In the 19th century, saying a man had a “sneaking notion” mean he had affection for a woman but was too timid to reveal it. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Sneaking Notions” I’ve been having a great time going through Bartlett’s...
“May a mouse eat you,” or in Persian, moosh bokharadet, is a term of endearment suggesting the recipient is small and cute. Another picturesque hypocorism: French mon petit chou, “sweetheart,” but literally, “my little cabbage.” This is part of a...
The term hot mess refers to someone whose life is chaotic or otherwise somewhat dysfunctional. Heard primarily in the South, hot mess is often used affectionately, suggesting that the person is attractive despite the messiness of their life. This is...
What pet names do you have for your loved ones? In The Joys of Yiddish, Leo Rosten shares the name his Mother used to call him — bubala, a term of endearment grandmothers might use in addressing children. We have all kinds of substitutes for the...
love money n.— «Investments by friends and family are often called “love money” because the basis for investment is apt to be affection for the entrepreneur rather than any sort of critical analysis.» —“Comparison of Angels to Venture...
