conveyor belt n.— «At the moment, we’re experiencing a series of weather fronts producing a series of depressions—what’s known as a conveyor belt system. “Until a high pressure system can build from another direction, you just get a...
head-fake n.— «One of my favorite techniques when I’m writing is what I call the “head-fake.” It’s where I write several lines or paragraphs all going in one direction and at the conclusion, veer suddenly into a completely...
muffin top n.— «My father-in-law told me about a new expression he had imported from Australia to describe the roll of fat that hangs over women’s hipster jeans: “It’s called a “muffin top.” Look, there’s one,” he...
Vanna White veto n. a form of line-item veto that permits an elected official to strike single letters in legislation. Editorial Note: This term is specific to Wisconsin, where this type of veto—also called a pick-a-letter veto and similar to the...
skunk-eye n.— «“I came very close,” says Dave [Letterman], flashing a skunk-eye in the direction of CBS headquarters.» —“Letterman Heads For Prime Time In First CBS Special” by Frazier Moore Salt Lake...
pail of steam other.— «“Pail of Steam”—This is another joke direction to a greenhorn worker, to take a pail and go get it full of steam.» —“Trade Jargon—Carpet Industry” by Ellis H. Custer in Westchester and...