vampire load
n.— «In the lingo of energy experts, devices that draw power even when turned off or idling are called “vampire loads,” because they suck energy constantly. There are also “wall warts,” devices like cellphones, digital music players and personal digital assistants that require a small charger or adapter; many of those adapters deliver only half of the power they draw in, with the rest wasted. » —“Is the TV Off? No, It’s Really on Standby, Using Current” by Sewell Chan New York Times Aug. 7, 2006. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
What kind of book do people ask for most often in prison? Romance novels? No. The Bible? No. The most requested books by far are … dictionaries! A number of volunteer organizations gather and distribute used dictionaries to help inmates with...
Sean in Oneonta, New York, says that when he was growing up in New Jersey, his family would pile in the car and set off on a surprise adventure, whether a short distance or long, and the kids would be told only that they were going on Buxtehude...