BFFR

Minaj has deleted her tweets toward Latto, but the Atlanta rapper is still going: On Friday, she called Minaj a “40 Year Old Bully” and declared on Twitter, “I’ll die on this hill by myself! Everybody ain’t lying on you! We see the pattern! BFFR!”

2022 October 14, Andre Gee, “Nicki Minaj and Latto Get Into a Twitter Spat After a Perplexing Grammy Choice”, in Rolling Stone:

(Internet slang, vulgar) Initialism of be fucking for real.


AIBU

(Internet slang) Initialism of am I being unreasonable.


YANBU

(Internet slang) Initialism of you are not being unreasonable.


YABU

(Internet slang) Initialism of you are being unreasonable.


in piety

THE PELICAN is represented in both British and Foreign Armory with a bowed neck vulning (ie . wounding) her breast; [...] Argent, three pelicans in piety or, their nests vert, was borne by the Scottish family of PATTERSON.

1892, John Woodward, George Burnett, A Treatise on Heraldry, British and Foreign: With English and French Glossaries, page 264:

Argent, a pelican in piety vert. SHERBURN, St. David's 1505; Chichester 1508. Azure, a pelican in piety or. WAKERING, Norwich 1416. Fox, Exeter 1487; Bath and Wells 1492; Durham 1495; Winchester 1501.

1897, William Kirkpatrick Riland Bedford, The Blazon of Episcopacy: Being the Arms Borne by Or Attributed to the Archbishops and Bishops of England and Wales with an Ordinary of the Coats Described and of Other Episcopal Arms, page 189:

Sinister: Three pelicans in their piety, on a chief three stars. Motto, on an escroll above the mitre : PRO REGE ET GREGE.

1904, William Rae Macdonald, Scottish Armorial Seals, page 276:


ditto, brother smut

“You fucking bitch!” Rose blubbered.
“Ditto, brother smut.”

2014, Colleen McCullough, Sins of the Flesh, page 250:

'[…] So far as I can see, there's nothing whatever to substantiate her statement.'
'Ditto, ditto, Brother Smut,' quoted Crook cheerfully.

2014, Anthony Gilbert, Give Death a Name:

Calling attention to the addressee's hypocrisy; a form of tu quoque.


get rekt

LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-get rekt.wav

(Internet slang, humorous) Indicating offensiveness to one another.


time is ticking

clock is ticking
clock is ticking#English

(idiomatic) Synonym of clock is ticking.


go it, you cripples

go it, ye cripples
go it, ye cripples#English


go it, ye cripples

Said to have been a facetious rendering of the last line of Virgil's Eclogues: "Ite domum saturæ, venit Hesperus, ite capellæ"; or, "Go it, ye cripples, crutches are cheap."

(obsolete, slang) Synonym of go it (“keep it up; term of encouragement”).


DM;HS

(Internet slang, Reddit slang) Initialism of doesn't matter; had sex.


puff, puff, pass

(slang) To take two puffs from a blunt or joint and then pass it to the next person in a group; an informal rule of etiquette when smoking cannabis.


here, there and everywhere

After our stop, we return to Ulceby, where we reverse and then head to the industrial heartlands of Immingham Docks and a visit to the Bulk terminal. This is a fascinating rail network, with lines here, there and everywhere.

2022 December 14, Pip Dunn, “Caroline is ready for inspection...”, in RAIL, number 972, page 53:

(idiomatic) In or to many different places; all over the place.


here, there, and everywhere

here, there and everywhere
here, there and everywhere#English

Alternative form of here, there and everywhere.


fingers and toes crossed

(emphatic, humorous) Alternative form of fingers crossed.


up goes the donkey

Said to have originated from a travelling showman whose finale involved the hoisting of a donkey on a pole or ladder.


head

no battle plan survives first contact with the enemy

no plan survives contact with the enemy#English

Alternative form of no plan survives contact with the enemy.


no battle plan survives contact with the enemy


no plan survives first contact with the enemy


IDRK

And while we've already seen Jenner stroll right on through a Rolodex of hair colors this year, I'd say this new ice-blue hue is my personal favorite. That's the kind of energy I want to bring into 2019. IDRK what to call it, but I want it.

2018 December 31, Theresa Massony, “Kylie Jenner Made A Huge Hair Change *Again* & You'll Want To Copy It So, So Badly”, in Elite Daily:

(Internet slang, text messaging) Initialism of I don't really know; also idrk.


idrk

Kate Moss’ daughter Lila Grace may have her mother’s model looks but she’s not planning to take to the catwalk anytime soon. “Mayb a fashion designer idrk but defo not a model (sic),” she wrote during a digital forum chat. [image caption]

2017 August 15, Charlotte Duck, “Celebrity mini-mes”, in Glamour UK:

(Internet slang, text messaging) Initialism of I don't really know; also IDRK.


the math is mathing

LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-the math is mathing.wav

Some of the same people who called for the abolishment of the monarchy back during that explosive Oprah interview are now saying how sweet it is that baby Lili is named after her grandmother, how perfectly it fits her, and the math isn’t mathing. There is a fundamental contradiction here.

2021 June 7, Nylah Burton, “Harry and Meghan’s baby name proves they’re not the heroes you thought they were. And that’s OK”, in The Independent:

Something’s been bothering me for about a month or so, and we gotta talk it because the math’s just not mathing! On the one hand, we’ve got folks praising Rihanna for baring her baby bump in a number of unapologetically sexy ’fits. And on the other hand, we’ve got folks bashing Lizzo for baring her bodacious butt in a number of unapologetically sexy ’fits, […]

2022 May 12, Jazzmyne Robbins, “Please Join Me in This Quick Rant About How Everyone Needs to Stop Talking About Rihanna’s and Lizzo’s Bodies”, in Cosmopolitan:

Following intense speculation over the account’s veracity, fellow manga artist Yusuke Murata, the creator behind One-Punch Man, confirmed that the account indeed belongs to Togashi. The math started mathing for Hunter x Hunter fans, who are hoping there will be new installments of the manga on the way.

2022 May 24, Zoe Guy, “Hunter x Hunter Creator Mysteriously Joins Twitter, Teases New Installments of the Manga”, in Vulture:

Maisha Sullivan-Ongoza, of the Celebrating the Legacy of Nana Harriet Tubman Committee that opposed the no-bid commission for Wofford, said the group was still studying the city’s survey report. But she raised doubts about the interpretation of the results. / “The math ain’t mathing,” she said.

2022 November 22, Valerie Russ, “City’s public input survey shows most area residents want a Harriet Tubman statue”, in The Philadelphia Inquirer:

Problem is, she's paying $550 a week. If the math is mathing, that's 28,600 a year, well below the $31,200 yearly salary if one was to work for $15 an hour. That $550 salary also doesn't say anything about overtime, bonuses or any additional covered expenses.

2022 December 16, Jade Gomez, “GloRilla Addresses Personal Assistant Salary Controversy”, in Paper:

[Image caption:] The math is mathing.

2023 April 10, Ian Kumamoto, “'Girl Math' Turned Into A Self-Roast For So Many Communities — And I'm Here For It”, in The Huffington Post, archived from the original on 2023-10-11:

"It's a very nice organization," she offers. "Might even get my house restored, if the math is mathing. But it's going to take a lot more than them to outsmart the weather. And besides, what if you don't win? How you gonna help folks then?"

2024, DaVaun Sanders, Minecraft: The Tournament, New York, N.Y.: Random House Worlds, page 27:

The math is mathing, people!

2024 February 29, Gretty Garcia, “Everything You Need to Know about Lana Del Rey's Rumored Ex-Fiancé, Evan Winiker”, in Cosmopolitan, New York, N.Y.: Hearst Communications, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 2024-03-03:

At the core, the math appears to be "mathing" for Plains All American Pipeline (PAA), as the kids like to say.

2024 April 1, Josh Enomoto, “The Math is ’Mathing’ for Plains All American Pipeline (PAA)”, in The Globe and Mail, Toronto, ON: The Woodbridge Company, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 2024-06-16:

(slang, humorous, Canada, US, chiefly in the negative) Something is correct or reasonable; something adds up or makes sense.


nothing about us without us

Political slogan stating that no policy should be decided by any representative without the full and direct participation of members of the group(s) affected by that policy.


lang may your lum reek

The B[ritish] P[rinter] is much appreciated in our office. It is regarded as indispensable, and is beyond doubt the best Trade Journal. Lang may your lum reek.

1895 March–April, Andrew Craighead, “‘Lang May Your Lum Reek’”, in The British Printer, volume VIII, number 44, London: Raithby, Lawrence & Co. […], →OCLC, page 117:

If he will only see that Protestantism is protected, my daily prayer shall be, "Lang may your lum reek," a prayer which warms and gladdens every Scottish heart.

1896, Joseph Parker, “Note XXIX. [Concerning ‘Bits’.]”, in Might Have Been: Some Life Notes, New York, N.Y.: Frederick A[bbott] Stokes Company, →OCLC, page 187:

Lang may your lum reek and your kalipot boil!

1922 February, James Joyce, “[Episode 14: Oxen of the Sun]”, in Ulysses, Paris: Shakespeare and Company, […], →OCLC, part II [Odyssey], page 404:

‘Lang may your lum reek,’ called Fingal as his guest drifted out of sight. […] ‘Lang may your lum what?’ Ben murmured to himself. Just catching the question, Alec whispered – ‘reek. Lang may your lum reek. Long may your chimney smoke. That’s what. Long may you live, you see.’

2012 May 2, Will Riding, chapter 9, in Flight of the Yellow Bowler, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire: AuthorHouse, →ISBN, page 126:

lang may yer lum reek
lang may yer lum reek#English

Alternative spelling of lang may yer lum reek.


hearts, not parts

People's personalities as opposed to their biological sex.


FWICT

from what I can tell
from what I can tell#English

(Internet slang, text messaging) Initialism of from what I can tell.


dollar, dollar bill, y'all

From Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill) 2007, which references C.R.E.A.M. (1993) by Wu-Tang Clan, which in turn carries interpolation of "Money (Dollar Bill Y'all)" (1983) by Jimmy Spicer.

(slang) A maxim encouraging making money, especially by hustling (illicit or forceful actions)

C.R.E.A.M.
Jimmy Spicer
Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)
Wu-Tang Clan


time to make the donuts

Slogan from a 1980s Dunkin' Donuts television commercial.

For the Federal Reserve and the U.S. Treasury, it is time to make the donuts because there is a crowd standing outside, […]

2012, Anthony Crescenzi, Beyond the Keynesian Endpoint, page 139:

(US, informal) A time to make an effort and to accomplish tasks.


how farest thou

/haʊ ˈfɛəɹɪst ðaʊ/

Occurs already as Old English hū færest þū, literally “how are you going or traveling.”

POMPEY: "I know thee now. How farest thou, soldier?" ENOBARBUS: "Well. And well am like to do, for I perceive four feasts are toward."

c. 1607, William Shakespeare, Antony and Cleopatra:

(obsolete) how are you?, how's it going?


KYB

(business) Initialism of know your business.


that's what he said

Oscar, would you reach over and touch his thing? That's what he said! Right, guys? Cause of gay?

2009 February 1, Paul Lieberstein, “Stress Relief”, in Jeffrey Blitz, director, The Office, season 5, episodes 14-15, spoken by Michael Scott (Steve Carell):

It became such a staple that meta-jokes were tacked on to prolong its life, like non-verbal TWSS winks and attempts at the gender-balanced "That's what he said."

[2014 January 24, Daniel A. Gross, “That's What She Said: The Rise and Fall of the 2000s' Best Bad Joke”, in The Atlantic, archived from the original on 2022-07-07:

that's what she said
that's what she said#English

A male equivalent of that's what she said, in which the joke draws attention to something a male lover might say.


there is no war in Ba Sing Se

From the episode "City of Walls and Secrets" of the American animated television series Avatar: The Last Airbender, aired on September 22, 2006, in which the corrupt officials of the city Ba Sing Se try to keep order by hypnotizing citizens to believe that "there is no war in Ba Sing Se" even as the city is being besieged.

