“There are no votes in foreign aid” (political adage)
"There are no votes in foreign aid" is an old political adage. Politicians gain votes bringing money back to their districts -- not by sending money out of the country. "There are no…
Monday Morning Quarterback
A "Monday morning quarterback" is someone who can reflect on the Sunday National Football League games and offer the best analysis -- in hindsight. College football games are usually…
“If it moves, it’s biology; If it smells, it’s chemistry; If it doesn’t work, it’s physics”
A popular saying about science demonstrations has been printed on many gift items, such as T-shirts, posters and coffee mugs: "If it moves, it's biology.If it smells, it's…
Whataboutism
"Whataboutism" is a tactic to deflect criticism by bringing up an alleged defect of the criticizing party. For example, the United States might criticize Russia, only to be told,…
Gunverment or Gunvernment (gun + government)
"Gunverment" or "gunvernment" (gun + government) refers to a totalitarian government that rules by force (as if from the barrel of a gun). "GUNverment" has been cited…
“More companies die of indigestion than starvation”
David Packard (1912-1996), a co-founder with William Hewlett of Hewlett Packard (1939), didn't like costly acquisitions and believed that his company should stay focused. Packard wrote in The…
“A business with no sign is a sign of no business”
Many sign companies have advertised themselves with a popular slogan. "A business with no sign is a sign of no business" was cited in print in April 1959. "A business without a sign…
Shrinkflation (shrink + inflation)
"Shrinkflation" (shrink + inflation) occurs when, rather than simply raise the price of a product, the product shrinks in size (with the price remaining about the same for less product).…
“A team is a reflection of its coach” (sports adage)
"A team is a reflection of its coach" is an old sports saying. "A team is a combination of a lot of things, but mostly, it is a reflection of its coach" was cited in print in…
“What’s the difference between ignorance and apathy? I don’t know and I don’t care”
Many voters often do not show up to the polls, and political commentators wonder if the voters were ignorant of the candidates and the issues or if the voters were just apathetic. A popular joke…
God Shot (perfect shot of espresso)
A "God shot" is a perfect shot of espresso, as if made by God. "I have to work *hard* to get a 'god shot' out of it" was cited on alt.coffee on November 28, 1999.…
“Never wear white after Labor Day” (fashion rule)
A fashion rule is that one should only wear white (or bright colors) during the summer -- from Memorial Day until Labor Day. It's not known when this "rule" began and many people do…
“If you don’t hear an offensive lineman’s named called, he is doing a good job” (football adage)
An old football adage is that no one hears about an offensive lineman when that player is doing a good job. If you hear an offensive lineman's name mentioned in the course of a football game,…
“What’s the difference between God and a federal court judge?” (joke)
A popular joke is told about a person (or a person in a particular profession) with a high opinion of himself or herself. The following joke about doctors was told in 1995: "The difference…
“What do you get when you mix beans and onions?”/“Tear gas.”
It's common knowledge that onions make one cry and that beans give one gas, leading to the joke: Q: What do you get when you mix beans and onions? A: Tear gas. The joke has been cited in print…
“What’s the difference between beer nuts and deer nuts?” (joke)
"What's the difference beteen beer nuts and deer nuts? Beer nuts cost $1.90 while deer nuts are always under a buck." The "beer nuts"/"deer nuts" joke is a very…
“My wife made me join a bridge club—I jump off next Tuesday”
Self-deprecating comedian Rodney Dangerfield (1921-2004) supposedly got this put-down from his wife: "My wife made me join a bridge club. I jump off next Tuesday." The joke has been cited…
“Nothing makes a fish bigger than almost being caught”
Many tall fish tales are told about "the one that got away." "Nothing makes a fish bigger than almost being caught" is a jocular one-liner that has been cited in print since…
“I eat cake because it’s somebody’s birthday somewhere”
"I eat cake because it's somebody's birthday somewhere" is a jocular line that has been printed on many gift items, such as T-shirts and cards. "I'm offering chocolate…
Corporate News Network (CNN nickname)
Cable News Network (CNN) began in 1980 as the first all-news television channel. Some critics of CNN have claimed that the network promotes global corporations and the "New World Order."…