English in a Minute: The Third Degree

A third-degree burn requires medical attention. But is this what Anna and Dan are talking about when they say the third degree?

D: Hey, I’m heading to the lunch meeting. You want to walk with me? 
A: Um, no thanks. I’m busy doing other things, far away with other people. 
D: What are you doing? Where are you going? Who are you meeting? 
A: Dan, stop with the third degree!  
D: If you don’t want so many questions, I need answers! 

A third degree is a long and intense period of questioning. We usually call it “the third degree.” It is what police officers do to get information - or even a confession - from a suspect.  

And that’s English in a Minute.