rake v.— «It’s as big a part of Baseball 101 vernacular as “that outfielder has a hose,” (a strong throwing arm), “the kid can really rake” (swing that bat) and “he can mash the ball” (hit for power)...
spizzerinctum n.— «For the explosive substance in the bomb hydrogen, he substituted knowledge, and for uranium, the fuse, spizzerinctum. This he defined as “energy ambition and the will to succeed.”» —“Publishers Told...
jam n.— «The Friars certainly aren’t looking for Irwin to provide 10 goals a year, anchor the power play and rush the puck from end to end. What they are looking for is that word that floats around the catacombs of Schneider Arena like a...
handbags n.— «One of the joys of following English soccer is learning some of its delightful jargon. My favorite bit, perhaps because it is so politically incorrect, is the phrase applied to second-rate soccer fights—”handbags at...
show the flag v.— «One of the most time honored—and simplest—methods of lobbying is called “showing the flag.” It works this way: When a critical vote is imminent in Congress, representatives of contesting points of view show...
D-girl n.— «“D-girl” is the movie industry sobriquet for a woman who works in the murky world of “development.” Men dominate most of the power jobs in the industry-directing, producing, running studios-but women reign...