Major Characters
Tracy................................Evan Rachel Wood
A pretty and smart but confused 13 year old girl in a Los Angeles
middle school who decides she wants to become "cool" and popular.
Evie.................................Nikki Reed
Tracys new and beautiful best friend, who becomes a bad influence with
her lifestyle of drug use, smoking, sexual promiscuity and constant
shopping, among other things.
Mel..................................Holy Hunter
Tracys alcoholic but well-intended mother, who desperately tries to save
her daughter from destroying her own life, while also trying to raise her
son and take care of her boyfriend and herself.
Mason................................Brady Cobert
Tracys brother, who loves to surf, and is well aware that
his sister is starting to have serious social problems.
Brady................................Jeremy Sisto
Mels boyfriend, who often lives with Mel and her family, who is trying
to improve his life by beating his addiction to cocaine and other drugs.
Brooke...............................Deborah Kara Unger
Evies guardian or caretaker, who could be her
aunt or cousin, but is definitely not her mother.
Cynthia..............................Cynthia Ettinger
A good friend of Mels who tries to warn
her that Evie is a very bad influence on Tracy.
Javi.................................Charles Duckworth
Another 13 year old kid who is the first boy
that Tracy becomes sexually involved with.
Plot Summary
This film is the story of Tracy, a pretty but confused and insecure 13 year old
girl from Los Angeles, who falls under the dangerous influence of Evie, another
13 year old, who is considered the sexiest and most popular girl in their school.
Tracy lives with her mom, Mel, who is struggling to raise both her and her brother,
Mason, while also taking care of her drug addicted boyfriend, Brady. Unfortunately,
when Tracy becomes best friends with Evie, Tracys life starts to fall apart as
she becomes involved with all of the social problems associated with young, out
of control teenagers.
Evie, who was sexually abused as a child, moves in with Tracys family after it
becomes clear that her caretaker, or cousin, Brooke, is not able to control her.
Evie is heavily involved with drugs and boys, and even worse, with such activities
as stealing, piercing (pushing needles through body parts) and even sadomasochism,
in which people take pleasure in physically hurting themselves and others. Tracy,
who started out as an innocent kid, soon learns all of these unpleasant and dangerous
\behaviors, and in so doing, she becomes a parental nightmare for her loving but
overwhelmed mother. In short, this movie is a disturbing but realistic look at
the lives of young teenage girls today, and as such, it is also a revealing look
at the endless struggles of modern American life.
Some Words and Expressions that You May not Know Tracy starts her journey from Mels innocent daughter to Evies troubled best friend.
I cant feel anything. This is so awesome.
"Awesome" is a much loved adjective among the young
that means excellent, great, or more colloquially, cool.
Thats your brain cells popping.
"To pop" is to burst or explode, but it is only used with small objects.
OK, Im going to plunk you.
A very slangy verb that means to hit or strike. Rarely used.
Come on, come on, lets go.
The most versatile phrasal verb in English, though only used
as an imperative (command). Here, it means hurry up.
Let me fix this before somebody gives you the wedgie from hell.
A silly word which refers to the act of pulling up a persons underwear into
the crack of their ass. If something is "from hell," its very unpleasant.
Whats up, guys?
A very common and colloquial way of greeting a person after
having not seen them for a while (an alternative to "Whats new?").
Looks like she grew up this summer. :: No shit!
The first sentence is a way for young teens to comment on the physical changes
that girls go through at their age. "No shit" is a crude but fun and common way
to say that what was just said is totally obvious.
Be cool, dude. :: Whats up, Evie?
"Be cool" is a way of telling a person to be nice and helpful, or in the
right context, calm. "Dude" is the most overused and ridiculous sounding word
in English for guy, and in the last few years, even females have started to
use it when talking to each other. Avoid using it.
Hair gel, baby.
"Gel" is a jello-like substance that is used in hair styling.
Hey, whats happening?
Another very common alternative to "Whats new?" when
greeting a person after having not seen them for a while.
Jesus, a two dollar tip. They ate half the lasagna.
"Jesus" is a widely used way of expressing emotion such as anger or
frustration. A "tip" is given as an addition to the regular bill for a service,
such as at a meal at a restaurant. "Lasagna" is a type of Italian pasta.
Youre way too generous.
If a person is "generous," they give much time, money or
energy to others without expecting to be paid back in return.
Did dad send you the check this month? :: Lay off him, Tracy.
"To lay off a person is to stop complaining about or
bothering them after having done so for a while.
"He was crippled, but only his body was cracked."
If a person is "crippled," they are disabled and perhaps unable to walk.
This is a somewhat dated word. If something is "cracked," it has a line or split
running through it, though if a person is cracked, it could mean theyre crazy.
I have to pee, and she hasnt eaten anything.
The most common way to say to go to the bathroom, or more specifically, to urinate.
Theres some stuff on the stove.
"Stuff" is a common word for things in general, and a "stove"
is a burner, often on the top of an oven, for frying food.
I just havent been to a meeting all week and you know I need to go.
