Only the Best Are on the 'Cutting Edge'

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Now, the VOA Learning English program Words and Their Stories.

For today’s program, we go into the kitchen!

There is a good chance you do not go one day without using a knife. It is an important tool when cooking, and without it, you could not make many dishes.

This brings to mind a story – a true story.

Years ago, a friend and I were making dinner together at my place. She had the job of cutting up vegetables for soup. Halfway through cutting the onions, she said that my knife was not sharp and would not cut. I was surprised. I had given her my best knife. But when I looked over at her, I had to smile. Actually, I did more than smile. I laughed out loud. “It might be better if you use the cutting edge of the knife,” I joked.

Let’s just say, my friend did not spend a lot of time in the kitchen. She ate out a lot!

In this example, the cutting edge is the sharp edge of a knife. But we also use it to mean something much more.

The cutting edge is the newest and most modern part of any industry. Ideas, tools, technology -- whatever you use in your job -- can all be cutting-edge.

Whatever business or industry you work in, it feels good to be a leader in it. When you know the newest tools or ideas to do your job, you can say you are “on the cutting edge” or that you are simply “cutting-edge.”

For example, teachers on the cutting edge of education use the latest technology and ideas in the classroom. Cutting-edge architects know the latest materials, tools and designs to use in the structures they build. Some of the best doctors use cutting-edge technology to treat diseases.

All industries have their own cutting edge.

We have other words to help describe this idea of “cutting edge.”

For example, people who on the cutting edge of their industry are on the forefront or front line. They are the vanguard. The vanguard is the group of people who are the leaders of a movement in society, politics or in a given industry.

We usually use “vanguard” in the singular form and in a prepositional phrase. So, you can be at the vanguard of a social or political movement. You can also be in the vanguard of a movement.

This expression comes from a military term. In battle, the vanguard are the soldiers, other personnel or equipment that are at the front of a fighting force.

People on the cutting edge, or in the vanguard, are blazing a trail. When you blaze a trail in the woods, you make a trail for others to follow. You do this by cutting down plants that may be in your way. You can also mark trees with a cut, also called a blaze.

Blazing a trail is a difficult job. But it makes it much easier for people walking behind you.

The same can be said for life.

Trail-blazers, people on the cutting edge or in the vanguard are not satisfied with the status quo -- the way things have always been done. They are always looking for a new, better or faster way to do something.

So people on the cutting edge use the latest tools and ideas to be on the forefront of their field. They are the vanguard and blaze trails for others to follow.

We could say that people who use our website are on the cutting edge of learning English -- well, until science makes a magical solution that gives you language ability overnight.

Now, that would be very cutting edge.

And that’s all for this Words and Their Stories! Until next time … I’m Anna Matteo.

And I saw a panther in the yard

Moving slow across the ledge

With silver eyes and a cool regard

And hunger with a cutting edge

Anna Matteo wrote this story for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. At the end of the program, Jennifer Warnes sings "The Panther."

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Words in This Story

dish – n. food made in a particular way

soup – n. a liquid food especially with a meat, fish, or vegetable stock as a base and often containing pieces of solid food

architect – n. a person who designs buildings and advises in their construction

blaze – v. to make and mark a trail by clearing plants and making noticeable cuts in trees : to lead in some direction or activity

prepositional phrase – n. a phrase that begins with a preposition and ends in a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase

status quo – n. the current situation : the way things are now

The Language of Sneakers

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Now, from VOA Learning English, this is Words and Their Stories.

American English, like all languages, has countless colorful words and expressions. We call some slang. It is not always easy to explain the history of slang expressions. Some seem to develop out of nowhere. Some do not last very long or become dated very quickly.

Other expressions, however, live on for years. We use them in our day-to-day lives, usually without knowing how they began. Today we look at one such word -- and one you may be wearing right now -- sneakers!

Sneakers are a type of comfortable shoe. We wear them for sports and when we have to walk a lot. Many children wear them to school. And some adults wear them to work, especially if they must walk to work or ride a bike.

Some say that the word “sneaker” is slang for a tennis shoe. Others say it comes from the old English verb “sneak,” meaning to move silently and with speed. If you sneak up on someone and you are wearing sneakers they probably will not hear you. Well, unless your sneakers squeak. We all know squeaky sneakers stop silent sneaking. (Say that five times fast!)

For many people, sneakers are not just for comfort -- they are also fashionable. These people choose the colors and styles very carefully to make a statement about their own personal style. And they may pay a lot of money for them!

So, sneakers can be more than a fashion statement. They can also be a sign of wealth. Some schools in the U.S. even have rules about what sneakers students can and cannot wear. This prevents students from wearing extremely costly sneakers and avoids “sneaker shaming.” This is when you make fun of someone because they are wearing less costly sneakers.

To some people, sneakers are a form of art. In fact, there is a museum in the American city of Boston just for sneakers! The Sneaker Museum celebrates the history of the sneaker and their cultural importance as works of art.

But there are other words for these types of shoes. There are running shoes, cross-trainers and trainers. All of these fit under the same term: athletic shoes.

Sometimes we just call our sneakers by their brand names -- our Chuck T’s, Nikes or Adidas.

If you have an old pair of shoes that you always wear you might call them your beaters.

Now, sneakers may not be your choice of shoe. But you must admit that they are comfortable to wear. Well, if they fit correctly, that is.

Maybe that is why we say, “If the shoe fits … wear it!”

Actually, no. That is not why we say this. We use this expression in a very strange way. Here is what it means.

If someone says something bad about you but it is true -- you have to accept it. You cannot deny it!

For example, a friend of yours is always late for everything. One day, he shows up to your apartment (late, of course) and says, “Can you believe it!? My boss just fired me! She says I am always late!”

You could simply answer, “Well, if the shoe fits…”

You do not even need to finish. Your friend will know exactly what you mean. He is always late and now must take responsibility. He must “wear the shoes” of a person who is always late, so to speak.

But do not be surprised if he leaves your apartment and never talks to you again. The expression “If the shoe fits, wear it” is somewhat rude. So, it is not exactly a nice thing to say, especially if someone has just lost their job!

Now, there is nothing stopping you from using this expression for good behavior…well, except for the fact that I personally have only ever heard it used for bad.

Put your sneakers on

Put your sneakers on,

We're goin' dancin' all night long...

And that’s the end of this Words and Their Stories.

I’m Anna Matteo.

See, I've put my sneakers on

'Cause I'm gonna keep dancin'

After they all go home …

Anna Matteo wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Herb Sutcliff wrote about the (possible) history of the word “sneaker.” Ashley Thompson was the editor. At the end of the show, Vanessa Hudgens sings “Sneakernight.”

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Words in This Story

comfortable – adj. not causing any physically unpleasant feelings : producing physical comfort

squeak – v. to make a short, high-pitched cry or noise​

fashionable – adj. following the current fashion or style

shame – v. to force (someone) to act in a specified way by causing feelings of shame or guilt

athletic – adj. of or relating to sports, games, or exercises

rude – adj. not having or showing concern or respect for the rights and feelings of other people : not polite