Is it possible to say "reprogram" for living beings as well?

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

No, you couldn't "reprogram" a living being since living beings aren't built with programs. However, you could use it in a metaphorical sense since, as humans, we can change the way we think or do things. Sometimes people call that "reprogramming." Ex: We can reprogram the way we think about ourselves if we intentionally think positive thoughts. Ex: Unfortunately, our dog isn't a robot. Otherwise, we'd reprogram him not to bark. The most we can do is train him.

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Popular Q&As

06/28

1
What does "nowhere" mean?
"Nowhere" means no place or not any place. It is commonly used to refer to not to or in any place. For example, if one asks a question about where to go and the answer is that you don't want to go anywhere, you can say "nowhere." Ex: A: Where do you want to go? B: Nowhere. (Not any place) In the case of this video, the singer says "nowhere good" to mean that the place he wants to invite the girl he likes to a place that isn't good: nowhere good. You can use this expression with an adjective to mean the opposite of the adjective used. Ex: The restaurant was nowhere fancy, but the food was delicious. Ex: The park was nowhere pretty, but it was quiet and calm.

2
I don't think the phrase "Hakuna Matata" is neither an "English" nor a "Latin" expression. Then, where did it come from?
That's right! "Hakuna matata" is a Swahili expression meaning "don't worry" or "take it easy." Swahili is a language commonly spoken in East Africa. The Lion King movie made this expression incredibly popular, so most English speakers (and others who've watched the movie) know what it means even if they don't speak Swahili themselves. Ex: Don't worry too much. "Hakuna matata," right? Ex: Pumba said "Hakuna matata," so we just gotta leave things up to God now.

3
What does "it" refer to here? And what does "hit" mean from "hit me yet"?
"Hit" in this context refers to becoming aware or suddenly realizing something. "It" is not specifically stated in this song, however, it is implied that "it" is referring to her breakup. So "it hasn't hit me yet" means the breakup hasn't fully become real to her yet.

4
What's "tap water" and "fizzy water"? Could you explain me the kinds of water?
Sure! "Tap water" is water that comes straight out of the faucet. When you turn on the faucet and fill up a cup of water, that is tap water. "Fizzy water" is also known as carbonated water or seltzer water. It's water that has bubbles in it, similar to soda. "Sparkling water" is the same as "fizzy water." "Mineral water" is water that has additives in it (minerals). "Still water" is regular water that doesn't have carbonation in it, such as bottled water, tap water, or mineral water.

5
I get the analogy here. But why's he say "make" instead of "made"? He already made this house, so isn't it supposed to be "made"?
You're correct, "made" would be grammatically correct here! From what I know, this is a direct line from the animation 'Tarzan.' In the movie, he has to learn English due to speaking "gorilla" his whole life. So this is a mistake in his grammar since he's still learning. Ex: Tarzan made Jane a new house. => grammatically correct in third person Ex: Look, I made you a new house! => grammatically correct in first person

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