Halloween and Thanksgiving Vocabulary (PDF)
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Holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving are not just days for fun or celebration—they reflect cultural traditions and values. If you’re learning English, knowing these holidays will help you better understand English-speaking countries’ traditions.
Below are the most essential words and expressions related to each holiday.
Halloween Vocabulary and Phrases
Here are words and expressions you’ll often hear around Halloween:
Common Vocabulary
| Word/Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Trick or Treat | A phrase children use to ask for candy when knocking on doors |
| Costume | Clothes worn to disguise yourself, often as ghosts or characters |
| Jack-o’-lantern | A carved pumpkin with a candle inside, usually with a scary face |
| Haunted House | A house decorated to be scary for fun |
| Witch | A woman believed to have magical powers, often depicted with a hat and broom |
| Ghost | A spirit of the dead that is said to haunt people or places |
| Candy | Sweets given to children during trick-or-treating |
Useful Halloween Phrases
| Phrase | Usage |
|---|---|
| “Trick or Treat!” | Said by children when they knock on doors |
| “Boo! Did I scare you?” | A playful way to surprise someone |
| “Have a spook-tacular night!” | A fun way to wish someone a great Halloween |
| “Happy Halloween!” | A common greeting on Halloween |
Thanksgiving Vocabulary and Phrases
Thanksgiving vocabulary focuses on gratitude, family, and traditional foods.
Common Vocabulary
| Word/Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Turkey | A large bird, traditionally eaten on Thanksgiving |
| Stuffing | A mixture of bread, herbs, and vegetables used to fill a turkey |
| Gravy | A sauce made from meat juices, often poured over mashed potatoes |
| Pumpkin Pie | A dessert made from pumpkin filling and spices |
| Feast | A large meal, usually with many dishes |
| Parade | A public procession with floats and performances |
| Football Game | A sports event often watched on Thanksgiving |
Useful Thanksgiving Phrases
| Phrase | Usage |
|---|---|
| “Happy Thanksgiving!” | A common greeting on Thanksgiving |
| “What are you thankful for?” | A question asked during Thanksgiving meals |
| “Pass the gravy, please.” | A polite way to ask for food at the table |
| “I’m stuffed!” | A way to say you’ve eaten too much |
Comparison Table: Halloween vs. Thanksgiving Vocabulary
| Aspect | Halloween Vocabulary | Thanksgiving Vocabulary |
|---|---|---|
| Greetings | “Happy Halloween!” | “Happy Thanksgiving!” |
| Food | Candy, caramel apples | Turkey, pumpkin pie, stuffing |
| Activities | Trick-or-treating, costumes | Feasts, parades, football |
| Themes | Scary, fun | Gratitude, family |
How These Holidays Help Your English
Learning about these holidays helps you:
- Improve Vocabulary: New words related to cultural traditions.
- Practice Small Talk: Use phrases like “Happy Thanksgiving!” or “Trick or Treat!” in conversations.
- Engage in Cultural Conversations: These holidays often come up in small talk with native speakers.
