Aeneas in Las Cruces, New Mexico, describes his family’s traditional way of razzing someone who just had a haircut. They shout Rinctums! (also spelled Rinktums!), and proceed to give the person a rough knuckle-rubbing on the back of their...
A young woman in Las Cruces, New Mexico, is conflicted after a professor writes a glowing recommendation for her that also describes her as sassy. Isn’t sassy a gendered term that should be avoided? And if so, how should she handle the...
In cycling, a Fred is a chubby poseur who’s bought a fancy bike and a fancier outfit but can’t even pedal up a hill. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Cycling Freds” Hi, you have A Way with Words. Hi, this is...
huacha n.— Note: “Huacha” seems to be a Mexican Spanish borrowing of the English word “washer,” referring to a small, flat ring of metal. «For more than 40 years, Garcia, 66, of Las Cruces, has practiced the skill...
bunny punch n.— «This is what’s known as a pattern punch but often described as a bunny punch or just “bunny.” These are very heavy, solid cast iron with a round 3/4″ steel die.» —“Bunny punch” by...

