Bootleg

Bootleg; used as an adjective, noun or verb

Context #1:

Maria: Do you want to watch the new Star Wars movie?

Henry: Yeah, but it's not out yet. Christmas seems so far away

Maria: I have a bootleg copy.

Henry: How did you get that?

Maria: I downloaded it. Come over tonight and we'll watch.

Henry: I don't know; I'd feel guilty.

Maria: It's up to you, but I'm going to watch it.

Meaning: The word "bootleg" means that something was obtained and/or sold illegally. In the above example, Maria downloaded a movie that hasn't opened in theaters yet. Since she didn't pay for the movie, it's a "bootleg"."Bootleg" can be used as an adjective, as in the conversation above, and as a noun, as in the previous sentence. It can also be used as a verb, as in the following example, which explains the word's past:

The word "bootleg" was first used in the late 19th century, and it's believed it originated with cowboys who hid small guns in their boots. Whatever the origin, the word "bootleg" was associated with secrecy. In the 1920s and early 30s, Prohibition was passed, making all alcohol illegal to sell or produce in the United States. Of course, some people started illegally selling, or bootlegging, alcohol that was either purchased in another country (often Canada) or made illegally. Since then, the term has been used for any illegal production and distribution, especially those of inferior quality when compared to the original item. A person can bootleg music (especially concerts recorded without permission), movies (often cheap DVDs, sometimes handheld recordings from inside movie theaters), software, toys, games and of course, homemade alcohol.

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To be stoked

Context #1: Marco and Cindy are siblings (brother and sister).

Marco: We have only 5 days left before our three month summer vacation.

Cindy: I know! I can't wait for us to go to Hawaii and surf all summer.

Marco: Me too! I'm so stoked about it.

Cindy: So are mom and dad. They are counting the days.

Marco: So are we!!

Cindy: Hahaha! That's true!

Context #2: Rafael and Juan are classmates

Juan: I'm so worried about the third class!!

Rafael: Why?

Juan: What do you mean "Why?" We have a test on 5 chapters!

Rafael: No, we don't.

Juan: Huh?

Rafael: Weren't you in class yesterday?

Juan: No, why?

Rafael: Professor Smith said that he won't test us until Monday, so we have the weekend to study for it.

Juan: Oh man! I'm so stoked about that. I was freaking out.

Meaning - To be very excited about something

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To take a rain​ ​check

Context #1: 

Arias and Varysun are talking on the phone.

​

Arias: Hey Varysun! Can you remind me what time we are going to watch the movie Change of Thrones?

Varysun: Actually, I'm feeling a little sick today.

Arias: Oh, no! What happened?

Varysun: I don't know for sure​,​ but my stomach has been hurting and I've been in bed all day.

Arias: That sounds terrible! Is there anything I can get you?

Varysun: No, thank you, I've just been drinking a lot of 

​water​ and resting.

Arias: I'm glad you are taking care of yourself. 

Varysun: Do you think we could take a rain check on going to the movies?

Arias: Yes! Of course. Once you feel better we can pick another date and time to watch Change of Thrones.

Varysun: Thank you for being so understanding!

Arias: No worries at all, my friend! Feel better and get well soon.

Varysun: Okay, bye now.

Arias: Bye!

Context #2:

Branishk and Ramsayon are cousins who are hanging out at The Rose Garden.

Branishk: I thought you and Sansara were going to Santa Barbara this weekend, no?

Ramsayon: We were but she said she needed to take a rain check.

Branishk: Really? Why? What happened?

Ramsayon: Well, her sister had to have an emergency surgery​,​ so she decided to help​ her this weekend.

Branishk: That's really nice of her. Were you able to get a refund from the hotel?

Ramsayon: We were going to stay at my friend's place, so​ we didn't loose any money. 

Branishk: That's good!

Meaning: To reschedule plans for later

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Pay it forward

Context #1  

John: Have you heard what people have started doing at the Starbucks drive through?  The person in front is paying for whatever the people behind them have ordered.

Steve: Yeah, I've heard about that happening. I guess people are just trying to be kind to each other.

John: That's right. It's a really cool way to pay it forward.  

Context #2

Jenny: Look someone left their wallet in the classroom.

Christine: What should we do?

Jenny: Let's take it to the school's office. I know they have a lost and found. Maybe they can even find the owner.

Christine:That's a good idea. I'm glad you're doing the right thing and paying it forward.

Meaning: "pay it forward" is an idiom that has come into use relatively recently.  It is used when someone does something kind or morally right knowing that if they do good, then in the future someone else will be kind or do good to them. If you are kind, you will receive kindness in the future. If you do bad to others, something bad will happen to you in the future. 

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To miss the boat

Context #1

Dear Mrs.Goldberg,

I would like to express my interest in interviewing for the front desk position at Goldbergs and Associates. 

Would it be possible for us to meet this week?

Sincerely,

John Snowish

___________________________________________

Dear Mr. Snowish,

Thank you for your interest in our company.

Unfortunately this position has already been taken. 

I am sorry you missed the boat, but we will keep your resume and contact you when a similar position becomes available.

Best regards,

Mrs. Goldberg

___________________________________________

Context #2

Hey Cassie, 

How is everything in LA?

It's good to be back in Russia, but I miss you guys so, so, so much!

How is everything with you and the girls? How is Devin? Does he miss me at all? Do you think he likes me?

Seriously, I even told him I liked him and he never asked me out!

I'm telling you, if he says he likes me now, I am just going to tell him he missed the boat! It's too late. I don't even like him anymore...

Anyway, I hope all is well with you! 

Miss you!

Natasha

Meaning: to be too late to join an event or trend, or to late for an opportunity.

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