big smoke n.— «Johnny Kay, who is a big smoke in the Indian camp, when approached on the subject, misapprehended the question.» —“Indians Divided On Copper Coins” Nevada State Journal (Reno) July 27, 1909...
boondocking n.— «“Boondocking,” also known as primitive camping, is the RVer term for camping without the use of such conveniences as electricity and water. The subject, especially as it pertains to Wal-Mart lots, is a favorite...
clamy adj.— «“Clamy” is a term I’ve heard used to describe a joke that feels very familiar, either in its construction (“If by BLANK you mean BLANK”) or its subject (“You wouldn’t believe what they served on the...
Mortarville n. a military base subject to regular attack. Also Mortaritaville. Editorial Note: Mortaritaville seems to refer specifically to Camp Anaconda near Balad, Iraq, although an informant says that a giant, multicolored “Welcome to...
cereal test n.— «Editors apply what is generically referred to in the newsroom as the “cereal test.” Photos that might upset a reader over breakfast are screened very carefully, and are used only if the subject matter or news...
past-poster n.— «At the roulette table the subject is the “team past post,” a deft system that accomplices use to slip a huge bet onto the table after the ball has dropped on the winning number. The best past-posters distract...