socks and knocks
n.pl.— «Sulfur is capable of forming more than one oxide…, conveniently lumped together with the symbol SOx. Similarly, nitrogen can produce more than one oxide; they are lumped together as NOx.…Sometimes the generic symbol R is used to represent the metallic elements (such as silicon, aluminum, and iron) present in the various constituents of ash. Then the notation ROx can be taken as a symbol for ash. It’s then possible to refer to the potential pollutants as socks, knocks, and rocks.» —by Harold H. Schobert Energy and Society: An Introduction Oct. 1, 2001. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
Cat hair may be something you brush off, but cat hair is also a slang term that means “money.” In the same way, cat beer isn’t alcoholic — some people use cat beer as a joking term for “milk.” And imagine walking on a...
There are eight major planets, but more than a million minor ones, including asteroids. If you discover one, you get the honor of naming it. The Dictionary of Minor Planet Names includes minor planets named for rock bands, jazz musicians, poets, and...