您好，欢迎来到 “经济学家英语,” 插曲 71. Today we’re going to talk about a recent article published by Paul Krugman in the New York Times newsletter on February 3rd. 文章的标题是 “打瞌睡: 美元的主导地位受到威胁吗?“. In this article, he explores the future of the US dollar as a global reserve currency.
打瞌睡
So what on earth does “Wonking Out” mean? 期限 “wonking” refers to discussing complex and technical issues related to public policy or economics. And a ‘wonk’ is someone who is highly knowledgeable and passionate about these issues. The term is informal, but it is frequently found in newspaper and magazine articles. It is a funny-sounding word, isn’t it? And remember, it is informal. But if you are someone who is passionate about public policy or economics, guess what? You are a wonk. And if you get involved in a technical discussion with somebody about economics, you could say that you are “wonking out”.
In this article, Krugman explores whether or not the US dollar is at risk of losing its position as the dominant global currency. Krugman notes that while there is recent speculation about the future of the dollar’s international dominance, this is not a new question. He wrote about it over four decades ago and concluded that an end to dollar dominance was possible but not probable. He also noted that it wouldn’t make much of a difference even if it did happen.
Krugman also discusses the recent hype around cryptocurrencies and how some members of the crypto cult believe that Bitcoin or one of its rivals will replace the dollar any day now. He also explores the idea that some regimes will turn away from the dollar to protect themselves against sanctions imposed by the US.
Krugman concludes that the dollar’s dominance isn’t under threat and even if it were, it wouldn’t be a big deal, 或者换句话说, it wouldn’t be that important for the US economy.
Idiomatic Expression: A Drop in the Bucket
This is a good opportunity to introduce you to a useful idiomatic expression. 仔细听, the idiomatic expression we’re going to focus on today is “a drop in the bucket.” This phrase refers to a small and insignificant amount in comparison to the whole. 在文章的上下文中, Krugman argues that the potential loss of dollar dominance would have minimal impact on the US economy, making it “a drop in the bucket.”
经济学家英语课程
Remember friends, 如果你在与经济相关的领域工作并且你想提高你的英语水平, 我提供 private English classes tailored specifically to your needs. 在这些课程中, we’ll focus on improving your language skills related to economics and finance. 访问我的网站, EnglishForEconomists.com, 了解更多信息. 我最近在我的日程安排中有一些空间, 所以如果你有兴趣, 让我知道.
词汇复习
In summary, 今天你了解了:
期限 “wonking” and how it refers to discussing complex and technical issues related to public policy or economics. And a ‘wonk’ is someone who is highly knowledgeable and passionate about these issues. The term is informal, but it is frequently found in newspaper and magazine articles.
地道的表达 “a drop in the bucket,” which refers to a small and insignificant amount in comparison to the whole.
这就是今天的情节 “经济学家英语。” Thank you for listening, and I’ll be back soon with more language lessons for economists.
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