When a proper Southern lady fans herself and exclaims, “I do believe I have the vapors,” what vapors is she talking about, exactly? A caller from Austin, Texas wants to know the origin of this term. Just how did it come to apply to a...
shadow toll n.— «When the toll roads were built, the TCA said no taxpayer money would be used to operate roads, Fitts said. But the term “shadow tolls” seems to be a euphemism for “taxpayer-supported toll road,” he...
opportunity room n.— «He had brought a cheat sheet to class and gotten caught. Now the students were sitting in judgment of him.…The six students deliberated and decided the offender deserved three days of in-school suspension...
Also speaking of animals, an immigrant from India recounts his confusion the first time he heard the expression “I’m going to go see a man about a horse.” How in did that become a euphemism for “I’m going to go to the...
optics n.— «Optics. This euphemism for “spin”—as in “getting the optics right”—is big in Washington. We hope it doesn’t make it to Los Angeles.» —“How cliche” Los Angeles Times Jan. 1, 2008...
boomer interrupted n.— «The new euphemism for those called to parental assistance is “boomer interrupted.” Just when you began to look forward to your own retirement, your role reverses and you need to take care of those who...