[ti:‘Heyday’ Is The Best of Times] [by:www.51voa.com] [00:00.00]更多听力请访问51VOA.COM [00:08.24]And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English. [00:18.72]On this program we explore terms [00:21.48]and expressions in the English language. [00:24.60]And today we talk about a word that will help you [00:29.00]talk about the best of times. [00:32.16]That word is heyday. [00:36.84]If you are in your heyday you are in your prime. [00:41.96]You are at the peak of your abilities. [00:46.16]You are having your best days ever! [00:50.92]Some people had their heydays when they were young, [00:54.12]maybe in college or high school. [00:57.36]They consider themselves past their prime. [01:01.24]They might talk about those past experiences only [01:05.76]and not plan for new experiences in the future. [01:10.76]These people might be stuck in their glory days. [01:17.12]Other things besides people can have a heyday. [01:21.80]If you are at the pinnacle of success, [01:25.08]you could say your career is having a heyday. [01:30.00]Also, a place, like a city, can have a heyday [01:34.44]and so can an industry. [01:38.20]For example, I grew up in the rust belt of West Virginia. [01:44.04]In its heyday, my hometown was known for its steel industry. [01:50.52]In fact, every man in my family worked in the steel mills. [01:56.52]But when the industry shrank, [01:58.92]the steel factory jobs disappeared. [02:02.20]The city fell on hard times [02:05.32]and today is still trying to recover. [02:09.56]However, many other parts of West Virginia [02:12.92]are having a tourism heyday [02:15.68]because of the beautiful natural environment. [02:20.60]So, where does the word heyday come from? [02:25.08]Some word experts say that it first appeared in English [02:29.68]in the 16th century as an interjection. [02:34.80]An interjection is a word or cry (such as "ouch") [02:39.84]that expresses a sudden or strong feeling. [02:43.88]So, "heyday" was used to express [02:47.48]extreme happiness or wonder. [02:51.96]Around the same time, "heyday" was also used [02:56.12]as a noun meaning "high spirits." [03:01.04]Meriam-Webster online dictionary says [03:04.04]it was not until the 18th century that the word was used [03:09.08]to mean “the period when one’s achievement [03:12.84]or popularity has reached its zenith.” [03:18.28]Usually, we use heyday in the singular form. [03:23.84]Saying the plural is a little less common. [03:29.96]And that’s all the time we have for this Words and Their Stories. [03:34.04]Until next time, I’m Anna Matteo. [03:37.56]更多听力请访问51VOA.COM