Be aware that Mel is talking about AA, or an Alcoholics Anonymous meetings,
which is a popular way for alcoholics to try and stop drinking.
"Lets just leave it at that and choose the holy book of lies..."
If you just "leave it at that," you agree not to talk about it anymore.
The "holy book" usually refers to the Bible (If something
is "holy," it is believed blessed by or connected to God).
"Denying to herself what she thought happened."
In this context, "to deny to yourself" something is to
pretend you dont believe what you actually think you do.
Wow, thats really heavy.
"Heavy" can be a very slangy word for philosophically profound,
deep, or important (Mel is talking about Tracys poetry).
Thats Morios cake. Hes 12 years sober.
To be "sober" is to be not under the influence of alcohol (or other drugs).
This is a way of saying Morio is an alcoholic, but hasnt drunk for 12 years.
I want a piggyback ride.
To get a "piggyback ride" with somebody is to be carried
around on their back (and neck) while they walk around.
I cant baby sit. :: Baby, cut me a break.
A very slangy way of saying "Be nice and helpful in this difficult
situation." A more common related expression is "Give me a break."
I heard shes got a huge scar on her back.
A mark that is left over on skin after it has been cut or injured.
Shes not a wonder woman.
An alternative way of saying a super woman, or somebody with
amazing powers and talents beyond (normal) female humans.
Im wearing lip gloss.
A type of clear lipstick that makes lips very sexy.
That girl from chem class; Who let her out of the cabbage patch?
"Chem" is short for chemistry. A "cabbage patch" a small piece of land where
cabbages are grown, though the context of this second sentence means that
the girl in question looks socially strange, awkward or nerdy.
How come?! :: Because I look stupid? Hello!
Remember that "How come?" is a common way of saying "why?." Note that with
the right tone of voice, "Hello!" is a fun way of saying that the other
speaker is either saying something totally obvious or totally stupid.
Mother scores!
A slangy and young persons way of saying that a person has done
something right, or gotten something that is good or well deserved.
I could rinse these off. :: Right on!
A dated but still occasionally used way of saying good, cool, or excellent.
For the project, Im doing J-Lo.
A reference to Jennifer Lopez, a popular entertainer with kids under 18.
We can go shopping on Melrose.
A famous street for shopping in Los Angeles.
Cute shirt.
An important word meaning pretty or attractive in a delicate way. Here,
its refers to clothes, but its more common for people and animals.
I have gymnastics today.
A popular form of physical exercises designed to develop strength and
balance, as well as a competitive sport in which individuals perform on
such objects as the parallel bars and swinging rings.
Hey, come clean this shit up!
Note that "shit" can be used to describe any kind of mess or disorder.
Really disgusting.
A powerful adjective meaning repulsive, gross or revolting.
I only brought 10 bucks.
A "buck" is a very common colloquial word for a dollar.
Loser!
A common insult noun to describe a person who is stupid, socially
awkward or just has big problems. Much loved among the young.
You keep in mind that you work for me.
One way of saying "dont forget."
I totally just stole this! :: No fucking way!
"Totally" is a popular filler adverb among young people. Avoid it!
"No fucking way" is a vulgar way of saying "I dont believe you."
Holy shit! :: I dont think Ive ever seen that much money in my life!
"Holy shit" is a fun but vulgar way of expressing great surprise or
other similar emotion (If something is "holy," it is connected to God).
Lets go shopping! :: Hell, yeah!
A young persons enthusiastic way of saying "Yes! I agree!"
Mel meets Evie, and Tracy discovers drugs, tattoos and boys.
Mason, just out of curiosity, who do you think is the hottest girl in school?
"Out of curiosity" is a common way of saying "because Im curious or
would like to know..." If a girl is "hot," she is considered very sexy.
Guess who I hung out with today? :: Bull!
"To hang out with" a person is to pass time with them. "Bull" is a
way of saying something just said is a lie or nonsense, although
"bullshit" is much more fun and common.
Yeah, tomorrow hes just going to tune up your car.
"To tune up" a car is to adjust or change some of
its individual parts so that it will continue to run well.
So Brady, how was the half way house?
A "half way house" is a place where alcoholics and drug addicts stay for
several days or longer, often after getting out of jail, in hopes of
being able to stop using the drugs they are addicted to.
Evie, this is my mom. :: No way, shes like the hot big sister.
"No way" is a common way of saying "I dont believe
you." In this context, "hot" means sexy or gorgeous.
Well find some really cute platforms or maybe some of that body glitter.
"Platforms" are shoes that have very tall heels to make the people that wear
them look taller. "Glitter" is tiny pieces of paper or foil that shine.
Mom, you can just drop us off and then go run an errand or something.
"To drop off" a person is to take them somewhere in a car and
leave them there. An "errand" is a small job or task that needs
to be done, like going shopping or dropping off the mail at the post office.
Brooke is just my guardian.
A term for a person who is not a parent, but is legally
responsible for a child as if they were their mom or dad.
Evie, Brooke says youre not allowed on Melrose without adult supervision.
A reference to the adults (parents or guardians) who are at least
temporarily responsible for making sure kids dont get into trouble.
