Grant recommends two books that are great for giving as gifts. FUBAR: Soldier Sland of World War II by Gordon Rottman looks at the language of soldiers from different armies. Also, Ad Infinitum: A Biography of Latin by Nicholas Ostler, which looks...
bright work n.— «Hill’s job on this piece of aviation history was a tricky procedure called “bright work,” shining the naked aluminum on the underside of Air Force One’s fuselage. “We polished it. Then we put a coat of...
bitza n.—Gloss: a thing that has a mixed heritage or is made of an other assortment of different things. Note: Also spelled “bitsa.” Both are shortened forms of “bitzer” or “bitser,” which in turn are...
Columbine lock n.— «San Mateo Union High School District campuses are getting special locks to safeguard students, faculty and staff in case of a lockdown.…Burlingame High School economics teacher Kevin Nelson said recent school...
tooth floater n.— «“Tooth floater” is another term for a horse dentist, a trade he practices during the winters in Florida.» —“Horse aficionado draws fans to book fictionalizing history” by Peggy...
date out v. phr.— «Black women around the country also are reconsidering deep-seated reservations toward interracial relationships, reservations rooted in America’s history of slavery and segregation. They’re taking cues from their...
