[slickquiz id=1]

Transcript

Vocabulary

Smart adj. /smɑːt/ It usually means: intelligent or clever. But if you talk about a machine, a phone (you have probably heard of “Smartphones”) it means that it uses advanced computer systems.
- Smart watches refer to a new type of watches. The idea is to have have the possibility to use similar functions to the ones you have on a smartphone. Have a look here to browse through different models and prices!
Brief adj. /briːf/ If something is brief, it lasts only for a short time. It’s short.
Glorious adj. /ˈɡlɔːriəs/ something that is beautiful or wonderful, that deserves praise and respect. (Glory n. /ˈɡlɔːri/ praise and respect you get from people for doing something important)
Period n. /ˈpɪəriəd/ a length of time.
Wrist n. /rɪst/ the part of your body between your hand and your arm (Note that the “w” is not pronounced: /rɪst/)

This comic is making fun of new trends related to the use of watches. Here as some important facts that will help you understand it:
- Until a few years ago, most people would wear (regular) watches to keep track of the time.
- Now that more and more people carry their phone with them all the time, they simply use their phone to look at the time and do not bother to wear a watch anymore.
- Several phone companies who create smartphones (Samsung, Apple, etc.) are developing Smartwatches, to have the functionalities of your smartphone on your watch.
The use of the adjective “Glorious” is very interesting here. Because the author qualifies this short period of time when most people don’t wear a watch as something very positive which makes us more free, it implies that wearing a watch takes away some of our freedom. It makes fun of the fact that our habits are dictated/controlled by new technology.