`devil-may-care-attitude’

A person who has a very casual attitude about things in general is said to have a devil-may-care attitude. This individual is rather carefree, and doesn’t get terribly worked up if things don’t go according to plan. He is rather reckless and doesn’t really worry about the consequences. The expression is considered to be rather old fashioned. It is also possible to say, `devil-may-care manner’.

*When it comes to his studies, Sandeep has a devil-may-care attitude.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – January 08, 2007

Is it OK to say, `Irregardless of what you say, I plan to marry him’?

`Irregardless’ is a word that has caused a great deal of controversy. It has the same meaning as `regardless’; it is a word that is mostly used in informal contexts in America English. According to experts, it is a blend of `irrespective’ and `regardless’. The word is considered non-standard, and hence not all dictionaries include it. This is because the word `irregardless’ consists of two negatives; the prefix `ir’ means `not’, and the suffix `less’ means `without’. Avoid using the word.
Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – January 08, 2007

“Cock-a-hoop”

When you’re cock-a-hoop about something, you are extremely pleased about what you have done.
Example: Ameya was cock-a-hoop about coming first in class. * The two brothers were cock-a-hoop about getting a job in a really good company.
The expression is considered old fashioned, and is mostly used in informal contexts.
Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – January 01, 2007.

‘Bric-a-brac’

The small ornamental objects which people collect, and which are of no value are called bric-a-brac.

Examples: Bala clutters his office table with a lot of bric-a-brac.* My cousin Ananya’s house is filled with bric-a-brac.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – January 01, 2007

`ballpark figure’ or `ballpark estimate’

When you give someone a `ballpark figure’ or a `ballpark estimate’, you give them an approximate figure. In other words, you give them a rough estimate.

Examples: “There must have been 500 people at the party. That’s just a ballpark estimate.” * “How much do you think it’ll cost to go on a cruise? Give me a ballpark figure.”

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – January 01, 2007

slipshod

Prounciation: The `o’ in the second syllable sounds like the `o’ in `hot’ and `got’. The main stress is on the first syllable `slip’.

Slipshod means sloppy or careless. Anything that is `slipshod’ has been done in a careless way.

For example, please don’t ask Praveen to write the report. He is a slipshod writer.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – January 01, 2007

`game’ for something

If someone is `game’ for something, then he is eager and willing to do it.
Examples:  Sujatha is game for anything that involves a bit of adventure. * “How about playing table tennis this evening? Are you game for it?”
Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – January 01, 2007.