non-paper
n.— «M Michel Rocard, the French Minister, yesterday returned to Paris to discuss the summit with President Mitterrand. He will also be opening a “non paper”, setting out the position, which will be put to the council.» —“A two day meeting of EEC farm ministers in Brussels yesterday failed to make an agreement on the reform of the common agricultural policy” Times (London, Eng.) Mar. 7, 1984. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
A flashlight emits a steady beam of light. So what’s the flash part of that word about? Also, if you’re a nervous Nellie, you’re skittish and indecisive—both characteristics of an American politician who earned that nickname in the...
In Cockney rhyming slang, apples and pears is a synonym for “stairs,” and dustbin lids means kids. Plus, sniglets are clever coinages for things we don’t already have words for. Any guesses what incogsneeto means? It’s the...