You love the leopard fur? :: But not for 75 bucks, baby.
"Leopard fur" is the hair or coat of a leopard,
which is a type of big, fast and wild cat.
Check this out! The design is...feng shui.
"Check this out" is a slangy way of telling a person to look at something. "Feng
shui" is a Chinese word that refers to how well a building fits into its surrounding
environment, as well as the to the light and balance of the building itself.
Only way the movie wouldve been decent was if Britney
had her big ass booty hanging out all over the car.
In this case, "decent" means good or not bad. "Big ass booty" is a
ridiculous way of referring to a persons ass, behind or derriere.
Christ! I at least wanted to see some tits.
"Christ" is a way of expressing anger, frustration or other emotion.
"Tits" is a vulgar way of referring to a womans breasts. "Boobs " is safer.
You guys want to get high? Four bucks a hit.
"To get high" is to become effected by marijuana or other drugs that put
you in a strange (and often enjoyable) psychological state. A "hit" is either a
puff on a marijuana cigarette or a small amount of another type of drug.
Lets trip!
In the context of drugs, "to trip" is to get high or feel stoned.
Tracy, you hounded me for weeks for this damn game!
"To hound" a person is to constantly bother them, often by trying to
convince them to do something. "Damn" is a crude filler term that is
used to express anger, frustration or other emotion.
I dropped acid at the park. :: Evie, I think my nose is melting off.
"To drop acid" is to take the powerful illegal drug acid (or LSD), which,
among other things, changes a persons perception of time and reality.
You want me to ground you? You know youre not allowed out after dark!
If a parent "grounds" their child, they refuse to let them leave the house
for a period of time, as punishment for having done something wrong.
Im making your fave.
A short way of saying favorite.
Can you hold it a minute? :" Thats how you
get a bladder infection, you child abuser!
In this case, "to hold it" means to wait. A persons "bladder" is the organ
in their body which turns liquid into urine, which is later peed out. A "child
abuser" is a person who physically or emotionally harms children.
French toast is my favorite too, Mel.
A type of thick bread that is toasted and served with butter and pancake syrup.
Move your G-string down South!
A very thin strap of cloth that fits between a girls legs and
is popular among those who dance near naked on stage.
Dude, thats so gross! Thats my brother!
A useful and powerful adjective meaning disgusting or sickening.
Youre designing a habitat which the four of you will live in for two years.
A "habitat" is a scientific word for a place
in which a person, animal or plant can live.
Find creative ways to recycle the elements.
"To recycle" a product is to use it again after it has already been used.
In this case, "elements" are natural products such as water and wood.
All right, settle down, class.
One way of saying calm down, especially to a loud group of students.
Thats why I need to be here at the library. They have tutors.
A "tutor" is a person who usually helps one student at
a time in a particular subject, such as math or English.
You havent had your tongue pierced.
"To pierce" a body part is to make a small whole
in it by pushing a sharp needed through it.
You never did anything with that crustytattoo guy, right? :: Yeah, he ate my pussy.
If a person is "crusty," they are impolite and ill tempered. A "tattoo" is
a drawing that is burnt permanently into a persons skin. "To eat a girls
pussy" is a crude way of saying to perform oral sex on her ("Pussy" is a
crude slang term for a womans sexual organs).
Im kidding, idiot!
"To kid" somebody is to talk to them in a joking or not serious manner.
"Idiot" is an excellent word for a stupid person, moron, jerk, etc...
We were researching. Im in charge of the gray
water module for the Biosphere 2 project. :: Cool.
A "module" is unit or topic of study. A "biosphere" is an artificial habitat
or place for studying certain environments, usually to see how people can live
within them. "Cool" is the most common colloquial way of saying good or excellent.
Im taking advanced physics, Mel.
The mathematical study of physical objects, speed, light, etc.
Im happy for him that hes finally paying off his debt.
If you "pay off your debt," you pay back the money
that you owe to other people or organizations.
Ill make some turkey and cheese on whole wheat. :: Evil food!
A popular type of bread.
If you drink 10 glasses of ice water a day, youll burn 300 calories.
"Calories" are the units of energy contained in food, and since they
turn into fat, they are much thought of and discussed by overweight people.
Mom, three strikes and youre out! How many
times are you going to let him fuck you over?!
"Three strikes and youre out" is an expression from baseball that means
in this context that if you make three mistakes, you can no longer continue
as normal but must stop doing what youre doing. "To fuck over" a person
is a crude way of saying to mistreat or abuse them.
This is so fucked up!
If a situation is "fucked up," it is marked by major
problems and may be unsolvable. Crude and common.
I thought I had a bunch of 20s in here. Im going to have to write you a check.
In this case, a reference to $20 dollar bills.
Hey, if this gets you laid, you owe me double!
"To get laid" is a common way of saying to have sex.
Conference time, now! You do not pull a scene
like that in front of a client! Even Cynthia!
A "conference" is a meeting of a group of people, though in this case,
Mel is saying this to suggest she and Tracy have to sit down and talk.
