A man who owns a parrot says that when people see his bird, they invariably ask the question “Polly wanna cracker?” He wonders about the origin of that psittacine phrase, meaning parrot-like. One of the earliest uses of the phrase so far found is...
If you want to claim something—say, the front seat of a car or the last piece of cake—what do you say? Dibs? Boney? How about “I hosey that!”? The hosts talk about this New England expression, its possible origins, and its equivalent in other parts...
surface subway n.— «One thing that Aaron should absolutely be ashamed of himself for is his use of the phrase “surface subway.” Subways and elevated trains speed people along because they’re grade-separated. You just can’t go that fast on the...
BRT
n.— «The top priority has to be the creation of a citywide bus rapid-transit network, known in transportation circles as B.R.T.» —“I Want a Nice Big Imitation Steak” Cap’n Transit Rides Again Jan. 19, 2009. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
credit n.— «Healthy banks took the money. Who wouldn’t accept what an addled rich uncle was giving away. But banks are in the business of lending. And thus what they really want are what are known in the trade as “good credits”—credit-worthy...
choreplay n.— «Forget crimson roses and chocolates. Grab a broom. Unload the dishwasher. Play with the kids. Now, that’s hot. That’s choreplay.» —“Want to get your woman in the mood? Try doing housework” by Helena Oliviero Atlanta Journal...