When something is wrong, and people seem to be ignoring it, we'll often say, "there is no war in Ba Sing Se."

[2020 July 19, Rich Knight, “Why Avatar: The Last Airbender Fans Have Issues With M. Night Shyamalan's Movie”, in CinemaBlend, archived from the original on 2022-12-27:

Today, I'm negotiating with myself: You have tacos in a meal kit box that's arriving in a couple of days, so at least you won't have to wait long. And burgers are good. You like apples, especially Granny Smith. Pork and apple burgers are what you want. Relax, there is no war in Ba Sing Se... Wow, my burgers are so good and exactly what I wanted!

2021 April 27, “A Week In Edmonton, AB, On A $61,000 Salary”, in Refinery29, archived from the original on 2023-01-05:

The LinkedIn page is pretty creepy with terms like "Giving employees the best work environment they'll never know with our patented and extremely safe Severance procedure." It gives off "There is no war in Ba Sing Se" vibes […]

2022 March 22, Dean Daley, “Severance's Lumon Industries has its own LinkedIn page”, in MobileSyrup, archived from the original on 2022-04-14:

At the very least, even if there is no patch, we now know that they're stating that they're aware of the problem, which contrasts the previous 'there is no war in Ba Sing Se' approach that they were taking.

2022 December 1, Ryan Pearson, “Nintendo Backtracks On Claim They Didn't Hear Of Performance Issues In 'Pokémon Scarlet & Violet' And Releases Much-Needed Patch”, in Bounding Into Comics, archived from the original on 2023-01-05:

There is no war in Ba Sing Se, and there are no lesbians in China.

2022 December 16, Andy Golder, “23 Screenshots Of People Being Wrong, Wrong, Wrong In 2022”, in BuzzFeed, archived from the original on 2022-12-29:

(Internet slang, occasionally sarcastic) Nothing is going on; everything is under control; it is business as usual (suggesting that important information is being covered up).

Avatar: The Last Airbender
City of Walls and Secrets


cry harder

LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-cry harder.wav

I’m told this cannot wait and it’s wholly incumbent upon us, the liberals, to spend time trying to better understand the millions of Americans who voted for Trump and who reacted to every tweet we ever posted with a photo of Trump and the words, “CRY HARDER LIB!!”

2020 November 9, Rex Huppke, “Column: Dear Trump supporters: I’m sorry Joe Biden won. It’s definitely my fault that you hate me.”, in Chicago Tribune:

"WE HAVE A BLACK GAY MAN ON A DRAGON!" rejoiced one fan on Twitter. / "Cry harder, bigoted dudebros using House of the Dragon to criticize other fantasy shows like The Rings of Power and Sandman for their diversity."

2022 September 7, Shannon Power, “'House of the Dragon' Fans Celebrate First Black Character Riding Dragon”, in Newsweek:

(Internet slang) Used sarcastically to indicate indifference or schadenfreude, often as a reply to a statement that the speaker considers exaggerated or baseless.


no hat, no play

Osteoporosis Australia is calling for the 'no hat, no play' policy in school playgrounds to be reassessed in the ACT and Tasmania, because children are not getting enough sunlight.

2006 April 26, “'No hat, no play' rethink urged”, in ABC News:

(Australia) A school policy requiring students to wear a hat in order to be outdoors during recess and lunchtime.


what's not to love

Used to show that the speaker loves someone or something very much and cannot imagine why anyone would think or feel otherwise.


WDYWT

The fashion concept was uploaded to a Reddit thread entitled "WDYWT" (What Did You Wear Today?) by r/streetwear, a community that welcomes all users to share their fashionable photos without being scorned.

[2019 April 16, Hana Otsuka, “Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital gown turned into a fashion statement, compliments by netizens”, in The Independent Singapore News, archived from the original on 2021-05-12:

(Internet slang, Reddit) Initialism of what did you wear today?.


I said what I said

LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-I said what I said.wav

While performing her song “High Horse,” Musgraves put a new spin on the pre-chorus, singing: “Everyone knows someone who kills the buzz, every time they open up their mouth — Ted Cruz! I said what I said.”

2022 October 10, Ethan Shanfeld, “Kacey Musgraves Calls Out Ted Cruz With ‘High Horse’ Lyric at Austin City Limits: ‘I Said What I Said’”, in Variety:

(informal, often humorous) Used to reassert one's opinion or statement in an unapologetic manner, even if it is subject to controversy or disagreement.


time's a-wasting

Time is running out; time is being wasted


I don't boil my cabbage twice

I don't chew my cabbage twice
I don't chew my cabbage twice#English

Alternative form of I don't chew my cabbage twice.


I don't chew my cabbage twice

An impertinent refusal to repeat one's earlier statement when asked to do so.


the dog ate my homework

LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-the dog ate my homework.wav

Their reasons for missed deadlines are mostly of the "dog ate my homework variety" including such easily foreseeable events as yesterday's elections and that the badger culling policy is "difficult and sensitive".

2011 May 6, Damian Carrington, “Environment action delays blamed on 'dog ate my homework' excuses”, in The Guardian, archived from the original on 2022-08-24:

The government's excuses for Diego Garcia's missing records are getting increasingly confused and desperate. Ministers could hardly be less credible if they simply said 'the dog ate my homework.'

2014 September 12, Oscar Webb, quoting Donald Campbell, “UK Government Changes Its Line On Diego Garcia Flight Logs Sought in Rendition Row - Again”, in VICE, archived from the original on 2022-12-05:

Our immune system's weak; we've been sick as a dog, missing work and school, resorting to "the dog ate my homework" excuses amidst these frigid dog days of winter.

2017 February 18, Mia Berman, “Go West-minster, Young Mastiff”, in HuffPost, archived from the original on 2019-04-09:

(cliché, also attributively) A stereotypical unconvincing excuse for not completing school homework, or (by extension) not meeting one's obligations.


there goes the neighbourhood

there goes the neighborhood
there goes the neighborhood#English

British standard spelling of there goes the neighborhood.


happy Near Year

From everyone here at "Chum central."

2002 January 1, Helpful GM, “CL: Happy near year”, in comp.sys.mac.games.adventure (Usenet), retrieved 2023-01-01:


FFW

(Internet slang, text messaging) Initialism of fast forward.


as she is spoke

From the title English as She Is Spoke popularly given to a 19th-century Portuguese–English phrase book, O novo guia da conversação em portuguez e inglez by Pedro Carolino (1855), notorious for its inaccurate English translations. Though used as the title of the book’s 1883 London edition, the phrase does not appear in Carolino’s text itself.

lang

‘To read, not to talk—that is to say, not well. […] That’s how I speak Arabic, as she is spoke, you know—no better.’

1896, Grant Allen, Under Sealed Orders: A Novel, page 38:

Doubtless some examples of Chinese as she is spoke by foreigners who stick to the dictionary and neglect to make the colloquial changes are as amusing to the Chinese as those of some foreigners who try to speak English are to us, for example the German ministerial student in Chicago who quoted a text of Paul, ‘The ghost is willing, but the meat is feeble.’

1898, The China Review: Or, Notes and Queries on the Far East, volume 23, page 35:

[…] many outside poets had French as their international language rather than English, so (not understanding French as she is spoke but only written) I at least was reduced much of the time to trying to catch my own train of thought, rather than listening to other people’s.

1967 September 11, Judith Wright, “To Barbara Blackman”, in Patricia Clarke, Meredith McKinney, editors, With Love and Fury: Selected Letters of Judith Wright, published 2006, →ISBN, page 183:

The other aspect of this process that hurts the old-guard native speakers of English is the loss of culture – their culture – that has been embedded in English. Newcomers to English don’t recognise references to Shakespeare or the Bible so what kind of impoverished English do they speak? […] There are very few such references to be found in English as she is spoke by the upcoming generations.

2014, Susan M. Butler, The Aitch Factor, →ISBN:

(humorous, sometimes derogatory) Deliberately ungrammatical alteration of as it is spoken.

But if this be so, or if courts believe it to be so, the sooner the aid of this higher power is invoked to give law “as she is spoke” by judges on the bench some affinity with reason and “common intelligence,” the better for these courts.

1891 August 1, The Albany Law Journal, volume 44, number 5, page 82:

He was right: AI modelling of ‘law as she is spoke’ is a tall order.

2006, Margaret A. Boden, Mind as Machine: A History of Cognitive Science, volume 2, →ISBN, page 1023:

We are interested in understanding “Java as she is spoke” — that is, in the way Java programs are actually structured in the real world — rather than how we fondly imagine Java programs should be written.

2008, Ewan Tempero, James Noble, Hayden Melton, “How Do Java Programs Use Inheritance? An Empirical Study of Inheritance in Java Software”, in Jan Vitek, editor, ECOOP 2008 – Object-Oriented Programming […], →ISBN, page 668:


sic pro

From Latin sic pro (“[written] as such in place of”).

lbor

They wrote to us, saying that they want to "make America grate [sic pro great] again".

"Since the conferences held with the Portuguese ambassadors, some say that between the cape called of Good Hope by the Portuguese, which is on [sic pro beyond] the route they now follow to reach the Gold Mine and Guinea southward..."

1897, Henry Harrisse, The Diplomatic History of America: Its First Chapter 1452-1493-1494, pages 62–63:

(uncommon) Used to note an error in text as quoted and to supply the supposed intended meaning


to top it off

to top it all off
to top it all off#English


you got this

(US, informal) You can do this; you will succeed.


don't cut yourself on that edge

'You are a cantankerous bitch and I do not care if you live or die.'
'Same.'
'Don't cut yourself on that edge.'

2021, Savannah Brown, The Things We Don't See:

A retort to a person perceived as being edgy (exhibiting behavior that is disconcerting or alarming, sometimes in an effort to impress or to troll others: to try to be an edgelord).


the world owes one a living

In reference to the song The World Owes Me a Living, which premiered in the Walt Disney animated short The Grasshopper and the Ants (1934).

One deserves a comfortable life, without having to work hard for it.


abandon hope, all ye who enter here

“Abandon hope, all ye who enter here,” was by no means written above its gateways.

1898, Justin H[untly] McCarthy, The French Revolution, volume II, New York, N.Y.: Harper & Brothers, […], page 2:

A sincere desire to render our Republican friends—a majority of whom we love—a real service and save them real money impels us to warn them that if their high command sends national funds to West Virginia for campaign purposes in 1952, the bearers of their money bags will find at the border line of the State ominous warning signs such as Dante saw above the entrance to the inferno, “Abandon hope, all ye who enter here.”

1952 May 27, Congressional Record: Proceedings and Debates of the 82ᵈ Congress, Second Session, volume 98, part 5, Washington, D.C.: United States Government Printing Office, page 6017, column 1:

It seems to me that it might as well have a sign on the door, saying ‘Abandon hope, all ye who enter here.’ If I go there, I know I’ll be buying a one-way ticket.

2002, Levi Meier, Seven Heavens: Inspirational Stories to Elevate Your Soul, Devora Publishing, →ISBN, page 185:

A decent and free society, founded in respect for the individual, ought not to run a system with a sign at the entrance for inmates saying, "Abandon Hope, All Ye Who Enter Here."

2004, Identity Theft Penalty Enhancement Act, and the Identity Theft Investigation and Prosecution Act of 2003: Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security of the Committee on the Judiciary, House of Representatives, One Hundred Eighth Congress, Second Session, on H.R. 1731 and H.R. 3693, Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, page 54:

"Abandon hope, all ye who enter here," the plaque on the Frolic Room door says.

