Black Mirror Season 1 Episode 1 – The National Anthem

Black Mirror Season 1 Episode 1, Prime Minister Michael Callow faces a shocking dilemma when Princess Susannah, a much-loved member of the Royal Family, is kidnapped.
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All Black Mirror Season 1 Vocabulary Lists

Vocabulary List for Black Mirror Season 1 Episode 1 Part 1
Unknown vocabulary:
- Susannah: The name of a character in the script.
- Princess Susannah: Refers to a character who is a princess in the script.
- PPOs (Close Protection Officers): These are officers responsible for providing personal security to high-profile individuals.
- Sedative: A substance used to induce relaxation or sleep.
- Puncture wound: A small hole or injury caused by a pointed object penetrating the skin.
- Jihadi: A term used to describe a radical Islamist fighter.
- Third World debt: Refers to the debt owed by developing countries to international institutions or other countries.
- Libraries: Refers to public institutions that provide access to books and other educational resources.
- Genuine: Real or authentic.
- Terrestrial: Refers to television channels that broadcast through traditional means such as antennas.
- Satellite: Refers to television channels that are transmitted via satellite signals.
- Unsimulated: Refers to actions or events that are real or not staged.
- Prime Minister: The head of government in a parliamentary system.
- Dialogue: Communication or conversation between two or more parties.
- E-mail address: A unique identifier used for sending and receiving electronic messages.
- Code word: A secret word or phrase used to convey a particular meaning or to establish identity.
- Negotiation: The process of reaching an agreement through discussion and compromise.
- Embedded operatives: Agents or individuals who are placed within an organization or group to gather information.
- Hacks: Refers to journalists or reporters.
- Injunction: A court order that requires a person or organization to do or refrain from doing something.

Vocabulary List for Black Mirror Season 1 Episode 1 Part 2
- Encrypted: The process of converting data or information into a coded form to prevent unauthorized access.
- Clones: Copies or duplicates of something.
- Newsrooms: The offices or departments where news is researched, written, and edited.
- Type five D notice: Refers to a notice issued by the British government to restrict or control the publication of sensitive information.
- Trending on Twitter: Refers to a topic or hashtag that is currently popular or widely discussed on the social media platform Twitter.
- Chat room: An online platform or virtual space for people to engage in conversations or discussions.
- CNN, Fox, MSNBC, Al Jazeera, NHK: Refers to news networks or channels.
- Planet: Refers to Earth in a metaphorical sense, expressing frustration or disbelief.
- Playbook: A set of strategies or guidelines for achieving a particular goal or dealing with a specific situation.
- Virgin territory: Refers to a situation or context that is completely new or unexplored.
- Snatch: In this context, refers to the kidnapping of Princess Susannah.
- Ofcom: The Office of Communications, a regulatory authority for the broadcasting, telecommunications, and postal industries in the United Kingdom.
- Beeb: Slang term for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
- Sky: Refers to Sky UK Limited, a British media and telecommunications company.
- Cinematic movement: Refers to a filmmaking style characterized by specific rules or guidelines for camera movement and visual aesthetics.
- Dogme: Refers to the Dogme 95 movement, a Danish filmmaking collective that follows strict rules and limitations in creating films.
- Obit VT: Abbreviation for “video tape,” in this context, refers to a video segment or footage.
- Deadline: The time or date by which something must be completed or submitted.
- MI5: The Security Service, the United Kingdom’s domestic counterintelligence and security agency.
- Hoax: A deliberately fabricated or deceptive story or situation.

