Greg Pliska has a quiz about chemical names that should exist but don’t. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Word Quiz: Fake Chemical Elements from Words Ending in -ium” You’re listening to A Way with Words. I’m Martha Barnette. And...
happy-clappy adj.— «There again, his departure may not have been quite so abrupt as it at first appears. Of the eight top executives—nine if you include Mickey Mouse—photographed in the company’s happy-clappy annual report, he’s the only one who...
nerdgasm n.— «When nerds partake in one of these activities, they may have what is commonly referred to as a “nerdgasm.” Contrary to what the name implies, nerdgasms rarely involve the expulsion of bodily fluids. They usually consist of the person...
shoobie n.— «“They get offended when we say, “Shoobie, go home.” Besides, it’s bad for business. I just smile and wave and say, “Ya’ll come back now.’”…Shoobie is a name Long Beach Island residents attach to tourists, usually those from...
bub n.— «“I’m a bub now,” Joe says with a smile as he uses the term CMU linemen affectionately call themselves referring to their big old bellies.» —“Making the call” by Eric Herter Morning Sun (Mt. Pleasant, Michigan) Aug. 3, 2006. (source: Double...
presticogitation n.— «But back to his word, which is—”presticogitation.” By calling up the related “prestidigitation,” the new word calls up a smile of recognition. [James Vanden] Bosch says of his creation, “I wanted a word that would refer...
