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

• You can say "I'm on my period." or "I have my period."

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PMS  - premenstrual Syndrome: the physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the one to two weeks before a woman's period arrives

• You can say:  "I have PMS."​

Cramps - a tightening of the muscles of the uterus.  medical name: dysmenorrhea; a symptom of PMS

• You can say: "I have cramps." or "I'm crampy."​

Bloated - to feel an uncomfortable 'heaviness' in your abdomen; water retention - a symptom of PMS

• You can say: "I am/feel bloated."

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

• pads, tampons, cups

(to be) PMS-ing - To feel the symptoms of PMS. 

• ​You can say: "I'm PMS ing."

​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 ;)

• Y​ou can say:  "I'm bitchy."​

Aunt Flow - A funny expression to refer to your period.

• You can say: "Aunt Flow is in town this week."  "Aunt Flow is visiting.", etc.​

Monthly Visitor - An expression that refers to your period.

• You can say: "I have my monthly visitor."  "My monthly visitor is here.", etc.​

​That time of the month - another way to say that you are on your period.

• I don't want to go swimming.  It's that time of the month.​

​Riding the cotton pony (vulgar) - a more vulgar way to say that you are on your period.

• I shouldn't wear those white pants.  I'm riding the cotton pony.

Would you like to see more lessons like this one?  If you have any vocabulary questions, be sure to comment below!
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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.

I grew up in Canada and always called the season between summer and winter, 'fall.'  Now that I live in Europe, I seem to favour and use 'autumn' more.

​Both names are widely-used. Let's look at their origins before we find out whether one word is preferred over the other.  

Some say that fall is the North American word for the season, but the term actually originated in or before the 16th century, which was before the development of North American English.  I've read that people used to call the season 'fall of the leaf' and 'fall of the year,' before it was shortened to the word fall sometime in the 17th century.  So, even though fall is widely used in Canada and the U.S., its roots go back too far for it to have North American origins. 

Let's look at the word autumn  now.  Autumn came to English from the French word automne in the 15th or 16th century and became more widely-used in the 18th century.  Over time, fall became archaic and autumn became the preferred word for the British English speakers.

Quick summary: Autumn is most common in British English and Fall is the preferred word in North America, but both words can be used interchangeably and understood by any native English speaker.  Australian English also prefers the word Autumn.

Comment below and let us know which word you use/prefer.

Adapted from: http://grammarist.com/usage/autumn-fall/​

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.)

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