pencil top
n.— «Most commercial companies over-prune palms leaving fronds with a V-shape referred to as a “hurricane cut.” Constant removal of these leaves will result in a condition referred to as “pencil top” (trunk narrows just below fronds) which makes the trunk area very weak during storms. In addition, the leaves around the center help protect the bud during high winds.» —“Garden Help: Tips for storm-proofing your yard” by Terry Brite Delvalle Jacksonville.com (Florida) Aug. 21, 2009. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
Deb in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, says that when her mother was disappointed or annoyed she’d say Wouldn’t that just cork you? The idea here is that in the same way that a cork that stops up a bottle, an unexpected or irritating event...
The word filibuster has a long and colorful history, going back to the days when pirates roamed the high seas. Today it refers to hijacking a piece of legislation. Plus, the language of yoga teachers: When doing a guided meditation, you may hear...