hot tubbing n.— «He might have preferred a new way of hearing expert testimony that Australian lawyers call hot tubbing. In that procedure, also called concurrent evidence, experts are still chosen by the parties, but they testify...
A retired theater professor wants to know why she keeps hearing the word dramaturge used in surprising new ways. Is dramaturged now a legitimate verb? Can the noun also refer to someone who adapts a play for particular production—and not just to the...
over-lay sleeping n.— «The Joplin woman awaits a preliminary hearing on involuntary manslaughter charges in connection with the Aug. 8 death of 4-month-old Ashton Jones. Prosecutors say Jessica Jones rolled over on the infant in her sleep...
A California man says that he thinks he is increasingly hearing locutions like “50 is the new 30” and “pink is the new black” and “blogs are the new resumé.” He’s curious about the origin of this X is the...
glue ear n.— «In the paediatric population, the most prevalent cause of hearing impairment is middle ear fluid, often referred to as “glue ear” or “otitis media with effusion.”» —“Inside Medicine: The...
A former West Virginian reports that she grew up hearing a strange word: charny. In her part of the country, she says, it means “dirty” or “filthy,” and she always heard it pronounced “chee-YAR-nee.” This is part...