The ESL School at NYFA makes a strong effort to integrate the creative interests of the students while they develop their English language skills. Having a vivid vocabulary assists students in the classroom, the workplace, and in the community. Check out this set of vocabulary words to pepper into your next conversation!

1. anthropomorphism (noun) – giving objects human qualities or abilities.

Ex: In Beauty and the Beast, Mrs. Potts and Chip are thoughtful examples of anthropomorphism. Chip is curious and excited like a young boy and Mrs. Potts is nurturing like a mother.

2. buzz (noun) – excitement that an actor, director, or film create.

Ex: The newest movie trailer is creating a lot of buzz around the film.

3. gross (noun) – the amount of money a film generates through box office sales.

Ex: Last year, Star Wars: The Last Jedi had a total gross of $6.1 million. It was the highest grossing film of 2017.

4. flop (noun) – a film that fails in theaters.

Ex: Even though the film Baywatch had a lot of star power, it was a flop in theaters. It really struggled at the box office during a holiday weekend.

5. yawner (slang) – a boring, uninteresting film.

Ex: That movie was a real yawner. I could barely keep my eyes open!