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Intermediate
Mobile Learning Materials

Release Date: 29 Mar, 1000

Catch Word #275 – Debbie Downer (Ad free)

Episode description

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you were feeling excited and enthusiastic, only for someone to say something that dampened your mood? In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Kassy introduce several useful expressions that you can use to describe these situations. They provide detailed explanations, different usage scenarios, and offer advice on when to avoid using these phrases. You’ll also hear four example conversations featuring these new expressions, which will help you learn how to use them naturally and sound more like a native speaker.

Fun fact

Rachel Dratch, the actress who played Debbie Downer on SNL, once shared a story of how the idea for the Debbie Downer character came to her in an interview. She explained, “I was on vacation in Costa Rica, and when I told someone that I was from New York, they asked, ‘Were you there for 9/11?’ The conversation froze. When I got back, the name [Debbie Downer] popped into my head.”

Expressions included in the study guide

  • A Debbie Downer
  • Wet blanket
  • Rain on [someone’s] parade
  • Have your eye on [something]
  • Pick up on [something]
  • Bring [someone] down

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

~23 minutes
Intermediate
Mobile Learning Materials

Release Date: 29 Mar, 1000
~23 minutes

Catch Word #275 – Debbie Downer (Ad free)

Episode description

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you were feeling excited and enthusiastic, only for someone to say something that dampened your mood? In this Catch Word episode, Andrew and Kassy introduce several useful expressions that you can use to describe these situations. They provide detailed explanations, different usage scenarios, and offer advice on when to avoid using these phrases. You’ll also hear four example conversations featuring these new expressions, which will help you learn how to use them naturally and sound more like a native speaker.

Fun fact

Rachel Dratch, the actress who played Debbie Downer on SNL, once shared a story of how the idea for the Debbie Downer character came to her in an interview. She explained, “I was on vacation in Costa Rica, and when I told someone that I was from New York, they asked, ‘Were you there for 9/11?’ The conversation froze. When I got back, the name [Debbie Downer] popped into my head.”

Expressions included in the study guide

  • A Debbie Downer
  • Wet blanket
  • Rain on [someone’s] parade
  • Have your eye on [something]
  • Pick up on [something]
  • Bring [someone] down

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Hosts: Andrew Bates and Kassy White
Music: Something Elated by Broke for Free
Episode preparation/research: Andrew Bates
Audio editor: Marshall Vaillancourt
Transcriptionist: Heather Bates
Study guide writer: Alina Morozova
English editor: Andrew Bates
Operations: Tsuyoshi Kaneshima
Image: Matthew Henry (Unsplash.com)

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Culips is podcast for English language learners who want to get awesome at English. We think it is important to learn English how it is really spoken and that’s why our lessons are always focused on real, current English. Learn to speak like a native and understand everything with Culips!  Test
Culips is really different than other English courses and podcasts. Our hosts are kind, funny, and professional. Our podcasts and lessons are designed to help you become fluent in conversational, North American English.  Here are some things you might not know about our hosts:
  • They are Canadian and American
  • Have master’s degrees and work in professions related to English education (Andrew is a university English professor, Suzanne is a pronunciation coach and voice actor, and Morag is a writer).
  • Actively study second languages as adults. Our team understands the ups and downs of studying foreign languages as adults who live busy lives.
At Culips, we make English understandable through our five different series: Chatterbox Listen to real English conversations between native speakers as we talk about current events, share funny stories, or interview fascinating guests. Become a fluent listener, get exposure to Western culture, and learn the ins and outs of natural English conversations all at the same time. Catch Word Learn natural English expressions, idioms, and phrasal verbs. We teach you everyday English vocabulary that native speakers actually use. Sound like a native speaker with Catch Word. Simplified Speech Do you get stressed out by English? Do native speakers talk too fast? Don’t worry! We’re here to help. In Simplified Speech, we use 100% natural English, but we speak more slowly than we do in our everyday lives. This series is great for all levels of learners but is specifically designed with high beginner-intermediate students in mind. Real Talk In our In our Real Talk series we teach you the practical English you need know when visiting or living in an English speaking country. Each episode examines a specific situation such as ordering at a restaurant, renting an apartment, or getting a refund. Speak Easy Speak Easy is the show that teaches you how to pronounce English the way native speakers do. Learn tips and tricks that will make your English pronunciation clear and understandable with Speak Easy.
The best way to study with Culips is with our study guides.