send Fidel a telegram v. phr.— «The show is a reminder why “Sending Fidel a telegram” has become such a popular euphemism for taking a dump among Miami’s exilio community. That point is further driven home in the gallery’s...
vision clearance engineer n.— «Vision Clearance Engineer has been voted the daftest job title of all time, crowning a growing list of appointments whose descriptions seem designed to bemuse rather than inspire. The euphemism for window...
re-home v.— «Richard Kanareck, a spokesman for eBay, described the process of selling on unwanted presents on auction sites with the euphemism “re-homing.”» —“eBay bonanza after shoppers spend £4bn on unwanted...
basement Betty n.— «Gibson could face up to a $20,000 fine for being a “basement Betty,” a euphemism for unlicensed hairstylists. Basement Betties are generally only investigated and fined following complaints.» —“Barber...
sleep out v. phr.— «Many homeless prefer “sleeping out,” as the euphemism goes, to staying in a cramped, noisy, and sometimes smelly shelter.» —“The Plan to Nowhere?” by Philip Dawdy Seattle...
starlight tour n.— «By the time a cop offers Stryker a “starlight tour”—the euphemism for a beating and a drive so far from town that you could freeze to death before you stumble back—the anxiety levels are overwhelming...