Words & phrases

Unique words and phrases I’ve collected over the years in my reading.

  • Word of the day #3

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    Rat head duck neck*

    1. When an official group (government, corporation etc.) proclaim that one thing is the truth, despite the fact that everyone knows it not to be true.

    I learned about this phrase when reading about Chinese internet slang (sadly I can’t find the article). In 2023 a student at a college in China found a rat head in the cafeteria meal, but officials announced that it was actually a “duck neck”.

    This phrase is most relevant when an organization or group tightly controls the dissemination of information – so sadly, we may be using it more.

    * Yes, its more than one word, but “Word of the Day” sounds better than “Word or Phrase of the Day”

  • Word of the day #2

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    Like a blind dog in a meat market*

    1. Running around completely out of control

    I don’t recall where I heard this phrase, but it immediately stuck. I think it’s because it sometimes accurately describes my children (especially the youngest).

    * Yes, its more than one word, but “Word of the Day” sounds better than “Word or Phrase of the Day”

  • Word of the day #1

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    As I read books and articles, I have a habit of saving unique words (or phrases) that I like. I’ll be sharing them here on occasion, so you too can sound smart at dinner parties.

    Pettifogger

    1. Someone who quibbles over minor details.

    I think I like this word so much because I can be a pettifogger at times. Unfortunately this is a trait my sons have inherited; if I say the time is 7:30 and its only 7:29, I will be corrected 🤦