The English language has no shortage of words that mean nonsensical talk, including one that’s piqued a listener’s curiosity: How did flannel come to mean “empty chatter” or “hot air,” as in “Don’t give me any of that flannel!”?
DISCO n.— «Senior officials of different power distribution companies (DISCOs) also termed the current loadshedding unprecedented, especially in rural areas, and said the present shortage was a catastrophe in Pepco’s history.» —“People in dark...
meter n.— «“Thirty meters. Take it or leave it!” said a vendor who gave his name only as Ephraim. In street parlance, a million Zimbabwe dollars is a meter.» —“Impoverished Mozambique becomes new shopping destination for shortage-hit...
spotter n.— «Cal Fire blamed the delay on a shortage of military helicopter managers, better known as spotters—trained wild-land firefighters who help military pilots position water drops and communicate with firefighters in the air and on the...
side letter n.— «The situation was so dire in Peabody the School Committee last week passed what’s called a “side letter” to the teachers’ contract, a first for the district. The decision allows administrators to offer higher pay to new teachers in...
happy hello n.— «A new phrase is doing the rounds in the recruitment industry—the happy hello. The phrase has been coined for the joining bonuses that companies are offering to coax the best employees into their fold. Such incentives are...