Elizabeth, in Dallas by way of Philadelphia, wondered whether she heard a fresh idiom in rest on one’s morals. The standard phrase is rest on one’s laurels, meaning to coast on past honors or accomplishments rather than keep striving. Its laurels...
Starting this year, Scripps National Spelling Bee contestants not only have to spell words correctly. A controversial new rule means they’ll have to answer vocabulary questions, too. Also, when it comes to reading text, do you prefer “paper” or...
Is there a connection between the ancient Greek muse and the word amused? No. The muses were mythological figures who inspired the likes of Homer, while amuse comes from the Latin word for “staring stupidly,” as in, “to be distracted by mindless...
homer n.— «Maybe it’s because I’m a “homer” as they say in sports coverage. And I hoped that part of my community—my area—could make the news and maybe get some more help and more-informed coverage down the road.» —“Tornado Victims Suffer from...
two-and-barbecue other.— «The Lutes were 0-2 and out the past two years at nationals. “Lose two and barbecue. That’s what we called it.”» —“Pacific Blanks Kearney Stout Slams Solo Homer in 9th” by Mike Baldwin Saturday Oklahoman (Oklahoma City) May...
Commander Koo-Koo Bananas n.— «Homer Simpson, that cultural icon beloved of all men younger than 45, last week coined a new nickname for Bush that lit the blogs up like Christmas lights. Will it stick? In a rant about son Bart getting kicked out of...