5 min
Learn English Through Footbal Podcast: Cameo Learn English Through Football
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- Aprendizaje de idiomas
The learn English through football podcast explains the language of football: the words, phrases, and cliches used in the game. This week, we look at the word ‘cameo’ There is a transcript of the show below, which can be used by learners of English to practice listening and reading skills. It can also be used by teachers of English to create activities, such as fill in the blanks, true/false, comprehension questions, sentence ordering activities, etc. You can also check out our massive glossary of footballing phrases here. We have hundreds of previous posts and podcasts too on our website. All can access these resources for free. Let us know if you have any suggestions or questions then you can contact us at admin@languagecaster.com.
Learn English Through Football
DB: Hello and welcome to languagecaster.com’s Learn English Through Football podcast. These podcasts explain the words, phrases and cliches used in the beautiful game of football. My name’s Damon, and I’m based in Tokyo, while Damian, the other half of the team, is based in London. It’s a bit cold over here in Japan, which is a shame as it is about peak Cherry Blossom season. Tradionally a time for strolling under and sitting under the trees enjoying the spring.
At least there’s football to enjoy though. And I have been enjoying the race for the Championship in the Premier League, which has turned into a three-horse race between Liverpool, that’s my team, Arsenal, and Manchester City.
Stinger: You are listening to languagecaster.com (Arsenal fan)
DB: Yes, you are listening to languagecaster and thanks for that message from an Arsenal fan.
OK, on today’s podcast, we’ll be talking about the word ‘cameo‘.
Cameo
DB: Right, the word cameo in football means a short appearance in the match, so not playing the whole match. Usually, it is used with substitutes who maybe come on to play late in the game. In addition to this, the player has an important impact on the game, they stand out from the other players.
Originally, a cameo was a small piece of jewellery, usually a small portrait. The picture of the face was highlighted in a different colour from the background, so it was easy to see, or, it stood out. Of course, if something stands out, it is different from what is around it; it is special in some way. So, this gives us the meaning in football: a cameo performance is when a player stands out and plays really well.
Words used together
DB: When cameo is used in football we use verbs like have, make, enjoy. So, a player can have a wonderful cameo, or make a cameo appearance, as well as enjoy a brilliant cameo.
As in these examples, adjectives are also used, especially late: a late cameo.
Examples
DB: Let’s look at some examples. First, this classic example: ‘Allan Saint-Maxim, threatened in a late cameo from the bench‘. So we have the player, Allan Saint-Maxim, threatening, so playing well and causing problems for the opposition. He makes a late cameo from the bench. So, he comes on to the pitch late in the game and is used as a substitute.
Here is another: ‘An extended cameo from Roberto Firmino, who came off the bench to replace Divock Origi in the first half, was instrumental in Liverpool’s victory.” Here the player again comes off the bench, and plays an extended cameo, so a little longer than usual.
The learn English through football podcast explains the language of football: the words, phrases, and cliches used in the game. This week, we look at the word ‘cameo’ There is a transcript of the show below, which can be used by learners of English to practice listening and reading skills. It can also be used by teachers of English to create activities, such as fill in the blanks, true/false, comprehension questions, sentence ordering activities, etc. You can also check out our massive glossary of footballing phrases here. We have hundreds of previous posts and podcasts too on our website. All can access these resources for free. Let us know if you have any suggestions or questions then you can contact us at admin@languagecaster.com.
Learn English Through Football
DB: Hello and welcome to languagecaster.com’s Learn English Through Football podcast. These podcasts explain the words, phrases and cliches used in the beautiful game of football. My name’s Damon, and I’m based in Tokyo, while Damian, the other half of the team, is based in London. It’s a bit cold over here in Japan, which is a shame as it is about peak Cherry Blossom season. Tradionally a time for strolling under and sitting under the trees enjoying the spring.
At least there’s football to enjoy though. And I have been enjoying the race for the Championship in the Premier League, which has turned into a three-horse race between Liverpool, that’s my team, Arsenal, and Manchester City.
Stinger: You are listening to languagecaster.com (Arsenal fan)
DB: Yes, you are listening to languagecaster and thanks for that message from an Arsenal fan.
OK, on today’s podcast, we’ll be talking about the word ‘cameo‘.
Cameo
DB: Right, the word cameo in football means a short appearance in the match, so not playing the whole match. Usually, it is used with substitutes who maybe come on to play late in the game. In addition to this, the player has an important impact on the game, they stand out from the other players.
Originally, a cameo was a small piece of jewellery, usually a small portrait. The picture of the face was highlighted in a different colour from the background, so it was easy to see, or, it stood out. Of course, if something stands out, it is different from what is around it; it is special in some way. So, this gives us the meaning in football: a cameo performance is when a player stands out and plays really well.
Words used together
DB: When cameo is used in football we use verbs like have, make, enjoy. So, a player can have a wonderful cameo, or make a cameo appearance, as well as enjoy a brilliant cameo.
As in these examples, adjectives are also used, especially late: a late cameo.
Examples
DB: Let’s look at some examples. First, this classic example: ‘Allan Saint-Maxim, threatened in a late cameo from the bench‘. So we have the player, Allan Saint-Maxim, threatening, so playing well and causing problems for the opposition. He makes a late cameo from the bench. So, he comes on to the pitch late in the game and is used as a substitute.
Here is another: ‘An extended cameo from Roberto Firmino, who came off the bench to replace Divock Origi in the first half, was instrumental in Liverpool’s victory.” Here the player again comes off the bench, and plays an extended cameo, so a little longer than usual.
5 min