Stacy in Boulder, Colorado, heard neck of the woods as Nick of the woods. The phrase uses neck in an old topographical sense, a narrow or projecting part of a landscape, much like the neck of a bottle or violin. In 19th-century American use, a neck...
job blocker n.— «It’s no wonder that many tattooists themselves refer to them as “job blockers.” How can you take seriously anyone who has a fire-breathing winged serpent / the names of their three kids in sanskrit / the logo of a...
container syndrome n.— «It’s a controversial theory, but a vocal contingent of doctors and physical therapists believe the strap-in chairs and carriers that millions of parents have come to rely on are contributing to an increase in cases...
Does your family use a special word you’ve never heard anywhere else? A funny name for “the heel of a loaf of bread,” perhaps, or for “visiting relatives who won’t leave.” In this week’s episode, Martha and...
taco neck n.— «On a Tuesday afternoon in March, I woke up with what I call “taco neck.” The muscles on one side of my neck had locked, and my head leaned to the other side, as if I was about to take a bite from a taco...
deguttling n.— «Video footage (which, for those in offices, could probably be viewed on a site called something like Shouldn’t-you-be-getting-on-with-your-work?dotcom) reveals Tevez rubbing the back of his neck as Terry walks away...
