Meal Ticket
A meal ticket is a ticket that entitles the holder to eat. "Meal ticket" has been cited in print since at least 1831, when it referred to the tickets given out on boats. A "meal…
Archive for 02/2013
“Draw for show and follow for dough” (billiards adage)
"Draw for show, follow for dough" is a saying that has been used in billiards since at least 2000, when it was the title of an article by Tom Simpson. A "draw" is a difficult…
“As safe as the Bank of England”
The Bank of England was established in 1694. The bank's reputation was like that of its country; the bank was thought to be so safe that "as safe as the Bank of England" was a well…
“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra”
"The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra" is a motivational saying that has been printed on posters. The saying has been cited in print since at least 1982…
“A” Game
An "A" game is a player's best efforts, the very top of his or her game. A player who plays very well is said to have brought his or her "A" game to the contest. The term…
“People don’t give to causes; people give to people with causes”
"People don't give to causes; people give to people with causes" is an adage of charitable giving. There are many worthy causes, but people give money when they can connect a person…
“Ask for money and you get advice; ask for advice and you get money”
A fundraising adage says that if you ask for money, you get advice instead. However, if you ask for advice, you'll eventually get money. "Don't simply ask for money. Ask for…
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…