BBC随身英语:Cinema ninjas 电影院里的黑衣忍者

Although the idea of a strangely-clad person creeping around in a dark room might sound scary, the tactic is not intended to shock. The idea of the cinema ninja is to simply prevent bad behaviour.

Watching films at the cinema has changed dramatically since its heyday in the 1930's, when picture palaces were popular and rowdy places. Back then, teams of ushers were essential to maintaining order: both in showing people to their seats and calming boisterous audiences.

Nowadays, as ticket prices have risen, so too have the conditions for enjoying the cinema-going experience. Decorum and silence are fully expected. But offenders who whisper to friends or rustle a bag of crisps can still ruin the viewing experience.

So the next time you breach cinema etiquette by sending a text message or gossiping with a friend – beware! The tap on your shoulder could be a cinema ninja.

Quiz 测验 What is the word which describes viewers who cause irritation and are a menace?

a nuisance

What is the name for the clothing material that is worn all over and tight against the body?

spandex

What verb means to quieten others?

shush

What is the job title for people who show customers to their seats and maintain order in a cinema?

usher

What two words describe good manners and politeness?

decorum, etiquette

Glossary 词汇表 interrupted干扰 munching大声咀嚼 rudely粗鲁地 distractions分心，干扰 menace威胁，恐吓 nuisance讨厌的人或东西 ninjas忍者 spandex弹力纤维 disturbs干扰，妨碍 desist停止 troublesome惹是生非的 shush嘘声（示意安静下来） heyday全盛时期 rowdy吵闹的 ushers影院引座员 boisterous喧闹的 decorum礼仪，恪守礼仪 silence安静 whisper耳语 rustle发出沙沙声 etiquette礼仪