Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth (“Bible” backronym)
"Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth" is a backronym (back acronym) for the word "BIBLE." The backronym has been cited in print since at least August 1992, when a jail…
Battlefield of Ideas (War of Ideas; Marketplace of Ideas)
Entry in progress -- B.P. Wikipedia: Marketplace of ideasThe "marketplace of ideas" is a rationale for freedom of expression based on an analogy to the economic concept of a free market.…
Battleground State
A "battleground state" is one of the fifty states of the United States that could support either one of the two political parties, Republican or Democrat. Political candidates for…
Bear Mountain Compact (Tappan Zee Bridge Rule)
Albany (the state capital) has its own version of the "sin city" slogan: "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas." Legislators from downstate (New York City and its suburbs) would…
Beauty Contest (non-binding primary)
A political contest that has no binding vote and is mostly for show -- such as a straw poll -- is called a "beauty contest." The most attractive candidate wins, but it's all for…
Bedwetting Liberal
A "bedwetting liberal" (or "bed wetting liberal") is a derogatory term, similar to "liberal pansy," to describe a person weak in the bladder and (presumably) the…
Beefsteak Nazi (brown on the outside, red on the inside)
"Beefsteak Nazi" is a term originally used in the 1930s for a German who was brown (Nazi) on the outside, but red (Communist) on the inside. "Beefsteak Nazis -- Brown outside but Red…
Beltway (“Inside the Beltway,” Beltway Insider)
Interstate 495 (Capital Beltway) is a 64-mile Interstate Highway that encircles Washington, DC, that was finished in 1964. The terms "iinside the Beltway" and "outside the…
Beltway Bandit
Washington, DC, is encircled by Interstate 495 (Capital Beltway). Many government workers retire on a pension and then set up consulting firms along the Beltway. These highly paid individuals --…
Beltwaytarian
Washington, DC, is surrounded by a highway called the Capital Beltway (Interstate 495). Someone who is "inside the Beltway" is a Washington (or federal government) insider; someone…
Benchslap (judicial bench + bitchslap)
A "benchslap" (judicial bench + bitchslap) is when a judge slaps down someone (such as a lawyer, another judge or the government) orally in court or in a written judicial opinion. The…
Bidenflation or Bidinflation (U.S. President Joe Biden + inflation)
"Bidenflation" or "Bidinflation" (U.S. President Joe Biden + inflation) is a political term that has been popular with President Joe Biden's opponents (Republicans).…
Bidinflation or Bidenflation (U.S. President Joe Bidwen + inflation)
"Bidenflation" or "Bidinflation" (U.S. President Joe Biden + inflation) is a political term that has been popular with President Joe Biden's opponents (Republicans).…
Big Apple (USS Appalachian, 1946)
The USS Appalachian was launched on January 29, 1943. From May-July 1946, the ship served as headquarters for press representatives reporting on Operation Crossroads, the atomic bomb tests carried…
Big Apple (Yeaju-Dake Escarpment, Battle of Okinawa, 1945)
The Battle of Okinawa, in June 1945, was one of the last battles of World War II. A ridge on the Yeaju-Dake Escarpment was dubbed the "Big Apple," and it was reported in newspapers on…
Big Apple Ball (Donald Trump Presidential Inauguration, 2017)
There were three official inaugural balls in January 2017 to celebrate the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump. An unofficial ball, called DeploraBall, was probably the most famous ball. A…
Big Apple Church (Manhattan branch of New York City Church of Christ, 2012-present)
The New York City Church of Christ (originally known as the Central Park Church of Christ) began in June 1983. The "Big Apple Church" is the Manhattan branch. "Welcome to…
Big Tent
Both Republicans and Democrats used to hold many tent meetings; the terms "Republican tent" and "Democratic tent" were used metaphorically to represent the party and its…
Big Three (Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security)
The "Big Three" entitlement items in the federal budget of the United States are Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. Many political observers believe that the "Big Three"…
Big Ugly (New York State budget process nickname)
The New York State budget process in Albany, New York, has been called the "Big Ugly." The name comes from the 1990 budget deal -- "a 235-page monstrosity accurately dubbed 'the…