dead man’s switch n.— «On the subway and elevated lines it is found in the nearest doorman and a “dead man’s switch.”» —“Precautions of Railroads to Prevent Death at the Throttle” in New York Washington...
pop n.— «Mike Rehmus, editor of Model Engine Builder, a magazine published five times a year in Vallejo, Calif., said that the builders of miniature internal-combustion engines seemed to have in common a “satisfaction of making something...
zipper n.— «A bill in the Florida Legislature died that targeted those motorists who speed up beside you, then cut you off when their lane ends. The offending drivers are commonly referred to as “zippers.”» —“Florida bill targeting...
chicken cutlet n.— «A product called Intrigue, silicone-filled “breast enhancers,” fits in a bra, heats up to body temperature and promises increased cup size. (One drawback: The enhancers look and feel like raw chicken...
manu militari n.— «Le Pen, 78, was first out of the box. During a candidates’ forum last week in Paris organized by Elle magazine, Le Pen, who describes himself as antiabortion, said he opposed the free distribution of condoms in schools...
pig in a python n.— «All very well for the bulge group, you may say. It will continue to dominate society as it passes through the decades like a pig through a python.» —“Pigs in a Python” by Russell Baker New York...