If you’re nibbling on slippery Jims or sipping sweet soup, chances are you’re in the Badger State. It’s the language of Wisconsin — explained at last. Also, the famous abolitionist whose name became an exclamation, and how to respond if someone...
The part of a church known as a foyer, vestibule, or lobby is sometimes called the narthex. This word appears to go back to the ancient Greek term for “fennel,” although beyond that, its etymology is unclear. This is part of a complete episode...
Grant talks about FOIA (“pronounced FOY-uh”), a bit of journalists’ jargon. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “FOIA” A couple new words for you. Martha, you know that I recently started working with this great bunch of young...
domainer n.— «New York City domain dispute attorney, Karen Bernstein, says that domain industry professionals (affectionately known as “domainers”) are being hammered by meritless domain disputes and should lobby the Internet Corporation for...
lobbocracy n.— «Democracy, which relies on a free and independent press, is now run by what I call a “lobbocracy,” by special interests lobby groups via PR.» —“Spin versus framing: the tragedy of PR” by John S. Wilkins Evolving Thoughts Aug. 31...
lobbycon n.—Gloss: to attend the site of a professional conference, without enrolling or paying entrance fees, for the purpose of meeting with attendees in the site’s public spaces. Note: From lobby + conference. «Some of Silicon Valley’s digerati...

