ESL Blogs

It's all Greek to me

Posted by Expector Smith on June 8, 2016

Yes, you got it - it means 'it's too difficult for me to understand'. Hey, don't get me wrong - it's not that 'what you wrote is all Greek to me':)

In fact, I'm trying to learn more about medical terminology (medicine English) - a mouthful! Some of the terms are just too long or too difficult to pronounce - they are driving me up the wall!

Some of the words are just Greek while some are derived from Latin. It can be so hard to memorize them - unless you've got an amazing or insanely good memory!

Do you think it's hard to understand what your doctor said about you or your family? Any tips on memorizing complex words? Do you want to learn about medical terminology even though you're not a healthcare professional?

(a bit of ) a mouthful = a long word/phrase that's difficult to say

drive/send somebody up the wall = make somebody very annoyed; drive somebody crazy

expector, greek, learn, medical, terminology

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Comments

Expector Smith June 16, 2016 23:26

Hi Evangelina,

Thanks for commenting on this! Yes, English medical terminology is such a challenge for me - I'm familiar with Chinese medical terms since Chinese is my first language.

Yes, we shouldn't pretend we know what we don't really know - it's not humiliating to admit you don't really know something. We can't know everything existing in the world.

Wow, genetics? What a challenge! Good luck!
Expector Smith June 12, 2016 14:01

Hi Nadiyah,

Yes, 'a mouthful' means 'a long word or phrase that is difficult to say'. Thanks for the comment!
Nadiyah June 12, 2016 5:06

a mouthful is my new word :-)

Thank you for the great post!
Expector Smith June 9, 2016 1:25

@setareh

Thanks for the comment! Try to break the word 'acupuncture' into parts 'acu-punct-ure' - 'acu' = sharp; 'punct' = prick.

Yes, I'm trying to learn more about word roots, prefixes and suffixes - it can be so helpful.

@AG

Many thanks!

@Just

Yes, it's funny!
AG June 8, 2016 22:19

You are always full of information, Mr. Smith.. it is a true treasure to EC to have u here with us..
Thanks for sharing
setareh June 8, 2016 20:18

Dear Expector, I have just learned the word acupuncture and as you know it means people or traditional doctors who use needles to help their patients. As you said sometimes long medical words are so hard to pronounce let alone memorize; but some are so common and useful. By the way I haven't heard this funny expression ' it's all Greek to me ' thanks for that.:)
Expector Smith June 8, 2016 13:45

@dara

Thanks for the comment!

@LUCI

Great! It may not be a problem for those who are familiar with Latin. Yes, mnemorics should be so helpful. I hope I can find such an effective way! Thanks.

@sidra

Thank you!
Sidra June 8, 2016 13:10

Nah I don't find medical terminologies difficult because i am a medical student making mnemonics and visual imagination might help in your case :)
Luci June 8, 2016 12:56

Well, dear doctor :) I have it easier because I would say, we use many words with latin roots, so it isn't so hard for me.. As for knowing such words, I guess it also goes hand in hand with being well-read (lettered), maybe it is also about our general knowledge ...anyway, if I have to memorize some words like for example ehm chinese :D I prefer mnemonics - I create sth similar in my head in own language like two words and it helps me to remember new word ;)
salah gammaa June 8, 2016 11:56

Xie xie Expector Smith! The doctor of our family speaks in easy language for us to understand. Thanks Mr. Smith for sharing.