fatting up n.— «Whitby-based highways engineer David Creek told the Whitby Gazette the summer heat had caused a process known as “fatting up” where the bitumen holding chippings in place gets softened and the chippings sink down into it.» —“Road...
wet cell n.— «Capt. Mike Sanders, Bannock County Sheriff’s Office: “We refer to them as wet cells, because they have a sink and a toilet; there’s a common shower, which is regulated; there’s constitutional requirements, like a certain amount of...
bird bath n.— «Other prisoners have to stand in the toilet stalls and take what is called a prison “bird-bath,” using a cup or an empty bottle to pour water over their heads from several small sinks that line the wall of the bathroom.» —“They Don’t...
nonbudsman n.— «After a controversial run-in with bloggers last year that helped sink “60 Minutes Wednesday,” CBS has hired a “nonbudsman” to write a blog that will go behind the scenes at the news division.» —“CBS News counters bloggers with...
exasperism n.— «For example, when the sink stopped up or the car wouldn’t start, Dad would heave a big sigh and say, “Life shore does get teejus.” Translation: “Life sure does get tedious.” It was his way of dealing with frustration in a humorous...
janky adj.— «The two artists wear white, “janky-ass Tyvek” painter’s suits; they move quickly, transferring wooden panels and cement legs to the curb beneath the AC Transit sign. Within minutes, they are assembling the bench.» —“There Goes the...