"To pull a scene" is a slangy way of saying to act out loudly or dramatically
in front of other people. A "client" is a person who pays for the professional
advice or services of another (Lawyers and hair stylists have clients).
Tensions rise in the family as Tracy continues to get more into boys and deeper into trouble.
Evie, Im sorry, but I think its time for you to go home.
Mels diplomatic way of telling Evie she must leave.
Brooke had a convention in Bakersfield; She said she sent you an email.
A large meeting of people, usually with the same business or political interests.
He grabbed my throat and he threw me against his van
"To grab" something is to quickly and forcefully take or seize
it. A "van" is a large, tall car that is popular for camping.
Wheres your mother, baby? :: She passed away.
"To pass away" is a common way of saying to die.
Whoa, that sounds like a big deal!
"Whoa" is a widely used way of expressing surprise or other
emotion. If something is "a big deal," it is considered important.
Hes our fucking father!
Note that "fuck" is used as an adjective and adverb. Crude but common.
You know, youre going digital on me!
Today, "digital" refers to anything involving computer technology.
This is Mels slangy way of saying Tracy is using computers a lot.
He gets to go to some black-tie event. Something for NASA.
A "black-tie event" is a very formal dinner, speech or other gathering
in which the men dress up in black ties and expensive clothes. "NASA" is
the National Aeronautics Space Administration, which is responsible for
the US governments space programs, such as the exploration of Mars.
Hes going to try and have brunch on Sunday. :: Terrific;
Then we might as well be on the fucking moon.
"Brunch" is a meal that combines breakfast and lunch (often with lots of eggs and
bread). "Terrific" is an alternative to excellent or great. "Might as well" is a
way of saying should, or in this context, expressing a cynical or skeptical attitude.
She smokes. :: No shit, the same brand.
"No shit" is a crude but fun way of saying something that was just
said is obvious. A "brand" is a product name (such as Camel for cigarettes).
A sewing kit. This is probably going to hurt
worse than your tongue. :: I dont give a shit.
A "kit" is a small box of tools designed to help do something, in this case
to sew. If a person "doesnt give a shit" about something, they dont care
about it. Crude but common.
Oh fuck, what the fuck did you do?!
Added to Wh questions to express anger or other emotion. This is
much more vulgar then "the hell," which is also very common.
Yeah, we just spilled a coke, Mel.
"To spill" a drink is to accidentally let it fall out of its container.
These are tight, Mel! :: Thanks, they only cost six bucks.
"Tight" is a young persons slang word for attractive or good.
I dont just waltz into your room and screw around with your stuff.
"To waltz" is to do a type of dance, though to "waltz into " a room is to enter
it without knocking on the door or asking permission. "To screw around" with
something is to use it, often without being very careful.
When have you ever seen me mess with anything that was yours, mom?
"To mess with" something is to use it, often without being careful.
Fuck her.
Note that "fuck you" can be used with any pronoun
as a way of expressing great anger or contempt.
Oh hey, grab some oatmeal.
"To grab" something is to forcefully or quickly take
it. "Oatmeal" is a popular hot breakfast cereal.
You should put some chocolate chips in it.
Small pieces of chocolate that people add to hot cereal and other foods.
Come on, Tracy. You know you get mean when you dont eat.
If a person is "mean," they are unfriendly and aggressive.
Does Brooke have a boyfriend? No, she dumped him.
"To dump" a boyfriend is to leave or break up with him.
All of a sudden Melinda has a ghetto booty.
A ridiculous expression for an attractive ass (A "ghetto" is a poor section
of a city, which in the US often refers to poor black neighborhoods. A "booty"
is a silly word for a persons derriere or ass).
I think she stuffs.
"To stuff" material into a small container is to force it in, even if there is
little room. In this context, "to stuff" is to put something under a girls bra
to make her breasts look bigger than they really are.
That slutaint got shit compared to these double cheeseburgers.
A "slut" is a very disrespectful term for a girl who has sex with lots of boys.
"Aint got shit" is a vulgar way of saying "doesnt have anything." This is a
totally ridiculous way for one girl to say her breasts are much bigger than
anothers (A "double cheeseburger" is a never used way to refer to breasts.
Melons and tomatoes, also silly, are more common).
Tracy, can I holler at you?
"To holler" is to scream, though here its used as a slangy way of saying to talk to.
I was wondering if you want to, eh, if you wanna go kick it some time.
"I was wondering if..." is a good way to start a sentence when you want to ask
somebody out on a (possibly romantic) date. Note that "want to"----> "wanna" in
rapid speech. "To kick it" is a rare and very slangy way of saying to go out on
a date, or possibly just to spend time together.
Heres my cell; Well be hanging around. :: Straight. See you guys later.
"Cell" is now a common way of saying cell phone. "To hang around" with a person is
to spend time with them. "Straight" is a ridiculous slang word for good, OK, or cool.
Shes my cousin, not my mom. You got it?
"Do you understand?
Hey boys, my friend wants to suck your dick.
"Dick" is a common slang word for a penis.
Heres my pad.
A "pad" is a colloquial word for house or apartment.