2005, Jade Blackmore, Close But No Pizza, Lulu.com, →ISBN, page 37:

Visitors enter through a set of huge wrought-iron gates decorated with basalt statues writhing in agony and the famous phrase ABANDON HOPE, ALL YE WHO ENTER HERE.

2006, Karen Chance, Touch the Dark, Penguin, →ISBN:

ABANDON HOPE, ALL YE WHO ENTER HERE / The end of prohibition didn’t mean an immediate return to the good old days.

2010, Ian Coutts, Brew North: How Canadians Made Beer and Beer Made Canada, Greystone Books, →ISBN, page 65:

It seems that, in many instances, the “abandon hope, all ye who enter here” warning that Microsoft displays on its knowledge base articles regarding the Registry really do ^([sic]) a good job of keeping the good guys out, […]

2011, Harlan Carvey, Windows Registry Forensics: Advanced Digital Forensic Analysis of the Windows Registry, Elsevier, →ISBN:

abandon hope all ye who enter here#English

Alternative form of abandon hope all ye who enter here.


half the story

An incomplete or one-sided version of events.


have got more chins than Chinatown

I've got more chins than Chinatown

1988, "Weird Al" Yankovic, “Fat (song)”, in Even Worse:

The Baron calls him ‘the Duke,’ and he's the fattest guy in Rahway. Fudder says, “He's got more chins than Chinatown.”

2003, Frank Thorne, The Crystal Ballroom:

have more chins than Chinatown
have more chins than Chinatown#English

Alternative form of have more chins than Chinatown.


everything in the garden is lovely

everything in the garden is rosy#English

Synonym of everything in the garden is rosy.


cleanup on aisle

Suggests an intercom message to employees in a large store. Perhaps popularized by the American comedy film Mr. Mom (1983).

I knock over my bowl of cereal and spill it all over the coffee table. […] After she's satisfied with my cleanup on aisle three, my mom says, “Shouldn't you be getting ready to go? […]

2012, Annameekee Hesik, The You Know Who Girls: Freshman Year:

"You're fixated on the idea you made a mess of your case."
"Cleanup on aisle five. People died who shouldn't have."

Cleanup on aisle 9: Sulfur avidly binds mercury, and using fine sulfur powder, known as “flowers of sulfur” or “flowers of brimstone” to cover the exposed area is the preferred method for decontamination and cleanup of small mercury spills.

2022, Charles A. Lewis, Neurodevelopment and Intelligence, page 313:

(humorous) Indicates that a mess needs to be cleaned up, or that a messy situation needs to be resolved. (followed by an arbitrary number)


orders are orders

Calque of German Befehl ist Befehl (“order is order”), used as a defence during the Nuremberg trials (see Nuremberg defense).

clq

Used wryly when someone attempts to justify questionable actions by referring to rules, laws or orders from higher up.


head

my very educated mother just served us nine pizzas

my very educated mother just served us nine pumpkins#English

(dated astronomy mnemonic) Synonym of my very educated mother just served us nine pumpkins.


if I ever saw one

There's a messed-up face if I ever saw one.

if ever there was one
if ever there was one#English


the sky fell in

Unless we, as a nation, States, cities—not pointing the finger at any one government structure—all of us—unless we are ready to finally look for meaningful, long-term salient, complex answers to a very complex problem, people are going to appear in front of your committee in 1992, and all of you are going to look back on the good old days of 1989, and we do think the sky is falling in today in New York.

1990, United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on the Judiciary, Review of the National Drug Control Strategy, page 87:

And with the Great Serpent, the sky fell in, and the dry land sank into the sea.

2004, Frank Joseph, The Destruction of Atlantis:

Cup of tea? As usual! How could anything be usual when the sky had fallen in?

2008, Annie Murray, The Bells of Bournville Green, page 87:

Oh June, I really want at least one more good year before the sky falls in.

The sky fell in for European Jews, Gypsies, homosexuals, the disabled, and many others when Hitler came to power.

2022, Tony Jordan, The Man Moses: Life Lessons with Moses:

Bizarrely, United were right in this game for 43 minutes, with Fernandes and Rashford missing arguably the game's two best chances before Gakpo scored and the sky fell in on Ten Hag's team.

2023 March 5, Phil McNulty, “Liverpool 7-0 Manchester United”, in BBC Sport:


you're alright

you're all right
you're all right#English


the family that lays together stays together

Variant of the family that sleeps together keeps together.

(humorous) A supposed motto describing the dynamics of incest.


gen. et sp. nov.

(taxonomy, biology, paleontology) new genus and species


ACAAN

(magic) Initialism of any card at any number (“a form of magic trick in which the spectator selects a playing card and chooses a number, places the card in the deck, and is then shown their card at that numbered position in the deck”).


MGIF

must get in front
must get in front#English


must get in front

(UK, slang, derogatory) The perceived attitude of a motorist who drives poorly in order to stay in front of other road users.


only a mother could love

From the instinctual love that a mother has for her offspring.

There was an interesting face beneath the spots, I thought as I looked at him, but at the moment at which fate rang our doorbell it was still a face only a mother could love, which was a problem for the boy on our doorstep.

1995, Nancy Pickard, Confession, page 5:

Mark was someone only a mother could love—but I did feel sorry for his mother.

2009, Tyler R. Tichelaar, The Only Thing That Lasts, page 164:

Sometimes, when he does something that only a mother could love, I get scared.

It was a wreath only a mother could love.

2016, Amy Newmark, Chicken Soup for the Soul:

It was a song that only a mother could love.

2019, Ian Brennan, Silenced by Sound: The Music Meritocracy Myth:

The resulting animal, it was said, was one only a mother could love.

Used to describe someone or something very unlovable or repulsive.


ain't what it used to was

Thanksgiving 'ain't what it used to was.'

1852, Harper's New Monthly Magazine: Volume 5, Harper & Brothers, page 848:

Your memory ain't what it used to was, my man, or what it ought to be.

1862, Albany Fonblanque, chapter XXIV, in The St. James's Magazine: Volume 5, Houlston & Wright, A Tangled Skein: A Romance, page 180:

Then Grandmother snuffled a teardrop
And said. "It is jest like I suz
T’ th’ parson—Grandfather’s liver
Ain’t what it used to was."

1920 October 23, Ellis Parker Butler, “A Pastoral”, in Judge (a satirical magazine):

With a few more years to procrastinate, as we used to say of the old gray mare, we'll be able to say of the elementary schools, "It ain't what it used to was!"

1948 December 17, The Winonan, volume XXX, number 3, Winona State Teachers College, Winona, Minn., page 2:

(colloquial, idiomatic) Is not what it used to be; (expressing nostalgia).


IKYN

She wanted some pink plastic confection from Gamleys called, IKYN, Goo-Goo Land.

1998 November 10, Neil Murray, “R1100RS IS BEST”, in uk.rec.motorcycles (Usenet):

(Internet slang, text messaging) Initialism of I kid you not.


go fuck your mother

/ˈɡəʊ ˈfʌk jə(ɹ)ˈmʌðə(ɹ)/

I'll tell ya something. Go fuck your mother!

(vulgar, offensive, dismissal) to beat it, to get lost.


DAMA

(medicine) Initialism of discharged against medical advice.


LAMA

(medicine) Initialism of leaving/left against medical advice.


ac etiam

Borrowed from Latin ac etiam (“and also”). First attested in 1717.

bor+

(law) Used to introduce the statement of the real cause of action, in those cases where it was necessary to allege a fictitious one.


one's egg cracks

My egg cracked when I started wondering why I loved reading gender-transformation webcomics.

SCP-6113-3: James...?
Dr. Park: It's... Janet now.
SCP-6113-3: Holy fucking shit, your egg cracked!
Dr. Park: No thanks to you.

2021 October 24, Dr Asteria, “SCP-6113 [offset 4]”, in SCP Foundation, archived from the original on 2023-12-12:

(transgender slang) One realizes that one is transgender.


one's egg breaks

one's egg cracks
one's egg cracks#English


come upon the parish

1776, Adam Smith, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, Volume 1, 1809, Mundell, Doig, and Stevenson, page 187,
They generally, therefore, choose to come upon the parish.

The business of tradesmen and manufacturers must therefore fall off; and they, too, will discharge servants and working people: many of these must come upon the parish, for it will be impossible for them to procure employment, and the poor-rate will increase as the ability to pay it decreases.

1831, Francis Place, An Essay on the State of the Country, Innes, page 9:

Two families alone received £92 4s. out of the rates in one year; and the wives of independent labourers very naturally regretted that their husbands had not come upon the parish. Those who came upon the parish were spoiled. They contracted the bad habit of idleness […].

1886, Francis Charles Montague, The Old Poor-Law and the New Socialism, Cassell & Company, page 21:

(dated) To have one's living supported by charity from a parish.


prn

Alternative forms: PRN, p.r.n.

“‘My return fare was £171. 6s. 0d. and I enclose the counterfoil. I have no record of other expenses; the major items were chilled liquid sedatives on the flight home at 55 cents a shot. Although taken prn, the last dose I remember is the fourth.”

1988, E[dward] J[ames] Moran Campbell, Not Always on the Level, [London]: British Medical Journal, →ISBN, page 182:

(medicine, pharmacology) Abbreviation of pro re nata


buff nor stye

(Scotland, obsolete) Neither one thing nor another.


how would I know

how should I know
how should I know#English


let's say

... Let's say that a stock you're interested in, Bright Light, is cur- rently trading at $20 a share. You decide you ... Let's say you want to buy 1000 shares of a stock that is selling for $15 a share. How much will it cost you? The[…]

2003 September 22, Michael Sincere, Understanding Stocks, McGraw Hill Professional, →ISBN, page 13:

... Let's say you paint a stream . You look at the water . You see the different colors . Or you watch the sea - the waves . You see the different colors that you should use to paint them . " Let's say your stream is flowing downhill . You[…]

Used sarcastically to indicate that the next phrase is not meant seriously


FITFO

"In the end," he said, "if all else fails, FITFO!" / "What?" / "Figure It The Fuck Out!"

2007, Edward Ugel, Money for Nothing: One Man's Journey Through the Dark Side of Lottery Millions, New York, N.Y.: Collins, →ISBN, page 97:

Her life motto was FITFO. Because as far as a problem went, she always figured it the fuck out.

2017, Kresley Cole, Wicked Abyss, London, […]: Simon & Schuster, →ISBN, page 53:

As they talked about a tough problem, one gentleman said to the other, "FITFO." I asked, "What is FITFO?" The ex-spec op soldier repeated, "FITFO." Not understanding, I asked again, "What is FITFO?" only to receive the same reply and a smile. The soldier then said, "Figure it the f*** out!"

2018, Anthony Iannarino, Eat Their Lunch: Winning Customers Away from Your Competition, New York, N.Y.: Portfolio/Penguin, →ISBN, page 166:

Whether it's overcoming their addictions, launching a company at the start of COVID, or weathering the recent economic downturn, these two entrepreneurial mavericks prove time and time again that flexibility, FITFO, and a fast pace are the key ingredients to success — especially while building a digital marketing empire.

2023 February 8, “From Rehab To Digital Marketing Empire: How Two Entrepreneurs Teamed Up To Build An Explosive Agency”, in OK!, New York, N.Y.: A360media, →OCLC, archived from the original on 2023-02-11:

Figure It The Fuck Out
figure out#English

(slang, vulgar) Initialism of Figure It The Fuck Out.


as God intended

the way God intended (alternative)
like God intended (alternative)

LL-Q1860 (eng)-Sapaa-as God intended.wav

Where my cousin lives, it almost always rains on Thursdays, and then they have beautiful sunny weather on the weekend, as God intended.

I believe it was an English matron who declared that airplanes were an invention of the devil, that people should take trains as God intended.

