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:
Leak (noun):
1. A hole or crack through which liquid or gas can escape
2. The publication or spread of sensitive information
To leak (verb):
1. To allow liquid or gas to get through a small hole
2. To disclose or reveal confidential information
Examples:
WikiLeaks: a whistle-blowing website which practices ‘principled leaking’ (the selective release of sensitive information) from anonymous or confidential sources.
Deep Throat: is not just a classic porno film, but also the code name of the most famous leak in American history, who divulged information about the Watergate scandal to reporter Bob Woodward.
Fun Facts:
Leaks occur in many different places: kitchen sinks, oil tankers in the gulf of Mexico, hundreds of mirror websites across the world, etc.
Don’t confuse ‘to leak’ with to ‘to lick’ (using your tongue to touch something). Things that are lovingly licked: lollipops, earlobes, hallucinogenic frogs.
Also:
To take a leak is to urinate! Very liberating, especially in the woods, on the snow or occasionally in the toilet.
Leek soup is a winter classic made with leeks, a green vegetable. It warms you up and if you drink enough, you’ll be sure to take a leak every 5 minutes.
Take a look through our Word of the Month archives, or improve your English with gymglish.com.