|
In this post, we're going to look at different ways women talk about Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Although this isn't a typical subject for an English teacher to prepare a lesson about, the truth is all of us women experience a monthly visit from our period and our symptoms begin before its arrival.
If you're not comfortable with this subject please look away because we're going to get real. We're going to look at all things period-related, including alternative names that native speakers use for these symptoms and occurrences. We're going to use a little humour as well, so hold on to your panties, ladies! 
Period - a flow of blood and other material from the lining of the uterus occurring monthly in sexually mature women who are not pregnant, lasting for about a week. medical name: menstruation
PMS - premenstrual Syndrome: the physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the one to two weeks before a woman's period arrives
Cramps - a tightening of the muscles of the uterus. medical name: dysmenorrhea; a symptom of PMS
Bloated - to feel an uncomfortable 'heaviness' in your abdomen; water retention - a symptom of PMS
Sore/Tender breasts - when the glands in your breasts produce extra estrogen and it causes pain and tenderness; a symptom of PMS Feminine Products - a variety of different products, used to absorb menstruation
(to be) PMS-ing - To feel the symptoms of PMS.
Bitchy (vulgar) - to feel aggravated, angry, frustrated, annoyed. To be in a negative mood; it can be a symptom of PMS - or it can be for other reasons ;)
Aunt Flow - A funny expression to refer to your period.
Monthly Visitor - An expression that refers to your period.
That time of the month - another way to say that you are on your period.
Riding the cotton pony (vulgar) - a more vulgar way to say that you are on your period.
Would you like to see more lessons like this one? If you have any vocabulary questions, be sure to comment below! 
2 Comments
I'll be posting a new vocabulary infographic for you every week for the next couple of months!  Please feel free to share them with your friends, family or students who are learning English!  If you like my free lessons, you'll LOVE my online lessons! Contact me to ask about a FREE trial lesson and let me show you how I can help you reach a more advanced, more confident level of English. I work with intermediate - advanced learners who are on their road to fluency. Let me help get you there faster!  You know I like you to get involved, so go ahead and comment below! What words would you be more likely to use, British or American?
Alannah Do you have a case of the Monday blues? Are you feeling sleepy? Do you want to expand your everyday vocabulary? In this post, we'll teach you seven alternatives you can use to say 'I'm tired' in any situation. These expressions are safe to use in any setting; at work or socially.   Here's an info-graphic that we created, which allows you to examine your generation and see where you're grouped within the modern workplace. Which generation do you belong to? (See below for a vocabulary builder.)  Have you ever heard of the micro-generation 'xennial?' It's a fairly new term but it's making waves for those of us born between 1977 and 1983 that never quite felt like we fit in with the generation before us or after us.  Generation - a group of individuals born and living within a specific span of years Workplace Benefits - various types of optional, non-wage compensation provided to employees in addition to their normal wages or salaries (medical, dental, life insurance, retirement plans, etc.) Corporate - relating to a large company or group Well Being - the state of being comfortable, healthy or happy Adaptable - Able to adjust to new conditions Dependable - trustworthy and reliable Work/Life Balance - the division of one's time and focus between working and family or leisure activities Tech Savvy - well informed about or proficient in the use of modern technology, especially computers Image Conscious - concerned about the general impression that one presents to other people Mentor - a more experienced individual willing to share knowledge with someone less experienced in a relationship of mutual trust Mentoring Platform (or program) - a system put in place by the employer, which promotes mentor ship (the guidance provided by a mentor) Is there any other vocabulary you're usure of? Please comment below and let us know so we can clear up any confusion. Don't forget to comment below and let us know which generation you belong to and whether you agree with the characteristics we've outlined. Let's go, ladies! -Alannah |
About Your English CoachAlannah is a CELTA (University of Cambridge) qualified English language teacher from Canada who lives in Italy with her wonderful husband. She's been teaching English since 2006 and has taught many different nationalities in both Canada and Italy. Archives
October 2018
Categories
All
|
