Posted by Doc on September 16, 2003
In Reply to: Re: Shrug one's shoulders posted by ESC on September 16, 2003
: : : my teacher told me this motion means one doesn't understand or is not bothered.
: : : what does "bother" in "I'm not bothered" mean?
: : It means "upset," "disturb," "distress." To be not bothered is to be indifferent, to not care.
: : Isn't your teacher willing to answer questions of that kind?
: Go to Merriam-Webster online at http://www.m-w.com/home.htm It has entries for both "shrug" and "bother."
I find the reference to m-w.com to be appropriate but, unless you know more than we do, suggesting someone ask their teacher could be quite correct OR ridiculous. Teachers are quite a mixed bag in the US ranging from the very good to ignorant hazards (when avaible).