fake-a-bake n.— «Myth: Sunless tanning, also known as fake-a-bake, is risk-free. Reality: It is true that using any of a variety of lotions, sprays, gels, creams and powders from the multi-million-dollar sunless-tanning industry can...
have-a-go hero n.— «Mr. Smeaton’s celebrity reflects the general relief across Britain that no one was injured in the Glasgow attack, or in the previous day’s attempt to detonate two cars in London. His description of the attack in early...
cliff risk n.— «In the credit derivatives market, certain instruments are exposed to what is known as “cliff risk.” This ominous sounding phrase describes a situation where the last in a series of adverse developments obliterates the...
rock rental n. an automobile loaned in exchange for crack cocaine. Editorial Note: This term has been especially common in New Orleans, Louisiana. The 1998 citation suggests a gun as the item loaned, but it is the only mention found of such a trade...
chicken-in-a-basket n. in attributive uses, connoting unsophisticated, unfashionable, or unoriginal entertainment, especially in a remote or rustic environment; in the form chicken-in-a-basket circuit, a series of performances by an unpopular or...
Vanna White veto n. a form of line-item veto that permits an elected official to strike single letters in legislation. Editorial Note: This term is specific to Wisconsin, where this type of veto—also called a pick-a-letter veto and similar to the...