Every month, we take a look at a word in the headlines, in English, for your English. See more at The Word of the Month.
Definitions
To jab: to pierce or poke with something sharp; (boxing) to punch with a short, quick blow.
A (vaccine) jab (UK, informal): A hypodermic injection (US: a shot).
Jabs in the news
This month, a British woman became the first person to receive a jab with a Coronavirus vaccine.
Margaret Keenan, 90, later claimed the heroin was “a bit weak” for her taste.
Don’t confuse “jab” with:
Jaw: the bone at the bottom of your face mask.
To jabber: to talk rapidly about nothing. Essential for politicians.
Jabba the Hutt: At 604 years old, this overweight Star Wars gangster is first in line for a COVID jab.
Alternatives to jab
Prayer: Efficiency debateable, but compatible with most US healthcare plans.
Eat your greens: A drastic measure. May boost your immune system though.
Shots: While waiting for your jab, doctors recommend whiskey, viagra or morphine for a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!