Tracy, meet the lovely Brooke LaLane.
A common British word for pretty or attractive.
Shes a model slash actress. :: Slash bartender whose about to be late for work.
A "slash" is the "/" sign, and thus if you say a person is a "model
slash actress" (model/actress), you are saying that she is both of those.
They were removingasbestos from the locker room today,
so we got the whole gym period to do our homework.
"To remove" something is to take it away. "Asbestos" is a dangerous material
that was used in construction years ago before they realized it causes cancer.
A "locker" is a locked metal box for storing things. In school, "gym period"
is the period of time set aside for physical activity such as gymnastics,
running and team sports.
Tracy, youre going out with Javi!
"To go out with" a person is to spend time with them doing
possibly romantic things such as going to movies, dinner, etc.
Wheres my other cutlet? :: Incoming cutlet!
A "cutlet is a small piece of meat. If something is "incoming,"
it is flying through the air, like a missile or bomb.
You get to make out with Javi.
"To make with" somebody is to do sexual things with them such as kissing
and sexual touching, but it does not mean actual intercourse.
You want me to prove it, lesbo?! :: Hell, no!
A "lesbo" is a stupid way of saying lesbian, which is a gay
female. "Hell no" is a slangy way of saying "absolutely not."
Dont do anything I would do.
Note that you normally say "Dont do anything I wouldnt do" when you are
trying to tell a person not to do anything wrong, dangerous or illegal.
Remember the part where Josh is smoking a joint with beer?
A "joint" is a marijuana cigarette.
He made that up! :: He jumped when that
teacher got a pencil stabbed through her hand.
"To make up" a story is to say something you create, that is
not true. "To stab" a person is to push a knife into their body.
If everybody married somebody from a different race,
then in one generation there would be no prejudice.
"Race" refers to the large ethnic groups that people are divided into
(Generally, White, Black, and Asian). "Prejudice" is negative feeling toward
a person based simply on the race or other group they belong to.
It tasted kind of nasty.
An interesting word for disgusting or dirty, but often
used in a sexual sense to mean indecent or obscene.
What? We didnt go over that one.
"To go over" something is to explain it.
How about, youre jail bait!
"How about" can mean what about or why not. "Jail bait" is a interesting
term to refer to girls who are sexually attractive but so young you could
go to jail if you have sex with them.
Tracy, come here. Check out his white boy ghetto lips.
A silly way of referring to the fact that Luke
has big lips that look like a black mans.
Luke, wheres your bong?
A tube that is used for storing and smoking marijuana.
Just get the fuck out of my house!
A very vulgar way to say "Leave!"
Get off me, you fucking pervert.
A "pervert" is a person who is considered to be sexually sick, or
sexually interested in things that are considered abnormal or bizarre.
Luke, chill out. :: Take your fucking weed and get out.
"To chill out" is to calm down. "Weed" is a slang word for marijuana
(It usually refers to unwanted plants that can harm wanted grass).
The family falls apart, Mel turns to Cynthia for help, and Evie tries to protect her position in the house.
Can you guys give me a hand? :: Mom, Im not your fucking slave!
"To give somebody a hand" is to help them do something.
This is not how I raised you! I want you to be civil with me!
To be "civil with" a person is to be polite and respectful with them.
Shes always fucking drunk! :: Like you never have!
A slangy way of saying "Its obvious that you have, too."
Thought wed just crash here for a couple days, until my check comes in.
"To crash" is a slangy way of saying to sleep at somebody elses house.
I think Im coming down withdiphtheria or something.
"To come down with" a disease or medical condition is to start to show
the first signs of it. "Diphtheria" is a rare but dangerous disease.
"Wanna bone?" Nice, whats the occasion?
"To bone" is a silly slang verb meaning to have sex. "Whats the occasion?"
is a way of asking a person why theyre doing what theyre doing at this
particular time.
You fucking hard-ass. Thats why youre my sponsor.
A "hard ass" is a person who is very firm, disciplined or strong in
dealing with themselves or others. A persons "sponsor" is somebody who
supports and helps them, often financially, to accomplish something.
Its like Zen chicken. Thats weird, right.
"Zen" is the Buddhist philosophy of accepting things as they are,
and still being happy or content. "Weird" means strange or bizarre.
Its a grossbloody war movie, and Im a pacifist, like Gandhi.
"Gross" means disgusting or revolting. "Bloody" is a much loved adjective
in England for horrible or awful. A "pacifist" is a person who believes
people should never fight or go to war.
Yes, Brady, you are so awesome.
A much loved adjective among the young
that means excellent, or more colloquially, cool.
I got popcorn and butter in a separate foilpacket.
"Foil" is a type of very thin metal or aluminum.
A "packet" is a very small pocket or container.
Mothers, lock up your sons!
"To lock up" a person is to put them in a prison or hold them in a small room.
You know I got my ass beat for what happened the other night.
If a person gets their "ass beat," they are physically attacked or beaten.
Why dont you get us some sodas or something
and tell Conrad to get his ass here on his break.
