Basement Betty
n.— «It’s just not possible for the ma and pa shops to compete with the grocery stores selling cut flowers and the Basement Bettys undercutting the market, selling out of their homes.» —“Hannah Floral Branching Out” by Doug Fast Grand Rapids Business Journal (Mich.) Oct. 19, 1987. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
The word budget derives from French bougette, “leather bag.” An old phrase in English to open one’s budget, meant “to speak one’s mind.” The word purse is related to French bourse, a word for the stock market. This is part of a complete episode...
A baby’s first word is often a cherished milestone, but some cultures pay more attention to other firsts, like a baby’s first laugh. A fascinating new book by a linguist examines language at the beginning and the end of life. Plus, the...