Reader question:
In this paragraph – Don't think it's enough? What did the Raptors get for Vince Carter, or the 76ers for Allen Iverson? Squat, by comparison – what does "squat" mean?
My comments:
It means nothing.
Really.
"Squat" is an American slang term. It's an emphatic way of saying "nothing", or "absolutely nothing". Here, it means both those teams got little or no value – or squat value – back for trading their superstars.
Squat value, as in squat-value T-shirts are on sale at a flea market, means very cheap, or dirt cheap (as though the shirts are as cheap as dirt).
Another variation of "squat" is "Jack Squat". Unlike "John Doe" or "Henry Smith", names to use in conversations for the anonymous average man, "Jack Squat" is a derogative term. I guess the sound of it is not very pleasant. For example, using the two basketball superstars aforementioned, you could say: "Squat, Jack Squat, is what they got for trading Vince Carter and Allen Iverson." But then, you could be sure that those other players involved in the trades would be upset (to be compared with Jack Squat).
Anyways, I'm sure this makes "squat" easy to remember. And to help you remember the word is the only purpose here. If you can manage, don't use it in actual conversations. "Nothing", "nothing at all" or "absolutely nothing" are sufficient for expressing the same idea.
OK. That's it for today. Having talked about squat value, I hope you've got a wee bit more than that from this column.
上一篇: All over for Nova?
下一篇: On a tear?
体坛英语资讯:Forward Morris ready to help Thunder
体坛英语资讯:Barca looking to end away day problems as Real Madrid visit Levante in Matchday 25
国际英语资讯:Four dead, several injured as gale-force winds batter Italy
国内英语资讯:China to further enhance physical education in primary, secondary schools
国际英语资讯:British PM May postpones Brexit vote by March 12
体坛英语资讯:Indonesia boosts defense ahead of match against Cambodia in AFF U-22 LG CUP
俄罗斯惊现“绿色大雪”!环境污染真是吓死人
体坛英语资讯:Pizjuan Stadium first destination in the long week for Barca
养生诀窍:每天3颗椰枣你的身体会变成这样
国际英语资讯:Putin salutes fallen soldiers on Defender of Fatherland Day
每天1万步就叫健康吗?这原来是日本人的营销
国内英语资讯:Chinese president meets Saudi crown prince
国内英语资讯:China Focus: China issues plans to modernize education
BBC推荐:三月不能错过的精彩电影
国际英语资讯:U.S. national zoo holds housewarming event inside giant panda house
娱乐英语资讯:Michael Jackson commemorated in Los Angeles on 10th anniversary of his death
体坛英语资讯:Frankfurt crush Shakhtar Donetsk 4-1 in UEFA Europa League
国内英语资讯:China, Canada to launch television festival in Toronto
国际英语资讯:Maduro vows to defend Venezuela as countries reiterate support
国际英语资讯:Belt and Road Initiative brings new opportunities for Nepal: former Nepali PM
国际英语资讯:Venezuelans march in Caracas in defense of peace
国际英语资讯:Putin expects quick settlement of India-Pakistan crisis
体坛英语资讯:40,000 runners race at the annual Tel Aviv Marathon
小心!航班座椅上的摄像头可能随时在“监视”你
马斯克的载人宇宙飞船试运行!你觉得如何?
体坛英语资讯:Bremen tie struggling Stuttgart 1-1 in German Bundesliga
国内英语资讯:Concern over safety in China unnecessary: FM spokesperson
体坛英语资讯:Three-pointers gift Jordan 86-62 win over China in FIBA World Cup qualifier
特朗普对美朝二次峰会感到乐观
体坛英语资讯:Craven-led Namibian team NCCS to compete in South African cycling tours