paper airplane n. in aeronautics and aerospace, a flying machine that is strictly theoretical. Editorial Note: The adjectival form paper, referring to something that exists only in print or writing but not as a physical object, is fairly common. Here it connotes an actual toy-sized folded paper plane, carrying with it derogatory and jocular undertones. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
In The Timbuktu Review, travel writer Wayne Curtis offers excellent advice about how to resist cliches when writing about visiting a new place. This is part of a complete episode.
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