Woman: Let’s Celebrate.
Man: People celebrate something such as a birthday, a new job, exam results etc. to show that they are happy that something has happened, or it is a special day. Halloween is a celebration in Many countries.
Now listen to an example of this phrase:
Woman: I can’t believe I got the job! I’m still in shock.
Man: Shut up and drink this, you deserve it. Let’s celebrate!
Woman: I’m having a party.
Man: A party is a social occasion to which people are invited to celebrate something, usually, with food, drink and music, in order to enjoy themselves. We usually use the verb “have”, before this, i.e. “I’m having a party next Friday,” but, the verb “throw” is also frequently used for spontaneous parties. For example, “I’m throwing a surprise party for Salvo next week.”
Now listen to an example of this phrase:
Man: I think we should throw a party.
Woman: What? Why?
Man: Any excuse to have some fun. Yes, I’m definitely having a party tomorrow night for you, let me start calling everyone now.
Woman: Oh no, I’m so tired, make sure it’s not too late.

Woman: Dress up
Man: “Dress up” is a phrasal verb. Like all phrasal verbs it can have several meanings. The one we are looking at in this podcast means to put on special clothes or costumes to look like somebody else, such as “Wonder Woman.” If you wear a costume it is also called “fancy dress.” Listen to this short conversation:
Woman: Why have you told everybody it’s a “fancy dress” party?
Man: Because it’s much more fun when everybody dresses up.
Woman: What’s the theme?
Man: Well, it’s Halloween, so people can dress up as ghosts, witches, vampires, or whatever takes their fancy.
Woman: “Bobbing apples.”
Man: “Bobbing apples” is a popular party game at Halloween parties. Several apples are put in a bowl of water, and people take it in turn to try and catch one with their mouth – without using their hands. “Bobbing” means to move up and down very quickly, so it is actually very difficult to bite an apple without using your hands when it is moving around in a bowl of water. The person who catches the most, is the winner. Now listen to this:
Woman: You’ve been very busy, you’ve organised party games as well. But what on earth is “bobbing apples?”
Man: It’s fantastic fun, wait till you see everybody try it. It’s a bowl of water with about 12 apples inside, and you have to try to get an apple out of the bowl using only your mouth.
Woman: Sounds like great fun for my make up and hair.

Woman: Now you will listen to some people having fun at a Halloween party.

Woman: Crikey, look how busy it is, I can’t believe how Many have come to Frank’s party.
Man: Well, he always throws a good party, so as soon as people know he’s having one, they all try to get an invitation – or even gatecrash...
Woman: Mmm, well, don’t let me drink too much, it’s Tuesday night, and I’ve got a lot of work to do tomorrow.
Man: Relax! It’s Halloween, let’s have some fun and celebrate. I spent hours making this costume.
Woman: You look fantastic dressed up as a pumpkin.
Man: Well you don’t look too bad as a vampire, did you make the costume yourself.
Woman: Well, I did my own make up, but, I admit, I hired the outfit from a Fancy Dress shop, I just didn’t have the time.
Man: Excuses, excuses. Heh, look at those guys, they’re dressed as spiders, what a clever idea. Come on let’s go over to where they are and play some games.
Woman: Games??? Can’t we just dance?
Man : No way! This is all part of the fun, look I bet I can beat you at “Bobbing apples.”
Man: Aaah, I’m absolutely drenched, I’m covered in water, and couldn’t even get one apple. Your turn…..
Woman: No way, I spent over an hour doing my make up, let’s go and get another drink and hit the dance floor.

Woman: If you wish you can hear this lesson again. In the meantime we hope we have helped you to be more confident with your English. Watch out for the next topic. Thank you for using the EnglishBlog.