“A diet is when you watch what you eat and wish you could eat what you watch”
Dieters are often told to "watch what you eat." Leonard Lyons' syndicated newspaper column "The Lyons Den" reported in May 1973 that the comic actress Hermione Gingold…
“I’m a light eater; when it gets light, I start eating”
"I'm a light eater; when it gets light, I start eating" is a joke that has been attributed to baseball pitcher Tommy John, baseball coach Tommy Lasorda and football defensive tackle…
Jersey Lightning (cocktail; punch)
"Jersey lightning" is applejack; a "Jersey Lightning Cocktail" is applejack brandy and vermouth. "Jersey lightning" has been cited in print since at least 1843 and the…
“To die for” (an excellent food dish)
"To die for" means something that is so desirable that it is worth the ultimate sacrifice; the saying is usually made in jest. A new car or a foreign vacation or a house might be "to…
Mouthfeel
"Mouthfeel" (also "mouth-feel" or "mouth feel") describes the texture and sensation of food or drink in the mouth. The term "mouthfeel" has been used by food…
Farm Fresh
"Farm fresh" (or "farm-fresh") has long been a clichéd food phrase; farms grow food and no one advertises anything except "fresh." The image (in such terms as…
Jersey Lightning
"Jersey lightning" is a slang name for strong applejack (originally a product of New Jersey). New Jersey has been known for its applejack since at least the 1700s. The term "Jersey…
“Sex sells” (advertising adage)
"Sex sells (products)" is an old advertising adage. Attractive actors might help sell a movie or a play to the public. Attractive people in advertisements catch the eye, sometimes luring…
Taxmageddon (tax + Armageddon)
"Taxmageddon" (tax + Armageddon) is a time when tax rates will increase to very high levels to pay for existing debts. The word "taxmageddon" has been cited in print since at…
Volleyball (Volley Ball)
Entry in progress -- B.P. Wikipedia: VolleyballVolleyball is a team sport in which two teams of six players are separated by a net. Each team tries to score points by grounding a ball on the other…
“Bump, set, spike” (volleyball axiom)
"Bump, set, spike" is a volleyball axiom for setting up a powerful volleyball return. The saying has been cited in print since at least 1974, when it was the title of a book, Bump, Set,…
Sport of Kings (polo nickname)
Horse racing is often called the "sport of kings," a term cited in print since at least the 1700s. The game of polo has been called the "sports of kings" since at least 1896,…
Hockey on Horseback (polo nickname)
The game of polo is frequently called "hockey on horseback." Both games use sticks to hit a ball (or puck) through a goal. "Hockey on horseback" has been cited in print since…
Republicreep (Republican + creep)
"Republicreep” (Republican + creep) is a derogatory term used by those who believe that Republicans are creeps. “Republicreep” has been cited in print since at least 1998. The…
Texas Burger (with pastrami)
There are many hamburger variations that are called a "Texas burger." A hamburger with mustard (and without ketchup) has been called a "Texas Burger." A "Texas Burger"…
“Just because you pour syrup on something doesn’t make it pancakes”
"Just because you pour/put syrup on something/shit doesn't make it pancakes" is a popular aphorism meaning that you can't cover up or disguise the truth. "Just 'cause…
“White on right” or “White to the right” (chess axiom)
"White (square) on (the) right" or "white (square) to the right" is a chess rhyme for setting up the chessboard. A light-colored square (usually white) must be on each…
Croak and Choke (insurance)
"Croak and choke" (or "choke and croak") is a slang name for the credit life insurance ("croak" means to die) and disability insurance ("choke") that's…
“Texas will again lift up its head, and stand among the nations” (Sam Houston)
A letter by Sam Houston (1793-1863) to William G. Harding on July 17, 1841 has been frequently reprinted in Texas quotation collections (where the quotation is slightly edited): "If the next…
“When I die, bury me in Chicago because I want to remain politically active”
Political humorist Mort Sahl's website lists a popular joke of his (referring to voter fraud in the 1960 presidential election): "I've arranged with my executor to be buried in…