English Time with Yves

A word first coined in 1918, but rarely used today, may become a more frequently used part of the English lexicon. That word is "hangry," which is a portmanteau of the words "hungry" and "angry". It means to be bad tempered or irritable as a result of hunger. The word is making a comeback because of research that suggests "hanger" is a diagnosable feeling. Researchers believe "hangriness" could be a genuine medical phenomenon. Scientists from the UK's Anglia Ruskin University examined how hunger affects emotions during our daily lives. Lead author Professor Viren Swami said the research indicated a strong link between hunger and feelings of anger, irritability, or low pleasure. The researchers analysed data from 64 volunteers aged between 18 and 60. The participants had to complete surveys on a smartphone app five times a day for 21 days. The app helped people to give researchers real-time information on their feelings when they w...

      The Eiffel Tower is one of the world's most famous sights. The 324-metre-tall iron tower attracts millions of tourists to Paris every year. It has been an iconic part of Paris' skyline for 133 years. However, it is showing its age. Engineers recently conducted a survey of the monument. They found that its metal is full of rust. They said it is "in a poor state". They added that if its designer Gustave Eiffel was alive today and saw his creation, "he would have a heart attack". Engineers say there are many cracks in the iron. The tower needs many repairs. A 2016 report on the tower stated there were 698 faults on the tower. These were serious enough to put the tower's long-term future in doubt. Construction of the Eiffel Tower started in January 1887. It opened to the public on the 31st of March, 1889. It was built to celebrate the 1889 World's Fair in Paris. Builders needed 10,100 tons of iron to make the tower. It was made from 18,000 sect...