pirata n. an unlicensed taxi; a gypsy cab. Editorial Note: This term is common throughout the Spanish-speaking world, but is recorded here because of its entrance into the everyday vernacular of Los Angeles and other communities. Etymological Note: Spanish pirata ‘pirate.’ (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
A Los Angeles, California, listener shares the following pangram, a succinct but understandable statement that contains all 26 letters of the alphabet: A quick fox jumps high / Vexing birds, zigzag winds fly / Haikus trap words, why? This is part of...
Understanding the varieties of conversational styles can mean the difference between feeling you’re understood and being insulted. “High-involvement” speakers interrupt or talk along with someone else to signal their enthusiasm...