straight plate n.— «After the hearing, Ricketts said that van operators should be given more leeway when it comes to bus routes, because abiding by the rule forces commuter vans to residential streets and makes it easier for illegal vans...
talk story v. phr.— «The workers would lunch together in the fields, “talking story” (another uniquely local term) and inevitably sharing each other’s homemade meals.» —“Maui’s Mixed Plate” by Bruce...
funk n.— «His biggest advantage, Mets Manager Willie Randolph said, is that Bradford brings “the funk.” His slider can start at a right-handed hitter’s knees and run across the plate. Or it can zip upward. His sinker...
bump-drafting n.— «“Today’s bump-drafting ain’t like it used to be.” [ Dale] Earnhardt [Jr.]said. “It ain’t your daddy’s bump-drafting. You use to give a bump here, give a bump there, and push the guy in front of...
thumping n.— «Then a soldier would conduct the equivalent of what the oil industry calls “thumping.” Within the area rigged with sensors, a soldier would shoot a rifle at a small metal plate on the ground, causing...
scarlet letter n. a license plate that indicates the automobile’s owner has been convicted of driving while drunk. Etymological Note: This is a more specific sense of scarlet letter ‘a badge or symbol worn to indicate the bearer has committed a...