“Shit hits the fan” (SHTF)
"Shit hits the fan" (SHTF) means that something is going to cause a great stink (or great trouble). The expression was popularly used by American soldiers in World War II, especially…
Archive for 12/2014
“Democracy, whiskey, sexy”
The 2003 invasion of Iraq (by a coalition led by the United States) was reported in this article in the New York (NY) Times on April 3, 2003: What, the man was asked, did he hope to see now that…
“Cornerbacks need short memories” (football adage)
All football cornerbacks get beaten for touchdowns, and those embarrassing plays make the game's highlights. 'Cornerbacks need short memories" is a popular football adage. A…
“It’s happy hour somewhere”
"It's happy hour somewhere" is a jocular excuse for drinking that has been printed on many posters. "It must be happy hour somewhere in the world" was cited in a 1987 play.…
“Anyone who says that alcohol is a depressant isn’t drinking enough of it”
"Anyone who says that alcohol is a depressant isn't drinking enough of it" is a jocular line that has been cited in print since at least January 27, 2010. The one-liner went viral on…
“Life and beer are very similar—chill for best results”
"Life and beer are very similar -- chill for best results" is a jocular saying that has been printed on many ecards. The Talking Rain Beverage Company (Preston, WA) trademarked "As…
Dodger Way (Dodgers’ Way)
"The Dodger Way" (or "The Dodgers' Way") refers to the philosophies of the Brooklyn Dodgers (later the Los Angeles Dodgers) baseball team. Elements of the "Dodger…
“You are what your record says you are”
"You are what your record says you are" means that the record speaks for itself. A team with a good record is not overrated and a team with a bad record is not underrated. All teams have…
“I don’t drink champagne anymore after a really bad experience. We had it at my wedding”
"I don't drink champagne anymore after a really bad experience. We had it at my wedding" is a joke that was told on many sites on July 22, 2012. The joke appears to have originated…
“By working faithfully eight hours a day you may eventually be the boss and work twelve hours”
"By working faithfully eight hours a day you may eventually get to be boss and work twelve hours a day" was in the newspaper column "Editorial Epigrams" by Robert Quillen…
“Birthdays are nature’s way of telling us to eat more cake”
"Birthdays are nature's way of telling us to eat more cake" is a jocular line that has been printed on many posters. ""Birthdays are nature's way of telling us to eat…
“I got expelled from school on pajama day. Not my fault I sleep naked”
"I got expelled from school on pajama day. Not my fault I sleep naked" is a jocular line that has been printed on many ecards. Many elementary schools hold a "pajama day," where…
“In hockey, goaltending is 75 percent of the game—unless it’s bad goaltending”
"In hockey, goaltending is 75 percent of the game. Unless it's bad goaltending. Then it's 100 percent of the game because you're going to lose" was credited to former…
“As the days get longer, the cold gets stronger” (weather proverb)
"As the days get longer, the cold gets stronger" is an old weather proverb. The days get longer and the cold gets stronger after the winter solstice (December in the Northern Hemisphere).…
“Sleep on it” (not make an immediate decision)
To "sleep on it" is to put off a decision, often with a night to think about it and with an answer forthcoming the following morning. "Resolve to buy a bottle, and don't…
“It doesn’t matter if the glass is half empty or half full…”
"It doesn't matter if the glass is half empty or half full. There is clearly room for more wine" is a jocular saying that has been printed on many gift items, such as posters and…
“You meditate for 20 minutes a day, unless you’re too busy; then you should sit for an hour”
"You should sit in meditation for 20 minutes a day, unless you're too busy; then you should sit for an hour -- Old Zen Saying" has been printed on many posters. However, it's…
Apple Awards (Guides Association of New York City)
The Guides Association of New York City (GANYC) is a private group; all members are tour guides licensed by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs. An apple is part of the…
“I called the restaurant and I asked them if they take orders…” (joke)
"I called the restaurant and I asked them if they take orders, when they said they do, I told them 'run outside naked!'" is a jocular line that has been popular on Twitter. The…
“Holy jalapeño!”
"Holy jalapeño!" is an expression of surprise or astonishment that has been cited in print since at least 1977. Several foods with jalapeño peppers have been named "Holy…