Presser
A "presser" is a press conference. "Newser/presser—a press conference" was defined in a 1994 book about the media. "Presser" less frequently means a press release.…
“Broke as a joke”
To be "broke as a joke" is to be very broke -- and that's no joke. The rhyming expression "broke as a joke" has been cited in print since at least 1997. It's not known…
Sally Soccer-mom
A "soccer mom" is a mother of a child who plays soccer; the term has been cited in print since at least 1973. Soccer moms became a much-talked-about demographic in the 1996 U.S.…
Smokeasy or Smoke-easy (smoke + speakeasy)
A "speakeasy" was a place where alcoholic drinks were illegally sold. The term "speakeasy" means that customers should inquire secretly about the illegal product;…
Nicotini (nicotine + martini)
Many restaurants and bars throughout the world have banned smoking to eliminate second-hand smoke. Some enterprising individuals decided to try to put nicotine directly into the food and drinks.…
Number Cruncher
A "number cruncher" (also "number-cruncher") was originally a computer that can process raw data and produce reports. This definition has been cited in print since at least…
Calorically Challenged or Calorically Gifted (fat)
"Calorically challenged" and "calorically gifted" are euphemisms to say that someone possesses too many calories -- he or she is fat. Both "calorically challenged" and…
“Skydiving—Good to the last drop”
"Good to the last drop" is a trademarked slogan of Maxwell House Coffee, "Skydiving/Skydivers -- Good to the last drop" is a jocular saying that has been printed on many gift…
“The difference between an optimist and a pessimist is that the pessimist is better informed”
"The difference between an optimist and a pessimist is that the pessimist is (generally/usually) better informed" is an old joke that can apply to any type of information, such as…
“Credit anticipates and equity confirms”
"Credit anticipates and equity confirms" is a financial adage, cited in print since at least March 31, 2009. A person or an institution lends credit in anticipation of profitable events;…
Joe Sixpack (Jane Sixpack)
"Joe Sixpack" (also "Joe Six-pack" or "Joe Six Pack") is a name for the average Joe -- someone who works hard and enjoys a six-pack of beer. According to William…
Mr. and Mrs. America
"Mr. and Mrs. America" is another way of saying the average American (or the heads of the average American family). "Mr. and Mrs, America" has been cited in print since at least…
“Join the Army, travel the world, meet interesting people and kill them”
"Join the army, travel the world, meet interesting people and kill them" is an anti-war saying that has been printed on many gift items, such as T-shirts and bumper stickers. "Join…
Low Information Voter (LIV)
A "low information voter" (LIV) is someone who doesn't follow politics closely, but votes on a candidate's perceived likability and public persona. The term "low…
Beertini (beer + martini)
A boilermaker is a beer cocktail of a glass of beer and a shot of whiskey. A beertini (beer + martini) is any beer drink that resembles a cocktail. Beer poured into a martini cocktail glass and…
Spucky, Spuckie or Spukie (sandwich)
Entry in progress -- B.P. The long list of the names of sandwiches served on long rolls includes blimpie, bomber, Cuban (medianoche), Dagwood, garibaldi, gondola, grinder, hero, hoagie, Italian,…
Sorority
The word "sorority" (from the latin soror, or "sister") has had a long use meaning a sisterhood or a club of women. Sororities at American colleges began in 1851; several…
Beertail (beer + cocktail)
A "beertail" (beer + cocktail) is any cocktail that contains beer. Beertail recipes vary widely. Miller Brewing Company popularized the term with its "Beertails and More"…
Brewski (beer)
"Brewski" or "brewsky" (brew + -ski) is mock Polish for "beer." "Brewski" has been cited in print since about 1978 and quickly became a popular slang at…
Never Again Volunteer Yourself (“navy” backronym)
"Never Again Volunteer Yourself" is a backronym (back acronym) of the word "navy" that has been printed on several gift items, such as bumper stickers, T-shirts and posters.…