英语博客-北美风情 173、Clipped words

　　Here’s a special episode that doesn’t exactly follow our usual format¹. This time we’re looking at clipped words, which are words in which the last one or two syllables² are not pronounced when spoken, yet the word is still completely understandable. This episode will especially help you when talking to native English speakers or watching films or television shows. So check out this fab episode. It’s one of our faves!

　　Maura:  So now that we’ve introduced you to these kinds of abbreviations, we’re going to tell you a story. We’re going to act out a little story for you and it’s a bit of a different format than we usually do, if you’re a regular Culips listener.
Harp:  Yeah. So we’ll give you a little conversation where we use some of these words and then we’ll explain them after.
Maura:  Right. So keep your ear out for all of these kinds of abbreviations. Maybe you’ll understand them and maybe you’ll be confused by some of them, but after we’re done the story, then we’ll explain them all to you.
Harp:  Yes. So we’re gonna give you a little story where a friend is showing her pictures from a recent trip that she took. So get ready to listen really closely.
Maura:  OK, here goes our story.

1 format   

n.设计，版式；[计算机]格式，DOS命令:格式化(磁盘)，用于空盘或使用过的磁盘建立新空盘来存储数据；v.使格式化，设计，安排

参考例句：

• Please format this floppy disc.请将这张软盘格式化。
• The format of the figure is very tasteful.该图表的格式很雅致。

2 syllables   

n.音节( syllable的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• a word with two syllables 双音节单词
• 'No. But I'll swear it was a name of two syllables.' “想不起。不过我可以发誓，它有两个音节。” 来自英汉文学 - 双城记