But what's in a name? Is Boring really tiresome and is Dull tedious? Are these places in themselves humdrum and insipid or is it just their names which suggest they are drab?
The village of Dull consists of just one row of houses on the north side of a river valley, which means that it must be very peaceful but probably rather stale and monotonous for young people looking for exciting nightlife. It should also be said that the origin of the name Dull is from the Gaelic language, which was spoken in Scotland before the arrival of the English. Therefore it probably means 'meadow' rather than mundane.
Boring, on the other hand, was named after an early resident of the town, William H. Boring, though whether he was a wearisome fellow himself is not known. The town lies in the state of Oregon, about 30 kilometres from the city of Portland. Is it flat? Not in a literal sense. Oregon is a mountainous state. And Boring's residents insist that the town is "The most exciting place to live". However, in comparison to Seattle, the biggest city in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, Boring must be at least a little lifeless.
However exciting the communities may or may not be, they are both planning events to celebrate their pairing. The Dull and Weem Community Council intends to mark the partnership with a new road sign and street party.
Quiz 測驗 1. Is there a town in Scotland called Boring?
No, it's in America.
2. What word describes when two communities in different countries make a formal arrangement to have a cultural exchange?
Pairing.
3. Is Dull a big village?
No, it's just a row of houses.
4. Does Dull get its name from English?
No, it's from Gaelic.
5. Was William H. Boring a boring man?
It's not known.
Glossary 词汇表 boring無聊的 dull乏味的 tiresome煩人的 tedious沉悶的 humdrum無聊的 insipid清淡無趣的 drab無生氣的 stale陳腐的 monotonous單調的 mundane平凡的 wearisome使厭倦的 flat平坦的 lifeless死氣沉沉的
