person who takes unwanted things and makes them farther away.

1847 – 1922) – Scottish inventor of the telephone.
(also: 100 most influential people in the world)
(also: alexander graham bell quotes)

Life...is like a grapefruit. It's orange and squishy and has a few pips in it, and some folks have half a one for breakfast

(n.) a middle tier tyrant, above school principals but below agents of the government; roughly on the same level as a landlord but ruling at a place of work rather than domestic environment.

(n.) an animal much like a bee, but characterized by pure evil and bent on wreaking misery throughout the cosmos.

(also: hornet), and for that matter (also: yellowjacket), cuz they're all the same damn thing, no doubt employing some fiendish masquerade to better infiltrate human society.

(n.) when thing go boom big

(adj.) occurring in or belonging to the era before the Flood.
a wonderful way to describe a boat that's falling apart.


(also: three men in a boat (to say nothing of the dog))

(n.) the quintessence of the '80s.

and it can be a fountain for mesmerizing characters:
and it can be endearingly cringey (link looks broken, but it's not):
and it does spill out over from English, too:


and solarpunk will have its disco revival.

(also: 80s)
(also: quintessence)
(also: solarpunk)

(also: music)
(also: energy)
(also: dancing)

Is a breed of human that chooses to identify in society" as people who play video games"

(noun) A courageous and resounding symphony of social change, where the rhythm of justice echoed across the nation. An extraordinary chapter in history, showcasing the indomitable spirit of activists who defied discrimination and segregation. Led by charismatic figures like Martin Luther King Jr., it transformed peaceful protests into a powerful chorus demanding equality, inspiring millions and leaving an indelible mark on the collective conscience. A revolution fueled by dreams of unity, justice, and the audacity to envision a brighter future for all.


Teaching Tip: Foster empathy and understanding by incorporating personal narratives and firsthand accounts from individuals who participated in the Civil Rights Movement. Encourage students to explore primary sources, such as speeches and interviews, and facilitate discussions that highlight the struggles, victories, and ongoing significance of the movement in promoting equality and social justice.

(also: people)

Nature's provision for wealthy American maids ambitious to incur social distinction and suffer high life.

Government by those who are wise in personal property and good in real estate.
(also: The Devil's Dictionary)

A computer built by a race of hyperintelligent pan-dimensional beings to calculate once and for all the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything, to which the answer is 42.

This computer was so large that it was frequently mistaken for a planet - especially by the strange ape-like beings who roamed its surface, totally unaware that they were simply part of a gigantic computer program. And this is very odd, because without that fairly simple and obvious piece of knowledge, nothing that ever happened on the Earth could possibly make the slightest bit of sense.

Sadly however, just before the critical moment of readout, the Earth was unexpectedly demolished by the Vogons to make way - so they claimed - for a new hyperspace bypass, and so all hope of discovering a meaning for life was lost for ever.

To move forward uncertainly, from side to side, as one carrying the white man's burden. (From zed, z, and jag, an Icelandic word of unknown meaning.)
He zedjagged so uncomen wyde
Thet non coude pas on eyder syde;
So, to com saufly thruh, I been
Constreynet for to doodge betwene.
—Munwele

(also: The Devil's Dictionary)

(n.) a tarot character. someone who can see the dirt beneath her feet, and the roots, and the rocks, and the bugs. as a result, she can make very good soup.

Certain abstentions.
(also: The Devil's Dictionary)

cultural stuff that is more inherently edifying and intellectually stimulating; this means nobody wants to actually pay for it, but fortunately it usually qualifies for government subsidy

Something acted upon by magnetism.

(n.) a somewhat popular condiment commonly enjoyed on emulsified meat tubules, pulverized cow viscera, and sometimes pretzels.

the snobbish moutardier should always remember this mnemonic: if it's tangy and yella, you got crap there, fella. if it's gritty and brown, you're in quality town.