"Sodas" are carbonated drinks like coke and root beer. If you tell a person
"to get their ass over here," youre telling to come over, in a crude way.
You stupid fucker!
A very vulgar insult!
Id like to see how that thong looks like on my
bedroom floor. :: Too bad youll never know.
A "thong" is a skinny and often sexy type of underwear.
What the fuck is that? :: Voodoo juice my friends made.
"Voodoo" is a type of religion that has lots of evil ghosts or spirits.
Dont be back washing.
"To back wash" a drink is to spit what was in your mouth,
back into the bottle or glass youre drinking from.
Hey, want to suck my cock baby?
"Cock" is a vulgar slang word for a penis.
Javi spilled a coke all over his pants and he couldnt perform.
This is Evies way of saying Javi couldnt get an erection to have sex.
What the fuck is wrong with you?
A vulgar filler that is added to Wh questions in order to express emotions
such as anger or frustration (Its much safer to say "the hell" instead).
I cant help it if the movie ran late! :: Bullshit, Tracy, we checked the theatre.
If a person "cant help it," they are unable to prevent something from
happening. "Bullshit" is a classic way of referring to nonsense or lies.
Should we talk about how you get stoned every
night with Rafa? :: She knows I smoke pot, Tracy.
To get "stoned" is to get high under the influence of drugs
like marijuana. "Pot" is a common word for marijuana.
Look at your pupils! Youre so fucking busted!
A persons "pupils" are the dark middle points of their eyes. If a person
is "busted," they have been caught doing something wrong or illegal.
Dont you call me a fucking slut!
A silly slang word for a girl who has sex with lots of guys.
Stop with the food thing already! :: Fuck it!
"Fuck it" is a common way of saying that it
doesnt matter, or in the end, its not important.
Fine! I hate your nastystore brand food!
In this context, "fine" is a way of saying OK, and "nasty" means disgusting
or unpleasant. "Store brand" foods (Safeway Coke) are those that are considered
cheaper than national brand names (Coca Cola).
God damn it! Goddamn dollar fifty a square foot floor!
"Goddamn" is a vulgar filler term to express anger or other emotion.
Note in the US, materials such as floor tile are priced by the square foot.
Something peed in your bed! Well change the sheets.
"To pee" is to urinate, or more colloquially, to piss.
Mom, youre dealing with this.
"To deal with" something is to handle or it or try and take care of it.
You know what, Tracy. Youre going to have to lay off her.
"To lay off" a person is to stop bothering or criticizing them.
Dont you tell me what to do, you fucking cokehead!
A "cokehead" is a slang term for a person who
is addicted to, or dependent on, the drug cocaine.
This place is fucking with my head.
If something is "fucking with your head," it is making you
feel emotionally or psychologically upset or disoriented.
I want to get loaded.
This usually means to get drunk, though it
could also mean to get stoned on illegal drugs.
Hell read the big book in that scratchy voice.
If a voice is "scratchy," it sounds irritated or ragged, perhaps
like an old phonograph record that has scratches in it.
So whats up with the spoons?
"Whats up with" is a common way of asking what is happening
with something when it appears something strange is going on.
Brooke does this every morning and she still has huge bags.
Note that as a person ages, they develop "bags" under their eyes.
This family needs some healing.
"To heal" is to slowly get better after an injury, but note
that there can be both physical and emotional healing.
Who bought you that wet suit?!
A tightly fitting rubber suit that is worn by surfers
in order to protect them from the cold water.
Shes my cousin. My mom was a crack whore.
A poor prostitute who is addicted to the drug crack (which is a deadly
form of cocaine). A true symbol of societys great social problems.
Look mom, theres a hugeswell. I gotta get pounding.
"Huge" is extremely big, and for surfers, a "swell" is a situation in the
ocean that brings huge waves. "Have got to"---> "gotta" in rapid speech, and
"to pound" is a slangy way for surfers to say ride the waves.
Are you a bored-licensedtherapist?
If a doctor is "bored-licensed," they have been officially approved by a
group of professionals in their field to practice their jobs or specialty.
In this case, a "therapist" is a type of psychologist or family counselor.
Shes a psychic! Cynthia, do you remember when you tried to
bring back grandma and Hampton ended uphumping your leg?
A "psychic" is a person who claims to have supernatural powers such as predicting
the future or talking to the dead. Here, "to bring back" a person is to bring them
back to life after theyve died. "To end up" doing something is to finish by doing
it, and if a dog "humps" a persons legs, they rub themselves up and down the leg
in a sexual manner.
I can handle this.
"I can take care of this."
Its perfect for pooping on the go.
"To poop" is to defecate, or more crudely, to shit or crap.
Whats that on your shirt? :: Its none of your business.
If something is "none of your business," the speaker is saying that the
information is personal or private and not to be discussed. Very common.
Mom, what is it with you and poking me?
"What is it" is a way of asking a person why theyre acting strangely.
"To poke" a person is to jab or hit them with a finger or pointed object.
Im a mummy! I was born 2,000 years ago!
A very old body that has been preserved by being wrapped in
fine cloths, just as the Ancient Egyptians did after their leaders died.
