English as a Second Language/Stop calling me Shirley.

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Expert: Bernardo Angulo - 4/2/2005


Question
I heard "Stop calling me Shirley." in an ad. I would like to know the meaning.


Answer
Hello,

That quote is from the movie Airplane! (1980):

Ted Striker: Surely you can't be serious.
Rumack: I am serious... and don't call me Shirley.

Rumack: Mr. Striker, the passengers are getting worse. You must land soon.
Ted Striker: Surely there must be something you can do.
Rumack: I'm doing everything I can... and stop calling me
Shirley.

When Stricker said "surely" Rumack thought he was calling him "Shirley".

Bernardo.

English as a Second Language

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Bernardo Angulo

Expertise

I hold a Master`s Degree in the Teaching of English as a Second/Foreign Language, so I am able to answer any question on teching methodology, second language acquisition theory, computer assisted language learning, and classroom management issues.

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15+ years ESL/EFL classroom experience.

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