2010 February 6, Paul Krugman, “People Should Travel In Trains As God Intended”, in The New York Times (The Conscience of a Liberal):

(hyperbolic, usually humorous or sarcastic) According to the way things are when one's own preferences, ideas, methods, values, etc., are applied or followed. Commonly a disguised or subconscious complaint that things are otherwise.

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see as, God, intended.


not enough to hang a dog on

If the evidence had been given at once, I should have said that it looked bad, perhaps, but was not enough to hang a dog on. But after five years of bitter faction?

1899, G.W. Steevens, The Tragedy of Dreyfus, page 89:

"So there we were, and probably you'll agree with me that all the evidence, so far, was less than you'd hang a dog on."

1933, James Hilton, Lost Horizon, published 1973, page 62:

Of evidence, not strong or compelling; with very little or insubstantial evidence.


last known good

(computing) The most recent configuration that works properly, used to roll back changes that might later prove problematic.


tick-tock biological clock

Tick-tock, biological clock. If you're a woman and you ever plan on having kids, your time to run off and have adventures and chase your dreams comes with a best-before date.

2017, Catherine Ryan Howard, Distress Signals:

I will break down a lot of the medical jargon and dogma that freaks you out and help you reconnect with the powerful mama you were meant to be. Let's deactivate the "tick tock tick tock biological clock time bomb."

(informal) A reminder to a woman that fertility declines with age, and that there is limited time to have a baby.


Abbreviation of reduce, reuse, recycle (“a waste management strategy”).

(Malaysia, politics) Abbreviation of race, religion, royalty (“referring to the Malay race, Islam, and the monarchy of Malaysia, three sensitive topics in the country”).


you're the boss

In reference to the (actual or perceived) authority of the person one is responding to.

(colloquial) Used to acknowledge an instruction.


BIPGM

2021, Jasmine Singer, Antiracism in Animal Advocacy: Igniting Cultural Transformation, Lantern Publishing
So in order to develop sophisticated racial literacy, white folks must accept and respect BIPGM's point of view.

Black, Indigenous, and people of the global majority. See also BIPOC.


happy Kwanzaa

A greeting or good wish used during the seven-day celebration of Kwanzaa to wish someone a happy time.


Pavlov dog

For quotations using this term, see Citations:Pavlov dog.


kiss my balls

Synonym of kiss my ass or suck my balls.


tens across the board

Referring to the points awarded by judges in juried competitions, ten being the highest possible score.

Flashing their magical smiles at the premiere of “The Dressmaker” in Melbourne, Australia, we couldn't decided^([sic]) who was the better looking bro, Liam (far l.) or Chris Hemsworth (near l.), so we'll just call it even. Tens across the board – for being handsome.

2015 October 20, “Hemsworths Have a Hot-Off”, in New York Daily News, volume 97, number 117, page 22:

Yas (Vivian Oparah): Babe, that outfit? Tens across the board.
Woman in Shop (Charlotte Melia): Oh. Thank you so much.

2023, Nathan Bryon, Tom Melia, directed by Raine Allen-Miller, Rye Lane:

(informal) Used to express praise or amazement.


head

LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-one's stomach thinks one's throat has been cut.wav

Used as an indirect way to say that someone is hungry.


LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-one's belly thinks one's throat has been cut.wav

one's stomach thinks one's throat has been cut#English

Synonym of one's stomach thinks one's throat has been cut.


VRLA

Initialism of valve-regulated lead-acid (“type of battery”).


open, sesame

As we come to the gate (the guy driving says, “Open, sesame”—really!), it swings open to reveal a 20-foot-high wall-of-water fountain and a broad avenue lined with palm trees.

1999, Andy Serwer, “Tech is king; now meet the Prince”, in Fortune, page 110:

He said a boisterous “Open, sesame” and the door swung wide.

2000, Jeffery Deaver, The Empty Chair, Simon & Schuster, →ISBN, page 24:

Janesco clumped to the command console and said the scientific-age equivalent of “Open, sesame.”

2009, Albert E. Cowdrey, “Paradiso Lost”, in The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, volume 116, page 108:

“You know me, Garbles, I’m your bud. Whacha got there?” Frank reached out and tried to grab the page, but Gary saw it coming and dodged. / “My hands only,” said Gary. “Look, but don’t touch.” / “OK, OK. Open, sesame.”

2014, Denise R. Stephenson, Isolation, Minneapolis, Minn.: Mill City Press, →ISBN, page 52:


after a while

Presumably short for "I'll see you after a while"


quite so

"[…]He asked if it were really true that they ate chalk and slate pencils. Wasn't that unendurable? I answered that those were the chief solid articles of food, but that after their complexions were established, so to speak, their parents often allowed them pickles and native claret to vary the diet."
"What did he say to that?" I asked.
"Oh, he said, 'Quite so, quite so;' that was his invariable response to all my witticisms.

1898, Kate Douglas Wiggin, chapter 7, in Penelope’s Progress […], Boston, Mass.; New York, N.Y.: Houghton, Mifflin and Company […], →OCLC:


from here on in

From this point in time onward; from now on.


AYFKM

Also I can't cut out lunch, my "leave" time is pretty much fixed. Besides, cut out LUNCH?! AYFKM?!! I want to stay (relatively) SANE!!! ;)

2002 May 30, Knight37, “Re: How do I find more game time.”, in comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.rpg (Usenet):

I'm going to be everywhere, I'd thought. And being in the public eye? That's no joke. / But the question remains . . . am I ready for Pop Stardom? / AYFKM? I've been ready since the day I was born.

2014, The Creator of Rich Kids of Instagram with Maya Sloan, Rich Kids of Instagram: A Novel, New York, NY: Gallery Books, →ISBN, page 245:

(Internet slang, text messaging, vulgar) Initialism of are you fucking kidding me?.


AYKM

‘AYKM! None of us are safe from Maria-watch!’ Molly joked, rolling her eyes. / ‘Not even I know what that means,’ Maria said, rolling her eyes back. / ‘Anyone?’ Molly asked, looking at her friends. ‘AYKM – are you kidding me!’

2014, Holly Willoughby, Kelly Willoughby, School for Stars (Summer Holiday Mystery; 4), London: Hodder & Stoughton, published 2016, →ISBN, page 81:

(Internet slang, text messaging) Initialism of are you kidding me?.


KMAG

(US, military, slang) Abbreviation of kiss my ass guys/goodbye.


three's a crowd

two's company, three's a crowd
two's company, three's a crowd#English

Alternative form of two's company, three's a crowd.


NYP

(publishing) Initialism of not yet published.


synau

"Omg 2 months ago bro rlly changed wow toddler to a man" synau your like 2 months old

synau = shutyonigerassup

"WTF IS A SYBAU?!" Wait till he hears about synau

(Internet slang, text messaging, vulgar) Initialism of shut your nigger ass up.


officer down

(law enforcement) A police officer has been critically wounded, incapacitated, or killed.


is someone cutting onions

“Is someone cutting onions?” They must be. I'm sure of it. I'm not much of a crier, and I'm the type who tends to bury her emotions as much as she can.

She looks up at him and smiles, and he smiles back, and man, is someone cutting onions in here? My throat is tight and dry, and I'm so jealous of Margo and Mendel I can barely think.

2023, Sara Waxelbaum, Brianna R. Shrum, Margo Zimmerman Gets the Girl:

(humorous) Drawing attention to somebody crying, or to a sad moment that makes one want to cry.


I resemble that remark

A play on words, with resemble instead of resent.

(humorous) touché; admitting that an opponent's criticism is applicable to oneself


in someone's vocabulary

Sin is a word which occurs scantily in his vocabulary. Crime was what horrified him, an offence against God because it was an offence against man and especially against children.

1964, Ivor John Carnegie Brown, Dickens in His Time, page 178:

Failure, however, was not in his vocabulary.

2018, Egerton Ryerson Young, Three Boys in the Wild North Land, page 71:

It was back-breaking work, but “unemployment” wasn't in my vocabulary, and as long as I could work, I would.

2019, Jim Sacia, Not in my Wildest Dreams: Memoirs of a Veteran FBI Agent:

Black would soon learn that the word "impossible" was not in Gillie's vocabulary".

2022, Lindsey Fitzharris, The Facemaker, page 67:

(chiefly in the negative) A concept that (someone) would normally consider.

ei kuulua jonkun sanavarastoon

a concept that (someone) would normally consider

Although John has equivalent terms in French and English for some items, he knows some words only in English, and other words only in French, with no equivalent English word in his vocabulary.

2016, Janet L. Patterson, “Child Language Disorders Across Languages, Cultural Contexts and Syndromes”, in Janet L. Patterson, Barbara L. Rodríguez, editors, Multilingual Perspectives on Child Language Disorders:

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see in, vocabulary.


in splendor

Richard II. — The cross of St. George, argent and vert; a hart lodged argent, attired, unguled, ducally gorged and chained or, between four suns in splendor,— Dieu et Mon. Two suns in splendor,— Droyt. Four suns in splendor.^([sic])

1880, George Henry Preble, History of the Flag of the United States of America, Boston: A. Williams and Company, pages 136–137:

(heraldry, of a sun) Depicted with a human face.


in splendour

Gules, the sun in his glory argent - RICHMOND. Argent, the sun in splendour or - DELAHAY. Or, on a pile azure, between two lions rampant combatant in base gules, the sun in splendour proper - PEARSON, Co. Lincoln.

1894, Henry Gough, James Parker, A Glossary of Terms Used in Heraldry, page 558:

Armorial bearings— He bears for Arms : Per fesse dovetail gules and azure, three suns in splendour gold, on a bordure dovetail or, four hurts.

1910, Arthur Charles Fox-Davies, Armorial Families: A Directory of Gentlemen of Coat-armour, page 1258:

British standard spelling of in splendor.


in fruit

Coordinate term: fruitagée

The scabbard is adorned with filigree-work of silver, representing boughs and leaves of oak with acorns; the device of Pope Julius being an oak-tree in fruit.

1858, Chamber's Miscellany of Instructive & Entertaining Tracts, page 8:

An oak-tree in fruit was the armorial bearing of this Pontiff, who gifted the sword to James IV. It was wrought in Italy shortly after the revival of the arts, and is undoubtedly a beautiful piece of workmanship.

513. Pyne, Thomas; of London, England; of New York City by 1828. Baptized 1773; died 1851. Arms : Gules a chevron ermine between three pine cones gold. Crest : A pine tree in fruit proper. Motto : In Tempestate Floresco.

1928, New England Historic Genealogical Society. Committee on Heraldry, A Roll of Arms:

Arms : Azure a fess between three dolphins silver on the fess an annulet (gules) for difference. Wreath : Silver, azure. Crest : In a nest vert under a lemon-tree in fruit proper a pelican feeding her young gold the blood gules .

1937, Rhode Island Historical Society, Rhode Island Historical Society Collections:

Crest — On a mount an apple tree in fruit ppr.

2009 June 1, John Matthews, Matthews, Complete American Armoury and Blue Book, Genealogical Publishing Com, →ISBN, page 20:

Bearing fruit; (heraldry) fructed, fruited (bearing fruit or acorns).


in glory

Arms : party per fess Azure and Sable, three suns in their glory, impaling, Argent, on a chevron Sable, before three hawks' heads erased proper, as many cinquefoils of the field. Crest : on a wreath a garb Or. Sacred to the[…]

1842, William Robinson, The History and Antiquities of the Parish of Stoke Newington in the County of Middlesex: Containing an Account of the Prebendal Manor, the Church, Charities, Schools, Meeting Houses, &c., with Appendices ..., page 166:

The sun is usually given 'in his glory,' or splendour, and represented by a human face, surrounded with sixteen rays of glory - see the Arms of Richmond, 'Gu. the sun in his glory, Arg.' Occasionally it is 'eclipsed,' the tincture being then sable.