Im really starting to lose it.
In this case, "to lose it" means to lose control
of ones own emotions or mental stability.
No bra, no panties.
A common word for womens underwear.
Tracys dad arrives to explain why he is never there for her, and Brooke recovers from horrible plastic surgery.
I want you to take her for a while. :: I cant; Ive been
on the phone all morning trying to get out of this thing.
"To get out of" a meeting or other obligation is to find a way to avoid doing it.
I gotta tell you right up front that I cant take you this weekend.
If you tell a person something "right up front," you tell them immediately
without trying to make excuses, even if it is embarrassing or disagreeable.
Look, baby, you have got to cut me some slack, ok?
"To cut a person some slack" is to be accepting with them, or to stop bothering
them, even if theyre telling things you disagree with ("Slack" is the extra
rope that is not needed when tying it between two objects).
I am trying to kick ass at this new job and I am
trying to get you and your mom more money.
"To kick ass" at a new job is to do super well at it.
No, I cant. Im with a client right now.
A "client" is a person who pays for the professional advice or services
of another (Lawyers and hair stylists have clients, but note here, Tracys
dad is using the word to describe his own daughter!).
Fuck this work shit!
A grammatically interesting string of vulgar words which basically
means "This work is awful and it isnt worth doing it."
What is the problem? In a nutshell.
To explain or answer something "in a nutshell" is to answer it very
briefly, by clearly discussing only the most important or critical points.
Good morning, Mom. :: Knocking is real good.
"To knock" is the verb you use when you tap on a door to see if anybody is home.
Brooke will pay you to take me. :: She wont be like all the other freeloaders.
A "free loader" is a useful word for a person who lives with others, eats
their food, and generally costs a lot of money, but doesnt offer to
contribute or pay for anything in return.
She was abused by her uncle when she was nine.
An unpleasant word that generally means physically or
emotionally mistreated, and it often implies in a sexual manner.
Why did you put me on the spot in front of that poor
little girl? I cant reject someone like that to her face.
"To put someone on the spot" is to suddenly force them to make a difficult
decision, often in public, when they were not ready to make it. "To reject"
a person is to not let them have what they want, or in this case, to refuse
their desires to be with them.
I got a C+.
In most schools, grades for a class are A, B, C, D, and F,
with a + (plus) and a minus (-) for those grades in between.
Lets just say my mother isnt gonna get a bumper sticker this year.
A "bumper sticker" is a message of some type that is stuck on the bumper of
the back of a car. A popular bumper sticker with some parents says "My child
is an honors student," which is an excellent student, but Tracy is implying that
her grades are so bad that her mom wont be able to have a bumper sticker like that.
I want to bleed more. Make an effort, bitch!
A horrible word for a mean or abusive female.
Her uncle got seven years.
In this context, seven years means seven
years in prison for having committed a crime.
Youve stretched beyond the limit.
This is Mels way of saying that Tracys behavior has gone past the limit
of what is acceptable ("To stretch" is to reach or extend ones body or arms).
Shes been molested and abused by practically
everyone who is supposed to take case of her.
"To molest" a child is to sexually abuse or touch them in sexually inappropriate ways.
How do we look, darling?
An alternative word of affection for dear, honey, or sweetheart.
Today is the due date?! :: We left you a bunch of
messages, not to mention a note on your locker.
The "due date" for a project is the day it is supposed to be finished.
"Not to mention" is one way of saying "in addition to..."
My grandmother...she passed away.
A gentle way of saying to die.
Go to the counselor, Tracy.
At a school, a "counselor" is a person who helps students with academic
or class-related problems and sometimes even psychological problems.
Knock it off, you guys!
A great phrasal verb which means "stop it!"
Do you want to go to the boardwalk and sell some shit?
A "boardwalk" is a walk that is created along a beach, often filled with
shops. In this case, the "shit" that Tracy is talking about is probably drugs.
Were doing a play...and Im a mermaid.
A "mermaid" is a mythical creature or animal with the
head and upper body of a woman and the tail of a fish.
You had plastic surgery?! WhyYou were so pretty?
"Plastic surgery" refers to the surgery that people undergo to improve
their physical appearance, or to look younger, such as having wrinkles
removed or their noses made smaller.
Is this like a standard procedure?
A common term for anything that is considered normal during a particular
process or activity (It is a standard procedure during plastic surgery
to be put to sleep during the operation).
They had to tuck the skin somewhere.
"To tuck" skin someplace is to gently place it underneath
some other skin (Bed sheets are tucked into the bed).
I didnt realize theyd have to do the whole fucking crop circle.
"Crop circles" are large patterns of circles that are carved into the earth
on certain farms or fields throughout the world (crops are farm products
such as wheat or corn).
Oh God, Im a mess.
Note that a mess is usually a scene of disorder with lots of things or
dirt lying around, but if a person is a mess, it means that they have
serious emotional or life problems, and probably need serious help.
Thats OK; Were going to split.
A slangy way of saying to leave.
Evie, that was hilarious. Now come pick me up.
