Long Johns, Gremlins and Big Wheels
2020-08-22
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1This week, we answer a question from Evelio in Colombia. He writes:
2Why is a sort of men's underwear called "long johns"? Thank you.
3Dear Evelio,
4When I looked up the history of the term "long johns," I found it was first used in World War II by American soldiers.
5That got me thinking about other words and phrases the soldiers invented.
6Many words that we use today, or are considered slang terms, came from the soldiers in that war.
7World War II was fought in many areas, including Europe.
8Because parts of Europe get cold in winter, the U.S. military gave soldiers special under-clothing to help keep them warm.
9This under-clothing covered much of the body, even the arms and legs.
10The soldiers called it "long johns."
11Long johns are believed to have been named after John L. Sullivan, a famous American boxer in the 19th century.
12Sullivan wore a similar-looking piece of clothing when he competed in boxing matches.
13It is also worth noting that Americans sometimes call long johns "long underwear."
14And, in parts of the U.S., people may use the term "long john" when they talk about a kind of baked sweet that looks like a bar.
15This treat might help you stay warm in cold weather, too.
16Here is another term that was born in the military.
17When members of Britain's Royal Air Force did not know why a plane was experiencing problems, they claimed that a small imaginary creature was inside the aircraft.
18They had a name for this creature: a gremlin.
19American soldiers began using the term gremlin during the war.
20On a television program in the 1960s, a man reported seeing one outside of the plane in which he was flying.
21A gremlin's destroying the plane! You've got to believe me!
22Today Americans use "gremlin" when talking about small magical creatures.
23The U.S. military is one place where following orders is very important.
24Soldiers called someone a "Big Wheel" if that person had power over them.
25Today, we use this term when talking about someone who has the respect of others.
26Here is an example of how to use it in a sentence:
27My father's a pretty big wheel down at the factory.
28I hope that helps to answer your question, Evelio.
29What question do you have about American English? Send us an email at learningenglish@voanews.com.
30And that's Ask a Teacher for this week.
31I'm Jill Robbins.
1Question: 2This week, we answer a question from Evelio in Colombia. He writes: 3Why is a sort of men's underwear called "long johns"? Thank you. 4-- Evelio, Colombia 5Answer: 6Dear Evelio, 7When I looked up the history of the term "long johns," I found it was first used in World War II by American soldiers. That got me thinking about other words and phrases the soldiers invented. 8Many words that we use today, or are considered slang terms, came from the soldiers in that war. 9Long johns 10World War II was fought in many areas, including Europe. Because parts of Europe get cold in winter, the U.S. military gave soldiers special under-clothing to help keep them warm. This under-clothing covered much of the body, even the arms and legs. The soldiers called it "long johns." 11Boxing clothes 12Long johns are believed to have been named after John L. Sullivan, a famous American boxer in the 19th century. Sullivan wore a similar-looking piece of clothing when he competed in boxing matches. 13It is also worth noting that Americans sometimes call long johns "long underwear." 14And, in parts of the U.S., people may use the term "long john" when they talk about a kind of baked sweet that looks like a bar. This treat might help you stay warm in cold weather, too. 15Gremlins 16Here is another term that was born in the military. When members of Britain's Royal Air Force did not know why a plane was experiencing problems, they claimed that a small imaginary creature was inside the aircraft. They had a name for this creature: a gremlin. American soldiers began using the term gremlin during the war. On a television program in the 1960s, a man reported seeing one outside of the plane in which he was flying. 17A gremlin's destroying the plane! You've got to believe me! 18Today Americans use "gremlin" when talking about small magical creatures. 19Big wheel 20The U.S. military is one place where following orders is very important. Soldiers called someone a "Big Wheel" if that person had power over them. Today, we use this term when talking about someone who has the respect of others. 21Here is an example of how to use it in a sentence: 22My father's a pretty big wheel down at the factory. 23Your questions 24I hope that helps to answer your question, Evelio. 25What question do you have about American English? Send us an email at learningenglish@voanews.com. 26And that's Ask a Teacher for this week. 27I'm Jill Robbins. 28Dr. Jill Robbins wrote this story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. 29_________________________________________________________________ 30Words in This Story 31slang - n. words that are more common in speech than writing and are often used by a particular group of people 32boxer - n. someone who competes in the sport of boxing 33bake - v. to cook by dry heat, usually on a hot surface 34bar - n. a solid piece of something that is longer than it is wide 35magic - n. a power that enables people to do very unusual things 36Do you have a question for the teacher? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or send us an email at learningenglish@voanews.com.