floater n. a person who files down or smooths horse teeth; a tool used for such a task. Etymological Note: Directly related to the verb “to float,” meaning “to file the teeth of a horse.” The Oxford English Dictionary...
wireline adj. of communication or technology, connected by cable or wire; the opposite of wireless. Etymological Note: From the noun “wireline,” defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as “a telegraph or telephone line of...
bluebird n. in business, an unexpected, very profitable, or easily made sale. Etymological Note: According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “bluebird” connoting “happiness” dates to at least as early as 1909. (source: Double...
grow teeth v. phr. in golf, (said of a course or hole) to become difficult; generally, to increase in importance or effect. Editorial Note: The Oxford English Dictionary has a sense under tooth “pl. denoting the ability to compel or enforce...
ditch v. especially in the phrase ditch in line, to unfairly take a place in front of others (in a line); to cut or butt (in line); to jump a queue. Editorial Note: Also infrequently given as dish. This term is particularly common in Ohio. Political...
brick v. (generally) to fail; (of a person) to commit an error or do poorly; (especially in sports) to miss or fail to reach a target, goal, or destination; (of a musical recording) to fail to be successful or sell well; to stiff; (of an electronic...