toy
n.— «The joke’s apparently on Andy, because the guys who got busted are what’s known as “toys” in the world of graffiti artistry. That is, they aren’t even respected by “serious” graffitists, the majority of whom around here (unlike places like Los Angeles) are hardly gangbangers themselves. See, part of the game’s not getting caught, and these rookies have no cred among those who are really into putting art on buildings. (The graffiti artist’s code is to only draw on public buildings or private ones that house schools or businesses. Brophy would qualify.)» —“Tag, You’re It” by Robrt L. Pela Phoenix New Times (Arizona) May 11, 2006. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
Colin from Los Angeles, California, is pondering the expression make no bones about it, which suggests the speaker is talking or acting with no hesitation whatsoever. The saying is inspired by the idea of literally finding bones in one’s food, since...
Some college students are using the word loyalty as a synonym for monogamy. Are the meanings of these words now shifting? Plus, a biologist discovers a new species of bat, then names it after a poet he admires. Also, warm memories of how a childhood...