

But I like break it in too. Because you know, when something. Or breaking in a good pair of gloves so they feel. You know the expression it fits like a glove?

[A]

Yeah. Yeah.

[B]

That's only after you've broken in your glove.

[A]

Right, Right.

[B]

Yeah. I just love that feeling that you put something on and you know it belongs on your body. These jeans, my body. These shoes fit my feet. No matter how weird the feet are.

[A]

You know, everyone that's, like, all about Birkenstocks.

[B]

Oh, yeah. Those really mold your feet, don't they?

[A]

Yeah. Oh, yeah, they're the best. Yeah. So should we do a role play?

[B]

Of course. Michelle here. What's the scenario?

[A]

We are friends. And you? I don't know. I am visiting your new office.

[B]

Okay. Here we go.

[A]

All right. Yeah. All right. This place looks great.

[B]

Thanks. I haven't christened all the tech in here, so I hope everything works.

[A]

I'm sure it will. Did you test out the computers at least?

[B]

Oh, yes, I did give them a try.

[A]

Good. Ooh, this new chair looks so comfy. Mind if I give it a whirl?

[B]

Sure. Take it for a spin.

[A]

Oh, wow. So comfortable. Did you break it in yet?

[B]

Oh, no, let me sit.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Oh, yeah. That's also, like, office chairs are really nice when they fit you well. Oh, God.

[A]

So good.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

All right.

[B]

What did we say? You said?

[A]

You said, I haven't christened all the tech in here, so this is like an. An event. Really. You have a lot to do, so you could use christened.

[B]

Exactly. Perfect. So that's the original question of the episode today. Then you said, I'm sure it will. Did you test out the computers? So did you try them out? Did you test them out?

[A]

And then you said, yes, I did give them a try.

[B]

And then you said, good. Oh, this new chair looks so comfy. Mind if I give it a whirl? And I love that one. So much personality in that phrase, Michelle. Yeah.

[A]

Yes. It's a little childlike. It's. It's, like, cute, you know, it just. It gives. I don't know, it makes me think of actually spinning around in the chair.

[B]

Totally does. Yeah.

[A]

And then use it.

[B]

Sure.

[A]

Take it for a spin. Which is a bonus that can also sometimes be used for especially cars, bikes, things like that.

[B]

But this is a creative use of take it for a spin. I love it when we take an idiom that usually applies to one context and we bring it into another context.

[A]

Right.

[B]

And that's what we're doing here because you're just talking about trying a chair. Right, Right. And literally, you might be. It's kind of a bit of a pun. Right. Because you're spinning around in the chair, but you're also trying it out. And normally, again, that applies to test driving a car. Just driving something like a bike, as you said, Michelle.

[A]

Right, Exactly. Yes, exactly. And then you said, did you. Oh, no, I said, did you break it in yet? So I'm at, you know, maybe it's like a leather chair. And so I'm saying, oh, did you like really have a chance to sit in it yet? Break it in, get comfy.

[B]

Perfect. Love it. All right, this has been good. Michelle, is there another episode our listeners could find to go to right now to keep learning with us?

[A]

Absolutely. Head on over to episode 2328, which was do you mind if we teach you these, if we teach you new phrases today?

[B]

Love it. Love it. Go check that episode out. And while you're at it, hit the follow button. Right, hit the follow button so that we drop into your queue five days a week in January 2025. Michelle, where should we leave our listeners today? What's the final thought?

[A]

Getting something new and trying it out is very exciting. And so we want to have some variety to talk about this. Kristen is a great one to use especially for an event. Not for dental floss, but now when you floss, when you open that new floss tonight. Lynn, I'm going to think about it.

[B]

I'm going to think about it.

[A]

Enjoy christening the floss. So it's so you know, we gave you lots of different contexts and when is best to use them and but yeah, so give these a try. We hope especially this time of year. I probably get did a lot of shopping around the holidays. So it might be a good time to use this.

[B]

Well, shopping and socializing. And just to take the socializing piece one step further, this can also be used to invite people over, you know, come over and help us, Chris, in our new kitchen. We just got a kitchen renovation. Come over and help us christen this beautiful bottle of wine that we bought in France. Right. So you can use it to again to spice up your invitations, especially around the holiday season. Right. Or yeah, Valentine's season coming up. Lots of exciting opportunities there to use that phrase. All right.

[A]

Yes, definitely. All right. Well this is a really fun question. Fun episode. Thank you to our listener and thanks to everyone for their reviews and we'll see you in the next time.

[B]

All right, next one. Bye bye. Thanks for listening to all ears. English. Would you like to know your English level? Take our 2 minute quiz, go to allearsenglish.com fluencyscore and if you believe in connection, not perfection, then hit subscribe now to make sure you don't miss anything. See you next time.

[C]

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