Vocabulary List for Black Mirror Season 1 Episode 1 Part 3
- Black-out: Refers to a period of time with a complete absence of communication or information.
- Palace: Refers to a royal residence, in this context, likely referring to Buckingham Palace.
- D Notice: A notice issued by the British government to restrict or control the publication of sensitive information.
- Queen: Refers to the monarch of the United Kingdom.
- Postcode: A numerical code used in the United Kingdom to identify specific geographic areas.
- Campus: Refers to the grounds or site of an educational institution, typically a university or college.
- Rehearsal: The practice or run-through of a performance or event before the actual execution.
- Finessing: Refining or improving with skill or delicacy.
- Performer: Refers to the person who will be acting in a specific role or carrying out a particular task.
- Outcome: The result or consequence of a particular action or situation.
- Goon squad: Refers to a group of individuals or team assigned to handle a specific task or mission.
- Kick-bollock scramble: An expression used to describe a chaotic or disorderly situation.
- Sympathetic: Understanding or compassionate towards someone’s situation or feelings.
- Squawks: Complaints or objections, usually made loudly or vocally.
- Twinkle tits: A derogatory term, likely used in a sarcastic or mocking manner.
Note: The explanation provided before each vocabulary term is based on its context within the script and may not be an exact definition.

Vocabulary List Part 4
CEFR B1 and above potentially unknown vocabulary for Black Mirror Season 1 Episode 1:
- severed (adjective): completely separated or detached
Explanation: In this context, it refers to a finger that has been cut off or detached from the body. - kidnapper (noun): a person who abducts or steals someone, usually for ransom
Explanation: A kidnapper is someone who forcefully takes and holds someone captive against their will, often demanding money or something else in exchange for their release. - apparently (adverb): seemingly; based on what is known
Explanation: It indicates that something appears to be true or the situation suggests a particular outcome, but it may not be confirmed or proven yet. - material (noun): information or evidence
Explanation: In this context, it refers to the evidence or content related to the case, such as videos or messages. - grim (adjective): serious, gloomy, or distressing
Explanation: It describes something that is harsh, unpleasant, or characterized by a sense of sadness or hopelessness. - trickery (noun): the use of deception or cunning to achieve a desired outcome
Explanation: It refers to the act of using deceit or clever tactics to achieve a particular result or manipulate someone. - back-up plan (noun): an alternative course of action in case the original plan fails
Explanation: It refers to a secondary plan or strategy that is prepared in case the initial plan does not succeed. - FX company (noun): a company that specializes in visual effects for film, television, or other media
Explanation: FX stands for special effects, and an FX company is a company that specializes in creating visual effects using techniques like computer-generated imagery (CGI) or practical effects. - worth considering (phrase): deserving of thought or attention
Explanation: It suggests that something is deserving of being thought about or taken into consideration.
Vocabulary List for Black Mirror Season 1 Episode 1 Part 5
- insurrection (noun): a violent uprising or rebellion against authority or government
Explanation: It refers to a widespread revolt or rebellion by a group of people against the established order or authority. - compliance (noun): the act of conforming to rules, regulations, or demands
Explanation: Compliance means following or adhering to rules, regulations, or demands, often under pressure or obligation. - disgraced (adjective): having lost honor, reputation, or respect
Explanation: It describes someone who has fallen from grace, lost their reputation, or been publicly shamed due to their actions or behavior. - compliance (noun): the act of conforming to rules, regulations, or demands
Explanation: Compliance means following or adhering to rules, regulations, or demands, often under pressure or obligation. - physical safety (noun phrase): protection from harm or danger to one’s physical well-being
Explanation: It refers to the state of being safe from physical harm or danger. - sonic (adjective): related to sound or utilizing sound waves
Explanation: Sonic refers to anything related to sound, particularly sound waves or devices that produce or transmit sound. - nausea (noun): a feeling of sickness or discomfort in the stomach with an inclination to vomit
Explanation: It describes the sensation of feeling sick in the stomach, often accompanied by a desire to vomit. - misinterpreted (verb): understood or explained incorrectly
Explanation: It means that something was not understood or explained accurately, leading to a mistaken or incorrect interpretation. - skeleton crew (noun phrase): the minimum number of staff or crew members required to operate or maintain something
Explanation: It refers to a minimal or reduced staff or crew that is just enough to keep a system or operation running. - ratify (verb): to formally approve or accept something
Explanation: Ratify means to give formal approval or consent to a decision, agreement, or action. - criminal offence (noun phrase): an act that is prohibited and punishable under the law
Explanation: It refers to an action or behavior that is considered illegal and can be prosecuted in a court of law.
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