Having trouble understanding the weird usage, words or phrases in our English language?
This blog is designed to highlight and perhaps explain at least in part to persons learning English how we use the language.
It is mainly a record of the queries my wife (for whom English is a third language) raises and other odd words and phrases and anything else that occurs to me from the radio, newspapers or conversation.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Shoplifter - see the picture?
Why do we say shoplifter?
The meaning is nothing to do with lifting up a shop but 'lifting' goods from a shop. Stealing.
Thinking Box: Careful of the phrase shirtlifer which means something else entirely.
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