Ian in Jacksonville, Florida, wonders about why musicians use the word clam to mean “a mistake” or “an egregious musical error,” as in There are a lot of clams in there or We need to practice where the clams are regarding a...
phantom traffic jam n.— «We’ve all been there—stuck in traffic, inching along, running late and getting angry when suddenly everyone starts moving. Just like that, the road clears. No flashing lights, no mangled cars, no clue to suggest...
moondust n.— «They must choose between snatching an hour of sleep or using the precious time to clean their weapons, which often jam from the fine sand—which soldiers call “moondust”—that is swept up by incessant winds...
bear jam n.— «The driver of the SUV stopped and jumped out, leaving the door open and blocking the one-lane road as he chased with his camera after the black furry figure ambling through a field of golden grasses.…“Bear...