Are You 'Happy-Go-Lucky?'

Vocabulary

1. bundle (n)

/ˈbʌndəl/ a group of things tied or wrapped up together
Ex: There is a large bundle of magazines on the desk

2. Joy (n)
/dʒɔɪ/ a feeling of happiness
Ex: The father cried tears of joy when he received a present from his daughter

3. Practice (n)
/ˈpræktɪs/ a common, traditional, or expected way of doing something
Ex: It is common practice for politicians to make their rivals look bad

4. In print (phrase)
/ɪn prɪnt/ published in a book, newspaper, magazine, etc.
Ex: He died before any of his work was seen in print.

5. Refer (verb)
/rɪˈfər/ to describe or be about someone or something
Ex: In his report, he referred to some past studies 

6. Boxer (n)
/ˈbɑːksər/ a person who takes part in the sport of boxing
Ex: The boxer tried to fend off the blows.

Reading

Is there someone in your life who is always happy? Or maybe someone who brings you a lot of joy? If so, here are some expressions you can use to describe them.


For example, some people call their baby a "bundle of joy." The expression probably comes from the practice of putting babies in blankets, which makes them look like a bundle.


So not long after you were born, your mother could have said to a friend, "Would you like to meet my little bundle of joy?"


A person who doesn't worry about things going wrong and lives their life in a relaxed and happy way can be described as "happy-go-lucky." The expression was first used in print in 1672, but back then it meant "whatever is going to happen will happen."


So if you were worried about your first day of school, your mother might have told you, "Just be your usual happy-go-lucky self, and you'll make lots of friends."


If someone is very happy, you can say they are "as happy as Larry," an expression that comes from either Australia or New Zealand. Some say it refers to Larry Foley, an Australian boxer from the late 19th century who never lost a fight. Others say it refers to the word "larrie" which meant "joke," or to "larrikins," — young men that caused trouble in Australian and New Zealand cities.


So if you came home from school smiling because you had a good time, your mother could have said, "You look as happy as Larry!"

Discussion

1. Which of the expressions in the article did you find interesting?

2. Would you describe any of your friends and family as happy-go-lucky? Please explain your answer.

3. Do you know anyone who is always worried about things going wrong? If so, please describe them.

4. When was the last time you were as happy as Larry? Please explain your answer.

5. What expressions in your language would you use to describe someone who's very happy? Please share and explain them.

Further Discussion

1. What things or activities would you say bring you the most joy? Please explain your answer.

2. Do you agree with the idea that money can't buy happiness? Why? Why not?

3. What's the happiest you've ever been? What made you so happy?

4. If you were the leader of your country, what would you change in order to make people happier? Please explain your answer?

5. Happiness is not a destination, it's a way of life. — Unknown. What do you make of this statement?