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...
dry meat n.—Gloss: a euphemism for bushmeat. «It takes strategic thinking to find monkey meat in New York. Best to avoid the word “monkey,” for one thing — start with something innocuous-sounding, like “dry meat...
mandy n.— «In some organisations, people refer to their annual vacation as “mandy”—short for “mandatory leave”—an interesting corporate euphemism that implies executives are so engrossed with their work, they need to be literally ordered...
va-j-j n.— «Lady, one more complaint and I’ll shove a rape whistle up the Mrs. Va-J-J.» —“MTV Get Off the Air, Part 2 (featuring Princess Superstar)” by MC Paul Barman It’s Very Stimulating Feb. 15, 2000...
surplusing n.— «The employees will have the opportunity to “follow the work,” as AT&T puts it, thus skirting a promise it made in its current contract with the union not to engage in “surplusing,” which is...