Speedog's definitions

Let 'em have it

American military slang: to commence hostilities against an adversary.

After the enemy squad failed to halt their advance on our position, Lt. Johnson shouted "Let 'em have it", and we had to open fire.

by speedog June 23, 2010

anger

Noun (usually military term): an officially recognized state of hostility or war between two or more belligerents; often expressed as the phrase "in anger", now commonly used to describe any state of conflict between opposing parties.

As of the current date, the United States remains the only nation ever to have used atomic weapons in anger, against the Japanese Empire in August 1945, in order to bring an end to Japanese resistance during World War II.

by speedog July 21, 2010

striper

Noun: nickname for a striped bass (Morone saxatilis), a game fish which frequents the Eastern shore regions of the United States and Canada.

Chuck almost lost the striper on his surf line, but nearby fishermen helped him land it.

by speedog June 13, 2010

Honorary American citizenship

Title: the supreme honor bestowable by the United States of America, awarded (as of the current date) to seven individuals (in ascending chronological order): Sir Winston Churchill (1963); Rauol Wallenberg (1981); William Penn & Hannah Callowhill Penn (1984); Mother Teresa (1996); General La Marquis du Lafayette (2002); General Count Kasimierz Pulaski (2009).

In April 1963, President Kennedy awarded Sir Winston Churchill with the highest honor of the United States, Honorary American citizenship.

by speedog June 16, 2010

dago dazzlers

Noun (plural): a multiplicity of official (or official-looking) documents, permits, passes, and/or letters of authorization, typically bearing apparently authentic governmental stamps, seals, and signatures, to be presented mostly by scientific expeditions from developed nations whenever challenged by local, often sub-literate, authorities attempting to impede their progress to extort monies or other remunerations in return for “safe passage” through a specific area under their control; the intent being to thwart such local tactics by implication of the threat of condign action from a superior governmental power should the papers presented be ignored.

"Suddenly our progress was halted by a group of armed men, but after a few tense minutes they waved us along, after Dr. Keller flashed his packet of dago dazzlers in their faces."

by Speedog December 2, 2009

Traveller

Name: the equestrian mount of Confederate General Robert E. Lee during his service as commander of The Army of Northern Virginia in the American Civil War (a.k.a. The War Between the States).

During the Battle of Gettysburg, Traveller maintained his composure regardless of the bullets that were flying around himself and General Lee.

by speedog June 16, 2010

Roman handshake

Noun: a manner of shaking hands peculiar to ancient Rome, in which the parties grasp each others right wrist.

"The Roman handshake was the accepted practice of greeting among gentlemen in the Western world from the beginning of the 1st century BC until the end of the 5th century AD."

by speedog April 30, 2010