love-cum-arranged marriage n. matrimony between a mutually acceptable and consenting couple that has been facilitated by the couple’s parents. Etymological Note: Cum is Latin for “with” or “together with.” (source: Double...
quinceañera n. a coming-out party held for a girl’s 15th birthday; a debutante ball or cotillion. Etymological Note: Spanish quinceañera, which also means “a fifteen-year-old girl.” The Spanish pronunciation is similar to keen...
bampot n. a crazy person; a fool or dolt. Etymological Note: Most likely a form of barmpot. According to OED, barm, “the froth that forms on top of fermenting malt liquors; the head of a beer,” is used attributively as a formative to...
Vanna White veto n. a form of line-item veto that permits an elected official to strike single letters in legislation. Editorial Note: This term is specific to Wisconsin, where this type of veto—also called a pick-a-letter veto and similar to the...
ecuavolley n. a form of volleyball with a high net, three players per side, and permissive ball-handling rules. Editorial Note: This game originated in Ecuador at least as early as the 1960s, but is increasingly visible in other countries. In...
sweethearting n. the granting of special favors or privileges, especially to friends or family; in retail, the giving of unauthorized discounts or the abetting of shoplifting or other theft; the giving of a sweetheart deal. Editorial Note: A more...