English Vocabulary

from Orwell's 1984

eBrain

User since 2009
Posts: 613

20 Dec. 2010

I had to read it 40 years ago and found my teacher whacky...I read it now and thanks the wise man...but, could you help me get the meaning of the word baulks in "Were there always these vistas of rotting nineteenth-century houses, their sides shored up with balks of timber..."

8 comments

AhQ ['a: kiu]
User since 2006
Posts: 2715
20 Dec. 2010

The rotting 19th century houses needed to get shored up (*) by means of wooden beams.

(*) to shore up is to hold, to support to prevent a collapse.

A balk, as a noun in this sentence, means a large piece of wood like a beam.
Timber here is the kind of wood, the matter used for beams, rafters, etc. in construction.
The rotting 19th century houses needed to get shored up (*) by means of wooden beams. (*) to shore up is to hold, to support to prevent a collapse. A balk, as a noun in this sentence, means a large piece of wood like a beam. Timber here is the kind of wood, the matter used for beams, rafters, etc. in construction.
eBrain
User since 2009
Posts: 613
21 Dec. 2010

Thank you very much : indeed I hadn't got it that way. Have a nice day - Ugoid
Thank you very much : indeed I hadn't got it that way. Have a nice day - Ugoid
Gwendy
User since 2008
Posts: 253
28 Dec. 2010

1984 my youth ! I mean, it's what i was reading in my youth trying to tame english language.
Thanks for the flash back even if I don't remenber the "balustrade" episode.
So thnaks a lot yu two.
Vict.
1984 my youth ! I mean, it's what i was reading in my youth trying to tame english language. Thanks for the flash back even if I don't remenber the "balustrade" episode. So thnaks a lot yu two. Vict.
Gwendy
User since 2008
Posts: 253
28 Dec. 2010

1984 my youth ! I mean, it's what i was reading in my youth trying to tame english language.
Thanks for the flash back even if I don't remenber the "balustrade" episode.
So thnaks a lot yu two.
Vict.
1984 my youth ! I mean, it's what i was reading in my youth trying to tame english language. Thanks for the flash back even if I don't remenber the "balustrade" episode. So thnaks a lot yu two. Vict.
AhQ ['a: kiu]
User since 2006
Posts: 2715
29 Dec. 2010

Yo, Victorine. There is no balustrade in sight on these rotting houses. Even though a balustrade is likely made of timber, you shoudn't mistake a balk for a balustrade.
But you are possibly right dreaming of a balustrade as far as you don't lean out too far. We need you so much.
Yo, Victorine. There is no balustrade in sight on these rotting houses. Even though a balustrade is likely made of timber, you shoudn't mistake a balk for a balustrade. But you are possibly right dreaming of a balustrade as far as you don't lean out too far. We need you so much.
eBrain
User since 2009
Posts: 613
29 Dec. 2010

War is peace / freedom is slavery / ignorance is strength / big brother and Joe are watching you.
War is peace / freedom is slavery / ignorance is strength / big brother and Joe are watching you.
Spoiler
User since 2008
Posts: 499
31 Dec. 2010

Yes, Joe is watching you - from his balustrade. Don't lean out to far, Joe. We need you here. Everybody has to fulfill his role, if he likes it or not.
Yes, Joe is watching you - from his balustrade. Don't lean out to far, Joe. We need you here. Everybody has to fulfill his role, if he likes it or not.
Gwendy
User since 2008
Posts: 253
31 Dec. 2010

teasing me watch-men ? balustrade, balcony, beam.... you prefer frame ??? i feel confused, all these pieces of wood for an urban dame!
Thanks for my new strength... i'll read you with pleasure in 2011 if y'll survive until then.
V.
teasing me watch-men ? balustrade, balcony, beam.... you prefer frame ??? i feel confused, all these pieces of wood for an urban dame! Thanks for my new strength... i'll read you with pleasure in 2011 if y'll survive until then. V.

New comment

Please sign in to leave a comment.