nail house n.— «A small shack, primitively built, on the corner of a road in Shanghai, surrounded by high-rise development. Owned by a strong old woman, patronized by night-time drivers. update: ding zi hu (lit. “nail house”):...
ecosexual n.— «Ecosexuals are an evolving breed of city dweller for whom keeping green is every bit as important in their romantic life as in their choice of household cleanser, dinner food, or wall paint. Sure, everyone has a checklist...
gus n.— «I can almost taste the local “gus,” the term by which asparagus is affectionately known in my household.» —“Eating seasonally is fun and supports farmers” by Andrea Ottem Langley Times (British Columbia...
MacGyver bomb n.— «What officers found were several detonated MacGyver bombs inside the trash bin along with one that was unexploded. Police called a bomb squad member to the scene who disabled the device without incident.…What...
Tesco effect n.— «What is being increasingly referred to as the “Tesco effect” is pouring petrol on the high-street flames. The continued success of Britain’s largest supermarket chain is taking a bite out of the market share of...
mop and glow v. phr. attributively, connoting hazardous materials clean-up, especially when applied to emergency services personnel. Etymological Note: Probably influenced by “Mop & Glo,” a strong-smelling household floor cleaner...