1857, The Monthly Packet of Evening Readings for Members of the English Church, page 146:

However on 9 Feb. 1585-6 he was awarded to pay 400 marks, and to leave goods to the value of £ 20. Arms : A. on a fess betw. 3 bibles G. a falcon rising O. betw. 2 suns in their glory. Granted by sir Gilbert Dethick, Garter king[…]

1861, Charles Henry Cooper, Thompson Cooper, Athenae Cantabrigienses: 1586-1609, page 168:

Az. three suns in their glory or.

1864, Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales: Comprising a Registry of Armorial Bearings from the Earliest to the Present Time, page 1161:

Az. a sun in its glory Or. [ST. CLERE.]

1871, William Harvey, The Visitations of the County of Oxford Taken in the Years 1566 by William Harvey, Clarencieux ; 1574 by Richard Lee, Portcullis ; and in 1634 by John Philpott, Somerset, and William Ryley, Bluemantle, ... ; Together with the Gatherings of Oxfordshire, Collected by Richard Lee in 1574, page 48:

Gu. two bars erm. in chief three suns in glory or. NICHOLSON, Ballow House, co. Down; derived from Nicholson of Cumberland; quartering STEELE.[…]

1874, John Woody Papworth, An Alphabetical Dictionary of Coats of Arms Belonging to Families in Great Britain and Ireland, page 29:

Sa. the sun in his glory between nine stars arg., 3, 2, 3 and 1. BAILLIE OF JERVISWOOD. Sa. the sun in his glory between nine stars arg., 3, 2, 3 and 1, a crescent for difference. BAILLIE OF MANORHALL.

1893, Sir James Balfour Paul, An Ordinary of Arms Contained in the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings in Scotland, page 217:

Gules, two bars ermine in chief three suns in glory or -- NICHOLSON, Co. Down.[…]


in increment

... dexter, per fess on a chief azure, the moon in increment argent; in base, gules, a bear passant proper; sinister, the national eagle displayed, with the radiant All-seeing eye above, but no tinctures are indicated.

1900, American Journal of Numismatics, page 22:

[...] between fesswise a crescent moon in her increment and one in her decrement argent.

1992, Donald R. Mandich, Joseph Anthony Placek, Russian Heraldry and Nobility, Dramco:


in decrement

It is an observation amongst Fishermen, that when the Moon is in her Decrement or Wane (as we commonly call it) these […]

1664, John Guillim, A Display of Heraldrie, page 238:

[…] Crest - A fawn's head holding in its mouth a moon in its decrement and gorged with a wreath of pears slipped on the […]

1921, Sir Bernard Burke, A Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Landed Gentry of Great Britain, page 750:

LUKIN -2- A : Argent, on a bendlet thrice embattled gules, masoned sable, three crescent moons in their decrement in bend Or. […] […] between fesswise a crescent moon in her increment and one in her decrement argent.


HIH

Initialism of his/her Imperial Highness.


I like that

“The man who took your letter, Snubby, […] won't be able to decode it — and if he could, he'd only read a lot of rubbish!”
“Well, I like that!” said Snubby indignantly. “Bruce and I don't write rubbish, let me tell you.”

1959, Enid Blyton, The Ragamuffin Mystery:

“Well of course,” Reilly said. “Am I not a wondrous cat, all-seeing, all powerful etcetera?”
“I like the all-seeing a lot better,” Katie said sleepily, and promptly went to sleep.
“Huh, I like that! I really like that!” Reilly snapped. “Women! You just can't trust them these days! Huh, huh, huh!”

2015, Amber Jo Illsley, Reilly - Running Full Circle:


I don't know about that

(idiomatic) I am not sure that I agree; expressing doubt or skepticism.


I'd like to see someone try

"Pretty deadly, eh? I mean your stepfather. Makes you toe the mark I suppose."
"I'd like to see him try," answered Paul scornfully. "No, sir, he let's ^([sic]) me alone and I let him alone. He knows I haven't any use for him. […]

(idiomatic) Expressing a threat or challenge to someone.


I'll be seeing you

Alternative form of see you later (“a goodbye”).


Emma Chisit

Spelling of a sometime Australian pronunciation of how much is it.

Seizing this opportunity, I asked, “Emma Chisit?” Caramel immediately answered, “Twenty duluhs.” I was pleased by successfully speaking Australian.

2012, Carlos Kotkin, Please God Let it Be Herpes: A Heartfelt Quest For Love and Companionship:

How much does it cost
how much does it cost#English

(Australia, humorous) How much does it cost?


SMFH

another enabling parent eh ?? any wonder "kids" these days are lazy and beyond useful...does he have a safe space too for his micro-aggressions ??? He's "only" almost 30, maybe give him another 20 years to catch on...SMFH

2017 January 8, Jack, “That was quite the wallop!”, in hfx.general (Usenet):

Back to slavery? Smfh!!!!! Dislike!!!!! I would have never agreed to do this.

2017 March 23, Denitsa Petrova Dineva, Jan Christian Breitsohl, Brian Garrod, quoting "Rob", Journal of Marketing Management, volume 33, numbers 9–10, Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute […]: Taylor & Francis, →DOI, →ISSN, →OCLC:

LOL...sure it will. If only everyone was as informed and intelligent as you. smfh

2020 February 14, BillB, “Question for Biden, Buttigieg, Bloomberg, and Klobuchar”, in rec.gambling.poker (Usenet):

shaking my fucking head
shake one's head#English

(Internet slang, vulgar) Abbreviation of shaking my fucking head.


in vigilance

Arms : Azure standing within a crown gold surmounting a conical mound in base vert a crane in her vigilance all silver.

1928, New England Historic Genealogical Society. Committee on Heraldry, A Roll of Arms, page 10:

Or, a crane in her vigilance, azure, standing in reeds proper.

1943, National Americana Society, Americana Illustrated, page 133:

Quarterly; 1st and 4th azure, crane in his vigilance argent, gorged of a crown or; second and third[…]

1973, Helen B. Walter, Robert J. Walter, Nicola Walter and Descendants:

If by chance it falls asleep, the stone would drop and thus awaken it. In heraldry, the cranes most often were presented as in vigilance.

1977, Lucia Liu Severinghaus, A Design for an Education Center at the International Crane Foundation, Baraboo, Wisconsin:

Crest. A crane in its vigilance. Motto. Vigilantia (Seal on Col Paumiér's will).

1983, Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society, Transactions of the Cumberland & Westmorland Antiquarian & Archaeological Society:

KHVOSHCHINSKY -1- A : Per fess gules and azure, in chief fesswise a crescent points couped in pale Or, and in base a crane in its vigilance, proper.

(heraldry, of a crane) Standing on one leg, typically holding a stone in its other, raised leg.


en arrière

Argent, a Bend between six Bees en Arrière Sable : BEESTON.

1790, Anthony Wood, The history and antiquities of the colleges and halls in the university of Oxford, page 256:

[…] a chevron between two boars ' heads erased in chief and a bee volant en arrière in base all counterchanged.

1902, Joseph Foster, Some Feudal Coats of Arms and Others, page 225:

The arms of Bassano (really of foreign origin and not an English coat) are : “ Per chevron vert and argent, in chief three silkworm flies palewise en arrière, and in base a mulberry branch all counterchanged.

1925, Arthur Charles Fox-Davies, A Complete Guide to Heraldry, page 261:

(heraldry, chiefly of an insect) With its back to the viewer.


ten will get you twenty

five will get you ten
five will get you ten#English

Synonym of five will get you ten (“I strongly believe”).


last hired, first fired

The most recently hired employees in a business are likely to be the first to be sacked if the business needs to downsize.


thousand pardons

His figure was bent in apologetic protest. "I ask a thousand pardons, sir," he said; "I am really so very absent-minded."

1900, Kenneth Grahame, The Golden Age, page 110:

A conventionally polite request to be pardoned or excused.


sorry-not-sorry

(In reality, the rapper [Kanye West] offered a sorry-not-sorry apology last year in which he said he didn't regret his comments.)

2023 May 28, Ludovic Hunter-Tilney, “Can AI make me a star?”, in FT Weekend, Life & Arts, page 1:

sorry, not sorry
sorry, not sorry#English


goodnight nurse

It was goodnight nurse for him. Karl was getting to his feet, and Dean, who was really getting going, was straight into him. He rained blows onto Karl, and, once again, Karl hit the deck this time and was out for the count.

2014, Dennis J. McTaggart, Cold Gold II, page 123:

Once they had found a target, they would radio back the details and location and then it was 'Goodnight nurse' as he put it, because within minutes a missile with a tactical nuclear warhead would be launched and on its way.

2020, Michael Graham, On Operations with C Squadron SAS, page xiii:

If the Germans win, it will be goodnight nurse. The Japs will annex this bit of the world.

2021, Bronwyn Davies, New Lives in an Old Land, page 66:


not worth the paper it is printed on

Of a document, paper currency, etc.: of no value whatsoever.


BIPoC

BIPoC guests, likewise, can reimagine their chosen characters simply by Disneybounding as them (i.e. a Black Ariel).

2022, Rebecca Rowe, “To Act Like a Kid or Not to Act Like a Kid: Disneybounding in the Parks”, in Sabrina Mittermeier, editor, Fan Phenomena: Disney, Intellect, →ISBN, part 2 (The Disney Theme Parks and Their Fans):

In reality, the New Deal mainly targeted and benefited White families and White workers, largely excluding BIPoC workers.

2022, Trudi Lebrón, The Antiracist Business Book: An Equity Centered Approach to Work, Wealth, and Leadership, Row House Publishing, →ISBN:

Carnella, Natasha, Beth, and Lynne challenged us to consider ways to highlight the contributions of BIPoC authors that would also make these chapters easily available to a wide audience, explicitly inclusive of BIPoC readers. A second request had to do with financial profits the book might garner, asking that we consider donating a portion of any profits toward projects advancing BIPoC and LGBTQ justice.

2023, Rachel Kabasakalian-McKay, David Mark, “Introduction”, in Rachel Kabasakalian-McKay, David Mark, editors, Inhabiting Implication in Racial Oppression and in Relational Psychoanalysis (Relational Perspectives Book Series), Routledge, →ISBN:


tbch

to be completely honest
to be honest#English

(Internet slang, text messaging) Initialism of to be completely honest.


pitfall and gin

"All I know of this old trail [...] is what you can see. I got it from the highroad. I was covering the kite who went in. Where it leads, and if it's beset with "pitfall and gin", I can't say."

1930, Sax Rohmer, The Day the World Ended, published 1969, page xi. 103:

Thanks, however, to the almost uncanny faculty of the Gurkha for avoiding, in the dark, “pitfall and gin" — in this case tent ropes, ravines, and terraces, these last in some places giving a drop of twelve feet or even more'

1930, History of the 5th Royal Gurkha Rifles (Frontier Force) 1858 to 1928, page 352:

NOT in the same "head ache" class as Mr O. Richardson's "New Year's Gift," but still with a few pitfalls and gins for the unwary, this innocent six-card problem has a certain novelty of its own.

1949 January 13, The Herald, Melbourne, page 13, column 2:

Two types of trap (see pitfall and gin), used figuratively to refer to obstacles or impediments to people, or anything that might trick or ensnare someone.


thereby hangs a tale

Coined by William Shakespeare in 1623 in "As you Like it," act 2, scene 7:
: And so from hour to hour we ripe and ripe,
: And then from hour to hour we rot and rot,
: And thereby hangs a tale.

Used to indicate that something requires a long story or explanation to fully understand.


don't look now

LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-don't look now.wav

Used to alert the listener of danger, so that one may flee while the attacker thinks they are still unseen.

Oh, yeah? Well, don't look now, but we're on the grass!

Dad: You shouldn't be afraid of the ocean, Marvin. Just think of it as a giant bathtub.
Marvin: Well, don't look now, but my rubber ducky just grew a fin.

