Jasper Ferg's definitions

staffpower

The number of employees in an organization. The size of a company's staff complement.

Gender-neutral version of "manpower"

We lack the staffpower to grow this business: we need to recruit more account reps.

by Jasper Ferg March 19, 2011

chicken mouse

Total wimp. Extreme coward. Weak and scared.

That chicken mouse would run from his own shadow!

by Jasper Ferg March 19, 2011

hard nut

1. A stubborn, cynical person, especially an employee or colleague who resists efforts to improve. "Nut" is English slang for "head".

2. A tough problem that is hard to solve is a "hard nut to crack".

1. Jim tried everything to improve the audit team's morale, but the hard nuts just labelled him "lame."

2. Until the US economy recovers, unemployment will be a hard nut to crack.

by Jasper Ferg March 19, 2011

MLA

Stands for Member of Legislative Assembly, used in Canadian provinces for provincial elected representatives, especially in Quebec.

The MLAs voted down the House Leader's budget proposal, creating the risk of a government shutdown.

by Jasper Ferg April 6, 2012

stick of fire

A short time. The short time it would take to burn a stick, as opposed to a log.

Expression is common in Trinidad and among Trinis living in US and Canada.

You staying for dinner?

Nah, I just dropped by for a stick of fire.

by Jasper Ferg October 10, 2011

texpert

Person with lots of book learning but little practical experience or knowledge. A pedant.

From the Beatles' song "I Am the Walrus".

"Expert, texpert, choking smoker, don't you hear the joker laugh at you?"

by Jasper Ferg March 20, 2011

air support

Back-up from your boss. Help from an executive when getting resistance to an initiative or idea from others -- especially others who outrank you.

I won't be able to get my proposed budget for budgie breeding research wothout air support from the VP R&D.

by Jasper Ferg March 19, 2011