matchbook college n.— «County funds have also paid for “internet campuses” that offer learning programs to “fit your learning style and budget” as well as online multiple choice exams that lead to a college degree...
scraper n. an automobile, especially a large, unfashionable passenger vehicle that has been customized. Editorial Note: This term appears to originate in and be specific to northern California, especially the San Francisco Bay area. Etymological...
foot fault n.— «TEI is highly concerned that even the slightest misstep—a mere foot fault—by a corporate employee could lead to Draconian personal penalties.» —“Misrepresentation of a tax matter by a third party” by John M...
standfirst n. in British journalism, introductory or summary information above a newspaper article; a kicker (U.S.); a précis. Editorial Note: Sometimes wrongly used as a synonym with lead (or lede), which is part of the article whereas a...
hardball n.— «And when word crackles on the radio that the lead truck has passed from another impossibly rutted, kidney-bruising dirt road onto a stretch of asphalt, they are about to hit the hardball.» —“Truckers of Iraq’s Pony...
bobtail n.— «An American would be riding in the lead vehicle as commander and driving the last one as “bobtail”—a truck without a load that acts as a sort of sheepdog, rushing to help with any problems and making sure no one...