thrashing n.— Note: Perhaps related to the British noun “thrash,” which means “a party.” «Evidence gathered from the social networking site led proctors at the university to collect five times as much money this...
pian-a-thon n.—Gloss: a marathon session of piano-playing, usually as a celebration or fund-raiser. «Enthused by the Department of Music’s recent purchase of 32 Steinway pianos and its designation as an all-Steinway school, they’ll...
alive day n. the anniversary of a close escape from death, especially one involving permanent injury. Editorial Note: Jim Mayer and former senator Max Cleland (D-Ga.) have been celebrating their “alive days” for decades, since receiving...
goat grab n. at gatherings or celebrations in the Middle East, a communal self-served meal of meat and vegetables eaten with the hands. Editorial Note: This term is used informally by Anglophones not native to the culture. The food eaten in a goat...