An excellent adjective which means very funny.
God, are you jacking off in there?!
"To jack off" is the most common slang verb meaning
to masturbate (to give oneself sexual pleasure).
Im with a client. Work mode.
If a person is in "work mode," they are thinking about and psychologically
prepared to continue working, as opposed to relaxing.
I cant fucking wait until you move to your dads. :: What the hell did you say?
Note that especially among younger speakers, "fucking" as a filler
adverb, and "the hell" as a filler to Wh questions, are very common
Youre so nasty. I heard that you got used!
In a sexual context, "nasty" can mean indecent, obscene or willing
to do anything even if it is considered abnormal or dirty.
Shit never happened, but believe what the fuck you want.
Tracys crude way to say "Its not true, but I dont care if you think it is."
You made Fs on your last three tests and you havent turned in any homework.
An important word in school that refers to the work that teachers
expect their students to do at home for the next days class.
On that basis alone, youre going to fail. Youll be held back in 7th grade.
"On that basis" is a way of saying "for that reason." If a student is
"held back," they are not allowed to go on to the next grade until they
take their current grade all over again.
Your name was brought up in impact group
today. Evie Zamora turned in your fake I.D.
If your name "comes up" in a conversation, people mention or discuss you.
"I.D." is short for identification, and refers to things such as a drivers
license or school card. If a piece of ID is "fake," it is not real or authentic.
And theres the matter of cheating in math class.
"Matter" is another word for topic or subject.
Mel steps in to save Tracy from Brooke, Evie and herself...
Your mom sent me to pick you up. Come on, hop in.
"To hop in" a car is to get in, often quickly or with lots of energy.
What the hell?!. They found my stash and I had to tell them.
A "stash" is a slangy word for a small amount of hidden drugs such
as marijuana ("To stash" something is to store it in a secret place).
Who the fuck do you think you are, going in my room?
This is Tracys very aggressive and vulgar way of telling
Brooke that she has no right to enter her (Tracys) bedroom.
Youre lucky I got there before the cops did, honey.
A common colloquial word for the police.
We jacked it, OK? Its not like your broke ass ever has any money to give me!
"To jack" something is to steal it, but this is very slangy and rare.
If a person is "broke," they no longer have any money.
When Brady went to the halfway house,
what happened to our phone, our cable?
A halfway house is a home for alcoholics and drug addicts who are trying to
beat their addiction before they go back into society. "Cable" refers to paid
cable TV (This is Tracys angry way of saying that paying for Bradys life left
little for Tracy and her family).
Christ, youre not that dumb, are you? :: I didnt know it went that far!
A common way of expressing emotion such as anger or frustration.
Well be moving to Ojai, so you wont be seeing Evie again.
A town about two hours North of Los Angeles.
Youre really cruel, Tracy. I mean, Im sure you can be a sweet kid
when you want to, but right now youve really been a bad influence.
If one person is "a bad influence" on another, the first
persons bad behavior starts to appear in the second.
Tracy was playing Barbie before she met Evie!
Barbie is the name of a famous doll that innocent young girls used to play with. This
is Mels way of telling Brooke that the real bad influence was Evie, not Tracy.
Did she teach you how to beat the crap out of her as well?!
"To beat the crap out of" a person is to brutally beat up
or attack them, and most likely to seriously injure them.
Dont even start with me! Ive seen the bruises.
:: What the hell did you tell her Evie?
"Dont start with me" is a way of saying "Dont start telling your lies
because I wont believe you." A "bruise" is a black, reddish or other colored
marking on the skin caused by an injury.
What the fuck? We were just goofing!
The first sentence is a vulgar way of saying "What are you talking
aboutYoure not making sense." Note that to "goof off " means to play
around or do something in a not serious way, but "to goof" is rarely used.
She cuts! :: Its none of your business, you fucking Frankenstein.
In this context, "to cut" is an awful verb meaning to cut oneself with a
knife or blade. Frankenstein is a famous character from literature who is
basically like a monster in the shape of a very large man.
This child is my business, you little cunt!
Perhaps the most obscene word in the English language! It can
mean either a womans sexual organs, or a disgusting, abusive woman.
"Cunt" is much more vulgar then bitch, so its generally advised that you avoid using it!
Who would want to be in this shithole, anyway?!
A crude slang word for a dirty and poor place.
ThirteenSome Potential Questions for ESL Class Discussion
1. Are there 13 year old girls like Evie in your country?
2. When you were that age, was it important to be cool and popular?
3. Are children growing up too fast today? Or does EVERY generation think that the
young of their time are more trouble (and troubled ) than previous generations?
4. What are the biggest teenage problems in your country? Drugs? Sexual
promiscuity? Crime? Lack of discipline? Lack of values? Something else?
5. Was Evie really to blame for all of Tracys problems?
6. Was Mel a good mom?
7. Were the problems that Mel and her family faced just
working class problems, or do they touch all classes and people?
8. What should young teens be taught about sex? Drugs? Values?
9. Was Evie just a manipulator, or did she really love Tracy?
10. What did you like and not like about this movie?