(sarcastic) Used to point out something the speaker feels is obvious.


who hurt you

“Are you desperate for magic? Or are you desperate for company? How sad.”
The witch-hunter looked at her with his stricken, sorrowful eyes. “Wow. Who hurt you?”

2020, Sarah Rees Brennan, Daughter of Chaos:

A retort to a person who sounds unexpectedly bitter and defensive.


you know something

Chris asked, “Sara, you know something. I never stopped to ask you the day of your birthday. When is your birthday?”

2015, Joseph I. Rosselli, Uncle Champion I: “The World Beyond the Fence”:

Synonym of you know what (“used, often as a question, to get someone's attention before announcing something”).


on your head be it

Used to warn someone of the responsibilities that will attach to committing to a certain task.


PAYO

Alternative form: payo

Item: TWICELAND Fantasy Park Photobook (Sealed) / Price: 800 pesos only / DOP: PAYO / MOD: SCO or GGX / MOP: BPI or Gcash

2023 February 28, Teudoongie Shop (@TeudoongieShop), Twitter:

(Internet slang) Initialism of pay as you order.


e.o.h.p.

(law) Abbreviation of except as otherwise herein provided.


if it kills one

I'm going to pass this exam if it kills me!

(colloquial) Regardless of how much effort or struggle is required from one.


icl

Christmas really fell off icl, like I used to be gassed for it back in primary school days as well

2019 December 23, A ☪🇱🇰 (@almarsh_), Twitter:

(Internet slang) Initialism of I can't lie.


the deuce you say

“The deuce you say!” repeated Sir John in undisguised astonishment.

1910 December 2, E. B. Mitchell, “The Border: A Complete Novelette”, in Adventure, volume I, number 2, page 353:

the devil you say
the devil you say#English


pick your poison

choose your poison (alternative)
name your poison (alternative)

what's your poison
what's your poison#English

Used to say that someone must choose between two unappealing options.


you had one job

On the Web, the phrase is heavily associated with FAIL image macros.

A video uploaded on the Facebook group Complaint Singapore on Monday (Nov 28) sparked criticism among the online community as it featured an example of the meme, “you had one job” (and still failed).

2022, Hana O, “‘What’s the point of a shelter?’ — Netizens ask as Admiralty MRT roof leaks from heavy downpour”, in The Independent Singapore:

Image of a T-shirt with a map of Africa printed, labeled "Asia"

2023 May 21, You Had One Job (@youhadonetask), Twitter, archived from the original on 2023-06-15:

An expression used when someone had only one simple job to do but still failed it.


devil in one's eyes

At times I thought of throwing myself on the mercy of Wolf Larsen, but the vision of the mocking devil in his eyes that questioned life and sneered at it would come strong upon me and compel me to refrain.

She was so glad to see me, and laughed and talked, but when she saw the devil in my eyes she grew frightened, and cried just as you heard her cry tonight.

2011, Alice Perrin, Melissa Edmundson Makala, East of Suez, page 163:

A few people say being tiny and white as an angel is a good omen, but far more say I'm evil, that I was the cause of that plague, and that they see the devil in my eyes.

I can see the devil in your eyes that you try to keep a tight leash on.

Her mom slapped fire out of her and had the look of the devil in her eyes as she did it.

2019, Belle Love, Diary of a Disturbed Black Girl Pt IV:

A look that reflects an underlying trait that is associated with the devil

A look that reflects an underlying evil or corruption

“Now are you going to put this ointment on my back or not?” Conrad's lip curled upward; he had the very devil in his eyes.

2014, Heather Huffman, Devil in Disguise:

She despised the different cabals jockeying for political influence and particularly distrusted Hamilton (" I have seen the devil in his eyes,” she said, “his wicked eyes. The very devil is in them. They are lasciviousness itself”—though these observations are probably more about his lust for Maria Reynolds and other young women than about his politics.).

2017, Larry Schweikart, The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Presidents:

I saw the devil in your eyes that night. The way you looked at me was not yours. They were lustful looks from the devil to push me towards you.

2023, Ümmühan Yaşar, The Secret Of The Lost Ring, page 132:

"Dear me!" said Holmes, "he seems a quiet, meek-mannered man enough, but I dare say that there was a lurking devil in his eyes. I had pictured him as a more robust and ruffianly person."

1901, Arthur Conan Doyle, The Hound of the Baskervilles:

Now, from the devil in her eyes, he saw that she intended making things further uncomfortable for him.

1934, Robert E. Howard, The Shadow of the Vulture:

I just looked at her with the devil in my eyes and replied, 'No. It's mine.' I was not letting go.

2009, Jade Goody, Jade Goody: How It All Began, page xvi:

An expression of willfulness or defiance

I turned to leave, and Leah Beth was standing by the gate, an impish smile on her lips and the devil in her eyes.

1948, The Saturday Evening Post - Volume 221, page 68:

A comparative photograph of Johnny at this time in the early *40s shows a boy rascally and snaggled, some of the merry devil in his eyes.

1994 July, Barry Hannah, “Big Country”, in SPIN, volume 10, number 4, page 40:

Scott was centered below Sheila, with a half grin and the devil in his eyes. You had to wonder whether he was thinking about some mischief he had just perpetrated or thinking about some new mischief he could get into.

2004, Jud McLester, Thru a Pilot's Eye: Cold War Through Vietnam Era, page 222:


unable to can

From can't even (“to be unable to express one's feelings about an overwhelming situation”), with the implication that one has lost the capacity of English due to shock.

I literally cannot with William. I will continue to be unable to can with this fool.

2016 April 25, Phoebe Robinson, “The Catch Recap: A Bug's Life”, in Vulture, archived from the original on 2023-06-21:

She said: 'This is the peak of the whatsapp mother's cult. I am unable to can lmao.'

2020 March 25, Harriet Johnston, “Woman reveals her mother has placed a raw ONION in the corner of every room in the house in a bizarre attempt to ward off coronavirus”, in Daily Mail, London: DMG Media, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 2022-10-14:

(slang, humorous) Rendered utterly speechless or overwhelmed with a situation.


that's all Greek to me

it's all Greek to me
it's all Greek to me#English

Alternative form of it's all Greek to me.


that's that on that

In the middle of our argument, my cousin left without saying another word, so I guess that's that on that.

(humorous, idiomatic) Synonym of that's that; there is nothing more to say or to do concerning the matter and is not up for discussion or debate.


tough tacos

A lot of the same people read both NGs, thus the people who are interested in TOS there are frequently also reading this one. If they don't like non-slash, tough tacos; I figure there are more than enough people writing that sub-genre, and I don't need to do that just to get people to comment. I don't write slash, period.

2000 April 14, Gamin Davis, “Re: Another Hiatus?”, in alt.startrek.creative (Usenet):

It helped me to write it and look at it and say well, tough tacos, honey, she doesn't give a damn, so you need to just move on.

2006 November 6, Dover Beach, “Re: Blog/rant/lament”, in alt.fan.cecil-adams (Usenet):


SNLR

(military) Initialism of services no longer required.


it's all g

I thought if I went to college, Bam! it’s all g.

2012, Jason M.A. Walter, “And Then There Was…”, in Adventures in Urban Mysticism; Vol. 1: Rebirth, Balboa Press, →ISBN, pages 15–16:

Collette […] Anyway. Ribs heal themselves it’s all g. / Jamie It’s all g? Brian should not have done that!

2017, Eva O’Connor, Hildegard Ryan, “Scene Five”, in The Friday Night Effect, Bloomsbury Methuen Drama, →ISBN, page 54:

– This is some sort of . . . experiment. Or something. A joke. A gameshow. We’ll be fine. It’s all g. Yeah? Greens. Are you with me? It’s all g. / – It’s all g.

2019, Rob Drummond, “Flesh”, in National Theatre Connections 2019, Methuen Drama, →ISBN, page 201:

(slang) Alternative form of it's all good.


it's all G

It’s a little unnerving until you get the hang of the system and then it’s all G.

2007 September 6, Starr Begley, “Don of Pizza”, in Maui Time Weekly, volume 11, number 11, page 14:

Weeks later when he found out I was from Hawaiʻi and part Hawaiian, he called me a noble savage for a week straight. / It’s all G. I reprazent the lineage of strange fruit, son!

2010 winter, D. Kūhiō, “The Noble Savages”, in Hawaiʻi Review, number 73, pages 123–124:

“Say, folk, I gotcha ninety-five hundred right here. I’ll tighten up wit’ the other five hundred when I reup witcha.” “It’s all G,” Capone said. […] “My nigga, I’m a let you deal wit them motherfucka’s, you know her better than I do. If you think she solid, it’s all G,” Capone stated.

2012, Ralph Giles Jr., On the Boss, Xlibris, →ISBN, pages 71 and 95:

JBoog: I have seven brothers and one sister. I'm the youngest of them all. Yeah bro, I had a lot of hand me downs growing up (laughs). A lot of hand me downs and a lot of slaps on the head growing up you know (laughs). It's all G man, I love my family, man.

2014 October 15, Brad Puet, “J Boog: Hear Me Roar”, in HuffPost, archived from the original on 2023-06-30:

Me: I can’t believe they are taking so long in the drive thru, we only ordered drinks. / Mikey: Relax mum you’ve got me here, it’s all G. / Me: Yes, that’s true Mikey, it’s all G (good) when I have you here.

2018, Kris Vallay, The Gift, Archway Publishing, →ISBN:

“Don’t worry about it. It’s all G.”

2019, Al-Saadiq Banks, Block Party 666: Mark of the Beast, volume two, True 2 Life Publications, →ISBN:

YEAAH, I DIDN’T BREAK UP WELL WITH HER, / I MEAN IT WAS A VOICE MESSAGE… / BUT, BUT, AT LEAST I SAID “WE CAN BE FRIENDS”, YOU KNOW, IT’S ALL G!

2020, КazakhMan Batyr, number 3, Bult Comics:

Thank you to the 2 of my many wives for calling me up on stage, I couldn’t have all of my twenty wives on stage due to Rona but it’s all G…

2020 July, “Jasraj Kullar, Valedictorian”, in RDPC Grad 2020 Special Edition:

“Just take this shit lil homies it’s all G”

2023, Amarion Beasley, The Story of Rico, Xlibris, →ISBN:


does the Pope wear a funny hat

Rhetorical question
rhetorical question#English

(idiomatic, humorous) Obviously! Rhetorical question in response to a question where the answer is an emphatic yes.


old man yells at cloud

old man yells at cloud (plural old men yell at cloud)

old men yell at cloud (plural)
old man yelling at a cloud (alternative)
old man yelling at cloud (alternative)
old man yelling at clouds (alternative)
old man yelling at the clouds (alternative)
old-man-yells-at-cloud (alternative)
old man yells at clouds (alternative)
yell at cloud (alternative)

LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-old man yells at cloud.wav

From a scene in the 2002 episode "The Old Man and the Key" of the American animated sitcom The Simpsons, in which Grampa Simpson, applying for a driver's license, produces a newspaper clipping with this headline for identification.

I'm incessantly railing, in the old-man-yells-at-cloud tradition, against Big Beautiful Burgers stuffed into wispy buns that leave nothing to the imagination.

2018 February, Liz Cook, “Check-in Time”, in The Pitch, page 26:

If you will allow me an “old man yells at cloud” moment...back in my day, the only tools we had to make documentation were plain ol' spreadsheets, slides, and Word documents.

2020, Matt LeMay, Product Management in Practice, page 148:

Everyone has their own Old-Man-Yells-at-Cloud gripe that they just can't let go. Some people can't get over the fact that some people do (or do not) keep their ketchup in the fridge; other people can't stop themselves ragging on pineapple-topped pizza.

