Welcome to another newsletter from A Way with Words. Over the weekend we aired our show about new words and words that are new to us. We also talked about "sketchy," "spelunker," and lectern vs. podium. This morning we also...
submarining n.— «Maryland has performed well in short-yardage goal-line situations in part because its defensive linemen employ a legal technique known as “submarining,” where they lunge forward from a four-point stance and cut down...
pony backfield n.— «Childress said it was also possible both players could be on the field at the same time in certain sets. “We could run what’s called a pony backfield,” Childress said. “We did that in Philadelphia...
hooker n.— «Hook: An invaluable offensive tool in the fight game, but only a precious few are able to use it to devastating effect. Those who can and do, are often referred to as “hookers”, and not in the pejorative sense. De La Hoya is a...
fart in a mitten n.— «Many, many thanks (personal to follow) to all who helped me clarify a list of potential sayings for my Prince Edward Island collection.…busy as a fart in a mitten.» —“Offensive sayings ‘from’...
wham play n.— «Q: What is a “wham” play?—Evan Cole, Rochester…A: That’s another word for a kind of trap block. One example is when a tight end comes slowly in motion behind the offensive line just before the snap. A...