Meroir (sea version of terroir)
"Meroir" (from the Latin mer, "sea") is a newer variation on the popular word "terroir" (from terre, "land"). Terroir might concern itself with what…
Shmeat (sheet + meat)
"Shmeat" (sheet + meat) is in vitro meat that has also been called "cultured meat" and "test tube meat." Dr. Vladimir Mironov, a biologist at the Medical University of…
Crappuccino (crap + cappuccino)
A "crappuccino" (crap + cappuccino) usually means a "crappy cappuccino" -- a Starbucks-type coffee drink that is ridiculously expensive. "Our boys go to one of those quaint…
“When the student is ready, the teacher will appear”
"When the student is ready, the teacher will appear" is often said to be a Buddhist proverb, but there's no evidence to support this. "For when the disciple is ready the Master…
“Information is the most precious commodity on Wall Street”
"Information is the most precious commodity on Wall Street" is a popular Wall Street saying. "For a change, the little guy has a better chance to be right and it all has to do with…
Sequestrocalypse (sequester + apocalypse)
News reports frequently told of apocalyptic budget cuts resulting from the 2013 U.S. federal budget sequestration. Conservative blogs popularized the term "sequestrocalypse" (sequester +…
“What’s the difference between a lawyer and a catfish?” (lawyer joke)
"What's the difference between a lawyer and a catfish?" runs a popular lawyer joke. "One is a scum-sucking bottom-dweller and the other is a fish." The joke was probably…
“There are only three lawyer jokes –- the rest are true stories”
"There are only three lawyer jokes -- the rest are true stories" is one of the most popular of lawyer jokes. The joke has been cited in print since at least 1992 and is of unknown…
Certified Idiots of America (Central Intelligence Agency or CIA nickname)
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is the successor to World War II's Office of Strategic Services (OSS). The CIA nickname of "Certified Idiots of America" has been cited in print…
Underbanking (Underbanked)
"Underbanking" occurs when geographical areas have only limited banking facilities. The term "underbanked" has been cited in print since a least 1935 and is often discussed with…
Unbanking (Unbanked)
Someone without a bank account is said to be "unbanked," and one possible reason could be a lack of banks in the geographical area. Someone who has a bank account but who decides to…
Liquid Gold (honey nickname)
Many liquids have been called “liquid gold” (that is, something very valuable and desired). Honey has been called “liquid gold” since at least On the Nature of Things by Lucretius (99…
“Every nation is about nine meals away from a revolution”
A popular saying is that "every nation is about three/six/seven/nine meals away from anarchy/revolution." That is, hungry people are desperate people who will topple any government.…
“All barbecue experts are self-proclaimed”
Calvin Trillin reported on Texas barbecue for The New Yorker's food issue in November 2008. Trillin wrote: "Greg Curtis once reminded me that 'all barbecue experts are…
Catalina Coupon
Catalina Marketing Corporation developed "Catalina" (also "catalina") coupons. When a customer checks out, the cash register examines the customer's purchases and prints…
“Free food always tastes better”
"Free food (always) tastes better" is a popular saying, even though the food is the same if one pays for it or not. "Free food always tastes better" has been cited in print…
“Winning takes care of everything”
Nike sports apparel did a 2013 advertising campaign featuring golfing professional Tiger Woods and the tagline, "Winning takes care of everything." Woods had committed well-publicized…
Ranchify (add ranch dressing to food)
To "ranchify" food is to add ranch dressing to it. The term "ranchify" was popularized during Hidden Valley Original Ranch's BzzAgent marketing campaign, September 6,…
“Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food”
"Let food be thy/your medicine and medicine be thy/your food" is often cited as a famous saying of Hippocrates (460 B.C.-370 B.C.). However, it's not known what ancient writing is…
“Free beer always tastes better”
"Free beer (always) tastes better" is a popular drinking saying, even though the beer is the same if one pays for it or not. "Free beer tastes better" has been cited in print…