popcorn storm
n.— «I’ve seen enough “popcorn” storms to appreciate how difficult forecasting really is. These are storms that pop up, and then half an hour later they’re gone.» —“Lightning-quick network keeps tabs whenever it strikes” by Jon Van Chicago Tribune July 22, 1991. (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...
To joner means to “bring bad luck to” or “jinx.” This term is a corruption of the name Jonah, the biblical figure who initially resisted a divine command. His presence on board a ship supposedly caused a great storm at sea...