Killer

by Marinka on September 27, 2012

It’s not easy for the ESL these days.

The other day Mama had a question for me.

“I need an opinion that belongs to you,” she said. And then she told me that she read a review of “the new F and X show” where “Britney is judge” and the review said that “Britney killed it.”  Mama was confused by this and first asked Papa.

Papa reasoned that this was a negative review of Britney’s performance because killing is bad.  Papa’s moral code is very Biblical, apparently.

Mama agreed but then she watched the show and thought Britney did a great job so how could review be so wrong. This led to confusion and to thought that “killed it” was actually very good.

Young Ladrinka confirmed for Mama that killing is fantastic and something that everyone should strive for in their every day life and interactions.

That’s when she sought my counsel.

“You agree with this killing?” she asked.

And yes, I did.

When I had to miss Shari’s Voice of the Year at BlogHer this summer, Wendi texted me, “Shari’s killing it.” At first I was excited because I thought that Wendi was trying to activate a new business -Alibis R Us, a service that would help out people (of means) who happen to need someone to vouch for their whereabouts if the heat came calling, but unfortunately, she just meant that Shari’s reading was awesome.

So that was a lesson learned.

“Why can’t the Wendi just say that Sharon did a good job?” Mama asked when I related this story to her. (I did however notice a twinkle in her eye when I mentioned the Alibis R Us part, so the business may be up and running sooner than expected!)

I admit that I didn’t have a good answer.

Killing used to have a negative connotation. The Killing Fields. Psycho Killer. A Killer Among Us.

Now it is a big compliment.

What’s next?

“Have a wonderful day with many killings!”

“Hey, you, killer, you!”

“Come here, I’m going to  kill!”

I wonder if murder is next.

“I thought she killed it, but only manslaughter in the first degree, nothing premeditated.”

“Really? I was going to give it nothing less than Murder One. As a matter of fact, I was hoping she’d get the death penalty for it, it was THAT GREAT.”

See? It really is hard for the ESL.

 

One year ago ...

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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }

ColdBlooded
Twitter:
September 27, 2012 at 8:49 am

This made me laugh. In a country that relies on Urban Dictionary, the turning of the tide for “killing” does not surprise me.

Reply

MommyTime
Twitter:
September 27, 2012 at 9:21 am

Please tell me that you explained “Bad” to her in the 1980s as well.

Also, and talking on this topic, I am the hopeful that the beautiful daughter of you is making most good score on her examination proving once and for always that she is speaking the English like native daughter. Please to update us.

Reply

Alexandra September 27, 2012 at 5:46 pm

You murder me everyday.

xo

Reply

anna see September 27, 2012 at 6:47 pm

well, there was a lot of blood in shari’s blogher reading.

Reply

Wendi
Twitter:
September 30, 2012 at 3:24 pm

Brilliant, Anna.

Reply

Roshni September 28, 2012 at 12:31 am

So, that is your opinion that belongs to you?!!

Reply

Tinne from Tantrums and Tomatoes September 28, 2012 at 5:59 am

Your a real serial killer with all these brilliant blog posts.

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Nancy
Twitter:
September 28, 2012 at 8:12 am

Me thinks you must read Mom-101’s latest on words that should be banished from these English languages.
For instance I still remember when a guy on the subway platform called me Phat.
That’s how I’m sure he meant it.
No, really.

Reply

Awesome dude September 28, 2012 at 10:44 am

,During the trial of Mr. Demjianuk the guard in the infamous German concentration camp some of the legal experts renamed him from “Ivan the Terrible” to “Ivan not so Terrible”

I believe that the whole thing started right there.

Reply

the mama bird diaries
Twitter:
September 28, 2012 at 10:22 pm

I too was going to suggest your parents just rely on Urban Dictionary for any ESL questions. Have them look up a dutch oven!

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dusty earth mother September 29, 2012 at 12:01 pm

Much as I appreciate the “killing” compliment, I have a heart for Mama and her concerns. Therefore, I put forth a new concept for approval: “maiming” it. Ask Mama if it’s okay that I “maimed” at BlogHer and Britney “maimed” on F and X program. xxoo

Reply

Cy
Twitter:
September 30, 2012 at 12:20 am

Please let them know about “sick.” Guiliana Rancic wears that one out…but your folks probably don’t watch a lot of ‘Fashion Police’.

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Lady Jennie October 1, 2012 at 12:06 pm

Shari did kill it, didn’t she?

Reply

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