2022, Ruby Tandoh, Cook As You Are: Recipes for Real Life, Hungry Cooks, and Messy Kitchens: A Cookbook, page 131:

(humorous or derogatory) Refers to a person who expresses a trivial, out-of-touch, or idiosyncratic grievance; especially, with an implication of aged crotchetiness.

Grampa Simpson
The Old Man and the Key
The Simpsons


Christmas came early

Sultry songbird Deborah Cox says Christmas came early for her this year and all of her wishes have already come true. The talented songstress is riding the charts with her second hit album, One Wish with the smash ballad Nobody's Supposed To Be Here.

1998 December 28 – 1999 January 4, “Christmas Comes Early for Hit Singer Deborah Cox”, in Robert E[dward] Johnson, editor, Jet, volume 95, number 5, Chicago, Ill.: Johnson Publishing Company, →ISSN, →OCLC, page 55:

Christmas came early this year when our PX rations arrived in November. This is one day every soldier overseas looks forward to.

2007, Robert Lynch, “Italian Mountain Campaign”, in A Letter Marked Free: A Powerful and Gripping Account of a Combat Soldier in WWII, Indianapolis, Ind.: Dog Ear Publishing, →ISBN, page 51:

Christmas come early
Christmas come early#English

Alternative form of Christmas come early.


much good may it do someone

“Mr. Chufiey is a lyin' down,” said Mrs. Gamp, returning, " and much good may it do him, Mr. Chuzzlewit, which harm it can't and good it may, be joyful!"

1843, Charles Dickens, The Life and Adventures of Martin Chuzzlewit:

Your husband may keep his twenty thousand pounds, and much good may it do him!

1882, Albion Winegar Tourgée, Our Continent, page 722:

Take your own way, and much good may it do you. But remember, if you are not back before the next train, I shall start with Soames, and my dutiful grand-children may find their way back to me as they can.

1884, Sarah Tytler, “Beauty and the Beast: A Modern Romance”, in Good Words, volume 25, page 832:

The pin-headed woman who regards her thin-witted husband as the greatest man in the world, is happy, and much good may it do her.

2015, Edgar Watson Howe, The Story of a Country Town:

'And much good may it do me,' returned Emma with a sigh, 'since she, or rather her new husband, has cast me off.'

2022, Joan Aiken, Jane Austen, Emma Watson: Jane Austen's Unfinished Novel Completed by Joan Aiken, page 832:

Used to express the hope that something will work out well for someone, often with the implication that, while hoping for the best, the speaker does not expect much.


that's me told

(British, informal) You sure told me! You sure showed me! (suggesting that the speaker is suitably chastened for their foolish error)


don't cry for me, Argentina

LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-don't cry for me, Argentina.wav

Referring to the song Don't Cry for Me Argentina, written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice for the concept album Evita (1976) and later included in the musical of the same name (1978).

My mother never baked cookies when we were growing up. She didn’t buy them either. Dad was a diabetic and we were supposed to be on diets. But when no one was home, one could always sneak upstairs to Mama Hinda and Papa Harry’s apartment. They weren’t diabetic and they didn’t diet either, so don’t cry for me, Argentina.

2007 July, Judy Bart Kancigor, Cooking Jewish: 532 Great Recipes from the Rabinowitz Family, New York, NY: Workman Publishing Company, →ISBN, page 458:

(informal, humorous) Used to express that the speaker does not need sympathy or compassion.

Andrew Lloyd Webber
Don't Cry for Me Argentina
Evita (album)
Evita (musical)
Tim Rice


I choose violence

LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-I choose violence.wav

Cersei Lannister
Game of Thrones
No One (Game of Thrones)

Presumably inspired by a scene in the episode "No One" (2016) of the television series Game of Thrones, in which Cersei Lannister, facing clerical detention and ordered to restrain her bodyguard, calmly responds, "I choose violence."

You see, I have this funny thing I say every morning and to my close circle of women friends quite often, especially when they're looking for advice on how to deal with white privilege and entitlement, and that is: 'Choose violence' I don't mean this literally. But when we say what needs to be said, a Black woman will always be seen as aggressive or arrogant, instead of confident, unafraid and assertive. […] But choosing the easier path doesn't benefit me, harmlessness does not benefit me. I choose violence.

2022, Haji Mohamed Dawjee, Here's the Thing, unnumbered page:

On my last night in town before heading to the Midwest, I decide to try the hot dog at the Cape Cod Cafe. The suggestion draws some mockery on both sides of the family, who know damn well that coming to CCC without getting a bar pizza is a waste of their money (I offer to pay: "Oh my God, Mrs. Hollywood with her own frickin' money, huh," an aunt says before slapping down a Visa with travel points). It is overpriced, eight dollars without any description except "hot dog." I choose violence. I order the hot dog.

2023, Jamie Loftus, Raw Dog: The Naked Truth About Hot Dogs, unnumbered pages

The boring asss griiiiind. I usually enjoy the grind, I’m currently up to my ears in Diablo4 grind. It was just so bland and monotonous. Same with Witcher3 and Skyrim……I choose violence.

2023 June 28, u/KickballJamal, Reddit, r/AskReddit:

(Internet slang, humorous, idiomatic) Used to express that one is firmly committed to making one's own choice(s) regardless of disapproval from others.

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see I, choose, violence.


valar morghulis

Coined by American writer and television producer (b. 1948) George R. R. Martin for use in his A Song of Ice and Fire fantasy novel series. The phrase, which means "all men must die" in the fictional language of High Valyrian, is used as a greeting by the Faceless Men, a combination death cult and assassin's guild. The traditional response is valar dohaeris (“all men must serve”).

coin

On a philosophical note, there has never been a moment in my life where I’ve truly considered the gravity of death. Yes I know, “All men must die,” but I’m a writer, not a BASE jumper. I spend most of my time behind a bright computer screen, thinking. Yet as I started driving along the edge of a snowy cliff tumbling hundreds of meters downwards to the rocky sea, without snow tyres, the possibility was getting a little bit too real. Valar morghulis.

2015, Hannah Jane Cohen, "A Road Trip To Djúpavík", The Reykjavík Grapevine, 5 June 2015 - 18 June 2015, page 31

In 2015, different beasts threaten our lives—heart disease, cancers, and chronic airway diseases comprise the majority of our disease burden. Valar morghulis—all men must die.

2015, Keegan Guidolin & Matthew Douglas-Vail, "What kills us and what costs us: An examination of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge", University of Western Ontario Medical Journal, Volume 84, Issue 1, Winter 2015, page 18

You fought a good battle, and it was an honour to be there right beside you. I will miss you. “Valar Morghulis” my friend. The God of Death has called one of its valiant warrior home, albeit, too soon.

2019, "Dedication", in Jennifer P. B. Price, "Testing Construct Redundancy: Resilience, Grit, Hardiness, and Mental Toughness", thesis submitted to Saint Mary's University (Halifax, NS), page 7

(fandom slang) An expression used as an acknowledgement of human mortality and the inevitability of death.


valar dohaeris

Coined by American writer and television producer (b. 1948) George R. R. Martin for use in his A Song of Ice and Fire fantasy novel series. The phrase means "all men must serve" in the fictional language of High Valyrian. It is a traditional response to valar morghulis (“all men must die”).

If Valar Morghulis, then I shall do my very best in paying it forward in the time I have left. Valar Dohaeris.

2014, "Acknowledgements", in Kathleen A. Moore, "Scrutiny on the Bounty: From Crisis Communication To Crisis Conversation", dissertation submitted to Pennsylvania State University, page xi

But soon there will be a new clickbait queen, as HBO's Game of Thrones gears up for its penultimate season this weekend. After that, you can expect endless recaps and speculations for the next two months, clogging up your social media feed (not to mention the endless memes) as the show moves beyond the source material and into the realm of "everyone will have theories." We'll try to steer clear of that business, but no promises: We are a free alt-weekly in 2017, after all, and everyone's got bills to pay. Valar dohaeris.

2017 July 14, Josh Kupecki, “Stream Analysis”, in The Austin Chronicle, page 43:

Although Dr. Murphy’s “watch has ended,” her trailblazing legacy and extreme passion to improve kidney and health care will live on in many ways (14), but forever in our hearts and minds. Indeed, Valar dohaeris (15).

2021, Steven G. Coca, "Tribute to Barbara Murphy", Kidney360, Volume 2, Issue 9, page 1500

(fandom slang) An expression used as an affirmation of duty to a higher purpose or authority.


my watch has ended

Derived from a misquotation of a phrase used in the A Song of Ice and Fire fantasy novel series and its television adaptation Game of Thrones. In the novels, "and now his watch is ended" is used to conclude eulogies honouring fallen members of the Night's Watch, a brotherhood of men who swear lifelong vows to defend the Wall. "My watch is ended" is used in the episode "Oathbreaker" (2016) by a character who resigns from the Watch.

My watch has ended.
For the last eight years – four of them here at Courier Life Publications – I have had the privilege to be your eyes and ears, your evaluator, and a watchdog in New York City's local sports scene.

2016, Joseph Staszewski, "Farewell – but not goodbye", Brooklyn Courier, 20 May 2016 - 26 May 2016, page 44

My watch has ended. After six years, I'm about to conclude my last three-year term as department chair.

2018, Gary W. Lewandowski, "My Watch Has Ended: A Chair's Exit Interview", The Department Chair, Fall 2018, page 10

"I really enjoyed my time on city council the last eight years. I've learned a lot, developed some really good relationships. I'm proud of the work we've done. And you know, I'm going to be thinking of our achievements as I move forward but for now, my watch has ended."

2020, Ryan Bater, quoted in John Cairns, "Bater concedes race", Regional News-Optimist (The Battlefords, SK), 12 November 2020, page 3

(fandom slang) Used to indicate that one's duties or tenure in a position have ended.

A Song of Ice and Fire
Game of Thrones
Night's Watch
Oathbreaker (Game of Thrones)
The Wall (A Song of Ice and Fire)


IMNSFHO

(Internet slang, text messaging, vulgar) Initialism of in my not so fucking humble opinion.


pour encourager les autres

LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-pour encourager les autres.wav

Unadapted borrowing from French pour encourager les autres (literally “in order to encourage the others”), as used in Voltaire’s Candide (1759) in reference to the execution of Admiral John Byng.

ubor

Whenever trouble threatened, Avitabile hanged a few of the citizens from the walls of Government House pour encourager les autres; and when trouble did occur, he doubled the hangings and had a daily roster for suspension with a next-for-the-noose column.

1927 June, U. P. A., “L’Oiseau rouge”, in Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps, volume 48, number 6, page 464:

Indeed, some may wish to make withdrawal as painful as possible pour encourager les autres.

2016 March 1, Nicholas Wright, “Can Britain's bureaucracy handle a Brexit?”, in The Guardian:

He added jokingly: “So very inclusive, in fact, there were a couple of places where everybody was murdered and butchered, pour encourager les autres.”

2023 July 1, Catherine Lough, “Genghis Khan ‘a Blairite before his time’”, in The Daily Telegraph:

(ironic) In order to warn or intimidate others (especially by making an example of someone or something).


roll the pitch

The phrase comes from its use in the game of Cricket where the pitch is rolled before a match.

(idiomatic) Preparing audiences for an unpopular change.


twinkling of an eye

Ghost: No sooner had she spoke but we were heere, / I wot not how, in twinkling of an eye.

1592, Thomas Kyd, The Spanish Tragedie, act I, lines 87–88:


no notes

Your upcoming Instagram beach photos are begging you to snag this bright orange maxi. BEGGING. Like, oof! Do you see that high slit? 10/10. No notes.

2023 June 16, Megan Uy, “25 Absolutely Gorgeous Crochet Clothing Pieces You Won’t Stop Wearing This Summer”, in Cosmopolitan:

After years of public feuding and subtweets and alleged battery with a cricket bat, the Gallagher brothers—Liam and Noel, obvs—are working it out on the remix, with a rash of 2025 summer dates announced on their website. (This is as good a time as any to say that “Wonderwall” is a masterpiece; no notes.)

