Vivian, a high-schooler in Indianapolis, Indiana, asks why number becomes no. instead of something with a u. The abbreviation comes through Latin numero, an ablative form of numerus, and scribes shortened it with an o plus a mark showing that...
fire in the hole n.— «The prank, known as “fire in the hole,” has become common in the past year. It happened July 25 to fast-food worker Jessica Ceponis at the drive-through of the Taco Bell in Merritt Island, about 50 miles...
flour gold n.— «You can find nuggets. California is renowned for having larger pieces. But primarily what you’re going to find at first is fine gold, or flour gold as they call it. That’s all worth money too. Don’t throw it out, or be...
hopsicle n.— «New Adult Treat: Beer On A Stick Dubbed Hopsicle…Frank Morales, the restaurant owner, is selling the adults only frozen treats in flavors like “Raspbeer-y” and “Fudgesicle.” They cost $4 for the 6...
curve bender n.— «He had a pretty good start, weighing in an ounce shy of 9 pounds so you couldn’t call him a low-birth, high-growth “curve bender,” as they say in the cattle catalogs. He’s more of a high-birth, high-growth...
floriental adj.— «Enchanting Celine Dion—The industry calls this a “floriental” scent—an apt term for this somewhat flowery, somewhat woodsy fragrance. $25.99 for 1 ounce, Kohl’s stores.» —“The It List” Plain...