Roccio / El Salvador 
Have you ever observed sketchy behaviour?
Hello, my name is Rocio, and I'm from El Salvador. My question is, have you ever observed sketchy behavior before?
And the answer is yes. There was this one time where I was at the mall waiting for a friend, and I remember that there was this man in front of me, maybe like five feet apart, that he was walking in circular motions. I wasn't really sure why. But he kept looking at me and I didn't really know why.
I had my headphones on, so I thought that maybe he wanted to sit down or maybe he just wanted to ask me something. So I removed my headphones and he never really said anything, but he just kept walking in circular motions and kept looking at me. I got really uncomfortable and then I just sort of left because he was really freaking me out.
Now, thankfully, it didn't really escalate to anything further. But yeah, I mean that was a pretty sketchy behavior that I sort of identified. And I feel like whenever you identify sort of those moments, I feel like it's better to be safe than sorry, I guess. Just try to get as far away from that situation as possible. But what about you? Have you experienced sketchy behaviors before from random strangers?
How to Practice Vocabulary
- Review the vocabulary.
- Complete the blanks below with correct words.
- Check your answers. Correct any wrong answers!
sketchy behavior
Meaning: Suspicious, strange, or possibly unsafe actions.
Examples:
- That was a pretty sketchy behavior I identified.
- She left the party early because someone there was acting sketchy.
circular motions
Meaning: Moving in circles or repeatedly walking around a central point.
Examples:
- He kept walking in circular motions.
- The dog chased its tail in circular motions.
sort of
Meaning: A little; not completely; used to soften what you’re saying.
Examples:
- I just sort of left because he was freaking me out.
- I’m sort of tired, but I’ll come with you.
freaking me out
Meaning: Making me feel very scared or uncomfortable.
Examples:
- He was really freaking me out.
- That movie totally freaked me out!
escalate further
Meaning: Get worse or more intense.
Examples:
- Thankfully, it didn’t escalate further.
- The argument might escalate further if we don’t stop now.
identify the situation
Meaning: To notice or recognize something.
Examples:
- I sort of identified the situation as sketchy.
- She was able to identify the situation and react accordingly.
better to be safe than sorry
Meaning: It’s smarter to be cautious than to take a risk and regret it later.
Examples:
- I left because it’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Bring an umbrella—better to be safe than sorry!
random strangers
Meaning: People you don’t know at all.
Examples:
- Have you ever experienced sketchy behavior from random strangers?
- She doesn’t like talking to random strangers on the street.
Vocabulary Quiz
escalate • identify • random
What is the correct word? Listen to the audio to hear the answer!
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