bang-bang n.— «One reason that this particular conflict attracts so much unqualified attention is because it is incredibly easy to cover while at the same time providing the necessary drama and “bang-bang” (newsroom slang for combat...
meaniac n.— «Learned a new word today. “Meaniac.” Prominent meaniacs include George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Elmer Fudd, Wily Coyote, Chris Matthews, Lord Voldemort, Pat Buchanon, Darth Vader, Genghis Khan, Mrs Williams (my 5th...
spray and pray PR n.— «The problem is the same as it has always been: spray and pray PR tactics, in which the PR person or agency floods the media with copies of their press release, hoping that someone who cares will pick it up. In the...
sticky-wage theory n.— «The reason is something called the sticky-wage theory. Economists have long been puzzled by the fact that most businesses simply will not cut their workers’ pay, even in a downturn. Businesses routinely lay...
We asked you to tell us about odd regional food names, and boy did you oblige! Martha reads some of your letters about whoopie pies, hot tamales, pretzel salad, coolers, and the frappe vs. milkshake controversy.
jigger n.— «A railcar ride is not like a trip on any comfy old commuter train. That is actually one reason the railroads once used railcars, which are also called speeders, jiggers or putt-putts.» —“Putt-Putting Along the...