It’s another newsletter from “A Way with Words.” Woot! In last weekend’s episode: Is it wrong to type two spaces after a period? We arm-wrestle over that, and talk about the odd language in “True Grit.” Also...
free look period n.— «State laws also have what is called a “free look” period, usually from 10-30 days, during which an annuity can be returned for a full refund with no strings attached.» —“Is An Annuity Right For You...
pay-for n.— «One issue was how to pay for reform—the “pay-fors” as they are called. “There are problems with the pay-fors,” Chambliss said, adding that the President had specifically asked him if he could support...
Martha tries to unravel the tangled etymological web that connects gossamer, spiders, geese, and warm weather in a late autumn.
headless chicken n.— «The advocates and supporters of the new party notion see this as a logical solution to the political quagmire the ruling party has found itself in following the populist rhetoric, demagoguery and vindictiveness of...
nuclear winter n.—Gloss: A period in which investment capital is very hard to come by. «I invest in Silicon Valley companies. In 2001-2004 there was a nuclear winter for deal flow dried up almost 100%. Lots of people going back to...