Pat from Eureka in the far north of California wonders why American English uses bangs for the hair across the forehead, where British English has fringe. The U.S. term traces to bang meaning “abruptly” or “straight across,” as in hair cut bang off...
Like mushrooms in fallen leaves, new words keep popping up overnight. Also, is there an English word that means “the in-laws of your son or daughter“? And what does it mean when someone says, “Well, that was odder than Dick’s hatband!”?
PC bang n.— «Most Internet cafes, commonly called as “PC bangs,” in this area have computers with protection programs that block unauthorized programs and allow computers to restore to earlier settings after rebooting. So there is a lot to do after...
bang bang n.— «The brave and dedicated men and women who risk their lives and well-being every moment that they are in a war zone are well aware of the phrase “watch your ass.” They wear helmets and body armor and are always looking over their...
flash-bang n. an explosive device that emits noise and light but is not intended to cause damage. Editorial Note: Flash-bang grenade is the full, more common, form. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
bang out
v.— «In Boston, when one “Bangs out,” it means to call in sick for your shift. Conversely, the police “Bang IN.”» —“Question” by gary.saffer@mondo.org (Gary Saffer) Usenet: sci.optics.fiber Jan. 18, 1998. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
