You could spend hours debating your favourite anime show or explaining why a new album is an absolute masterpiece. But when it comes to writing an English essay about it, do you find yourself stuck using the same boring words like “good”, “interesting” or “popular”?
It’s time to upgrade your vocabulary. This week, we dive into the world of pop culture and reviews. These words and phrases can help you score top marks while writing about the media you enjoy.
1. Canon
Meaning: the works of a certain author or artist that are recognised as genuine. This word is also often used as a reference to the official story or rules of a fictional universe, as made by the original creator. Some fans argue over what is or isn’t canon when spin-offs or remakes are released.
Example: Many fans were disappointed by the film adaptation because it ignored details that were considered to be canon in the original series.
2. Sleeper hit
Meaning: a film, book, song or video game that becomes a massive commercial success long after it was initially released, usually gaining popularity slowly through word of mouth
Example: Despite having a small marketing budget and a quiet opening weekend, the indie video game became a massive sleeper hit after several prominent gamers raved about it online.
3. Genre-bending
Meaning: describes a work of art that combines different traditional categories into something completely new or that is so unique that it defies standard labels for its type
Example: The author’s latest novel is a genre-bending masterpiece, seamlessly blending elements of an old-school detective mystery in a futuristic sci-fi setting.
4. Steal the show
Meaning: to attract the most attention and praise in a performance or event, often unexpectedly taking the spotlight away from the main star or focus
Example: The lead actor delivered a solid performance, but it was his sweet dog who managed to steal the show.
5. Captures the spirit of
Meaning: to succeed in accurately showing the true mood or feeling of something in a piece of art
Example: Through its glitzy depictions of Hong Kong singers and actors in the 1980s, this book captures the spirit of the golden age of Cantopop.
