VOA慢速英语2021--‘Heyday’ Is The Best of Times

And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English.

On this program we explore terms and expressions in the English language. And today we talk about a word that will help you talk about the best of times. That word is heyday¹.

If you are in your heyday you are in your prime. You are at the peak of your abilities. You are having your best days ever!

Some people had their heydays² when they were young, maybe in college or high school. They consider themselves past their prime. They might talk about those past experiences only and not plan for new experiences in the future. These people might be stuck in their glory days.

Other things besides people can have a heyday. If you are at the pinnacle³ of success, you could say your career is having a heyday.

Also, a place, like a city, can have a heyday and so can an industry.

For example, I grew up in the rust⁴ belt of West Virginia. In its heyday, my hometown was known for its steel industry. In fact, every man in my family worked in the steel mills. But when the industry shrank, the steel factory jobs disappeared. The city fell on hard times and today is still trying to recover. However, many other parts of West Virginia are having a tourism heyday because of the beautiful natural environment.

So, where does the word heyday come from?

Some word experts say that it first appeared in English in the 16th century as an interjection. An interjection is a word or cry (such as "ouch") that expresses a sudden or strong feeling. So, "heyday" was used to express extreme happiness or wonder.

Around the same time, "heyday" was also used as a noun meaning "high spirits."

Meriam-Webster online dictionary says it was not until the 18th century that the word was used to mean "the period when one's achievement or popularity has reached its zenith."

Usually, we use heyday in the singular form. Saying the plural⁵ is a little less common.

Words in This Story

heyday – n. the time of greatest strength, popularity, or success

prime – n. the period in life when a person is best in health, strength, etc. : the most active or successful time of a person's life

peak – n. at the highest point or level

pinnacle – n. the best or most important part of something : the point of greatest success or achievement

glory days – n. a time in the past that is remembered for great success or happiness

spirit – n. a lively or brisk quality

zenith – n. the strongest or most successful period of time

1 heyday   

n.全盛时期，青春期

参考例句：

• The 19th century was the heyday of steam railways.19世纪是蒸汽机车鼎盛的时代。
• She was a great singer in her heyday.她在自己的黄金时代是个了不起的歌唱家。

2 heydays   

n.盛世，全盛期（heyday的复数形式）

参考例句：

• The heydays of grave robbers and relic thieves are over. 盗墓者和文物窃贼的鼎盛时期已经过去了。 来自电影对白

3 pinnacle   

n.尖塔，尖顶，山峰；(喻)顶峰

参考例句：

• Now he is at the very pinnacle of his career.现在他正值事业中的顶峰时期。
• It represents the pinnacle of intellectual capability.它代表了智能的顶峰。

4 rust   

n.锈；v.生锈；(脑子)衰退

参考例句：

• She scraped the rust off the kitchen knife.她擦掉了菜刀上的锈。
• The rain will rust the iron roof.雨水会使铁皮屋顶生锈。

5 plural   

n.复数；复数形式；adj.复数的

参考例句：

• Most plural nouns in English end in's '.英语的复数名词多以s结尾。
• Here you should use plural pronoun.这里你应该用复数代词。