A trip to the California State Railroad Museum has Grant musing about the way language can change in the mouth of a single individual— in this case, railroad conductors. He recommends a collection of sound files from metros and subways around the...
jamiton n.— «We’ve all been there—stuck in traffic, inching along, running late and getting angry when suddenly everyone starts moving. Just like that, the road clears. No flashing lights, no mangled cars, no clue to suggest what went...
phantom traffic jam n.— «We’ve all been there—stuck in traffic, inching along, running late and getting angry when suddenly everyone starts moving. Just like that, the road clears. No flashing lights, no mangled cars, no clue to suggest...
kettle v.—Gloss: To surround and contain protesters. Note: Also a noun. «When you’ve been kettled once, there’s no excuse for failing to notice police lines forming around you the next time you’re on a demo – and moving before...
kill buyer n.— «The issue now is animal activists’ crusade to flush out what is known as “kill buyers” who purchase horses for transport to Texas and then Mexico where slaughter is legal.» —“Horses led to...
brawler van n.— «The brawler van will be used to transport people charged with public order offences back to the police station. It comes with all the bells and whistles police need, including an inbuilt camera to record activity around...