Manny 男保姆

Helen:This is Real English from BBC Learning¹ English. I’m Helen.

Zo?:大家好，我是刘佳。

Helen:Today we’re going to look at words and phrases that have recently become part of the English language.

Zo?:地道英语教大家学习英语中的流行词汇和流行用法。那Helen, 咱们今天要学的是什么词呢？

Helen:Today’s new word is a 'manny'. M.A.N.N.Y. Manny.

Zo?:Manny. 这个词可是够新的，是什么意思呢？

Helen:Well, you might know the word nanny. A nanny is a woman who looks after children while the mother goes to work.

Zo?:Nanny 这个词是女保姆的意思，那把第一个字母 n 换成 m，又是什么意思呢？

Helen:Well, a manny is a male nanny.

Zo?:哦，manny 就是男保姆的意思啊。

Helen:Yes. Mannies are now very common in some cities in the United States.

Insert

A: I called your house yesterday. Who was that man who answered the phone?

B: That’s Freddy, my new manny. I’ve always hired women before, but he seems very good. I’d recommend you get one yourself!

Zo?:他们家用的是男保姆。Would you prefer a manny or a nanny to look after your children?

Helen:I don’t think it matters. A manny could be just as good as a nanny.

Zo?:Really?

Helen:Yes, why not? As long as he was good with my children, I’d hire a manny.

Zo?:是吗？我怎么觉得照顾孩子，还是女的更细心周到呢？

Helen:Well, manny or nanny, it makes no difference to me. Well let’s recap, a manny is a male nanny who looks after children.

Zo?:不管怎么说，男保姆始终还是个新概念。

Helen:That’s right. You’ve been listening to Real English from BBC Learning English. Do tune² in next time for more interesting new words. Bye for now.

Zo?:See you next time.