《英语流行话题阅读:语境识词3500》Unit44:现金购买恭维话

　　Unit 44
Cash for Compliments
What does it cost to feel good about yourself in Japan, now that this once-proud nation is in economic recession and social gloom? About 95 cents. Two young Japanese men are turning compliments into cash with a professional flattery service. And in this traditionally reserved society, it seems to be getting on very well. The two flattery officers report a steady increase in business and recognition since the company opened a year ago.
In Tokyo's trendy Shibuya neighborhood, 20-year-old Yuzo and 23-year-old Keiya take out the tools of their trade: a sign board "House of Flattery, 100 yen¹ a minute" and bright red T-shirt which read "Professional Sweet Talkers."
"Have you ever been flattered recently?" Yuzo calls out to the stream of people rushing by. "Feel good about your hidden beauty..." Taeko, a 20-year-old student decides to try it out. Yuzo and Keiya compares her to a rock star, admires her great fashion sense and tell her she is stunning². "How many carats in those diamond eyes of yours?" one of them asks. Combining quick wit, excellent timing³, and a ton of praises, the two soon attract a crowd.
Sociologists say the Japanese are far less generous about compliments than people in many other cultures, in part because the society stresses formality. Compliments can be embarrassing in a Japanese society. A boss who praises his employee in public, for instance, is setting that worker apart from his/her colleagues in a county where group identity is very important. In extreme cases, being singled out can result in bullying⁴ and becoming known as the boss's pet. Yuzo believes these traditions no longer serve Japan well. He said, "Japanese hold back their feelings too much. It's areal shame. They should express themselves more."
Many Japanese don't feel very good about themselves these days as they face job cutbacks, rising crime, weak political leadership and a loss of national confidence. With all of the problems in Japan, guys like Yuzo and Keiya can help brighten the atmosphere and lift the mood a bit.

1 yen   

n. 日元；热望

参考例句：

• He wanted to convert his dollars into Japanese yen.他想将美元换成日币。
• He has a yen to be alone in a boat.他渴望独自呆在一条船上。

2 stunning   

adj.极好的；使人晕倒的

参考例句：

• His plays are distinguished only by their stunning mediocrity.他的戏剧与众不同之处就是平凡得出奇。
• The finished effect was absolutely stunning.完工后的效果非常美。

3 timing   

n.时间安排，时间选择

参考例句：

• The timing of the meeting is not convenient.会议的时间安排不合适。
• The timing of our statement is very opportune.我们发表声明选择的时机很恰当。

4 bullying   

v.恐吓，威逼( bully的现在分词 )；豪；跋扈

参考例句：

• Many cases of bullying go unreported . 很多恐吓案件都没有人告发。
• All cases of bullying will be severely dealt with. 所有以大欺小的情况都将受到严肃处理。 来自《简明英汉词典》