Punditocracy
A "punditocracy" is influence or rule (like an "aristocracy") by political pundits and pundettes. The term was used by political pundit Michael Kinsley in 1987, but was…
“The trouble with being punctual is that nobody’s there to appreciate it”
"The trouble with being punctual is that nobody's there to appreciate it" is a one-liner that has been attributed to Franklin P. Jones (1908-1980), a humorist who wrote many quips…
“In court, your fate is in the hands of 12 people who weren’t smart enough to escape jury duty”
Norm Crosby, a comedian, told this joke on The Tonight Show in 1978: "There's so much lunacy in the world...look at courtrooms. Where else would you place yourself in the hands of 12…
Dumbassador (dumbass + ambassador)
"Dumbassador" (dumbass + ambassador) is an unflattering term for an ambassador, used to a describe diplomat who represents a nation or a representative of an organization or cause.…
Gang of 500
ABC News published a weekday morning news summary called The Note beginning January 14, 2002. Mark Halperin founded The Note and coined the term "Gang of 500" -- politicians, lobbyists,…
“A hangover is the wrath of grapes”
"The grapes of wrath" is a lyric in "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," a hymn by Julia Ward Howe written in 1861. The Grapes of Wrath is also the title of a 1939 novel by John…
“To be successful, you have to have your heart in your business, and your business in your heart”
"To be successful, you have to have your heart in your business, and your business in your heart" is a popular business quotation credited to Thomas J. Watson, Sr. (1874-1956), an IBM…
“There are two rules for success: 1.) Don’t tell all you know”
"There are two rules for success: 1.) Don't/Never tell all/everything you know" (the joke is that the second rule is not given) is a popular saying about success that has been…
“Don’t sweat the small stuff”
"Don't sweat the small stuff" became a popular saying from books such as Michael R. Mantell's Don't Sweat the Small Stuff: P.S., It's All Small Stuff (1988) and…
“If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it”
"If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it" is a popular joke, meaning that the $20 (that is not paid back) is a small sum to be rid of an…
“Fools rush in and get the best seats”
"For fools rush in where angels fear to tread" was written by Alexander Pope (1688-1744) in An Essay on Criticism (1711). The line is famous and has many parodies. "Fools rush in and…
“Capital Punishment: The income tax”
"Capital punishment" is the death penalty. An old joke defines the income tax as a punishment for having capital, or "capital punishment." "Capital punishment -- the income…
Nickel-and-Dime
Entry in progress -- B.P. Wiktionary: nickel and dimeAlternative forms. nickel-and-dimeEtymologyFrom the names of two US coins of small value.Adjectivenickel and dime1. (US, idiomatic, colloquial)…
“When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading”
"When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading" is a joke that has been included in many collections of sayings about drinking. The joke has been cited in print since at…
Pilgrim (sandwich of Thanksgiving leftovers)
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,…
“Sharp as a mashed potato sandwich” (dumb)
To be "sharp as a mashed potato sandwich" is not to be sharp at all -- that is, to be dumb. "Sharp as a mashed potato sandwich" was teen slang from at least 1944. "Sharp as…
Referette (female referee)
A “referee” is a sports official who administers a game; the term is neither masculine nor feminine. Few referees in professional sports are women. "Referette" (a female referee) has…
“He who feels that he is too small to make a difference has never been bitten by a mosquito”
Anita Roddick (1942-2007), founder of The Body Shop, had a saying on her company's trucks in 1993: "If you think you're too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a…
“If this is coffee, please bring me some tea; but if this is tea, please bring me some coffee”
"If this is coffee, please bring me some tea; but if this is tea, please bring me some coffee" is a frequently cited anecdote that has usually been attributed to Abraham Lincoln…
“Tie one on” (to get drunk)
To "tie one on" means to become drunk. A March 1933 newspaper article on American slang defined it, "tie one on, to become intoxicated." It's not explained what is being…