bleeding deacon
n.— «When the term was first applied it was intended for those people who have a set of cries such as “it will never work” or “if it ain’t broke, then don’t fix it.” The actual term used was “bleating beacon” [sic] (as in sheep). The GV even ran a series titled “The Bleating Deacon’s Corner.” I prefer the term “bleeding deacon.” Truth is that I used to be one but I ran out of blood.» —“Re: In and out – is AA for me?” by Jim alt.recovery.aa Dec. 9, 1999. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
In the 15th century, the word respair meant “to have hope again.” Although this word fell out of use, it’s among dozens collected in a new book of soothing vocabulary for troubled times. Plus, baseball slang: If a batter...
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