tiger kidnapping
n.— «More than 80 per cent of “tiger” kidnappings involve ethnic minorities. There has been a particular problem with Chinese nationals who have entered the country illegally. They are often snatched by gangs linked to the Triads and then their families in China are pressured into paying a ransom.» —“Gangs bring wave of kidnaps to Britain” by Tony Thompson Observer (U.K.) Nov. 14, 1999. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
In the 15th century, the word respair meant “to have hope again.” Although this word fell out of use, it’s among dozens collected in a new book of soothing vocabulary for troubled times. Plus, baseball slang: If a batter...
Cat hair may be something you brush off, but cat hair is also a slang term that means “money.” In the same way, cat beer isn’t alcoholic — some people use cat beer as a joking term for “milk.” And imagine walking on a...