2024 August 28, Raven Smith, “Liam Gallagher, Noel Gallagher, and the Art of the Public Feud”, in Vogue:

(informal) Used to express praise or satisfaction.


it was this way

(dated) A traditional beginning to a story.


GBFN

(Internet slang, text messaging) Initialism of goodbye for now.


TMML

(Internet slang) Initialism of that made me laugh.


God love someone

Near-synonyms: God bless you, God bless

It was so weak it couldn't even hold up its head. Craig filled the eyedropper and I gently pried its mouth open. [...] Craig, God love him, stayed awake all night and fed the tiny critter every hour. Within a couple of days the kitten was doing better.

2001, Lou Solitske, Taxi Tales, Taxi Tales:

I was very leery of Sy because, God love him, he is always working. If you weren't careful, even the most casual conversation would [...]

2015 October 13, Mary Mapes, Truth: The Press, the President, and the Privilege of Power, St. Martin's Griffin, →ISBN, page 129:

“Even them opera stars can't fill it.” “Well, I want the platform full of chairs,” she said, turning to walk out the door. She whirled back and looked straight at the custodian. “Aw, God love you! You're concerned about me, aren't you?"

2021 October 1, Kathryn Kuhlman, Jamie Buckingham, Daughter of Destiny: The Only Authorized Biography, Destiny Image Publishers, →ISBN:

Used to express (sincere, or jocular, or pitying) affection toward the specified person.


the closet is made of glass

LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-the closet is made of glass.wav

An extension of the metaphor in the closet, compare glass closet.

I spent my high school years in the closet. I remember a friend messaged me saying, “Just come out already, it’s fine, just be who you are.” He didn’t know I was queer, but I guess the closet was made of glass. In his mind, he was being supportive; in mine, he was increasing the turbulence I already felt about my sexuality and identity as a teen.

2022 November 1, K-Ci Williams, “Kit Connor, Star of “Heartstopper,” Came Out as Bi. He Shouldn’t Have Had To”, in Teen Vogue:

“Little boy—you are gay.” / “No, I'm not,” I say. / “Oh, you really are,” she says. She's insistent, but not mean. My closet is made of glass and she can see right through it.

2023, William Lee Adams, Wild Dances: My Queer and Curious Journey to Eurovision, New York, NY: Astra House, →ISBN, page 117:

sexual orientation
sexual orientation#English

(LGBTQ, often humorous) Used in reference to someone whose sexual orientation or gender identity is widely known despite not being acknowledged.


ad vitam aut culpam

(law) For life or fault: a kind of appointment or tenure in Scotland.


give your head a wobble

Give your head a wobble, Zoë, I told myself. You can't go around being broken-hearted because your heart isn't broken any more. That would be off-the-scale ridiculous.

(UK, colloquial) Think again; an admonition to somebody who is behaving badly or saying something unacceptable.


let's have it

(UK, colloquial) Tell what you have to say.

(UK, colloquial) An invitation to fight.


milk before meat

From 1 Corinthians 3:2, in Koine Greek ἐπότισα γάλα οὐ βρῶμα (epótisa gála ou brôma, “I gave you milk, not meat [or solid food]”), and in a Mormon context Doctrine and Covenants 19:22: “For they cannot bear meat now, but milk they must receive”. In the form milk before meat, first attested in the early 20th century.

der

ἐπότισα γάλα οὐ βρῶμα

I gave you milk, not meat 􂀿or solid food􂁀

etydate

Under the pretext of giving the world “milk before meat,” the Utah Mormons have tried to justify themselves in the living of an open lie—they were actually practicing polygamy secretly and denying it publicly.

1919, William Earl La Rue, The Foundations of Mormonism: A Study of the Fundamental Facts in the History and Doctrines of the Mormons from Original Sources, page 195:

They are not to present lessons in calculus to students who must first learn arithmetic; they are not to reveal the mysteries of the kingdom until people believe the first principles: they are to give milk before meat.

1980, Bruce R. McConkie, The Mortal Messiah: From Bethlehem to Calvary, volume 2; republished as Rulon T. Burton, editor, We Believe: Doctrines and Principles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1994, D-667, page 853:

Paul said we should give milk before meat; systematic teaching is effective as long as we are careful to give both the milk and the meat honestly and correctly.

1986, Dennis L. Lythgoe, The Sensitive Leader, page 121:

So why is it that some people feel that they must know everything right away concerning religion, and yet in daily life they well understand and accept that it’s milk before meat?

2006, Jayne P. Bowers, Musings of a Missionary Mom, →ISBN, page 118:

(chiefly Mormonism) Ideas or doctrines that are simpler or easier to accept (should be taught) before more difficult ones.


I'll bite

Suggesting a fish taking bait. Compare troll, bait.

—Why did the chicken cross the road? —OK, I'll bite. Why did it cross the road?

Are there security concerns we haven't thought of? What if someone, I don't know, puts a bomb someplace, hops on a plane and detonates it remotely? ¶ Sounds like you've been watching a few too many action movies. Okay, I'll bite.

2013 November 21, Brian Fung, “Everything you need to know about in-flight cellphone rules”, in The Washington Post, Washington, D.C.: The Washington Post Company, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 2023-08-10:

Who is trying to nab Tommy? What is his mom's power?! ¶ All right, fine. I'll bite.

2015 October 2, Devon Maloney, “Heroes Reborn Recap: One of Us, One of Them”, in Vulture, archived from the original on 2022-08-14:

OK, I'll bite: political correctness may not be perfect, but isn't its aim to empower and protect? "It's taken too far, though. Death by committee, trying to slam your dictates into another person's face. That's not healthy."

2020 October 11, Barbara Ellen, “John Lydon: ’Don’t become entrenched in one opinion and get stuck there for ever’”, in The Observer, London: Guardian News & Media, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 2023-10-15:

(colloquial) Indicating that one doubts that a question is being asked in seriousness or good faith, but is willing to respond in earnest.

This isn't usually my type of movie, but I'll bite.

To the Editor of The New York Times: Referring to your "Topics of The Times" leading off with "Science in the Saddle," I can only believe such an article was printed for the sole purpose of drawing fire. I'll bite and I hope others more competent than I am have deluged you with rebuttals of absurd statements made therein.

1932 December 25, T. Hayden Hamilton, “In Defense of Engineers: They Are Presented as Conscientious, Hard-Working, Sympathetic Scientists”, in The New York Times (letter), New York, N.Y.: The New York Times Company, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 2023-08-10, page E2:

Designers made their games really hard because their games were really short, and they had to encourage you to play them over and over. […] But okay. I'll bite. Let's try a game with NES-era difficulty. So I go back into the Amazon. This time I'm a lot better.

2013 August 13, Chris Kohler, “I Don't Need Your Torture, DuckTales Remastered”, in Wired, San Francisco, C.A.: Condé Nast Publications, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 2023-02-07:

As a recovery advocate and blogger, I get a lot of requests from authors who want me to read and write about their books. Most of the time, I decline. But every once in a while, if the book seems interesting enough, I'll bite. This is one of those times I'm glad I did.

2016 July 5, “Sober Stick Figure: A Unique and Hilarious Story of Alcoholism and Recovery”, in HuffPost, archived from the original on 2023-08-10:

"Please RT if you want to help make Ohio teen @weezerafrica's simple, wholesome dream come true of seeing rock band @Weezer cover Africa by Toto," he tweeted. Luke is an occasional Noisey writer, and is very adept at wandering into the dark rooms of the internet and causing trouble in them. So my interest was piqued. "OK, I'll bite," I thought, and gave Luke's tweet the one true currency left in our capitalist hell world: my Click.

2019 January 25, Dan Ozzi, “The Whole Weezer/"Africa" Thing Was My Fault and I'm So Sorry”, in VICE, archived from the original on 2023-05-09:

(colloquial) Indicating that one is willing to engage with a potentially difficult or inconvenient situation.

I suspect fruity language is lavishly used on building sites and in 10 Downing Street, but not so much in middle-ranking jobs. Iain Duncan Smith once told a Treasury mandarin on the phone "If you ever speak to my officials like that again I'll bite your balls off and send them to you in a box."

2023 February 1, Carol Midgley, quoting Iain Duncan Smith, “House pomposity is one of the few remaining joys in British life”, in The Times, London: News UK, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 2023-02-01:

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see I'll, bite.


HAA

(military) Initialism of heavy anti-aircraft.


as big as life

as large as life
as large as life#English


sequential analysis

statistical analysis where the sample size is not fixed in advance but rather data are evaluated as they are collected and further sampling is stopped in accordance with a pre-defined stopping rule as soon as significant results are observed


sequential reaction

(biochemistry) a chemical reaction in which the product of each stage becomes the substrate of the next


better for it

You said, "Forever," in the end I fought it / Please, be honest, are we better for it?

2020, “I Miss You, I'm Sorry”, in Gracie Abrams, Sarah Aarons (lyrics), minor (EP):

You’ve just received a hefty tax rebate? Show your appreciation with a gentle wiggle at the post office when you open your mail. You’ll feel better for it, I promise.

2014 September 2, Myf Warhurst, “Nicki Minaj's Anaconda elevates backside wobbling to a lifestyle choice”, in The Guardian, archived from the original on 2022-12-06:

America has struggled for centuries with increasing diversity and the resulting shifts of power. And we are better for it. As a daughter of Korean immigrants, I have greater faith in our businesses and government because today there are leaders whose stories reflect my own.

2010 February 19, Gina Kim, “America’s Elite, and the Discontented”, in The New York Times, archived from the original on 2022-06-17:

Whether women actually became more beautiful by applying Body Performance Anti-Cellulite Visible Contouring Serum, or whether they would have done as well with a quick douse in cold water, is impossible to say. Clearly, many felt better for it.

2004 April 29, “Estée Lauder, queen of cosmetics, died on April 24th, at a mature age”, in The Economist, archived from the original on 2018-02-16:

(idiomatic) In a more favorable position on the whole due to something, despite possible drawbacks.

When asked about the mission, he thought John is better for it.

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see better, for, it.


never eat soggy wheat

never eat shredded wheat
never eat shredded wheat#English

(mnemonic) Alternative form of never eat shredded wheat.


pmo

Alternative form: PMO

ock just pmo to the greatest chopped cheese i've ever had in my life

2022 November 7, @medicboogie, Twitter, archived from the original on 2023-08-19:

i miss u so much , i play the music u pmo to just to feel like u here 🕊

2022 November 15, @FanumTV, Twitter, archived from the original on 2023-08-19:

My nigga pmo to a song I got the lyrics memorized by the next day

2023 June 17, @aviahimdrunk, Twitter, archived from the original on 2023-08-19:

shout out missy for pmo to this beautiful song 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾🤞🏽🤞🏽🤞🏽

2023 August 18, @keluziis, Twitter, archived from the original on 2023-08-19:

put/puts/putting me on (to)
put someone on to#English

(Internet slang) Initialism of put/puts/putting me on (to) (“to show; to draw someone's attention to something useful or interesting”).

put/puts/putting me on

Alternative form: PMO

icl ts pmo sm 🥀

This app sending you two notifications of the same thing is pmo 😒😒😒

2024 October 8, @zacxfatima24, Twitter, archived from the original on 2024-10-15:

piss/pisses/pissing me off
piss off#English

(Internet slang) Initialism of piss/pisses/pissing me off (“to annoy, anger”)


I'll tell you what

My lord, I'll tell you what;/ If my young lord your son have not the day,/ Upon mine honour, for a silken point/ I'll give my barony: never talk of it.

c. 1596–1599 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Second Part of Henry the Fourth, […]”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene i]: