世博英语札记【84】Palimony(伴侣赡养费)

2001年1月6日

Palimony 伴侣赡养费

First there was alimony. That's what the man paid his wife when they got divorced. Now, there's Palimony (probably from the word "pal" which means friend). Palimony is what the man pays his girlfriend or mistress when they break up. Of course, if the woman has more money, she might have to pay the man.

先是叫做赡养费；那是一个男人离婚时付给他妻子的费用。而现在又有了"伴侣赡养费"（可能是由pal这个字而来的，意思是朋友）。"伴侣赡养费"就是一个男人与女友或情妇分手时要付给她们的钱。当然，如果女方比较有钱，她可能也得付钱给男方。

Househusband 家庭主夫

Sexual roles in America are changing. Sometimes the roles are even reversed. Instead of the husband going out to work, nowadays it could be the wife who takes a 9-to-5 job. When the husband stays home to cook meals, clean, do the laundry and so forth, he is called a househusband.

美国的性别角色逐渐在改变中，有时角色甚至颠倒。现在，妻子可能取代丈夫外出工作，过着朝九晚五的生活；而丈夫留在家里煮饭，打扫，洗衣服等，这种丈夫被称为家庭主夫。

Individualized Weddings 个性化婚礼

American believe strongly in individualism. One trend in the expression of this individualism is the personalized vows written for one's own wedding ceremony. Prior to the wedding day, the bride and groom agree on what they will say to each other on the important day.

美国人坚信个人主义。而表现个人主义的一个趋势，就是婚礼上有深具个性化的誓词。在举行婚礼之前，新娘和新郎已彼此商量好在那重要的日子里，他们要向对方说的话。

Organization of Women For Legal Awareness 女性法律意识协会

Organized in 1975, and now with over 12,000 members, the OWLA is active in promoting Women's Rights. It encourages greater awareness in their rights, especially their legal rights regarding divorce. The organization sponsors workshops, weekly rap sessions, publications and a 24-hour hotline.

女性法律意识协会成立于1975年，现在已有超过12，000名会员，该会一直积极从事促进女权的活动。她们鼓励女性应多加意识到自身的权利，尤其是有关离婚所该享有的合法权利。这个协会发起了研讨会，每周一次的检讨会，出版活动，和24小时的热线服务。