Security Theater
"Security theater" is a term that was first used in Bruce Schneier's book Beyond Fear (2003). Schneier wrote, "But some countermeasures provide the feeling of security instead…
1930s: Jazzing the Big Apple
See B.S. (CBS nickname)
CBS (the initials of the original name of the Columbia Broadcasting System) is an American broadcast television and radio network. "See B.S." -- "b.s." for "bullshit"…
See Texas First (See America First)
"See Texas First" is a travel insert in Texas newspapers that's published in the spring and the fall each year, sponsored by the Texas Travel Industry Association. The phrase is…
Seedelicious or Seedalicious or Seedilicious (seed + delicious)
"Seedelicious" or "seedalicious" or "seedilicious" (seed + delicious) is a multiseed product sold by HEB supermarkets and others. The name "seedilicious" has…
Seeduction (seed + seduction)
"Seeduction" (seed + seduction) is a multiseed bread sold by Whole Foods. The name "seeduction" is trademarked with a first use date given as December 31, 2000. A similar,…
Seguinite (inhabitant of Seguin)
"Seguinite” is the name of an inhabitant of Seguin, Texas. The name “Seguinite” has been cited in print since at least 1893. Wikipedia: Seguin, TexasSeguin ( /səˈɡiːn/) is a city in…
Seinfeld Session
When the Albany legislature appears to do nothing, legislators sometimes quote William Shakespeare and claim that the legislative session is all "much ado about nothing." The television…
Selectarian
Entry in progress -- B.P. The Vegetarian Athlete Types of VegetariansPersonally, I'm not so fond of all the "labels," since we all draw our own arbitrary lines which may or may not…
Selection Sunday
"Selection Sunday" is commonly known as the day college basketball teams are selected to participate in the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship Tournament, but the term…
Selfieccino (selfie + cappuccino)
A "selfieccino" (selfie + cappuccino) is a "selfie" image made on top of a cappuccino (or other coffee). "#selfieccino" was posted on Twitter on April 7, 2014. The…
Selkirk Hurdle
The "Selkirk hurdle" describes the route that freight trains must travel to enter New York City. There is no freight crossing across the Hudson River into New York City, so trains must…
Sellabration (sell + celebration)
A "sellabration" or "sell-a-bration" (sell + celebration) is an event that retailers often hold featuring discounted products. "Sell-abration" has been cited in print…
Sellathon (sell + marathon)
A "sellathon" or "sell-a-thon" (sell + marathon) is an event that retailers often hold featuring discounted products. "Sellathon" has been cited in print since at…
Selmelier (salt expert)
A "selmelier" is a salt expert, similar to a "sommelier" (wine steward). The word "selmelier" was coined since at least July 2006 by Mike Bitterman, the selmelier at…
Seminar Caller
The term "seminar caller" was coined by conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh by at least July 1996. A "seminar caller" makes an "astroturfed" call to a…
Semita (Cemita)
Entry still in progress. Any speculation about the etymology (from "Semite" or "seed"?) will be appreciated. Wikipedia: Cemita MexicoThere are several kinds of cemitas in…
Senate Bean Soup
Entry in progress -- B.P. Wikipedia: Common beanWhite beansThe small, white navy bean, also called pea bean or haricot, is particularly popular in Britain and the US, featured in such dishes as…
Senegalese Soup
"Senegalese soup" has been served at New York's "21" Club for many years, but the origin of the soup and its name are unclear. Senegalese soup has been called "cold…
Senior Citizen
"Senior Citizen" was essentially coined in California in the late 1930s. The pensions for "senior citizens" became a political issue on the west coast in 1937 and 1938.…
Senior Slump
The "senior slump" is the time near the end of the academic period for a high school or college senior where the student's academic interest often lags. The high school senior might…