Straightforward B2 Upper Intermediate Vocabulary, Lesson 3D

The audio exercises in the book include an interview with a model about what life is like in her profession. This led into a discussion about looks, beauty standards and the modeling industry as a whole.

First date taught: 4 May 2023

3D – Model Behavior

Theme: Life as a model, and common standards of beauty.

jumping-off point (n) – a point from which to start a journey or activity; an idea, example, or piece of information that is used to begin a process or activity

foray (n) – a short period of time being involved in an activity that is different from and outside the range of a usual set of activities

body positivity (n) – the fact of feeling good about your body and the way it looks

“to feel good in your skin”

flattering (adj) – making someone look or feel better or more attractive than usual
Example: That suit is flattering on you.

“your good side” – referring to the idea that everyone has one side or angle with which they are more attractive
Example: Oh let me stand on the left, I want to make sure you get my good side!

plus-sized (adj) models – designed for people who are larger than average, or used to describe someone who is larger than average in size
Example: She’s a plus-size model.

“the industry” – the people and activities involved in one type of business that produces goods or offers services – when discussing fashion, it is understood that you are discussing the fashion industry as a whole, as one entity

Eating Disorder (n) – a medical condition such as bulimia or anorexia in which a person does not eat in a “normal” or healthy way, it may or may not be connected with a person’s body image or mental illness

“industry standards” (n) – a level of quality that others of a similar type are compared to or measured by within a certain industry

the limelight (n) – public attention and interest
Example: She’s been in the limelight recently, following the release of her controversial new film.

beauty standards (n) – a level of quality that others within the beauty industry are compared to or measured by

body dysmorphia / body dysmorphic disorder (n) – a condition or mental illness in which someone falsely believes there is something wrong or unattractive with the size or shape of their body, which may lead to eating disorders, depression or other mental illnesses

“being overweight” vs. “fat person”

gained notoriety (n) – the state of being famous for doing something, esp. something immoral or bad

strict (adj) [B2] – used to refer to someone who follows the rules and principles of a belief or way of living very carefully and exactly, or a belief or principle that is followed very carefully and exactly

modeling agencies (n) – a company that represents fashion models, to work for the fashion industry

venue (n) [B2] – the place where a public event or meeting happens

catwalk / runway (n) – the long, narrow stage that models walk along in a fashion show

collapsed (v) [C2] – to suddenly be unable to continue or work correctly; If someone collapses, they fall down because of being sick or weak

We were discussing the New York Fashion Week drama and the incident where one of the models collapsed under the weight of her coat.
See part one here. see part two here.

enforced (v) [C1] – to make people obey a law, or to make a particular situation happen or be accepted; to force somebody to do something, or to make sure that something happens

permeate (v) – to spread through something and be present in every part of it

shed light on smth (ph.v.) – to clarify or supply additional information on

botched surgeries (adj) – used to describe something, usually a job, that is done badly
Example: Our landlord redecorated the bedroom, but it was such a botched job that we decided to redo it.

butcher (n) – a person whose job is to kill animals for meat or who prepares and sells meat in a store
butcher (v) – to spoil something completely by performing or dealing with it very badly

“What’s your type?” (phrase) – to be someone with the particular qualities that you find attractive
Example: Joe’s nice, but he’s not really my type.

objective vs subjective
objective (adj) [B2] – based on real facts and not influenced by personal beliefs or feelings
subjective (adj) [C1] – influenced by or based on personal beliefs or feelings, rather than based on facts

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” (phrase) – used for saying that different people have different opinions about what is beautiful

subconscious / unconscious / implicit bias (n) – a preference or prejudice of which a person holding it is not aware

have a field day (idiom) – to take advantage of an opportunity to do something you enjoy

attraction (n) [C2] – a force by which things are pulled towards each other; the feeling of liking someone, especially sexually, because of the way they look or behave

drawn to someone (idiom) – to be attracted to someone

ruminate (v) – (formal) to think carefully and for a long period about something

keywords – a word that represents the main feature or idea of something
Example: The office was extremely tidy; efficiency was the keyword.

key words that support the main theme

summation (n) – (formal) a short, clear description that gives the main facts or ideas about something
in summation is said as an introductory phrase when you might begin for your formal summary.

a spot / a pimple / a zit (n) – a small raised spot on the skin that is temporary
acne (n) – a skin disease common in young people, in which small, red spots appear on the face and neck

for the sake of discussion (phrase) – when you don’t agree with someone in a discussion or debate, this expression can be useful. You use it to continue the discussion, even though you don’t agree about one point.

well-kept (adj) – clean, tidy, and cared for

unkempt (adj) – untidy; not cared for; dishevelled