The eagle image lands on bank jokesCEFR B1
29 Nov 2023
Adapted from Janine Mendes-Franco, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Chris Boland, Unsplash
“The Eagle has landed” was first said at the 1969 moon landing and later used as the title of a 1976 British film. In late November 2023 the phrase moved into everyday life in Trinidad and Tobago after graphics showed an eagle about to alight on several bank logos.
The images were shared on X by a user called Trevon on 22 and 23 November 2023 and by Marie Hull on 22 November 2023. Some people asked for the images to become stickers. The timing helped: many people check online bank accounts at month end, and workers expect extra Christmas expenses and want to know when salaries arrive.
A former bank staffer told Global Voices that one local bank was often slow to move payroll, so its customers were often last to receive pay and to join the office call that the eagle has landed. Netizens adapted the phrase with jokes about late or small payments.
Difficult words
- alight — to come down and land on something
- graphic — a picture or design used in mediagraphics
- sticker — a small printed adhesive paper or labelstickers
- payroll — the list of employees and their pay
- netizen — a person who uses the internet regularlyNetizens
- adapt — to change something for a new useadapted
- salary — regular money workers receive for their jobsalaries
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think people wanted the images to become stickers?
- Have you ever waited for your salary at month end? How did that waiting feel?
- Can you think of a short phrase used at your work to mean a job is done? Describe it and how people use it.
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