This week’s #VocabularyMonday post is all about technology and ‘gadgets’
This week’s topic is a continuation from a class with some students in a local academy.
The book we were using was looking at language connected to the topic of gadgetry- and particularly smartphones and computers.
So What is a gadget?
The Google search Dictionary defines a gadget as:
https://www.google.com/search?q=Dictionary#dobs=gadget
“a small mechanical or electronic device or tool, especially an ingenious or novel one. “
For examples of gadgets you can click here to see this post from Wired Magazine.
Many things can be called gadgets, from mobile phones, computers and smart watches to coffee machines and lights.
Extra language connected to gadgety:
Powering gadgets
Battery life: How long the batteries in a device can power it for – ‘it has a 3-day battery life’
A full battery / fully charged battery: A battery that has 100%, or most of, its capacity available to use. – ‘I always make sure the battery is fully charged before going to school’
A flat battery / empty battery: A battery that has had its energy capacity consumed and does not have much, or any, remaining power available – ‘sorry I can’t lend you my phone because the battery is flat’
To charge (up) / recharge: to fill a battery with energy
To drain a battery: To empty a battery or use the energy it contains – ‘Some applications can drain your phone’s battery very quickly’
The Mains: The public electricity system that powers homes and offices – ‘these lights can work off a battery or the mains’
Operating gadgets
Turn on / power on – start a piece of equipment working
Boot (up) / start up: start the process for a piece of equipment to begin working – ‘I used to turn on my old TV and it was ready but with my new one you have to wait while it boots up.’
Turn off / power off: stop a device working.
Shut down / power down: start the process for a piece of equipment to stop working – ‘wait for the computer to completely shut down before disconnecting from the mains.’
To update: to add the newest information or software.
Describing gadgets
Wireless: Communicates using electronic signals and not cables – ‘my new headphones are wireless.’
Voice activated: controlled and operated by speaking to it.
Latest: the latest technology is the newest or most modern. – ‘this is the latest generation of wifi.’
Outdated / obsolete: not relevant because it is old or no longer useful as it has been replaced by something better.
Intuitive: easy and obvious to use and control without having to learn – ‘My new computer is now very intuitive. I need some classes on how to use it properly.’
Parts of gadgets
Describing people and gadgets
A gadget lover: somebody who is very enthusiastic about technology and devices.
A digital native: a person who has lived with technology all their life and is very comfortable using it.
To be into technology/gadgetry: to be interested in… – ‘to be honest, I’ve never really been into technology. It just doesn’t interest me.’
A techie: someone who knows a lot about computing and technology.
A technophobe: somebody who avoids or is scared of technology.
I hope that with this language you’ll be to talk about technology using a wider range of vocabulary. This is a core topic that very frequently appears in language exams.
You can use the comments sections below to practise using this vocabulary to tell us about a gadget that you own.
Are you a gadget lover or a technophobe?
Glyn's English Online 