The Arabic idiom in the apricot season translates to “in your dreams,” presumably because the growing season for this fruit is so brief. Incidentally, the etymological root of “apricot,” which means “to ripen early,” is shared with the word...
Barack Obama wants to put people to work building roads and bridges. But how about a federal jobs program for out-of-work writers? Also: why do we call it a flight of wine? How did the haircut called a mullet get its name?
gasoline siding n.— «The wood-frame home, which is adjacent to Vale Park on the south side of Eastern Avenue, also has what firefighters euphemistically call “gasoline siding”—a petroleum-based imitation brick that feeds the flames.» —“Schenectady...
spoofo n.— «One large envelope sent by North Fort Myers resident Julie Jordan contained something called an operatic “spoofo” about Florida retirement life, which included roles for a soprano, contralto, tenor, baritone, accompanist and narrator...
short coat n.— «The structure of medical training in the United States is such that after a book-heavy first two years of medical school, the third- and fourth-year medical students are given their half-length white coats (hence the pejorative term...
late-train fundraiser n.— «On the Lege scene, most of the serious December action is confined to “late-train” fundraisers recalling the opening scenes of The Godfather—much public celebration while the lobbyists, checks in hand, line up in the back...