After passing by an establishment featuring adult entertainment, an Asheville, N.C., man began wondering: When did the word adult come to refer to “material not suitable for children”? This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of...
blue n.— «Who are the Patriots eyeing at No. 18? Both teams have to want to make a move. I think the Bears need to stay put. They need what are called “blues” and those are players who could start for any team in the league...
Martha nominates another Word of the Year candidate: Joe the, as in “Joe the Plumber,” and subsequent variations on the “X the Y” formula arising from a certain drain-fixer’s quarter-hour of fame. This is part of a...
blue-out n.— «Nearly 40 percent of district teachers—3,500 employees—called in sick one day in September, prompting the early closure of six high schools and effectively crippling the district for the day. No organized action of that size...
Karen in Texas asks on behalf of her 12-year-old son about the origin of booby trap. The booby in that phrase is the old sense boob or booby, a fool, possibly from Spanish bobo, “fool,” and reinforced by the goofy reputation of the blue-footed booby...
blue-board n.— «Travelers along Interstate 57 are subjected to food, fuel and lodging signage, along with tourist attractions. Following years of paperwork and waiting, signs are being installed at the Exit 71 mile marker, also known as...