In certain parts of the South, a small, impromptu gift is variously known by the sibilant synonyms sirsee, surcy, searcy, or circe. A South Carolina woman who’s heard the word all her life is baffled as to where it came from. This is part of a...
Finally today, Martha and Grant talk about two books they love to recommend as gifts: Idiom’s Delight by Suzanne Brock, and Karma Wilson’s book for children, Bear Snores On, illustrated by Jane Chapman. This is part of a complete episode...
botty-bot n.—Gloss: the rear end or derrière. «If I’m going to wear pants, I’m going to wear something that actually contains my entire botty-bot—instead of just hanging around the middle area, scantily, supposedly sexily, like a gift...
Grant recommends two books that are great for giving as gifts. FUBAR: Soldier Sland of World War II by Gordon Rottman looks at the language of soldiers from different armies. Also, Ad Infinitum: A Biography of Latin by Nicholas Ostler, which looks...
baby bauble n.— Note: Same as push present. «This bonus goes by various names. Some call it the “baby mama gift.” Others refer to it as the “baby bauble.” But it’s most popularly known as the “push present.”» —“A Bundle of Joy...
square stocking n.— «Soldiers, sailors and airmen from the Duke of Lancaster Regiment at Basra Airport will be getting one of 24,500 Christmas gift boxes, or “square stockings” as they are affectionately known, sent out by the Ministry of...