In the late 1800s, waitresses at the Harvey House chain of restaurants at railroad stops across the American West employed a cup code. One server would ask customers about their preferred beverages, then briskly arrange their cups on the table...
table-pounding buy n.— «Like Mr. Fosback, the firm’s analysts found that the stock market typically hit bottom six months after a recession began, and that at such times the stock market was a “table-pounding buy.”» —“An Alarm...
gutless clause n.— «Using a seldom used procedure (called for a lack of a better term—the gutless clause), a motion was made to “table” the bill just prior to crossover. The procedure did not allow for a debate or vote on the bill and...