Hooray!

In honor of Korea's first victory in the World Cup. I want to teach you a few verbs for supporting athletes, performers, etc.

#1a) to cheer for someone - This is yelling, screaming and shouting your support for a team or athlete, hoping that they will win. Example: I cheered loudly for the Korean soccer team during the game.

#1b) to cheer someone on - This is similar to "to cheer for", but it suggests that you know the person you're cheering for personally. Example: My mother cheered me on during my soccer game.

#2) to root for someone - This is simply hoping that a particular team will win, but may not include cheering. Example: I rooted for Korea when they played against Greece.

#3a) to applaud for someone - This is clapping, usually reserved for a performance and not sports. Example: The audience applauded for the actors when the play was finished.

#3b) to applaud someone for something - This is a little different than "applaud for", as it can be used as a synonym for "congratulate" or "honor". There is no actual clapping in this case. Example: The teacher applauded his students for their hard work.

#4) to go wild - The fans are really excited and showing their support intensely, through wild screaming, dancing, crying, etc. Example: Korea scored a goal in the first five minutes, and the fans went wild.

That's all for today. And Korea, good luck against Argentina! Really...good luck.
~~Lance Powell