free gaff n.— «What happened in the “session house” in Waterford—an open house party known in Dublin as a “free gaff”—can happen anywhere around the country.» —“Sick reality of what has happened that cocaine...
whimperative n.— «The clearest example is ordinary politeness. When you are at a dinner party and want the salt, you don’t blurt out, “Gimme the salt.” Rather, you use what linguists call a whimperative, as in “Do you...
tuxedo n.— «Late for a dinner appointment, she cut through an alley off Belmont Road NW in Adams Morgan and was surprised to see a dozen black-and-white cats—tuxedos, as they are called.» —“Stray but Not Forgotten” by Sue...
windshield cowboy n.— «Instead of the customary chuck wagon, the participating cowboys and a number of “windshield cowboy” spectators ate their barbecue dinner at the auction after the herd was penned.» —“Cowboys Push...
tote-a-note v. phr.— «He and the majority of those at the dinner share the point of view of Bobby Richardson and Al Rowe, salesmen at two of the “tote-a-note” lots selling automobiles on easy terms along Victory Drive in...
avatarsment n.— «Three “virtual consumer actors” will appear as talking avatars in a :30 spot for Taco Bell’s “Fourthmeal,” a clever new term for the fare you grub between dinner and breakfast. (You may know it...