From A to Z: Introduce Students to These Letter-Based Idioms
All of the words in the English language are made from just 26 letters. But sometimes you only need a few to express an idea.
In the past, we've introduced idioms based on numbers. This time, we'll shift our focus to idioms based on letters.
Sometimes the letters represent full words, but in other cases, the letters alone contain the important meaning. Let's dive in and see what we find.
To a T
Simple explanation: perfect fit
This is often used when talking about how clothing fits on someone.
- That jacket fits you to a T; it looks like it was made especially for you.
Dot the i’s and cross the t’s
Simple explanation: check that everything is correct
This is often used in reference to important documents like contracts or to procedures that involve many steps.
- This assignment is important, so make sure to dot the i's and cross the t's before you give it to your professor.
OG
This slang term is short for "original gangster." However, it is not meant to be understood literally.
In some cases, "gangster" (or "gangsta") refers to someone who is strong or respected. An "OG," therefore, is an important person who started something or has done it successfully for a long time.
Simple explanation: founder, originator
- Richard is one of the OGs; he helped to start this organization 30 years ago.
Zzz
"Zzz" is an onomatopoeic word for the sound people make while sleeping lightly. It can be seen above a sleeping character's head in comics, but when it is spoken, the casual expression "catch some Zs" is often used.
Simple explanation: "Zzz" - a sign that someone is asleep / "catch some Zs" - to sleep
- I'm going to catch some Zs, so please wake me up when it's time to go.
POV
These letters are short for "point of view." This is another way of referring to someone's unique way of looking at a situation.
In spoken English, people usually say the three full words, but "POV" is common in writing.
Simple explanation: unique opinion, perspective
- I want to get everyone's POV on the situation before we search for a solution.
Mind your Ps and Qs
This casual expression means "mind your manners" or "be careful of how you act."
It may come from the idea that it is often difficult for children to learn the difference between writing "p" and "q." Others say it originated from bartenders in British pubs, who used it as a short way to say "pints and quarts" when serving drinks.
Simple explanation: behave properly
- The regional manager is very strict, so mind your Ps and Qs when he's in the office.
W/L
When discussing competitions, "W" is short for "Win."
- Our team was able to get the W even though we didn't play very well.
"L" is short for "loss" and is mostly used in the informal expression "take an L."
This usage is actually closer to "failure" and is common even in conversations not related to competitions.
- I really took an L on that test. I should have studied more.
A to Z
Since A and Z are the first and last letters of the alphabet, we say "from A to Z" to express the idea of "Everything."
- We organized the meeting carefully, managing every detail from A to Z.
XOXO
As we explained in the article on X, "XOXO" represents kisses and hugs in writing and text messages.
The shape of X is similar to lips pressing together for a kiss. An O can represent a person's arms wrapping around someone they are hugging.
PU
These two letters together have a funny meaning: people say them when they smell something bad! Don't forget to mention that it is often said while holding one's nose to block the smell.
There are several ideas about its origin, but it is possible it comes from the Latin word "pew," meaning "to rot or decay."
It is often written as "pee-yew."
Simple explanation: "Something stinks!"
- Pee-yew! That old fish is making the whole kitchen stink. Throw it out!
A+
Many American school students are scored using a system of letters. The highest grade a student can receive in this system is an A+.
As a result, "A+" has become a common way for people to refer to something they think is excellent or perfect.
- I loved everything about that movie. I'd give it an A+.
Wrap-Up
There is no shortage of interesting idioms in the English language. But they are all built from the same letters — and sometimes those letters are all we need!
From talking about bad smells to quiet sleep, there is a lot that students can express with these simple expressions. Try introducing them in your next free-talk lesson.
