BBC随身英语:Boring town twins with Dull village “无聊” 和 “乏味” 结为双子村

But what's in a name? Is Boring really tiresome and is Dull tedious? Are these places in themselves humdrum and insipid or is it just their names which suggest they are drab?

The village of Dull consists of just one row of houses on the north side of a river valley, which means that it must be very peaceful but probably rather stale and monotonous for young people looking for exciting nightlife. It should also be said that the origin of the name Dull is from the Gaelic language, which was spoken in Scotland before the arrival of the English. Therefore it probably means 'meadow' rather than mundane.

Boring, on the other hand, was named after an early resident of the town, William H. Boring, though whether he was a wearisome fellow himself is not known. The town lies in the state of Oregon, about 30 kilometres from the city of Portland. Is it flat? Not in a literal sense. Oregon is a mountainous state. And Boring's residents insist that the town is "The most exciting place to live". However, in comparison to Seattle, the biggest city in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, Boring must be at least a little lifeless.

However exciting the communities may or may not be, they are both planning events to celebrate their pairing. The Dull and Weem Community Council intends to mark the partnership with a new road sign and street party.

Quiz 测验 1. Is there a town in Scotland called Boring?

No, it's in America.

2. What word describes when two communities in different countries make a formal arrangement to have a cultural exchange?

Pairing.

3. Is Dull a big village?

No, it's just a row of houses.

4. Does Dull get its name from English?

No, it's from Gaelic.

5. Was William H. Boring a boring man?

It's not known.

Glossary 词汇表 boring无聊的 dull乏味的 tiresome烦人的 tedious沉闷的 humdrum无聊的 insipid清淡无趣的 drab无生气的 stale陈腐的 monotonous单调的 mundane平凡的 wearisome使厌倦的 flat平坦的 lifeless死气沉沉的