ESL Podcast 338 – Refusing an Invitation

June: Did you get an invitation to Kelly’s party?

Roberto: Yes, I did. I’m going to send my regrets. How about you?

June: I’m trying to find an excuse not to attend, without Kelly taking offense¹.

Roberto: Couldn’t you just tell her that you have another engagement that night?

June: I used that little white lie last time I turned down one of her invitations. I have to think of something else.

Roberto: How about telling her that you have to take care of a sick relative? That one always works for me.

June: I’ve used that one, too. I told her that I was looking after my mother the last time she invited me to dinner.

Roberto: How about if you tell her you’re on a special assignment at work and you have to work night and day to get it done?

June: That’s a little far-fetched, don’t you think? I work as a store clerk.

Roberto: You’ve got a point there.

June: What are you going to tell Kelly when you decline her invitation?

Roberto: I’m going to extend an apology and just say that I can’t make it.

June: That’s it? I’d never thought of just saying “no.”

Roberto: You know the old acronym²: KISS – Keep It Simple, Stupid.

June: You’re right. Hey! Who are you calling stupid?

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

1 offense   

n.犯规，违法行为；冒犯，得罪

参考例句：

• I hope you will not take any offense at my words. 对我讲的话请别见怪。
• His words gave great offense to everybody present.他的发言冲犯了在场的所有人。

2 acronym   

n.首字母简略词，简称

参考例句：

• That's a mouthful of an acronym for a very simple technology.对于一项非常简单的技术来说，这是一个很绕口的缩写词。
• TSDF is an acronym for Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities.TSDF是处理，储存和处置设施的一个缩写。