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10
tuesday
year 5 - unit 13: people of the world
10 october 2017 the Star/Step Up
the fun page WHAT’S in a name? Everything! Names have long been immortalised in prose and poetry. Names have values and it’s normally the first piece of information we learn about a person. Sometimes, we judge people by their names, too! Here are some very common names you may have heard people being referred to. They are generic names that actually hold different meanings not about real people but the types of people. A generic name describes different kinds of characteristics that are obvious in people. They are common in the English language. So be aware when a native speaker of the English language calls you by these names, some may be positive, others not so! Place a “tick” on the generic names you wouldn’t mind being referred to and place a “cross” on the negative ones you want to avoid being called. Then, volunteer to share a couple of answers explaining your reasons. Generic name
Definition
1. John Doe
This name has been used since the 1300s and is still around today. It is used when a person’s true identity is unknown. You can find these names written on death records or hospital records.
2. Jane Doe
While the name John Doe refers to the male identity, the female version is known as Jane Doe.
3. Plain Jane
A young woman who is nothing spectacular to look at.
4. The real McCoy
This term can be used to refer to people or objects. It refers to something original or its best example.
5. Even Stevens
If everything is equal between two people, they are known as Even Stevens.
6. Jekyll and Hyde
This personality has two sides to him, one nice and another terribly unpleasant. There’s no predicting when he can change his temperament!
7. Average Joe
Your everyday man on the street.
8. G.I. Joe
A codename for America’s brave and highly trained armed forces. G.I. actually refers to galvanised iron.
9. Mr. and Mrs. Jones
This couple always has more of everything and is seemingly perfect. Neighbours envy the couple and the lifestyle the two have. Neighbours are always pressured to keep up with what the Jones’ have.
10. Walter Mitty
This character is not outstanding. He is someone who daydreams of personal triumphs.
Positive or negative?