Let’s see… there’s National Cheese Day on January 20, and of course National Iguana Awareness Day on September 8. So it’s only fitting that good grammar should get a day of its own, too. National Grammar Day has been...
A commuter hears a radio report about an organization that’s “giving away condoms like they were going out of style.” But, he wonders, if they’re really “going out of style,” then why are they so popular...
halitophobia n.— «At the organization’s recent global conference, halitophobia—also known as delusional halitosis or imagined bad breath—was identified as a vital area for future mouth malodour research.» —“Bad breath? Forget gum...
biobrick n.— «Rob Carlson notes that the emerging biotechnology of using standardized, modular biological parts to assemble synthetic organisms (or “genetically engineered machines”) is already seeing its first intellectual...
wonder bank n.—Gloss: an organization in Nigeria that falsely promises high returns on low investments, a trick similar to a pyramid scheme. «While not saying the wonder banks were out to dupe the people, the banker said what they...
death midwife n.— «A cottage industry has sprung up somewhat around home funerals. Those who assist families in the practice are known as “death midwives,” or funeral educators, said Beth Knox, founder of Crossings, a Maryland...